The Terry County Commissioners Court held a brief regularly scheduled meeting on Monday morning. After the invocation and pledges, the Court proceeded with the agenda. There were no public comments. The minutes from previous meetings were approved, and the bills were authorized for payment.
The Court reviewed and approved the retention of the law firm of Allison, Bass and Magee, LLP, as legal counsel to assist with alternative energy tax abatements. The resolution also authorizes the County Judge to execute retainer agreements for these services. This legal assistance pertains to Sundown Wind, LLC, and Caprock Solar, LLC. The motion was unanimously approved.
The Court will next approve the proposed 2026 Terry County Budget. However, the Court did not disclose the details of the proposed budget during the meeting. Following this, the Court approved the proposed property tax rate. According to Terry County Judge Tony Serbantez, the proposed tax rate is $0.798767 per $100 of valuation. If approved in September, this tax rate will be an increase from the previous rate of $0.715500 per $100 of valuation.
The Court proceeded to hear a presentation from Donny Dingus regarding the Terry County Airport Board’s proposal for a Routine Airport Maintenance Program (RAMP) Grant. This grant, offered by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), includes a state funding match of $100,000 per airport for the current fiscal year, which starts on September 1st.
For this program, the local government must provide a 10% match of the actual costs, in addition to covering any expenses exceeding the $100,000 total. The RAMP program allows for “lower cost” improvements on both the airside and landside of the airport, which will require prior approval and guidance from TxDOT Aviation before any project commences. These improvements may extend beyond simple maintenance and can include new or additional work items.
Examples of eligible projects include constructing entrance roads to the airport, paving public parking lots, installing security fencing, and replacing rotating beacons. TxDOT will determine the eligibility of specific items, with airside improvements given top priority before assistance is requested for landside maintenance and enhancements. This agenda item was for information only.
The following item on the agenda was for informational purposes only. Judge Serbatez informed the Court about the Unclaimed Property Capital Credits for Counties program. This program allows electric cooperatives that have lost contact with former customers to report capital credits to the Comptroller’s office as unclaimed property. Under Texas law, counties can claim a portion of these unclaimed capital credits originating from their jurisdiction and use the funds for specific programs. In April 2025, Terry County received $6,330 as part of this initiative.
The final item of business was for informational purposes only. Judge Serbantez informed the Court that the county had received funding from the Texas Indigent Defense Commission (TIDC). This funding helps protect liberty by ensuring that Texas and its 254 counties provide the right to counsel guaranteed by the United States and Texas Constitutions. Terry County received $21,560.00.
