May 4, 2025 • 44 mins
The delicate dance between local governance and state politics takes center stage in this revealing look at Bell County's current affairs. Commissioner Louie Minor offers a firsthand account of how county issues transform into state legislation—for better and worse.
When Commissioner Minor discovered the Bell County Child Welfare Board was spending thousands on birth certificates for foster children, he transformed this local inefficiency into House Bill 4466. The legislation would eliminate fees for counties requesting birth certificates in child welfare cases, redirecting those funds to essential items for vulnerable kids instead of having "the county paying itself to pay the state." With powerful testimony from Child Welfare Board representatives highlighting how last year's $6,000 expenditure could have purchased clothing, diapers, and school supplies, the bill successfully moved out of committee—a victory for practical governance.
Meanwhile, House Bill 3990 reveals the more polarized side of local-state relations. Filed specifically in response to Commissioner Minor displaying Pride-colored American and Texas flags in his office, the bill would restrict government buildings to displaying only official flags in their original colors. As an Iraq war veteran and the only openly gay county commissioner in Texas, Miner defended his expression rights before skeptical Republican committee members who questioned why statewide legislation was needed for what appears to be a single local dispute.
The episode concludes with a comprehensive breakdown of May 3rd's local election results, including Killeen voters rejecting a $155 million city hall bond proposal while approving the recall of Councilman Michael Boyd. In Harker Heights, newcomers Brian Burt and Jesse Myles secured city council victories, signaling potential shifts in local governance priorities.
Want to get involved in shaping Bell County's future? Commissioner Minor is planning town halls focused on the upcoming budget process. Follow his updates to learn how you can participate in decisions that directly impact your community.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:04):
I'm your host, bell County Commissioner Louie Miner.
Today is May 4th 2025.
May the 4th be with you.
We have a lot to cover,including the May elections that
just occurred yesterday on the3rd occurred yesterday on the
(00:28):
3rd.
But let's get started with theagenda for Bell County
Commissioner's Court, may 5th2025.
First thing we have is theinvocation, then Pledge, of
Allegiance.
Consent agenda items considerapproval minutes of the April
21st 2025 meeting at the BellCounty Commissioner's Court.
Then we have personnel budgetamendments, claims, accounts
(00:51):
payable, payroll, restitution,jury pay.
And then we have item VA on theconsent agenda Consider
authorizing a single sourcepurchase for the MVAC forensic
DNA collection system from MVACSystems in the amount not to
(01:11):
exceed $56,078, to be purchasedfor the Bell County Sheriff's
Office under FY 2024 COPSTechnology and Equipment Program
.
Invitational Solicitation GrantAward.
Then, item BB under consentagenda consider approving Bell
(01:37):
County Juvenile Services requestto remove or to move positions
from Department 988 toDepartment 609 and eliminate two
unfulfilled or unfilledpositions in the department 988
to find a deputy from thesheriff's office to provide
safety services for juvenileservices then we have a county
(01:59):
engineer.
Consider an approved final platof walls estate being a 16.36
acre 4 lot 1 block subdivisionlocated in Precinct 1.
Then consider and approve finalplat of Marshall Hillside
Prairie Addition being a 50.57acre 9 lot 2 block subdivision
(02:25):
located in Precinct 1.
Then consider and approve thefinal plat of Cullen Hill being
a 110.32 acre 130 lot 4 blocksubdivision located in Precinct
2.
Then consider and approve thepreliminary plat of two chimneys
farms, phase one, withconstruction plans being 49.240
(02:49):
acres, 191 lots, 13 blocks,located in precinct two.
Then consider and approve afinal plat of minor flat, fannie
Mae two, being a 5.129 acre oneblock, one lot subdivision
located in precinct 2.
Then consider and approve thefinal plat of Rennick Castaneda
(03:17):
addition being a 2.507 acre onelot one block subdivision
located incinct 3.
And then, finally, for theengineers, we have considered
and approved the final plat ofGeringer subdivision being 8.292
acre two lot one blocksubdivision located in Precinct
(03:40):
3.
Then we have our regular agendaitems.
Item 5A conduct a publichearing regarding the petition
(04:01):
to consider the creation thecreation of Emergency Service
District Number 3, to be knownas Bell County Emergency
Services District Number 3.
Item 5C Consider calling thegeneral election for the county
judge for the purposes ofcreating Bell County Emergency
Services, district Number 3, tobe held November 4th 2025.
(04:27):
Item 5D consider theappointment of Spencer Smith of
Harker Heights to fulfill anunexpired term on the Bell
County Museum Board of Trustees.
(04:52):
The unexpired term endsSeptember 30, 2025.
Item 5E services between BellCounty and Cirrus Environmental
Services for waterway debrisremoval and disposal from Little
Elm Creek, out of costs not toexceed $687,000, with
(05:16):
appropriate budget amendments.
Then, item 5F considerauthorizing the county judge to
sign Amendment no 2.
Notice to proceed to activateexisting contract, rfp 05-23,
debris Monitoring Servicesbetween Bell County and Debris
(05:36):
Tech to monitor the waterwaydebris removal and disposal from
Little Elm Creek by CirrusEnvironmental Services at a cost
not to exceed $250,000, withappropriate budget amendment.
Then item 5G considerauthorizing the county judge to
execute agreements for legalservices for the Bell County
(05:59):
Veterans Treatment Court andMental Health Court.
Then, item 5H considerauthorizing the county judge to
enter into an agreement with RLTownsend and Associates to
conduct construction auditservices concerning the Bell
County Loop Jail ExpansionProject at a cost not to exceed
(06:23):
$39,120, with appropriate budgetamendment.
And that is everything that wehave for the regular agenda.
Now let's go to our workshopagenda.
That will happen after aregular meeting.
Let's see we have receivedreports and updates from various
(06:45):
county offices and departmentscapital improvement project
updates.
Update on jail expansionproject and temporary jail
facilities.
Killeen Annex Diversion Centerrenovations.
Discuss FY 2025 CIP plan.
Then we have discuss projectlist for local assistance and
(07:07):
tribal consistency funds.
That'll be the grantadministrator.
The mid-year review for newpositions for our intake
division include three new ADAs,one new investigator and one
new legal assistant.
Then C3, discuss intent tovacate property grant
(07:40):
administrator and central countyservices.
Then C4, discuss unclaimedproperty tax credit.
No-transcript employmentevaluation, reassignment duties,
(08:22):
discipline or dismissal of apublic officer, direct reports
to Bell County Commissioner'sCourt.
And then let's see, we have.
That's everything for theworkshop.
We do have our budget workshopskicking off, but so we have a
lot of stuff coming up.
Workshops kicking off, but sowe have a lot of stuff coming up
(08:43):
.
I would just advise you to lookat our agenda, because the at
least the workshop agenda,because there are a lot of stuff
on there regarding the budgetmeetings.
Definitely far too many for meto get here on this.
(09:03):
But yes, so there we go.
County government in a minuteor less, or a couple of minutes
or less.
So now let's get to our nextitem that I want to discuss a
(09:27):
couple of house bills that havea direct connection to both
myself and Bell County, thatwe've kind of been tracking and
I wanted to share those with you.
The first one we'll talk aboutis HB House Bill 4466.
4466 was filed byRepresentative Hicklin and it's
a very short and simple bill,but I'll read the bill in its
(09:52):
entirety, at least the changethat we're trying to do.
