Caldwell County Commissioners discussed an external financial audit, the burn ban and the addition of a virtual court kiosk at the Veteran Services Office at its May 13, 2025 regular meeting.

(Pictured l-r: Pct. 1 Commissioner B.J. Westmoreland, Pct. 2 Commissioner Rusty Horne, County Judge Hoppy Haden, Pct. 3 Commissioner Ed Theriot, Pct. 4 Commissioner Dyral Thomas)

Next meeting

Tuesday, May 27

Commissioners accept external financial audit

Commissioners voted unanimously to accept the Fiscal Year 2024 external financial audit for Caldwell County.

External audits are performed by independent certified public accounting firms and provide assurance to the public, government agencies, and potential lenders that the county's financial data is presented fairly and accurately. 

Armstrong, Vaughan and Associates conducted the county’s external audit and said the county’s financial statements fairly presented its financial position, cash flow and aggregate remaining fund information.

“I’m happy to report your audit is getting better and better,” said Debbie Fraser, director of nonprofits for Armstrong, Vaughan and Associates. “You have done a lot of work to get to where you are from three years ago. I want to thank the county auditor and the county treasurer for their efforts.”

Read the full report here.

Burn ban reinstated

The Caldwell County Commissioners Court voted to reinstate the countywide burn ban at the recommendation of Caldwell County Chief EMC Hector Rangel.

Rangel cited recent fires, high winds, several days of upcoming 100-degree-plus temperatures and a lack of rainfall for the next two weeks as reasons for his recommendation.

Outdoor burning is strictly prohibited until further notice.

Veteran Services Office to get virtual court kiosk

Commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding from Texas Legal Services, which is placing a Veteran Connection Center Kiosk in the Caldwell County Veteran Services Office.

The virtual court kiosks may be used by veterans to attend their online court hearings, get free legal help, or find legal information and resources.

The kiosk will be placed at the VSO office at no cost to the county.

Veteran Services Coordinator Sara Love said the kiosk would be placed in a secondary room within the VSO to provide privacy for users.

“This will help us bridge the digital divide,” Love said.

Other Action

Commissioners:

• Approved the preliminary replat of Carpol Subdivision, Lot 4, which includes seven lots on approximately 8.4 acres at Spoke Hollow Road and Political Road.
• Approved the short form plat for Plant Acres, which includes 2 lots on 10.9 acres at Thompson Road and FM 1854.
• Approved a proclamation declaring May 2025 as Caldwell County’s Fair Housing Month.
• Approved a resolution supporting the county’s request for unclaimed property capital credits. Electric cooperatives that have lost contact with a previous customer sometimes report capital credits to the Comptroller’s office as unclaimed property. Texas law allows counties to claim a portion of unclaimed capital credits originating from their county and use them for specific programs, including economic development, arts, and education.
• Authorized the County Judge to sign and execute a proposal from MarmonMok Architecture for facility programming and concept design services. The design firm will work with the county to explore ideas for adding additional office space that could include building a new facility or adding offices within the Caldwell County Justice Center.
• Approved the final draft and solicitation for design and planning consultants regarding the 2024 Road Bond. The request for qualifications (RFQ) pertains to building the county’s pool of engineers before work begins.
• Approved a deposit to Good Neighbor Lawn and Landscaping for tree trimming, lawn and landscaping work at the Caldwell County Courthouse.
• Approved a resolution regarding the county’s civil rights policies, which are required to receive awards through the Texas General Land Office Community Development Block Grant – Mitigation Method of Distribution Program.

These are a summary of highlights of the May 13, 2025 Commissioners Court Meeting. Full agendas and official minutes of the meetings are available on the Agenda, Minutes and Video page.