The Sabine County Commissioners Court met in regular session Monday morning, Feb. 23, 2026, at the Commissioners Courtroom in Hemphill, opening with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance before moving through a full agenda of county business.

The court approved the minutes from its Feb. 9 meeting and received a series of departmental reports, including updates from the county treasurer, county clerk, district clerk, tax assessorcollector, and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Chanelle Svhela, Extension Agent, noted recent 4-H participation, highlighting Landon Simmons, who represented Sabine County at a district indoor archery competition in Carthage.

One of the more significant action items involved a Memorandum of Understanding between Sabine County, Preferred Hospital Leasing Hemphill Inc. (d/b/a Sabine County Hospital), and the county regarding billing requirements. County officials explained that delayed billing—stemming from a hospital software conversion—had resulted in charges dating back to May 2025 being sent to the sheriff’s office at one time. The new agreement requires billing to be submitted within 90 days, after which unpaid charges must be written off. The court unanimously approved the agreement.

Commissioners also approved renewal of the Affordable Care Act Reporting and Tracking Service through the Texas Association of Counties, allowing TAC to continue handling required employee insurance reporting and IRS filings.

Looking ahead to fiscal planning, the court set the 2027 budget workshop for the week of July 13. The multiday sessions will allow commissioners and department heads to work through budget requests prior to the start of the new fiscal year.

Community-focused items included approval for CASA to place pinwheels on the courthouse lawn and host a Child Abuse Awareness vigil on April 24 at 6 p.m. The court also proclaimed April as Child Abuse Awareness Month in Sabine County.

The auditor received approval to place surplus county equipment up for auction on govdeals.com, including a 2001 Dodge gas truck and a Galion Dresser 850 motor grader. The auction is scheduled to open March 9 for a 14-day period.

Commissioners also approved Change Order No. 4 related to the GLO CDBG Regional Mitigation project tied to Hurricane Harvey funding. County officials described additional road stabilization work in Precinct 1 and asphalt preparation underway in Precinct 4, noting positive feedback from residents who have experienced reduced dust and improved road conditions. Officials emphasized Sabine County’s progress in completing grant-funded projects ahead of many other jurisdictions.

A highlight of the meeting was a proclamation recognizing March 2026 as American Red Cross Month in Sabine County. Representatives from the American Red Cross addressed the court, praising local volunteers who have responded to more than 50 home fires this year and supported first responders during extended emergency operations. County Judge Daryl Melton formally presented the proclamation honoring the organization’s humanitarian work. Under tourism development, the court discussed hiring a tourism director. After reviewing candidates, commissioners agreed to readvertise the position as a contract labor role due to nepotism law restrictions affecting a full-time hire. The court approved moving forward with the contract labor approach while continuing the search process.

The meeting concluded with routine approval of accounts and salaries, followed by public comments and departmental updates. Officials shared positive reports on the county’s response to recent winter weather, noting minimal water outages, quick power restoration, and effective coordination among departments.

The court adjourned after completing all agenda items.