It begins with a bill to beentitled an act relating to
restrictions on the fee assessedfor issuance of a certain birth
record.
It to be enacted by thelegislature of the state of
(10:13):
Texas.
Section 191.0046 health andsafety code is amended by adding
Section G to read as followedthe state register, on request
of a county, shall issue,without a fee, a certified birth
copy of a birth record to thecounty if the request is related
(10:37):
to a suit affecting theParent-child relationship filed
by a government entity underSubtitle E, title 5, of the
Family Code.
This act takes effect September1st 2025.
And so the origins of this billwas I, as county commissioner.
(11:03):
I was appointed to the BellCounty Child Welfare Board and
being on there, you know we goover the budget and all that
stuff.
The county gives the BellCounty Child Welfare Board
$25,000 a year to help meet themission of helping kids that are
(11:26):
taken from their home and putinto foster care.
But what I noticed was afterthe first year that we spent a
lot of money on birthcertificates and I was like,
well, why don't we get thosewaived from the county?
Why are we paying that?
(11:46):
And they was like I don't know,that's just what has always
happened.
So I asked our county clerk,Shelly Koston, why we cannot
waive those fees.
Now.
The law states right now that achild could get a free birth
certificate, but they have toget it from the state agency in
(12:10):
Austin and it takes a while toget those.
So when there's a and you'llhear in the testimony when a
child is removed they need thatpretty quick.
They can't wait weeks and weeksfor a birth certificate to come
(12:31):
in.
So what CPS has been doing isthey've been getting it from the
county via the Child WelfareBoard to pay for it.
It's the county is payingitself to pay the state and it
didn't make sense to me.
So as a county commissioner, Igo to Conference of Urban
(12:53):
Counties and told them duringthis legislative session.
I would like help to addressthis issue and thankfully,
(13:14):
representative Hicklin filedthis on behalf of Bell County.
We made it a legislativepriority and this is our bill
May 1st 2025,.
Committee substitute consideredin committee.
(13:37):
Reported favorably assubstituted.
So it's out of committee now.
So that's a win.
That's the next step.
So let me play RepresentativeHicklin laying out the building.
And then I want because I couldnot be there and no one else
from the commissioner's courtcould be there on that day,
cause we had a commissioner'scourt and I was really
(14:00):
disappointed cause I wanted tobe there for that.
Uh, but I had some importantissues.
As you remember, we hadChaparral road and that was a
whole long story in itself, butwe did get some.
We're doing stuff on Chaparralroad and we'll dig into more on
Chaparral Road in anotherepisode, but let me play House
Bill 4466 for you.
Speaker 3 (14:25):
Chair lays out House Bill 4466, and recognizes
Representative Hicklin toexplain the bill.
Speaker 2 (14:36):
Thank you, chairman Vandiver, vice Chair Campos and
members of the committee forgiving me the opportunity to lay
out House Bill 4466.
When a state agency files suitto pursue a change of parental
relationship status in a case ofa child abuse or neglect, a
certified copy of the child'sbirth certificate is necessary.
Currently, the entity seekingto obtain the birth certificate
(14:59):
must pay the cost associatedwith requesting the certified
birth certificate.
This places an unpredictableand, in some cases, significant
financial burden on theirresources.
We are requiring organizationslike Bell County Child Welfare
Board, who you'll hear fromtoday and are just trying to
help children who are enteringinto the foster care system, to
(15:22):
bear a significant cost thatcomes from an action taken by a
state agency.
Waiving these funds would allowthe Bell County Child Welfare
Board and others like them touse those funds to buy things
like diapers, clothes and carseats, items that would directly
benefit the children in need.
House Bill 4466 allows a countyto request that a state
(15:45):
registrar issue a certified copyof a birth record to the county
without a fee if the request isrelated to a suit filed by a
government entity under theChild Protection section of the
family code.
I do intend on making changesthat will address the fiscal
note comments from theDepartment of State Health
Services and clarify that thestate would not have to take on
(16:07):
any additional processing ofbirth certificates.
I'm open to your suggestionsand dialogue on this bill.
I have witnesses here from theBell County Child Welfare Board
who can answer questions abouttheir current process and
explain why this change in lawwill be an improvement to their
organization.
Thank you again for your timeand I would like to reserve my
(16:27):
right to close Okay membersquestions.
Speaker 3 (16:32):
Thank you.
We will reserve your right toclose.
Chair calls Kim Wilkes andVeronica Molina.
Okay, I show.
Kim Wilkes is the Board ofTreasurer for Bell County Child
Welfare Board testifying onbehalf of Bell County Child
Welfare Board for House Bill4466.
Is that correct, correct, thankyou, proceed.
Speaker 4 (16:54):
Well, good evening everyone.
Thank you so much for having usand I thank you all for
considering this bill.
I am strongly for it, mainlybecause could have a way where
the funds are provided by thestate instead of the burden
(17:21):
being solely on the county hehad mentioned.
I'm sorry the chairperson hasspoken about.
I'm sorry, this is my firsttime Go on Pam.
Our process.
What we do is we have last yearalone, we had 294 birth
certificates for just under$7,000.
(17:44):
And our budget keeps shrinkingand our needs keep growing.
For us we don't have a lot ofincome.
Our county commissioners do awonderful job supporting us, but
there's just some things thatwe cannot get.
(18:05):
If we use our funds to buythings that the state is
requiring that each of thesechildren have, and these things
are not something that's a goodidea to let sit and wait for
weeks and weeks to get them,because, especially with we have
kinship families which aregrandmothers who are on a fixed
income who doesn't work, andthey are depending on every
(18:26):
penny they have, and now theyhave six grandchildren that
they've taken on and for them to.
She can't pay for it by herself.
She needs the assistance.
She has to have those birthcertificates in order to get
them in school, in order toapply for the services that are
available out there.
So we step up, we help the CPSworkers by providing the funds
(18:49):
for these birth certificates,and that's why I'm really,
really, really excited aboutthis bill.
Speaker 3 (18:55):
Okay, thank you for your testimony.
Chair recognizes VeronicaMolina.
Hang on just a minute.
I show you testifying.
You are the board vice chairfor the Bell County Child
Welfare Board, testifying onbehalf of the Welfare Board for
House Bill 4466.
Is that correct?
Speaker 5 (19:14):
Yes, sir.
Speaker 3 (19:15):
Thank you, proceed.
Speaker 5 (19:16):
Thank you.
Good afternoon committeemembers.
I've been volunteering on theboard for over 10 years.
Ms Wilkes has been volunteeringfor over 20 years with the Bell
County Child Welfare Board.
We're very passionate and we'rechampions for children.
And the Bell County ChildWelfare Board is a nonprofit
organization.
It's an affiliate of the TexasCouncil of Child Welfare Boards.
(19:37):
We work directly with DFPS tofill in the gaps for children
that come into foster care.
On average, bell County hasabout 30 children new children
each month coming into fostercare and they often need
essential new items likeclothing, diapers, formula, and
the Bell County Child WelfareBoard ensures that these
necessary items are availablefor children and we don't use
(20:01):
used items.
Everything is brand new for thechildren.
We want to express our strongsupport for HB 4466.
Last year, as Ms Wilkesmentioned, you know, the board
spent over $6,000 on purchasingbirth certificates and this has
been ongoing for several years.
