#WichitaCounty
LightNews LightNews
citizenptnewsks.bsky.social
Wichita County is investing nearly $2.74 million to overhaul its aging Law Enforcement Center's security system after repeated failures threaten public safety.

Click to read more!

#WichitaCounty #KS #CitizenPortal #SecurityOverhaul #WichitaCountyPublicSafety #VendorAgnostic #CivicAccountability
Wichita County court approves roughly $2.74 million security overhaul for Law Enforcement Center
Wichita County commissioners voted 4‑0 to approve Digi quote #023193 and authorize up to about $2.743 million for replacement of servers, cameras and door controllers at the county Law Enforcement Center, citing repeated failures of the current proprietary system and state security requirements.
citizenportal.ai
September 27, 2026 at 1:40 AM
texasforwardparty.bsky.social
Wichita Falls’ energy meets Clarendon’s quiet strength. Texans everywhere are building community.

Full series found here ➟ texasforwardparty.org/counties-x-t...
Link to match up in comments below ⤵︎

#CountiesAcrossTexas #ForwardParty #ForwardTexas #WichitaCounty #DonleyCounty #WeLoveTexas
City on the Prairie & Quiet Western Crossroads Wichita County and Donley County illustrate how Texas communities adapt in different ways to economic shifts and changing demographics. Wichita County, home to Wichita Falls, blends military presence, manufacturing, healthcare, and arts. Donley County, anchored by Clarendon, moves at a quieter pace rooted in ranching, history, and rural main streets. One county works to grow and diversify a mid-size metro economy; the other works to preserve services that keep rural life possible. Both reflect the Texas value of meeting challenges with collaboration and community strength.
November 30, 2025 at 5:30 PM
citizenptnewstx.bsky.social
Wichita County commissioners are grappling with a staggering $220,000 hospital bill for an inmate, but the real costs could soar even higher when hidden expenses are factored in.

Get the details!

#WichitaCounty #TX #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #WichitaCountyInmates #BudgetaryPressures
Commissioners discuss a roughly $220,000 inmate hospital bill and budget pressures
During the May 15 meeting, commissioners reviewed a large inmate hospital charge tied to UT Southwestern and discussed the cascading costs—transportation, lodging and overtime—that can drive county expenses far above the base hospital bill.
citizenportal.ai
May 17, 2026 at 1:23 AM
citizenptnewstx.bsky.social
Wichita County elections staff are urging voters to check their registration status as early voting kicks off Tuesday, amidst rising concerns over costly party mailings and provisional voting rules.

Learn more here!

#WichitaCounty #TX #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #ElectionTransparency
County elections staff clarifies mail-ballot rules amid concerns about party mailings
Elections staff told the court early voting starts Tuesday, that voters do not need a new registration card to vote, and that party mailings of annual mail-ballot applications (targeted at people 65+) came from parties not the county; commissioners raised concerns about county administrative costs when parties' mailings generate extra mailings and provisional voting work.
citizenportal.ai
February 16, 2026 at 2:24 PM
citizenptnewstx.bsky.social
Wichita County Commissioners have just approved a major voter-mailing contract and roof repairs for the Law Enforcement Center while putting bids for mortuary transport on hold—what does it mean for the community?

Get the details!

#WichitaCounty #TX #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal
Commissioners approve voter-mailing contract and LEC roof repair; mortuary transport bids taken under advisement
The Wichita County Commissioners Court approved an AMG printing quote for voter-registration mailings and a $24,300 roof repair for the Law Enforcement Center, while taking mortuary transport and indigent disposition bids under advisement for two weeks. The court also approved regular bills and amended minutes.
citizenportal.ai
February 16, 2026 at 7:15 AM
citizenptnewstx.bsky.social
Wichita County just approved a 6% payment rate that could unlock millions in federal funding for local hospitals, transforming healthcare access in the community!

