Fannin County, Texas -- All five members of Fannin County Commissioners Court were present for a regular meeting held Tuesday, September 29, 2026. The meeting opened with an invocation by David Woodson and pledges were led by Major James Manis (Ret.).
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Fannin County Judge Newt Cunningham introduced Dodd City Mayor Mike Keene in attendance.
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In public forum, Lisa Loiselle, administrative assistant to the county judge, gave a shoutout to former county employee Rose Schwartz for her assistance during a critical period.
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Routine items
Commissioners court approved payment of bills. Bills for September 22, 2026 were $150,807.00. Bills for September 29, 2026 were $368,115.74. Payroll for September 25, 2026 was $495,326.01.
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Commissioners court approved minutes of nine previous meetings.
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Commissioners court approved the Treasurer’s Financial Report for August 2026, as well as the Treasurer’s Investment Report for August 2026.
Receipts for August were $1,060,574.66.
Current property tax revenue in August was $109,878.05.
Delinquent property tax revenue during this timeframe was $35,395.98.
June's sales tax revenue that was received in August was $204,858.36.
Interest on TexPool accounts was $40,442.10 at an average rate of 3.6775%.
Interest on the business money market account was $171.79.
Interest drawn on cash in the bank was $16,792.49.
Total interest for August was $57,406 .38.
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Discussion only
Commissioners court received a report by Fannin County District Clerk April Gibbs regarding continuing education hours and participation in the Texas Office of Court Administration review of National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).
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A discussion regarding tax abatement policy revealed that the committee review is expected to be completed next month.
Discussion and possible action items
With heavy rain in the forecast, commissioners court approved an extension of the countywide ban on outdoor burning until Thursday, October 1.
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Commissioners court approved a Proclamation declaring October 2026 to be Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Fannin County.
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The county's annual employee luncheon/ holiday party/Christmas party is set for December 23 at noon.
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Commissioners court voted to approve Calendar Year 2027 Commissioners Court dates.
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Commissioners court voted to approve Calendar Year 2027 holidays for Fannin County.
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Commissioners court voted to approve Calendar Year 2027 pay periods and pay dates.
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Commissioners court voted to approve two Vested Networks agreements for four new phone lines, $80.00 per month for 32 months; two for Constable Precinct 1 office and two for Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 Courtroom.
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Commissioners court voted to keep the current County Choice Silver Retiree plan for 2027.
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Commissioners court voted to approve a Renewal Questionnaire for Fannin County’s Worker Compensation Program for 2027.
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Commissioners court passed on an agenda item regarding the date for the grand opening of the Fannin County Justice Center.
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Commissioners court discussed signage at the Fannin County Justice Center.
Department heads will meet to finalize standardized signage as soon as possible. The cost is estimated to be approximately $350.
Fannin County Auditor Alicia Whipple advised the court that this expenditure was not budgeted. Funds will come out of the fiscal year 2026-2027 Contingency line item.
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Commissioners court approved the purchase of an electric pallet jack for Justice Center, at a cost estimated to be $2,000-$3,000.
Fannin County Purchasing Agent Lee Swafford will check prices with federal surplus and vendors.
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By a 4-1 Commissioners court approved moving Emergency Management into a vacant office at the Fannin County Courthouse, Room 107, to allow easier access for the public.
Fannin County Judge Newt Cunningham cast the opposing vote.
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Commissioners court passed on an agenda item regarding Fannin County’s American Tower property.
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Commissioners court approved changes/amendments to the Fannin County Subdivision Regulations; verbiage for plat requirements, check lists, easements, erosion control, water protection, and more.
Development Services Director Di Hopkins advised the court that the changes received a favorable review from Hayter Engineering and are recommended by the Fannin County Subdivision Committee.
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Commissioners court passed on an agenda item regarding possible remedies for the concrete floor in the voting area at the Justice Center.
The 1500 square feet would cost approximately $6,700.50 to cover with epoxy. Commissioners suggested polishing the concrete.
Judge Cunningham called the current condition of the floor "perfectly functional."
Executive session(s) and action if needed
Pursuant to Texas Government Code, Section 551.071, Fannin County Commissioners Court entered into executive session at 9:57 a.m. to consult with their attorney, and to discuss personnel issues.
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Commissioners court reconvened in regular open session at 10:48 a.m. to announce approved changes/amendments to the Fannin County Subdivision Regulations by a 4-1 vote, with Pct. 3 Commissioner Kurt Fogelberg casting the opposing vote.
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Pct. 4 Commissioner Doug Kopf reported catching a county resident taking gravel off a county road and placing it on his driveway.
"That is stealing from the county," Kopf stated. "There is no justification for taking gravel off the county road and putting it on their driveway."