We want to support thedepartment because it's a
(20:33):
barrier for them, you knowredirect those funds and focus
on, you know, purchasing moreessential items for children.
Before the fiscal year is over,we tend to run out of funds and
if we had those $6,000, we coulddefinitely help take care of
those children.
By the time we run out of funds, it's already August, and
(20:54):
that's when kids are going backinto school and so, as you can
imagine, backpacks, schoolsupplies.
These are children that don'thave any of that and they're
leaving home with nothing.
I'm sure you've heard of, youknow, leaving home with just a
trash bag.
So thank you for your time.
Speaker 3 (21:09):
Thank you for your testimony.
Speaker 1 (21:11):
So here you have a clear example of working
together, getting stuff done.
There's no secret thatRepresentative Hicklin and
myself see things differently,but on this issue we're able to
work together and address a realissue in the state to help our
(21:40):
kids that are going throughtough times.
And thankfully I was able topresent an award from the
Commissioner's Court,certificate of Appreciation, to
both Ms Melina and Ms Wilkes atthe Child Warfare Board dinner
(22:01):
last weekend.
They were surprised butwell-deserved, because you heard
what they did on behalf of BellCounty going down and
testifying.
So this is an example ofworking together on good bills.
Now we can talk about opposingbad bills and it just so happens
(22:22):
that Representative Hicklin hasa bad bill out there.
Well, there's more than justone bad bill, but this bad bill
is directed at me.
So, and we've had shows aboutthis before you know the flag in
(22:43):
my offices, the flags and howall that happened.
But anyway, she filed HB 3990on the 24th of April 990.
On the 24th of April there wasa committee hearing for it and
I'm going to play you,representative Hicklin, laying
(23:08):
it out, then some criticism shegot from her own colleagues and
then I'll play my portion, mytestimony.
So buckle up.
Oh, hb, hb 4466.
The changes are section 2207.001.
This chapter applies tobuildings owned and operated by
(23:31):
the state, a municipality or acounty.
And then it says definitionDisplay means to exhibit or
place an object where a personis visiting or employed at a
building may see the objectDisplay of flags.
A building may see the objectdisplay of flags.
A building may not display andthis state a a building may not
(23:53):
display and this state or amunicipality or a county may not
permit an employee agentvolunteer to display any flag
other than the United Statesflag, the state flag or the
official flag of themunicipality or county.
A United States flag or stateflag displayed at a building of
(24:16):
which this chapter applies mustbe an official flag and the
official colors may not bealtered.
And that's it.
But let's hear RepresentativeHicklin laying this out 5510
will be left pending.
Speaker 6 (24:31):
Is there objection?
Chair hears none.
House Bill 5510 is left pending.
Chair lays out House Bill 3990.
Chair offers up a committeesubstitute for House Bill 3990
and recognizes RepresentativeHickman to explain the bill.
Speaker 2 (24:50):
Thank you, chairman King committee, for the
opportunity to lay out.
Committee substitute for HouseBill 3990.
Last year, a concerned Texanreached out to the National
Association of ChristianLawmakers after seeing an
altered American and Texas flagsdisplayed in the windows at the
Bell County Courthouse.
The association shared thiswith one of my colleagues who
(25:13):
brought it to my attention.
Despite Bell County's policyallowing only the US and Texas
flags to be displayed on countybuildings, a loophole has
allowed certain individuals toside step the rules and display
symbols that undermine politicalneutrality.
This moment made one thingclear we need consistency and
accountability statewide.
(25:34):
Recently, secretary of StateMarco Rubio introduced a one
flag policy, a move to ensureonly the American flag is flown
at US facilities, both domesticand abroad.
This federal action sparked anational conversation about how
official spaces should reflectour shared values, not
individual ideologies.
(25:54):
In response, I filed this billto protect the integrity of our
taxpayer-funded entities.
The committee substitute forHouse Bill 3990 will ensure that
only official flags the US,texas, city or county flags,
military, pow, mia and publicuniversity flags are displayed
on government buildings.
Under this bill, the US andTexas flags must be unaltered
(26:20):
and in their official colors.
This legislation also gives thestate, municipality or a county
the authority to removeunauthorized flags and penalize
violators.
As a ninth generation Texanwhose ancestors fought for our
independence, this issue ispersonal to me.
The Lone Star flag isn't justfabric, it's freedom,
(26:42):
perseverance and heritage.
Many flags have become symbolsor ideologies for political
agendas, and we protect theneutrality and dignity of
taxpayer-funded entities.
As elected officials, our dutyis to serve and unify, not
divide.
We are working on a committeesubstitute to address concerns
brought forward by a few citiesand I'll make sure to share that
(27:04):
with everyone as soon as it'sfiled or finalized.
If there's any questions, I'mhappy to answer them.
Otherwise, I reserve the rightto close questions for
representative hicklin members.
Speaker 6 (27:14):
Further questions all right, uh, miss hickory, you um
this?
This is an issue in you saidBell County.
That's right and has anybodyelse told you that a problem in
their county?
Speaker 2 (27:39):
Or is this a bill you're bringing specifically for
a problem in the county yourepresent?
It is obviously it is a localissue and it's persisted even
though the county has tried tohandle it locally.
But it's also problematicacross the state and with
Secretary Rubio's 1-5 policy.
(28:01):
It was in alignment with evenother states and some of the
policies that they're putting inplace as well.
Speaker 6 (28:09):
Understood.
Okay, all right, mr Gann.
Speaker 7 (28:15):
Ms Hicklin but to your knowledge in Texas has it
been a problem anywhere exceptin Bell County.
I think, that was his question.
Speaker 2 (28:23):
Okay, to my specific knowledge, I have not had.
Speaker 6 (28:27):
Okay, following up, oh go ahead.
Speaker 3 (28:32):
Mr Darby, this is a Bell County elected official.
That's correct Countycommissioner.
Speaker 2 (28:37):
That's right.
Speaker 3 (28:38):
Well, if enough people don't like the flag, why
don't they unelect him?
Speaker 2 (28:44):
It's a possibility he's here today.
Speaker 3 (28:48):
I'm sure you can ask.
This whole bill is designed toget rid of a flag in one
commissioner's office no,absolutely not.
Speaker 6 (29:03):
that that was the impetus.
Okay, um, all right.
Uh, all right, ms Hicklin, wewill proceed with you.
Have some witnesses, as you canimagine, we'll proceed with
public testimony and we'll callyou back shortly.
Okay, thank you.
None, thank you for being here,louie Miner.
You're Louie, we show you asLouie Miner.
You are representing BellCounty, precinct 4 and yourself
(29:26):
and you are against the bill.
Is that correct?
Speaker 1 (29:28):
I am.
Speaker 6 (29:29):
Please proceed.
Speaker 1 (29:30):
Good evening chair, vice chair and committee members
and viewers at home.
My name is Louie Minor.
I'm the Bell CountyCommissioner for Precinct 4, and
I oppose HB 3990.
I represent about 100,000Texans from the city of Killeen
and Fort Cavazos.
Many of my constituents areveterans.
(29:52):
I am, too, an Iraq veteran,serving 14 months in Baghdad in
combat, and I fought for ourfreedoms of expression and our
freedoms of speech.
Hb 3990 is an anti-speech bill.
This bill will limit both youand I from displaying flags in
(30:17):
our offices, just like you.
