Caldwell County Commissioners approved professional services agreements for design services on Caldwell County Road Bond projects and discussed participation in the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System, the burn ban, subdivisions and grant applications at their December 23, 2025 regular meeting.

Next meeting

Thursday, January 8

County approves participation in IPAWS

Commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding between Caldwell County and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for participation in the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS).

IPAWS (Integrated Public Alert and Warning System) is FEMA's national system for sending authenticated, life-saving emergency alerts and warnings to the public through multiple channels, including cell phones (WEA), radio, TV (EAS), and the internet, allowing local, state, tribal, and federal authorities to quickly inform communities about threats like natural disasters, missing persons, or public safety emergencies.

The system allows authorities to send alerts to specific geographic areas, ensuring people get relevant information through trusted, authenticated messages.  

Agencies send messages through IPAWS by creating alerts in a standardized format (CAP) using approved software.

Burn Ban extended

Commissioners voted to leave the burn ban on for another two weeks at the recommendation of the Caldwell County Office of Emergency Management. Chief EMC Hector Rangel said the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) that measures ground conditions was at an average of 613 for the county, above the 575 drought threshold, and that there was little chance of rain in the forecast. Under the ban, all outdoor burning is prohibited.

Other Action

Commissioners:

• Approved a Chapter 381 economic development incentive agreement with Sensei Ag Holdings Inc. to support the City of Lockhart and the Lockhart Economic Development Corporation’s effort to attract the company to the community. The company has purchased the warehouse and greenhouse facilities at 1205 Reed Drive in Lockhart that was formerly occupied by Iron Ox, where it will grow a variety of fresh produce under the Sensei Farms Brand. Under the agreement, Caldwell County will provide performance-based incentives tied to job creation, wage levels, and capital investment. Incentive payments are contingent upon the company meeting established benchmarks and are capped over the life of the agreement to ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Appointed Jeremy Driver to the ESD #5 Board of Commissioners.
• Executed two work authorizations for Caldwell County Road Bond projects. Agreements were approved between the county and Pape-Dawson Consulting Engineers for the William Pettus Road project and American Structurepoint, Inc. for the SH 142 West Project.

This is a brief summary of discussion and action highlights of the December 23, 2025 regular commissioners court meeting. See full agendas and official meeting minutes and watch full video of the meetings here.