Freestone County Commissioners unanimously voted to approve an Interlocal Cooperative Agreement between Falls and Freestone counties for the housing and care of inmates at the cost of $80 per inmate per day during their May 21, 2025, regularly scheduled meeting. This is the latest in several new agreements with neighboring counties to house the overflow of inmates being detained by Freestone County.

Sheriff Jeremy Shipley recently stated that the jail has reached and stays at capacity and other options for housing them are needed.

Reinvestment Zone 2A was approved unanimously as well. This plan will attach to the original Investment Zone 2. It consists of 1,430 acres in the Teague ISD area. It will be a 300-mw solar generation facility with an additional 100-mw battery energy storage system. Projected Capital for this project is $460,500,00with a $10,000 up-front payment and a yearly PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) $422,000. Project completion is slated for Dec. 31, 2027.

Up for discussion was the leaking courthouse roof. It was stated that after heavy rain a couple of weeks ago, that ceiling plaster had fallen and that there was water damage around the courthouse. With the possibility of a historical restoration beginning in the near future, Commissioners debated whether to fix the roof now or if they could wait until restoration. Or if they fix it now, would the restoration grant cover that cost. It was decided that they will need to speak with the Historical Commission, as well as get updated bids for work before voting one way or the other on this matter.

Also, during this meeting, Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the following items:

–Minutes from April 28 and May 7 meetings

–Pay Bills

–Payroll

–Budget Transfers and Amendments

–Acceptance of reports from District Court (April) and JP 3 (April)

–Special road use agreements, contracts, permits, and bonds

–Bonds and education certificates of County Officials and Employees

–Adding Kali Barco to Freestone County Bank Accounts

–Plat or replat of the Teague Ranch Land Company, LLC part of the Robert P. Kelly Survey A-351, Tracts 1 through 12. Commissioner McSwane abstained from the vote due to his wife’s work on the project. All others approved.

–JAVS Maintenance Contract for August 1, 2025, through July 31, 2026, for the District Courtroom Sound System for $5,622

–Award bid for sale of Real Estate on FCR 300 – S. Sanchez A-33; Parcel #42498 in the amount of $13,000 (only bid received).

–Policy for Auditor’s View Only Access to Financial Systems on the new county-wide network

–Addendum to LGS Contract and elected office signatures to allow increased video storage space for the DA’s office, public view stations at the County Clerk’s office, and adding the view only access for the County Auditor.

–Purchase of a 2025 Mack Pinnacle P164T Truck through Buyboard in the amount of $156,634.00 for Pct. 4 Road and Bridge department

–TexPool Resolution Amending Authorized Representatives

–Memorandum of Understanding on the Electronic Recording Agreement and contingent on the 1295 Form
Freestone County Commissioners Court is held on the first and third Wednesday of each month beginning at 9:00 p.m. in the Commissioners Courtroom at the Courthouse.

For more information, call 903-389-3335.