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Fannin County Judge Newt Cunningham introduced Savoy Mayor Roger Cada, and Dodd City Mayor and Pct. 4 Commissioner-elect Mike Keene in attendance.
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In public forum, Sharon Terry reminded residents that Fannin County will recognize the National Day of Prayer at noon on May 7, 2026 on the courthouse grounds.
Sarah Richardson expressed appreciation for the help the Lake Fannin Volunteers have received at Lake Fannin and asked if would be possible to blade the road leading to the lodge to prevent erosion.
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Routine items
Commissioners court approved payment of bills.
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Commissioners court approved minutes of previous meetings.
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Report of monies collected by the County Clerk’s office in March 2026; All Courts, $16,973.42 and Land Records, $36,391.75.
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Matt Brown of Allegiance Mobile Health presented the Emergency Medical Services Report for March 2026.
Brown reported 188 calls, with 157 transports, 25 people were treated at the scene and two calls were cancelled with EMS was en route.
The average response time was 11:27.
The longest response time was 31:04.
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The county's Indigent Healthcare Coordinator presented the Indigent Healthcare 2026 2nd Quarter Report.
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Discussion items
Commissioners court discussed an urgent need to quickly secure office space for Justice of the Peace Precinct 2.
Judge Cunningham suggested starting the process by contacting a real estate agent and seemed disturbed that two commissioners have already begun working to resolve the issue without first bringing it before the court.
"So, you want to hire a real estate agent and spend more money?" asked Pct. 1 Commissioner Troy Waggoner.
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Commissioners court discussed a county-owned tower currently being leased by American Tower.
The tower is being leased for approximately $1,200 per month, but American Tower has offered to purchase the tower for $605,000 if the company can expand the compound by 1,000 square feet and have a perpetual easement.
The county will study this situation before making a decision.
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Discussion and possible action items
Commissioners court voted to renew five (5) Brazos Belly Dump Trailer leases for all Commissioners, one (1) for Precincts 1, 2, 4 and two (2) for Precinct 3; $700 per month, per trailer, 6-month leases.
Commissioners will exchange current trailers for new trailers when inventory permits.
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Commissioners court voted to approve renewal of Sparklight contracts for county internet at a slight increase of $5 per month on a month-to-month basis for two buildings.
Frontier will provide internet at the Fannin County Justice Center.
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Commissioners court voted to approve iCrime Software for the Fannin County Constables at an annual cost of $750. Constables have the money in their budget.
Fannin County Criminal District Attorney John Skotnik weighed in on the discussion, saying, "Long term, this saves more money than it costs."
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Commissioners court voted to approve a Resolution authorizing 1) the creation of Cypress Point Public Improvement District, 2) authorizing a Dissolution Agreement and 3) resolving other matters in connection therewith.
The county's bond lawyer, Stephanie Leibe with Norton Rose Fulbright, and Mark McLiney, with SAMCO Capital Markets, will advise in the creation of the district and ensure this PID will be revenue-neutral for the county.
The PID will have three years to start construction.
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Commissioners court followed the recommendation of Leibe and McLiney and selected MuniCap as the county's Public Improvement District (PID) Administrator.
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Commissioners court voted to conditionally extend the completion date for the second access road at the Platinum Energy BESS facility near Savoy.
This means that Platinum Energy won't be required to pay $450,000 if the second access road isn't completed by the original deadline in July 2026. The project was delayed because a necessary easement was only secured from the City of Savoy on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
The amended deadline is October 5, 2026.
Commissioner Waggoner pointed out this is strictly meant to be a fire lane, and not for public access.
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Commissioners court voted to approve an Order designating County Roads 1505 and 1545 as restricted zones prohibiting thru truck traffic.
Heavy trucks have been using these roads as a bypass from FM 898 to U.S. 82.
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Commissioners court voted 4-1 to hold a public hearing at 8:50 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 regarding the renewal of Fannin County Tax Abatement Guidelines.
Savoy Mayor Roger Cada suggested considering the guidelines adopted in 2009.
"It's looking out for the public," Cada said of the 2009 agreement.
Judge Cunningham would have preferred holding a workshop and forming a committee of citizens to determine appropriate guidelines, and cast the opposing vote.
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Executive session(s) and action if needed
Pursuant to Texas Government Code, Section 551.071, Fannin County Commissioners Court entered into executive session at 10:39 a.m. to consult with their attorney regarding a possible opioid settlement.
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Commissioners court reconvened in open regular session at 10:55 a.m. to announce that the court approved the opioid settlement.
Court adjourned at 10:57 a.m.
