Caldwell County Commissioners discussed the burn ban, a resolution concerning immigration and a development agreement with Kinder Morgan while approving four proclamations.

(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)

Upcoming meetings

Tuesday, October 22

Tuesday, November 12

Tuesday, November 26

Commissioners vote to amend resolution concerning immigration

Caldwell County Commissioners have amended a resolution regarding a local state of disaster created to make the county eligible for potential state and federal aid that would help communities that are seeing population growth due to an influx of immigrants.

In response to feedback from the community, language in Resolution 3-2023, which was passed in December 2022, was amended to clarify the resolution’s purpose and the county’s understanding of concerns related to a growing non-citizen population.

The amended resolution acknowledges that an increase in the non-citizen population contributes to added pressure on law enforcement, health care resources, schools and infrastructure while striking language related to COVID-19 and concerns about preventing the spread of that disease.

Commissioners voted 4-1 during a roll call vote to pass the resolution with Pct. 4 Commissioner Dyral Thomas voting “no.”

Kinder Morgan development agreement, investment agreement approved

Commissioners voted to approve a development agreement with Kinder Morgan that will allow work to get underway on a new 7.9-mile natural gas pipeline that would branch from the 430-mile Permian Highway Pipeline that runs through Caldwell County.

The new pipeline will connect meter stations from the central part of the county to the southern part of the county. Commissioners also approved an investment agreement where Kinder Morgan will donate $350,000 to Caldwell County and to area school districts.

Kinder Morgan VP of Public Affairs Allen Fore said the project had a very short construction schedule and completion was expected in the first quarter of 2025.

Other Action

Commissioners also:

• Approved a proclamation recognizing October as Mediation Awareness Month.
• Approved a proclamation recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
• Approved the National 4-H Week Proclamation for Oct. 6-12.
• Approved the Texas Extension Education Association Proclamation for Oct. 6-12.
• Voted to leave the burn ban on.
• Ratified the budget amendment for the SB 22 Sheriff’s Office and Jail Stipend, which provides grant funding to supplement the budget for both departments.
• Approved a resolution authorizing the county to apply for a Community Development Block Grant from the Texas General Land Office to update its hazard mitigation plan.