It represents my community,represents my district.
I'm the only openly gay countycommissioner in the entire state
of Texas and I'm proud of thatand I will continue to be proud
(30:39):
of that.
This flag, I think, is beingcleaned up, or this bill is
being cleaned up, but there arehistoric flags Blue Life Matter
flags, israel flags, thatJuneteenth flags that many of
y'all put in y'all's office.
This will eliminate that.
Will this bill apply togovernment websites, social
(31:03):
media accounts, police vehicles?
And this bill also has a civilpenalty in there.
Who's going to bring that civilpenalty and what court would
that be filed in?
And you know, make no mistake,this is directed at pride flags
(31:24):
and pride colors, because we'realready talking about all these
exceptions that we want to makehere in this law, so I oppose
this.
I urge you to vote no on this,as well, Thank you for that
testimony, Mr Monner.
Speaker 6 (31:37):
Members question.
Mr.
Speaker 7 (31:39):
Turner.
Thank you, Mr Chairman.
Commissioner, thank you forbeing here and thank you for
your service to our country.
First and foremost, so, you area member of the Bell County
Commissioner's Court.
I am Okay.
Are you familiar with thematter in question?
Speaker 1 (31:54):
I'm very familiar with the matter.
Speaker 7 (31:55):
Okay, can you just describe the circumstances?
Yes, so.
Speaker 1 (31:59):
I was first elected and took office in 2023.
And in June I had someresidents reach out to me and
wanted a pride proclamation atthe county.
We have never voted on any typeof proclamations at the county.
What we've always done is justbring a proclamation forward and
have the proclamation.
(32:20):
But whenever I brought thatproclamation, the county voted
it down and that was the firsttime that ever happened.
June is also Juneteenth and Iplaced a Juneteenth flag and a
pride flag in my office window.
Passed a county use policy thatonly a US flag, a state flag or
(32:47):
a county flag can be on acounty building, so I took those
flags down in compliance withour county policy and put up a
US flag and a Texas flag inpride colors, and they've stood
there since then.
Speaker 7 (33:01):
Okay, there since then.
Okay, so this whole thingstarted because in the month of
June which is Juneteenth, as youobserved, and also Pride Month,
I believe you displayed acouple of flags reflecting those
(33:22):
events.
Okay, all right.
Well, thank you for being heretoday.
Speaker 3 (33:24):
Thank you All right Members.
Speaker 6 (33:26):
Thank you for being here today.
Thank you All right Members.
Further questions.
This witness Seeing none.
Mr Minor, thank you for beinghere and thank you for your
service.
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (33:43):
So I think for HB 3990, you could hear from the
last couple of questioning thoseare Republican House members,
committee members that wereasking those questions about you
know you're creating this billjust because of one county,
commissioner, and there are noproblems anywhere else in the
state of Texas.
So, as of now, that bill HB3990, is still left pending and
(34:08):
I don't know exactly when theclock ends as far as getting
stuff out of committees, but Iknow it's pretty close.
It's pretty close.
So, anyways, let's keep ourfingers crossed.
We'll keep an eye on HB 3990.
Cross will keep an eye on HB3990.
(34:34):
And, like I said, this is aclear example of where we can
work with our localrepresentatives when they have
good bills and oppose those whenthey're bad.
And that's our job, that's myjob, that's what you elect me
for to get out there and be yourvoice and to show up and fight
and testify when you can.
(34:56):
And I definitely am honoredthat you put me in this position
to be able to do that for you,for us, put me in this position
to be able to do that for youfor us.
So, speaking of representation,yesterday, may 3rd, we had
local elections.
So let's go to the website andpull up and see what happened
(35:23):
here locally in races that weare following, that are in our
area.
By our area, I mean you knowKilleen area, precinct 4 area.
So City Council, district 1,jessica Gonzalez, the incumbent,
my district I live in District1, jessica Gonzalez received 315
(35:48):
votes and her opponent, sherryVolpekela, received 266, or 262.
So Jessica Gonzalez, mayor ProTem, winning her re-election for
that.
Mayor Pro Tem winning herre-election for that.
Killeen, proposition B Killeen,proposition B that was for a new
(36:11):
city hall, $155 million inbonds for a new city hall.
That failed.
We had 1,815 against 1,114.
For Now I voted for PropositionB.
(36:31):
I thought it's good.
No one is going to invest inKilleen, but Killeen.
So we have to believe inourselves, we have to invest in
ourselves and we have to be ableto understand that we can do
more than one thing at a time.
But that wasn't the case.
(37:00):
Solomon won his reelection 670votes to Berlin.
Valentine Valentine 223.
So easily won there.
District three was unopposed.
(37:20):
No one filed to run againstcouncil member Nina Cobb, so she
won automatically.
There was no race there.
And then City Council, district4, councilmember Boyd decided
not to run for re-election, sothis was an open seat.
Anthony Kendrick came out ontop against Christy Wilbanks.
(37:47):
Anthony Kendrick got 330 votesand Christy Wilbanks received
260.
So then they also hadProposition A.
(38:11):
Proposition A was a recallelection for Councilman District
4, michael Boyd.
And it read shall Michael Boydbe removed from the office of
Killeen City Council by recall?
We have 317 for removing himfrom office and 264 for removing
(38:39):
him from office.
So even though this was hislast seat or his last term his
term expires this election orhis last term, his term expires
this election he was recalledand removed by voters from
office.
So he did put out a statement,a couple of statements about
(39:01):
this and there's a lot ofarticles and a lot of back and
forth between the person thatbrought the petition forward,
former council member MelissaBrown, and then obviously
Michael Boyd, council memberBoyd's statements on that Also
what we were watching.
(39:22):
We had Colleen ISD.
We had Colleen ISD placed two,incumbent.
Susan Jones won.
She got 2,151 votes versusBrianna Sunshine Harrelson she
(39:42):
got 1,672 votes.
Also for Colleen ISD placedthree Oliver Mintz, incumbent,
got 2,116 votes and Lan Cartergot 1,805 votes.
So both of those challengers Iappreciate them stepping up and
(40:09):
running.
I know Ms Harrelson, she's ranbefore and Lan Carter has ran
and I obviously supported Lanand voted for her, had her on
the show, but I do know that Lanwill be back.
Like I said, she's a fierceadvocate for public education
(40:30):
and for kids, so I don't seethat diminishing any time soon.
So a bunch of other electionshappened throughout the county
that we were watching, but inHarker Heights Harker Heights in
the news Harker Heights hassome new council members.
(40:53):
There was one open seat placeone because that incumbent was
term limited, and Brian Burtcame out on top top vote getter.
And Brian Burt came out on toptop vote getter 811 votes for
Brian Burt.
Anson Booker got 489 votes andCandace Schoaf got 124.
(41:17):
So, brian Burt, congratulations, look forward to working with
you.
And then we have Harker HeightsCity Council.
Place three incumbent TonyCantorino lost.
I repeat, tony Cantorino lostplace three to Jesse Miles, a
(41:43):
newcomer.
Uh, we have uh Jesse coming outon top with 785 votes uh versus
Tony canarino's six 51.
So definitely, uh, I lookforward uh to working with both
Jesse uh and Brian and your newpositions, parker right City
(42:05):
Council.
There was also one other racethat was real interesting that
it was.
So, if you know, if you'relistening to this, there is CJ
Grisham.