Learn more here

#WichitaCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #WichitaCountyHealthcare #CommunitySupport #HealthcareFunding #MedicaidAssistance
Wichita County approves 6% mandatory hospital payment rate to unlock federal match
The Commissioners Court approved a resolution setting a 6% mandatory payment rate for the Wichita County Healthcare Provider Participation Program, a local tax-to-match mechanism designed to bring federal funds to cover uncompensated care; United Regional's CFO told commissioners the 6% cap maximizes federal matching dollars.
citizenportal.ai
February 16, 2026 at 4:37 AM
citizenptnewstx.bsky.social
Wichita County Commissioners just made crucial decisions, approving a new online training contract and selecting a design-build firm for the Burkburnett annex, all with unanimous support!

Get the details!

#WichitaCounty #TX #CommunityDevelopment #WichitaCountyCommissioners #PublicSafety
Wichita County commissioners approve training contract, regular bills and select design‑build for annex
The Wichita County Commissioners Court approved an online training contract, cleared routine bills and minutes, and selected GB Construction for a Burkburnett annex design‑build contract; all recorded motions passed unanimously, 5–0.
citizenportal.ai
January 8, 2026 at 3:48 PM
citizenptnewstx.bsky.social
Shaw County's Treasurer reveals a significant boost in cash flows and a strategic plan to enhance investment management—are they paving the way for a financial turnaround?

Click to read more!

#WichitaCounty #TX #InvestmentStrategy #CashManagement #FinancialTransparency #CitizenPortal
Treasurer reports improved November balances, interest receipts and plans to solicit investment-adviser bids
County Treasurer reported stronger November cash balances, interest earnings in pools and one large December 2023 deposit that affected prior-year graphs. Treasurer said the county will issue an RFQ for investment-adviser bids while continuing conservative cash-management to safeguard county funds.
citizenportal.ai
December 25, 2025 at 9:51 AM
citizenptnewstx.bsky.social
Wichita County is taking bold steps to tackle a critical shortage of prosecutors, reallocating salaries to attract new talent and prevent a backlog in justice.

Learn more here

#WichitaCounty #TX #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal #BudgetReform #WichitaCountyProsecutors #CivicAccountability
Wichita County approves reallocation of DA salaries to address prosecutor vacancies
After an hours-long debate, the Wichita County Commissioners Court approved a budget-neutral reallocation that eliminates several budgeted positions and raises other salary lines to try to recruit and retain prosecutors, following testimony that roughly 38% of prosecution slots were unfilled.
citizenportal.ai
December 25, 2025 at 9:44 AM
citizenptnewstx.bsky.social
Wichita County is gearing up for a major shift in fuel purchasing, aiming to save millions by adapting to a new state law that exempts them from motor-fuel taxes—will P-cards be the key to unlocking these savings?

Click to read more!

#WichitaCounty #TX #FiscalResponsibility #LocalGovAI
Wichita County weighs P-card rollout after state exempts counties from motor-fuel tax
County officials discussed a July 1, 2025 state law that exempts counties from a 20¢/gallon motor-fuel tax and examined options — point-of-sale exemption, Comptroller refunds, and broader use of P-cards — to recover revenue and tighten tracking for 2026 procurement.
citizenportal.ai
December 16, 2025 at 9:31 PM
citizenptnewstx.bsky.social
Wichita County is considering a groundbreaking $165 million solar project that promises to create jobs and ensure safety, but will it get the green light?

Click to read more!

#WichitaCounty #TX #RenewableEnergy #WichitaCountySolar #JobCreation #EnvironmentalSafety #CitizenPortal
Wichita County holds public hearing on proposed $165 million Nymphaea Solar project; developers pledge safety measures
Wichita County Commissioners heard a presentation and public Q&A on a proposed 100 MW solar farm with battery storage by Nymphaea Solar LLC. Developers outlined investment, job estimates and PILOT structure; commissioners pressed for details on hail, bird strikes near Sheppard Air Force Base, battery safety and decommissioning.
citizenportal.ai
December 16, 2025 at 6:10 PM
citizenptnewstx.bsky.social
Wichita County is stepping up its courthouse security with a new keyway policy and the potential for facial-recognition technology—what does this mean for access control?

