The Terry County Commissioners Court met Monday morning, May 12, 2025. After the call to order, the invocation, pledges, public comment (there were none), approving the minutes from the previous meeting, and approving to pay the bills, the Court began to work the rest of the agenda.
The Court reviewed and approved the monthly reports from the County Clerk, District Clerk, County Judge, Justice of the Peace, Agri-Life Extension, and the Sheriff’s Dept.
The Court proceeded to review the burn ban that was approved on April 2, 2025. Terry County Judge Tony Serbantez recommended lifting the ban due to the recent precipitation the county had received. He noted that many residents in the rural areas needed to burn tree limbs, brush, and trash. The Court voted 4-0 in favor of lifting the burn ban.
Next, the Court heard from Terry County Treasurer Andrea Perry regarding the depository contract with Prosperity Bank. Perry stated that there would be no changes, as the terms had not altered since Prosperity Bank took over Lone Star State Bank. The Court voted to approve a two-year contract extension with Prosperity Bank.
Then, Ken Reeder, the President of the Interfaith Center Thrift Store located at 101 S. D Street, was invited to provide an update on the organization. Reeder requested volunteers to help with their workload and emphasized the ongoing need for community contributions to the center. The Court moved to accept his report.
Wellman Fire Chief James Harlan was the next to address the Court. He reported on the Wellman Volunteer Fire Department, stating that there are currently 12 active members. Harlan shared that the department has three military trucks for grass fires, one military tanker for hauling water, a pumper truck obtained from Seminole, and a truck provided through the forestry service. This last vehicle is their main truck and is equipped with rescue tools for house and grass fires. Harlan expressed gratitude for the county’s financial support for the department. The Court accepted his report.
The Court also provided an update on the Pecan Ridge Subdivision, Section 89, Block T.D. and W. RY, Co. Survey. The discussion was minimal, with Precinct 2 Commissioner Richard Cavazos asking (while looking at a document or map) if all the wells in the area had been drilled this year. Judge Serbantez confirmed that they had, prompting Cavazos to exclaim, “Wow.” Precinct 4 Commissioner Ernesto Elizardo remarked, “That’s a lot of wells in the same area.” After further discussion, Judge Serbantez requested approval of the water study, which passed with a 4-0 vote.
Item #10 involved reviewing and considering the approval of fireworks sales in Terry County for the Memorial Day period, which will run from May 21, 2025, to May 26, 2025. During the Commissioners Court meeting on March 24, 2025, the Court voted to deny the sale of fireworks during the San Jacinto Day holiday period.
In 2023, the Texas 88th Legislature revised the law to give the Texas Department of Insurance oversight over the sale and use of fireworks in Texas. Additionally, county commissioners now have the discretion to decide whether to allow fireworks sales for specific holidays, including Texas Independence Day, San Jacinto Day, Memorial Day, and Diwali. Previously, the county judge held the authority to permit or prohibit the sale and use of fireworks.
Mandy Kumpe, who operates Firework Inc. (formerly Mike & Wanda’s Fireworks), attended the meeting. She briefly addressed the Court, noting that certain types of “finned” fireworks are illegal in Texas and have been a cause of fires when sold and launched.
The Court approved and adopted the order to authorize the sale of fireworks in Terry County.
Following that, the Court approved an application for soil conservation work located at 711 US Highway 385 in Precinct #3. They also agreed to move the next meeting from Memorial Day, May 26th, to Tuesday, May 27th. The meeting was then adjourned.