WASHINGTON CO. SEEING RISE IN ILLEGAL DUMPING

  

Washington County officials are reporting a noticeable uptick in illegal dumping cases.

County Engineer Wesley Stolz told commissioners at their meeting today (Tuesday) that environmental staff members have been picking up hundreds of tires dumped in the eastern side of the county, particularly around Mt. Falls School Road, Pickens Road, Lone Star Road and Sweed Road. 

Stolz said department officials have attended illegal dumping training coordinated by the Brazos Valley Council of Governments (BVCOG) to better understand the regulations for illegal dumping, as well as the options available for enforcement and how to discourage the activity through effective punishment.  He said the issue is actively being investigated in order to help put a stop to the dumping, which he said is costly, time-consuming and “a back-breaker.”

Stolz encouraged anyone who sees activity like this occurring to reach out to their local law enforcement agency, as the offense is easier to prosecute when the perpetrator is caught in the act. 

The dumping cases have led to one positive effect: Stolz said the county has been able to find new, more cost-efficient ways of disposing tires that are saving thousands of dollars in cleanup expenses.

Commissioner Misti Hartstack Corn said the existing levels of fines, some of which are set by statute, do not seem to be enough to deter the dumping activity, so she hopes to work with law enforcement and department heads to see what more can be done.  Commissioner Kirk Hanath wished the sheriff’s office and county attorney’s office luck in stopping and prosecuting the offenders, saying, “Taxpayers should not have to pay for this garbage.”

Also in Stolz’ quarterly report, he announced that the Engineering and Development Services Department is now fully switched over to its new fleet vehicles after transitioning away from leasing vehicles through Enterprise.

During the quarterly report of Expo Director Harrison Williams, he stated that work at the rodeo arena is now complete, along with revisions for the pens and remodeling at Barn #1.  He also gave details about a fleet program started by the Extension and 4-H Office that was assigned to manage the top users of the county’s fleet vehicles and their mileage costs.  According to Williams, from May to August, the program was able to save the county $8,760, and it has also been able to save on yearly operational overhead expenses.

In action items, the court approved the purchase of four Chevrolet Tahoes, related upfitting services and four WatchGuard in-car camera systems.  The purchase, which comes out to $301,745, utilizes funds from Senate Bill 22, which created a state grant program to provide financial assistance to eligible sheriff’s offices, constable’s offices, and county and district attorney’s offices in rural counties.

Commissioners also accepted a donation from Bluebonnet Materials, LLC in the amount of $3,915, which will go toward reinforcing Mt. Falls School Road and Pickens Road.  Hartstack Corn thanked Bluebonnet Materials for their collaboration and this “generous” donation, saying they have shown to be a “good neighbor” to the residents living in that area.

Later, commissioners approved subscription purchases for TextMyGov community engagement software and OptiMap and OptiDesign broadband software, as well as hardware and software for the Imprivata secure access system.  The TextMyGov software costs $12,000 for the first year, which includes a $4,000 implementation fee, and $8,000 for the next two years.  The OptiMap and OptiDesign software, to be used for the county’s broadband initiative, includes a $16,856 license fee and $4,005 per year for access and use of the software.  The Imprivata purchases, which are for multi-factor authentication with the county’s computer-aided dispatch and record management system, will be $50,000 for the first year – including the cost of the associated materials and implementation – and under $12,000 for the second and third years.

In other business, commissioners:

• Held a workshop to receive an update from the county’s strategic planning firm, Strategic Government Resources.
• Approved an order of appointment for election judges and alternate judge replacements. 
• Approved the hiring of a temporary human resources administrative assistant for a pay rate exceeding the 6 percent allowable amount in accordance with county policy.
• Agreed to authorize Washington County to become a member of The GoodBuy purchasing cooperative.
• Approved a final plat for the Maroon Meadows subdivision, consisting of nine lots along Old Phillipsburg Lane in Precinct 2.
• Acknowledged receipt of the district judge’s order certifying the budget of the Washington County Auditor’s Office for Fiscal Year 2026.
• Acknowledged receipt of the district judge’s order relating to the compensation of the official court reporters for Fiscal Year 2026.
• Read a proclamation declaring the month of September as Suicide Prevention Month in Washington County.
• Received formal notices from Industry Communications for two new service line installations across the county right-of-way of Schoenemann Road in Precinct 4.  No action was needed.

Commissioners will meet again tomorrow (Wednesday) at 9 a.m. at the Washington County Courthouse for a budget workshop.