Click to read more!

#WichitaCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CivicAccountability #AccessControl
Wichita County adopts security keyway policy and approves security change order with optional facial-recognition add-on
The commissioners adopted a security keyway policy covering suite-level rekeying, master keys, and audits, and later approved a $16,540.12 change order to Digi Security Systems for courthouse security; an optional $1,840.17 facial-recognition storage add-on was described as optional.
citizenportal.ai
November 24, 2025 at 5:33 AM
citizenptnewstx.bsky.social
Wichita County is gearing up for an exciting new project as commissioners approve an independent architect to oversee the design-build of the Burke Burnett Annex!

Get the details!

#WichitaCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #GovernmentTransparency #DesignBuild #CommunityInvestment
Wichita County selects independent architect to oversee Burke Burnett Annex design-build; motion passes 5–0
The commissioners approved hiring an independent architect/owner representative to prepare an RFQ and oversee the Burke Burnett Annex design-build project. The court selected Siblitigan Design Concepts Architects (motion was approved 5–0) and plans to publish the RFQ with the goal of selecting a design-build firm before year-end.
citizenportal.ai
November 15, 2025 at 11:33 PM
citizenptnewstx.bsky.social
Wichita County's treasurer just unveiled a strategy to optimize $17.5 million in agency bonds while ensuring liquidity and financial security for the future.

Learn more here!

#WichitaCounty #TX #PublicFinance #CitizenPortal #GovernmentTransparency #InvestmentStrategy #WichitaCountyFinance
Wichita County treasurer reports $17.5M in agency bonds, recommends maturity strategy
County Treasurer Steven Jones presented the second- and third-quarter 2025 investment report, detailing holdings including roughly $17.5 million in agency bonds, $2.7 million reserved for self-insurance, recent maturities and an incoming $1.4 million tax receipt. Jones said the county is staggering maturities to match low-cash periods and favoring
citizenportal.ai
November 5, 2025 at 11:38 AM
citizenptnewstx.bsky.social
Wichita County's AgriLife Extension is thriving with new programming, a growing 4-H membership, and an exciting slate of activities this fall!

Learn more here

#WichitaCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #AgriculturalEducation #WichitaCountyAgriLife #PublicHealth #YouthDevelopment
Wichita County AgriLife Extension reports membership growth, expanded programming and new Iowa Park facility
AgriLife Extension staff told the Wichita County Commissioners that 4‑H membership and volunteer ranks are stable, a new Iowa Park facility at 400 North Wall is in regular use, and the office is running a broad slate of youth, health and producer programs this fall.
citizenportal.ai
November 2, 2025 at 11:53 AM
citizenptnewstx.bsky.social
Wichita County commissioners have greenlit the purchase of 10 new sheriff's vehicles, committing $575,579 from the 2026 budget for enhanced law enforcement capabilities!

Learn more here

#WichitaCounty #TX #WichitaCountySheriffs #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #LawEnforcementUpfits
Wichita County authorizes purchase of 10 sheriff vehicles, budgets funds for 2026 delivery and upfits
The county approved purchase of 10 replacement vehicles for the sheriff’s office — to be paid from 2026 budgeted funds — totaling up to $575,579 with estimated additional upfit costs; commissioners voted 5-0.
citizenportal.ai
October 25, 2025 at 5:07 PM
citizenptnewstx.bsky.social
Wichita County deputies are set to gain limited immigration enforcement powers after a new agreement with ICE, raising questions about local policy changes and community impact.

Learn more here

#WichitaCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #WichitaCountyImmigration #CommunitySafety #ImmigrationPolicy
Wichita County approves memorandum with ICE to allow deputies limited immigration enforcement duties
The Wichita County Commissioners included a memorandum of agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on the consent agenda. The agreement would allow qualified county deputies to take limited immigration-enforcement actions after specified training; commissioners approved the consent agenda 5-0.
citizenportal.ai
October 25, 2025 at 5:04 PM
citizenptnewstx.bsky.social
Wichita County has renewed its partnership with Core Health Services, ensuring vital medical care for inmates amidst rising population concerns.