He is a local activist, gunrights activist, been doing it
(42:25):
for a long time.
He's an agitator of bothRepublicans and Democrats, I
think.
But he ran for Temple CityCouncil, district 1, against
incumbent Jessica Walker andJessica Walker won pretty
handedly.
Pretty handedly.
(42:46):
She got 357 votes to CJGrisham's 95 votes, so 79%
versus 21% of the vote.
So that was interesting towatch, interesting to hear about
(43:13):
and follow.
But anyways, like I said, wehave a lot going on this week.
We got budget stuff going onand I definitely want to keep
you informed of of that.
I plan on having town hallsgetting people involved in their
County budgeting to understandhow we do it, what we do, and so
(43:40):
, yeah, you keep an eye out,you're out for for those
opportunities to get involvedand we will talk to you later.
We'll be you next time.
I'm your host, bell County Commissioner Louie Miner.
Today is May 4th 2025.
May the 4th be with you.
We have a lot to cover,including the May elections that
just occurred yesterday on the3rd occurred yesterday on the
(00:28):
3rd.
But let's get started with theagenda for Bell County
Commissioner's Court, may 5th2025.
First thing we have is theinvocation, then Pledge, of
Allegiance.
Consent agenda items considerapproval minutes of the April
21st 2025 meeting at the BellCounty Commissioner's Court.
Then we have personnel budgetamendments, claims, accounts
(00:51):
payable, payroll, restitution,jury pay.
And then we have item VA on theconsent agenda Consider
authorizing a single sourcepurchase for the MVAC forensic
DNA collection system from MVACSystems in the amount not to
(01:11):
exceed $56,078, to be purchasedfor the Bell County Sheriff's
Office under FY 2024 COPSTechnology and Equipment Program
.
Invitational Solicitation GrantAward.
Then, item BB under consentagenda consider approving Bell
(01:37):
County Juvenile Services requestto remove or to move positions
from Department 988 toDepartment 609 and eliminate two
unfulfilled or unfilledpositions in the department 988
to find a deputy from thesheriff's office to provide
safety services for juvenileservices then we have a county
(01:59):
engineer.
Consider an approved final platof walls estate being a 16.36
acre 4 lot 1 block subdivisionlocated in Precinct 1.
Then consider and approve finalplat of Marshall Hillside
Prairie Addition being a 50.57acre 9 lot 2 block subdivision
(02:25):
located in Precinct 1.
Then consider and approve thefinal plat of Cullen Hill being
a 110.32 acre 130 lot 4 blocksubdivision located in Precinct
2.
Then consider and approve thepreliminary plat of two chimneys
farms, phase one, withconstruction plans being 49.240
(02:49):
acres, 191 lots, 13 blocks,located in precinct two.
Then consider and approve afinal plat of minor flat, fannie
Mae two, being a 5.129 acre oneblock, one lot subdivision
located in precinct 2.
Then consider and approve thefinal plat of Rennick Castaneda
(03:17):
addition being a 2.507 acre onelot one block subdivision
located incinct 3.
And then, finally, for theengineers, we have considered
and approved the final plat ofGeringer subdivision being 8.292
acre two lot one blocksubdivision located in Precinct
(03:40):
3.
Then we have our regular agendaitems.
Item 5A conduct a publichearing regarding the petition
(04:01):
to consider the creation thecreation of Emergency Service
District Number 3, to be knownas Bell County Emergency
Services District Number 3.
Item 5C Consider calling thegeneral election for the county
judge for the purposes ofcreating Bell County Emergency
Services, district Number 3, tobe held November 4th 2025.
(04:27):
Item 5D consider theappointment of Spencer Smith of
Harker Heights to fulfill anunexpired term on the Bell
County Museum Board of Trustees.
(04:52):
The unexpired term endsSeptember 30, 2025.
Item 5E services between BellCounty and Cirrus Environmental
Services for waterway debrisremoval and disposal from Little
Elm Creek, out of costs not toexceed $687,000, with
(05:16):
appropriate budget amendments.
Then, item 5F considerauthorizing the county judge to
sign Amendment no 2.
Notice to proceed to activateexisting contract, rfp 05-23,
debris Monitoring Servicesbetween Bell County and Debris
(05:36):
Tech to monitor the waterwaydebris removal and disposal from
Little Elm Creek by CirrusEnvironmental Services at a cost
not to exceed $250,000, withappropriate budget amendment.
Then item 5G considerauthorizing the county judge to
execute agreements for legalservices for the Bell County
(05:59):
Veterans Treatment Court andMental Health Court.
Then, item 5H considerauthorizing the county judge to
enter into an agreement with RLTownsend and Associates to
conduct construction auditservices concerning the Bell
County Loop Jail ExpansionProject at a cost not to exceed
(06:23):
$39,120, with appropriate budgetamendment.
And that is everything that wehave for the regular agenda.
Now let's go to our workshopagenda.
That will happen after aregular meeting.
Let's see we have receivedreports and updates from various
(06:45):
county offices and departmentscapital improvement project
updates.
Update on jail expansionproject and temporary jail
facilities.
Killeen Annex Diversion Centerrenovations.
Discuss FY 2025 CIP plan.
Then we have discuss projectlist for local assistance and
(07:07):
tribal consistency funds.
That'll be the grantadministrator.
The mid-year review for newpositions for our intake
division include three new ADAs,one new investigator and one
new legal assistant.
Then C3, discuss intent tovacate property grant
(07:40):
administrator and central countyservices.
Then C4, discuss unclaimedproperty tax credit.
No-transcript employmentevaluation, reassignment duties,
(08:22):
discipline or dismissal of apublic officer, direct reports
to Bell County Commissioner'sCourt.
And then let's see, we have.
That's everything for theworkshop.
We do have our budget workshopskicking off, but so we have a
lot of stuff coming up.
Workshops kicking off, but sowe have a lot of stuff coming up
(08:43):
.
I would just advise you to lookat our agenda, because the at
least the workshop agenda,because there are a lot of stuff
on there regarding the budgetmeetings.
Definitely far too many for meto get here on this.
(09:03):
But yes, so there we go.
County government in a minuteor less, or a couple of minutes
or less.
So now let's get to our nextitem that I want to discuss a
(09:27):
couple of house bills that havea direct connection to both
myself and Bell County, thatwe've kind of been tracking and
I wanted to share those with you.
The first one we'll talk aboutis HB House Bill 4466.
4466 was filed byRepresentative Hicklin and it's
a very short and simple bill,but I'll read the bill in its
(09:52):
entirety, at least the changethat we're trying to do.
It begins with a bill to beentitled an act relating to
restrictions on the fee assessedfor issuance of a certain birth
record.
It to be enacted by thelegislature of the state of
(10:13):
Texas.
Section 191.0046 health andsafety code is amended by adding
Section G to read as followedthe state register, on request
of a county, shall issue,without a fee, a certified birth
copy of a birth record to thecounty if the request is related
(10:37):
to a suit affecting theParent-child relationship filed
by a government entity underSubtitle E, title 5, of the
Family Code.
This act takes effect September1st 2025.
And so the origins of this billwas I, as county commissioner.
(11:03):
I was appointed to the BellCounty Child Welfare Board and
being on there, you know we goover the budget and all that
stuff.
The county gives the BellCounty Child Welfare Board
$25,000 a year to help meet themission of helping kids that are
(11:26):
taken from their home and putinto foster care.
