Caldwell County Commissioners discussed an order to authorize the issuance of bonds, a safety action plan related to future grant applications and the burn ban at its June 10, 2025 regular meeting.
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(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)
Commissioners authorize bond issue
Caldwell County has taken the first step toward accessing funding for transportation infrastructure projects voters approved last year.
Voters in November 2024 approved the issuance of up to $150 million in bonds that will be used to fund projects aimed at improving safety and mobility in Caldwell County. The projects include improvements to county roads, bridges and low water crossings as well as design work and future transportation studies.
Commissioners on Tuesday approved an order that authorizes the issuance of Caldwell County, Texas General Obligation Bonds, Series 2025 and levies an annual Ad Valorem tax for debt service associated with the bonds.
The first bond issuance will allow the county to borrow approximately $55.7 million in funding to get projects underway. The initial issuance amount is based on an increase in the county’s Interest and Sinking (I&S) tax rate of four cents per $100 property valuation to pay for debt service, or the principal and interest payments of the loan.
The county will have access to the funds when the sale closes on July 1.
Road to Zero, Safety Action Plan adopted
Commissioners adopted a plan that identifies the county’s most deadly roads and intersections and meets a prerequisite for federal funding for projects to make them safer.
The plan – which was approved in coordination with the county’s Road to Zero goal, which aims to have no traffic-related deaths or serious injuries by 2050 — identified eight corridors and seven intersections that have accounted for 84 fatal and serious injury crashes in Caldwell County between 2019-2023.
During that time frame, there have been 4,293 crashes with 63 fatalities and 222 people who were seriously injured.
A safety action plan is a requirement to apply for funding for the federal Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) implementation grants, a discretionary grant program authorized by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Caldwell County plans to apply for grant funding through the program. Applications are due June 26.
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- Approved the Caldwell County Environmental Protocol related to county-funded road improvement projects, including those that fall under the 2024 Road Bond. Environmental reviews and compliance protocols are put in place to ensure projects comply with relevant environmental laws and regulations, minimizing potential negative impacts on the environment and human health. The process analyzes the project's effects on the environment, people, and the site itself, and ensures that any necessary mitigation measures are implemented.
- Voted to leave the burn ban off.
- Approved the final plat for OCLR Acres consisting of five lots on approximately 10.010 acres on Old Colony Line Road at FM 86.
- Tabled action on the Rules of Procedure, Conduct and Decorum for All Commissioners Court meetings. The proposed document covers state-mandated changes to posting requirements as well as considers potential updated rules for dress code, conduct and discussion/action items.
- Approved a proclamation recognizing June 19, 2025 as Juneteenth, commemorating the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas.
- Approved an amendment to a resolution that authorizes the county to apply for the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority FY 2026 SB 224 Catalytic Converter Grant, which provides funding for Texas law enforcement agencies to combat catalytic converter theft.