Read the full story

#WichitaCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #HealthCareAccess #CivicAccountability #WichitaCountyInmateHealth
Core Health Negotiates Staffing Levels Amid Inmate Lawsuit Concerns
Negotiations continue as Core Health addresses staffing and legal challenges in inmate care.
citizenportal.ai
October 7, 2025 at 3:49 PM
citizenptnewstx.bsky.social
Wichita County officials have chosen to stick with CoreHealth for inmate healthcare, prioritizing stability and proven care amidst budgetary concerns and staffing challenges.

Learn more here

#WichitaCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #HealthcareAccess #WichitaCountyJailHealthcare
County Commissioners Decide to Continue Partnership with CoreHealth for Jail Medical Services
Commissioners favor CoreHealth, citing quality care and staffing stability amid budget concerns.
citizenportal.ai
October 7, 2025 at 3:48 PM
citizenptnewstx.bsky.social
Wichita County Commissioners have approved a significant salary boost for court judges, raising their pay to $209,000 in response to new state legislation!

Get the details!

#WichitaCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #EmployeeEngagement #WichitaCountyJudicial #JudicialReform
County Court Judges' Salaries Increase Approved by Commissioners Ahead of September 1
Commissioners authorize budget amendment raising county court judges' salaries to $209,000 effective September 1.
citizenportal.ai
October 7, 2025 at 3:48 PM
citizenptnewstx.bsky.social
Wichita County officials just took pivotal steps to enhance health services and secure energy contracts, ensuring better operations and budgeting for the community.

Learn more here

#WichitaCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #BudgetTransparency #HealthServices #EnergyEfficiency
Commissioners Approve CoreHealth Proposal Renewal and Electricity Contract Addendum
Montgomery County commissioners greenlight CoreHealth renewal and authorize additional electricity meter contract.
citizenportal.ai
October 7, 2025 at 3:46 PM
citizenptnewstx.bsky.social
Wichita County is at a crossroads, deciding between two health service proposals that could reshape inmate care and impact local budgets by nearly half a million dollars.

Click to read more!

#WichitaCounty #TX #WichitaCountyJailHealth #BudgetTransparency #CitizenPortal #CivicAccountability
County evaluates CoreHealth and Texas Tech proposals for inmate health services contract
Commissioners discuss cost, staffing, and risks of CoreHealth and Texas Tech offerings.
citizenportal.ai
October 7, 2025 at 3:46 PM
citizenptnewstx.bsky.social
Wichita County is taking a bold step towards safety with a unanimous vote to enhance security at the Juvenile Justice Center, investing over $368,000 for a brighter, safer future.

Click to read more!

#WichitaCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunityDevelopment #FiscalResponsibility
Commissioners Approve Security Upgrade for Arthur R Tipps Juvenile Justice Center
Wichita County selects Digi for security installation at a cost of $368,933.77.
citizenportal.ai
September 27, 2025 at 7:50 AM
citizenptnewstx.bsky.social
Wichita County is taking bold steps to revolutionize health benefits for employees while tackling rising energy costs—could this be the change we've been waiting for?

Click to read more!

#WichitaCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #EnergyCostManagement #HealthCareAccess #EmployeeBenefits
Wichita County Court Reviews Employee Health Insurance Proposals for 2026 Rollout
County committee recommends EBC for self-funded health plan amid timing concerns for 2026.
citizenportal.ai
September 27, 2025 at 7:49 AM
citizenptnewstx.bsky.social
Wichita County is taking major steps to improve employee health benefits and enhance its courthouse, but what does this mean for the community's future?

Learn more here!

#WichitaCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureImprovement #CommunityDevelopment #PublicHealth
Wichita County approves landscaping and HVAC projects at courthouse
Commissioners authorize landscaping purchases and HVAC modifications at the Wichita County courthouse.
citizenportal.ai
September 26, 2025 at 7:54 PM