But what I noticed was afterthe first year that we spent a
lot of money on birthcertificates and I was like,
well, why don't we get thosewaived from the county?
Why are we paying that?
(11:46):
And they was like I don't know,that's just what has always
happened.
So I asked our county clerk,Shelly Koston, why we cannot
waive those fees.
Now.
The law states right now that achild could get a free birth
certificate, but they have toget it from the state agency in
(12:10):
Austin and it takes a while toget those.
So when there's a and you'llhear in the testimony when a
child is removed they need thatpretty quick.
They can't wait weeks and weeksfor a birth certificate to come
(12:31):
in.
So what CPS has been doing isthey've been getting it from the
county via the Child WelfareBoard to pay for it.
It's the county is payingitself to pay the state and it
didn't make sense to me.
So as a county commissioner, Igo to Conference of Urban
(12:53):
Counties and told them duringthis legislative session.
I would like help to addressthis issue and thankfully,
(13:14):
representative Hicklin filedthis on behalf of Bell County.
We made it a legislativepriority and this is our bill
May 1st 2025,.
Committee substitute consideredin committee.
(13:37):
Reported favorably assubstituted.
So it's out of committee now.
So that's a win.
That's the next step.
So let me play RepresentativeHicklin laying out the building.
And then I want because I couldnot be there and no one else
from the commissioner's courtcould be there on that day,
cause we had a commissioner'scourt and I was really
(14:00):
disappointed cause I wanted tobe there for that.
Uh, but I had some importantissues.
As you remember, we hadChaparral road and that was a
whole long story in itself, butwe did get some.
We're doing stuff on Chaparralroad and we'll dig into more on
Chaparral Road in anotherepisode, but let me play House
Bill 4466 for you.
Speaker 3 (14:25):
Chair lays out House Bill 4466, and recognizes
Representative Hicklin toexplain the bill.
Speaker 2 (14:36):
Thank you, chairman Vandiver, vice Chair Campos and
members of the committee forgiving me the opportunity to lay
out House Bill 4466.
When a state agency files suitto pursue a change of parental
relationship status in a case ofa child abuse or neglect, a
certified copy of the child'sbirth certificate is necessary.
Currently, the entity seekingto obtain the birth certificate
(14:59):
must pay the cost associatedwith requesting the certified
birth certificate.
This places an unpredictableand, in some cases, significant
financial burden on theirresources.
We are requiring organizationslike Bell County Child Welfare
Board, who you'll hear fromtoday and are just trying to
help children who are enteringinto the foster care system, to
(15:22):
bear a significant cost thatcomes from an action taken by a
state agency.
Waiving these funds would allowthe Bell County Child Welfare
Board and others like them touse those funds to buy things
like diapers, clothes and carseats, items that would directly
benefit the children in need.
House Bill 4466 allows a countyto request that a state
(15:45):
registrar issue a certified copyof a birth record to the county
without a fee if the request isrelated to a suit filed by a
government entity under theChild Protection section of the
family code.
I do intend on making changesthat will address the fiscal
note comments from theDepartment of State Health
Services and clarify that thestate would not have to take on
(16:07):
any additional processing ofbirth certificates.
I'm open to your suggestionsand dialogue on this bill.
I have witnesses here from theBell County Child Welfare Board
who can answer questions abouttheir current process and
explain why this change in lawwill be an improvement to their
organization.
Thank you again for your timeand I would like to reserve my
(16:27):
right to close Okay membersquestions.
Speaker 3 (16:32):
Thank you.
We will reserve your right toclose.
Chair calls Kim Wilkes andVeronica Molina.
Okay, I show.
Kim Wilkes is the Board ofTreasurer for Bell County Child
Welfare Board testifying onbehalf of Bell County Child
Welfare Board for House Bill4466.
Is that correct, correct, thankyou, proceed.
Speaker 4 (16:54):
Well, good evening everyone.
Thank you so much for having usand I thank you all for
considering this bill.
I am strongly for it, mainlybecause could have a way where
the funds are provided by thestate instead of the burden
(17:21):
being solely on the county hehad mentioned.
I'm sorry the chairperson hasspoken about.
I'm sorry, this is my firsttime Go on Pam.
Our process.
What we do is we have last yearalone, we had 294 birth
certificates for just under$7,000.
(17:44):
And our budget keeps shrinkingand our needs keep growing.
For us we don't have a lot ofincome.
Our county commissioners do awonderful job supporting us, but
there's just some things thatwe cannot get.
(18:05):
If we use our funds to buythings that the state is
requiring that each of thesechildren have, and these things
are not something that's a goodidea to let sit and wait for
weeks and weeks to get them,because, especially with we have
kinship families which aregrandmothers who are on a fixed
income who doesn't work, andthey are depending on every
(18:26):
penny they have, and now theyhave six grandchildren that
they've taken on and for them to.
She can't pay for it by herself.
She needs the assistance.
She has to have those birthcertificates in order to get
them in school, in order toapply for the services that are
available out there.
So we step up, we help the CPSworkers by providing the funds
(18:49):
for these birth certificates,and that's why I'm really,
really, really excited aboutthis bill.
Speaker 3 (18:55):
Okay, thank you for your testimony.
Chair recognizes VeronicaMolina.
Hang on just a minute.
I show you testifying.
You are the board vice chairfor the Bell County Child
Welfare Board, testifying onbehalf of the Welfare Board for
House Bill 4466.
Is that correct?
Speaker 5 (19:14):
Yes, sir.
Speaker 3 (19:15):
Thank you, proceed.
Speaker 5 (19:16):
Thank you.
Good afternoon committeemembers.
I've been volunteering on theboard for over 10 years.
Ms Wilkes has been volunteeringfor over 20 years with the Bell
County Child Welfare Board.
We're very passionate and we'rechampions for children.
And the Bell County ChildWelfare Board is a nonprofit
organization.
It's an affiliate of the TexasCouncil of Child Welfare Boards.
(19:37):
We work directly with DFPS tofill in the gaps for children
that come into foster care.
On average, bell County hasabout 30 children new children
each month coming into fostercare and they often need
essential new items likeclothing, diapers, formula, and
the Bell County Child WelfareBoard ensures that these
necessary items are availablefor children and we don't use
(20:01):
used items.
Everything is brand new for thechildren.
We want to express our strongsupport for HB 4466.
Last year, as Ms Wilkesmentioned, you know, the board
spent over $6,000 on purchasingbirth certificates and this has
been ongoing for several years.
We want to support thedepartment because it's a
(20:33):
barrier for them, you knowredirect those funds and focus
on, you know, purchasing moreessential items for children.
Before the fiscal year is over,we tend to run out of funds and
if we had those $6,000, we coulddefinitely help take care of
those children.
By the time we run out of funds, it's already August, and
(20:54):
that's when kids are going backinto school and so, as you can
imagine, backpacks, schoolsupplies.
These are children that don'thave any of that and they're
leaving home with nothing.
I'm sure you've heard of, youknow, leaving home with just a
trash bag.
So thank you for your time.
Speaker 3 (21:09):
Thank you for your testimony.
Speaker 1 (21:11):
So here you have a clear example of working
together, getting stuff done.
There's no secret thatRepresentative Hicklin and
myself see things differently,but on this issue we're able to
work together and address a realissue in the state to help our
(21:40):
kids that are going throughtough times.
