Smith County Court approves grants, law enforcement changes

Published 12:00 pm Wednesday, November 27, 2024

The Smith County Commissioners Court tackled a range of issues during its Nov. 26 meeting, focusing on healthcare access, law enforcement needs and community support.

The court approved a letter backing Family Circle of Care’s application for the Tyler Service Area Competition Funding Opportunity. This funding aims to enhance medical services for underserved populations in Tyler, Jacksonville and Athens.

As a Federally Qualified Health Center, Family Circle of Care operates six locations in Tyler, serving uninsured and low-income residents and this support will help them continue improving healthcare access and outcomes across the region.

The court also approved a $15,000 Public Service Grant for Meals on Wheels East Texas, designated for use between Oct. 1, 2024, and Sept. 30, 2025. This grant will assist in providing home-delivered meals to elderly and disabled individuals, ensuring some of the community’s most vulnerable residents have access to nutritious food.

In response to growing caseloads, the court approved reclassifying a vacant Criminalist position to a CID Sergeant at the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC).

This change is crucial for managing the rising number of Crimes Against Children and Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) cases. The Person’s Crimes Unit handled over 800 cases in 2023, up from 533 in 2021, and the CAC is currently dealing with a significant backlog.

By adding a dedicated CID Sergeant, the department aims to improve case management, support forensic interviews, and address staffing challenges without impacting the county budget.

Additionally, the court approved the 2025 Federal Equitable Sharing Agreement for the Smith County Criminal District Attorney’s Office. This agreement allows the office to continue participating in the federal asset forfeiture program, which funds law enforcement efforts through federally forfeited assets.

The court declared several surplus items, including office furniture, vehicle parts, and household appliances, to be auctioned online through GovDeals from Nov. 27 to Dec. 11. A viewing day is set for Dec. 6, with item pick-up scheduled for Dec. 13. Notable auction items include a KTM dirt bike and an electric fire hose dryer.

The court proclaimed Nov. 24 as “Nathaniel Fields, Sr. Day” to honor his service and contributions to the community.

Fields, a Vietnam War veteran awarded two Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart, worked at Tyler Pipe for 46 years and ran a successful photography business for three decades. The court encouraged residents to celebrate his 82nd birthday and acknowledge his ongoing community involvement.

The court also recognized several long-serving employees for their dedication. Verna Carroll from Pre-Trial Services was honored for 25 years of service, India Samuels from the Sheriff’s Office for 20 years and Haley Martinez from the Auditor’s Office and Davis Woudwyk from the District Attorney’s Office for 10 years each.