Caldwell County Commissioners discussed outdoor flood warning sirens, the burn ban and grants related to traffic law enforcement at their January 8, 2026 regular meeting.
County begins path toward $1M in funding for flood warning sirens
The process of securing grant funding to place outdoor warning sirens to alert Caldwell County residents during floods has begun following action taken in commissioners court.
Caldwell County commissioners voted to approve an agreement between the county and the Texas Water Development Board to potentially secure up to $1 million in funding for new sirens to be installed in flood-prone areas.
The state funding is part of $50 million that was made available following legislation passed over the summer following deadly July floods that affected multiple communities in Central Texas.
Per the agreement, the county will need to submit approvable project plans to the board by Dec. 31, 2026.
Had a moment of silence for Caldwell County Pct. 3 Deputy Constable Aaron Armstrong, who was killed Jan. 4 while working security detail at an Austin nightclub.
Voted to keep the burn ban on at the recommendation of the Caldwell County Office of Emergency Management amid persistent dry conditions that make fire danger and wildfire risk high. The order prohibits all outdoor burning.
Voted to continue holding commissioners court meetings on the second floor of the Caldwell County Courthouse and to keep Pct. 3 Commissioner Ed Theriot as Judge Pro Tem. Both actions are annual housekeeping items traditionally addressed during the first regular meeting of a calendar year.
Voted to allow the county grants administrator to proceed with submitting applications for the FY 2027 Selective Traffic Enforcement grant program for Caldwell County Constable’s Offices in precincts 3 and 4. The grants, which require a county match of 15%, provide funding for overtime for specific traffic enforcement activities designed to reduce the number of crashes, injuries and fatalities on Texas roads.