And thankfully I was able topresent an award from the
Commissioner's Court,certificate of Appreciation, to
both Ms Melina and Ms Wilkes atthe Child Warfare Board dinner
(22:01):
last weekend.
They were surprised butwell-deserved, because you heard
what they did on behalf of BellCounty going down and
testifying.
So this is an example ofworking together on good bills.
Now we can talk about opposingbad bills and it just so happens
(22:22):
that Representative Hicklin hasa bad bill out there.
Well, there's more than justone bad bill, but this bad bill
is directed at me.
So, and we've had shows aboutthis before you know the flag in
(22:43):
my offices, the flags and howall that happened.
But anyway, she filed HB 3990on the 24th of April 990.
On the 24th of April there wasa committee hearing for it and
I'm going to play you,representative Hicklin, laying
(23:08):
it out, then some criticism shegot from her own colleagues and
then I'll play my portion, mytestimony.
So buckle up.
Oh, hb, hb 4466.
The changes are section 2207.001.
This chapter applies tobuildings owned and operated by
(23:31):
the state, a municipality or acounty.
And then it says definitionDisplay means to exhibit or
place an object where a personis visiting or employed at a
building may see the objectDisplay of flags.
A building may see the objectdisplay of flags.
A building may not display andthis state a a building may not
(23:53):
display and this state or amunicipality or a county may not
permit an employee agentvolunteer to display any flag
other than the United Statesflag, the state flag or the
official flag of themunicipality or county.
A United States flag or stateflag displayed at a building of
(24:16):
which this chapter applies mustbe an official flag and the
official colors may not bealtered.
And that's it.
But let's hear RepresentativeHicklin laying this out 5510
will be left pending.
Speaker 6 (24:31):
Is there objection?
Chair hears none.
House Bill 5510 is left pending.
Chair lays out House Bill 3990.
Chair offers up a committeesubstitute for House Bill 3990
and recognizes RepresentativeHickman to explain the bill.
Speaker 2 (24:50):
Thank you, chairman King committee, for the
opportunity to lay out.
Committee substitute for HouseBill 3990.
Last year, a concerned Texanreached out to the National
Association of ChristianLawmakers after seeing an
altered American and Texas flagsdisplayed in the windows at the
Bell County Courthouse.
The association shared thiswith one of my colleagues who
(25:13):
brought it to my attention.
Despite Bell County's policyallowing only the US and Texas
flags to be displayed on countybuildings, a loophole has
allowed certain individuals toside step the rules and display
symbols that undermine politicalneutrality.
This moment made one thingclear we need consistency and
accountability statewide.
(25:34):
Recently, secretary of StateMarco Rubio introduced a one
flag policy, a move to ensureonly the American flag is flown
at US facilities, both domesticand abroad.
This federal action sparked anational conversation about how
official spaces should reflectour shared values, not
individual ideologies.
(25:54):
In response, I filed this billto protect the integrity of our
taxpayer-funded entities.
The committee substitute forHouse Bill 3990 will ensure that
only official flags the US,texas, city or county flags,
military, pow, mia and publicuniversity flags are displayed
on government buildings.
Under this bill, the US andTexas flags must be unaltered
(26:20):
and in their official colors.
This legislation also gives thestate, municipality or a county
the authority to removeunauthorized flags and penalize
violators.
As a ninth generation Texanwhose ancestors fought for our
independence, this issue ispersonal to me.
The Lone Star flag isn't justfabric, it's freedom,
(26:42):
perseverance and heritage.
Many flags have become symbolsor ideologies for political
agendas, and we protect theneutrality and dignity of
taxpayer-funded entities.
As elected officials, our dutyis to serve and unify, not
divide.
We are working on a committeesubstitute to address concerns
brought forward by a few citiesand I'll make sure to share that
(27:04):
with everyone as soon as it'sfiled or finalized.
If there's any questions, I'mhappy to answer them.
Otherwise, I reserve the rightto close questions for
representative hicklin members.
Speaker 6 (27:14):
Further questions all right, uh, miss hickory, you um
this?
This is an issue in you saidBell County.
That's right and has anybodyelse told you that a problem in
their county?
Speaker 2 (27:39):
Or is this a bill you're bringing specifically for
a problem in the county yourepresent?
It is obviously it is a localissue and it's persisted even
though the county has tried tohandle it locally.
But it's also problematicacross the state and with
Secretary Rubio's 1-5 policy.
(28:01):
It was in alignment with evenother states and some of the
policies that they're putting inplace as well.
Speaker 6 (28:09):
Understood.
Okay, all right, mr Gann.
Speaker 7 (28:15):
Ms Hicklin but to your knowledge in Texas has it
been a problem anywhere exceptin Bell County.
I think, that was his question.
Speaker 2 (28:23):
Okay, to my specific knowledge, I have not had.
Speaker 6 (28:27):
Okay, following up, oh go ahead.
Speaker 3 (28:32):
Mr Darby, this is a Bell County elected official.
That's correct Countycommissioner.
Speaker 2 (28:37):
That's right.
Speaker 3 (28:38):
Well, if enough people don't like the flag, why
don't they unelect him?
Speaker 2 (28:44):
It's a possibility he's here today.
Speaker 3 (28:48):
I'm sure you can ask.
This whole bill is designed toget rid of a flag in one
commissioner's office no,absolutely not.
Speaker 6 (29:03):
that that was the impetus.
Okay, um, all right.
Uh, all right, ms Hicklin, wewill proceed with you.
Have some witnesses, as you canimagine, we'll proceed with
public testimony and we'll callyou back shortly.
Okay, thank you.
None, thank you for being here,louie Miner.
You're Louie, we show you asLouie Miner.
You are representing BellCounty, precinct 4 and yourself
(29:26):
and you are against the bill.
Is that correct?
Speaker 1 (29:28):
I am.
Speaker 6 (29:29):
Please proceed.
Speaker 1 (29:30):
Good evening chair, vice chair and committee members
and viewers at home.
My name is Louie Minor.
I'm the Bell CountyCommissioner for Precinct 4, and
I oppose HB 3990.
I represent about 100,000Texans from the city of Killeen
and Fort Cavazos.
Many of my constituents areveterans.
(29:52):
I am, too, an Iraq veteran,serving 14 months in Baghdad in
combat, and I fought for ourfreedoms of expression and our
freedoms of speech.
Hb 3990 is an anti-speech bill.
This bill will limit both youand I from displaying flags in
(30:17):
our offices, just like you.
It represents my community,represents my district.
I'm the only openly gay countycommissioner in the entire state
of Texas and I'm proud of thatand I will continue to be proud
(30:39):
of that.
This flag, I think, is beingcleaned up, or this bill is
being cleaned up, but there arehistoric flags Blue Life Matter
flags, israel flags, thatJuneteenth flags that many of
y'all put in y'all's office.
This will eliminate that.
Will this bill apply togovernment websites, social
(31:03):
media accounts, police vehicles?
And this bill also has a civilpenalty in there.
Who's going to bring that civilpenalty and what court would
that be filed in?
And you know, make no mistake,this is directed at pride flags
(31:24):
and pride colors, because we'realready talking about all these
exceptions that we want to makehere in this law, so I oppose
this.
I urge you to vote no on this,as well, Thank you for that
testimony, Mr Monner.
