Howard County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Howard County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
County Floodplain Regulations and Permitting
The county still runs floodplain decisions off a 2013 order with no real permit process, leaving the judge to sign off on technical documents he says he doesn't understand; a $30,000 Halff system would fix that before development pressure (like a proposed I-20 retail project) hits.
25th Street Drainage Master Plan
Drainage plans for 25th Street — tied to a city engineering failure — will proceed at 60% design this year, with the remainder funded next year.
Cybersecurity Protection Renewal
The county is paying $37,735 for a year of cyber monitoring after grant funding ran out — officials noted it has already caught threats.
Lawsuit Against County Officials
A confusingly drafted lawsuit names county officials, the City of Big Spring, CAD, and others; the court approved spending taxpayer money on outside lawyers to respond.
Indigent Defense Funding
The annual state resolution keeps the county eligible to recoup roughly 7-8% of what it spends on court-appointed attorneys.
Library Grants for Community Programs
The library can now pursue annual grants for summer reading, literacy, STEM and cultural programs, keeping services going without leaning on taxpayers — though Judge Johnson objected to the Pokémon club grant.
Road Department Equipment and Bids
Road crews finished CR 54 and CR 12 work, and two unsold sheriff vehicles head back to auction; a new fleet manager position will professionalize vehicle management.
Library Renovation Project
The renovation is nearly done; the court approved final film work and a large payment to pay subcontractors, with a short punch list (paint touch-ups, speaker reinstall) still open.
Emergency Medical Services Interlocal & Grant Agreements
The county evaluated its current ambulance service contract with the City of Big Spring to support a state grant application, ensuring continuous emergency medical coverage.
2027 County Holiday Schedule
Following survey feedback from staff, commissioners adjusted the 2027 holiday schedule to give employees Thursday, December 23, and Friday, December 24 off for Christmas.