Speaker 6 (31:37):
Members question.
Mr.
Speaker 7 (31:39):
Turner.
Thank you, Mr Chairman.
Commissioner, thank you forbeing here and thank you for
your service to our country.
First and foremost, so, you area member of the Bell County
Commissioner's Court.
I am Okay.
Are you familiar with thematter in question?
Speaker 1 (31:54):
I'm very familiar with the matter.
Speaker 7 (31:55):
Okay, can you just describe the circumstances?
Yes, so.
Speaker 1 (31:59):
I was first elected and took office in 2023.
And in June I had someresidents reach out to me and
wanted a pride proclamation atthe county.
We have never voted on any typeof proclamations at the county.
What we've always done is justbring a proclamation forward and
have the proclamation.
(32:20):
But whenever I brought thatproclamation, the county voted
it down and that was the firsttime that ever happened.
June is also Juneteenth and Iplaced a Juneteenth flag and a
pride flag in my office window.
Passed a county use policy thatonly a US flag, a state flag or
(32:47):
a county flag can be on acounty building, so I took those
flags down in compliance withour county policy and put up a
US flag and a Texas flag inpride colors, and they've stood
there since then.
Speaker 7 (33:01):
Okay, there since then.
Okay, so this whole thingstarted because in the month of
June which is Juneteenth, as youobserved, and also Pride Month,
I believe you displayed acouple of flags reflecting those
(33:22):
events.
Okay, all right.
Well, thank you for being heretoday.
Speaker 3 (33:24):
Thank you All right Members.
Speaker 6 (33:26):
Thank you for being here today.
Thank you All right Members.
Further questions.
This witness Seeing none.
Mr Minor, thank you for beinghere and thank you for your
service.
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (33:43):
So I think for HB 3990, you could hear from the
last couple of questioning thoseare Republican House members,
committee members that wereasking those questions about you
know you're creating this billjust because of one county,
commissioner, and there are noproblems anywhere else in the
state of Texas.
So, as of now, that bill HB3990, is still left pending and
(34:08):
I don't know exactly when theclock ends as far as getting
stuff out of committees, but Iknow it's pretty close.
It's pretty close.
So, anyways, let's keep ourfingers crossed.
We'll keep an eye on HB 3990.
Cross will keep an eye on HB3990.
(34:34):
And, like I said, this is aclear example of where we can
work with our localrepresentatives when they have
good bills and oppose those whenthey're bad.
And that's our job, that's myjob, that's what you elect me
for to get out there and be yourvoice and to show up and fight
and testify when you can.
(34:56):
And I definitely am honoredthat you put me in this position
to be able to do that for you,for us, put me in this position
to be able to do that for youfor us.
So, speaking of representation,yesterday, may 3rd, we had
local elections.
So let's go to the website andpull up and see what happened
(35:23):
here locally in races that weare following, that are in our
area.
By our area, I mean you knowKilleen area, precinct 4 area.
So City Council, district 1,jessica Gonzalez, the incumbent,
my district I live in District1, jessica Gonzalez received 315
(35:48):
votes and her opponent, sherryVolpekela, received 266, or 262.
So Jessica Gonzalez, mayor ProTem, winning her re-election for
that.
Mayor Pro Tem winning herre-election for that.
Killeen, proposition B Killeen,proposition B that was for a new
(36:11):
city hall, $155 million inbonds for a new city hall.
That failed.
We had 1,815 against 1,114.
For Now I voted for PropositionB.
(36:31):
I thought it's good.
No one is going to invest inKilleen, but Killeen.
So we have to believe inourselves, we have to invest in
ourselves and we have to be ableto understand that we can do
more than one thing at a time.
But that wasn't the case.
(37:00):
Solomon won his reelection 670votes to Berlin.
Valentine Valentine 223.
So easily won there.
District three was unopposed.
(37:20):
No one filed to run againstcouncil member Nina Cobb, so she
won automatically.
There was no race there.
And then City Council, district4, councilmember Boyd decided
not to run for re-election, sothis was an open seat.
Anthony Kendrick came out ontop against Christy Wilbanks.
(37:47):
Anthony Kendrick got 330 votesand Christy Wilbanks received
260.
So then they also hadProposition A.
(38:11):
Proposition A was a recallelection for Councilman District
4, michael Boyd.
And it read shall Michael Boydbe removed from the office of
Killeen City Council by recall?
We have 317 for removing himfrom office and 264 for removing
(38:39):
him from office.
So even though this was hislast seat or his last term his
term expires this election orhis last term, his term expires
this election he was recalledand removed by voters from
office.
So he did put out a statement,a couple of statements about
(39:01):
this and there's a lot ofarticles and a lot of back and
forth between the person thatbrought the petition forward,
former council member MelissaBrown, and then obviously
Michael Boyd, council memberBoyd's statements on that Also
what we were watching.
(39:22):
We had Colleen ISD.
We had Colleen ISD placed two,incumbent.
Susan Jones won.
She got 2,151 votes versusBrianna Sunshine Harrelson she
(39:42):
got 1,672 votes.
Also for Colleen ISD placedthree Oliver Mintz, incumbent,
got 2,116 votes and Lan Cartergot 1,805 votes.
So both of those challengers Iappreciate them stepping up and
(40:09):
running.
I know Ms Harrelson, she's ranbefore and Lan Carter has ran
and I obviously supported Lanand voted for her, had her on
the show, but I do know that Lanwill be back.
Like I said, she's a fierceadvocate for public education
(40:30):
and for kids, so I don't seethat diminishing any time soon.
So a bunch of other electionshappened throughout the county
that we were watching, but inHarker Heights Harker Heights in
the news Harker Heights hassome new council members.
(40:53):
There was one open seat placeone because that incumbent was
term limited, and Brian Burtcame out on top top vote getter.
And Brian Burt came out on toptop vote getter 811 votes for
Brian Burt.
Anson Booker got 489 votes andCandace Schoaf got 124.
(41:17):
So, brian Burt, congratulations, look forward to working with
you.
And then we have Harker HeightsCity Council.
Place three incumbent TonyCantorino lost.
I repeat, tony Cantorino lostplace three to Jesse Miles, a
(41:43):
newcomer.
Uh, we have uh Jesse coming outon top with 785 votes uh versus
Tony canarino's six 51.
So definitely, uh, I lookforward uh to working with both
Jesse uh and Brian and your newpositions, parker right City
(42:05):
Council.
There was also one other racethat was real interesting that
it was.
So, if you know, if you'relistening to this, there is CJ
Grisham.
He is a local activist, gunrights activist, been doing it
(42:25):
for a long time.
He's an agitator of bothRepublicans and Democrats, I
think.
But he ran for Temple CityCouncil, district 1, against
incumbent Jessica Walker andJessica Walker won pretty
handedly.
Pretty handedly.
(42:46):
She got 357 votes to CJGrisham's 95 votes, so 79%
versus 21% of the vote.
So that was interesting towatch, interesting to hear about
(43:13):
and follow.
But anyways, like I said, wehave a lot going on this week.
We got budget stuff going onand I definitely want to keep
you informed of of that.
I plan on having town hallsgetting people involved in their
County budgeting to understandhow we do it, what we do, and so
(43:40):
, yeah, you keep an eye out,you're out for for those
opportunities to get involvedand we will talk to you later.
We'll be you next time.
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