Nolan County Commissioners to Weigh Burn Ban, Infrastructure Bids at March 23 Meeting
Local governance takes center stage this coming Monday as the Nolan County Commissioner’s Court prepares for its next regular session. On March 23, 2026, at 9:00 A.M., County Judge Whitley May and the commissioners will gather at the County Courthouse to address a range of issues from public safety to essential infrastructure maintenance.
The meeting, officially noticed on March 17, follows the court's standard procedure of beginning with the pledges to both the United States and Texas flags.
Here is a breakdown of what citizens can expect from the upcoming session:
Public Safety and Community Recognition
High on the priority list is the potential reinstatement of the county-wide burn ban. Commissioners typically weigh this decision based on current drought indices and local weather forecasts to mitigate the risk of wildfires during dry or windy periods.
In addition to safety concerns, the court will recognize two significant community initiatives:
Soil and Water Stewardship Week: A proclamation to highlight the importance of natural resource conservation.
Child Abuse Prevention Month: A formal recognition aimed at increasing public awareness and supporting local prevention efforts.
Infrastructure and Competitive Bids
A significant portion of the morning will be dedicated to the "nuts and bolts" of county maintenance. The court is scheduled to open and potentially award bids for several essential materials used in road construction and fleet operations:
Fuel: Vital for the operation of county vehicles and heavy machinery.
Road Materials: This includes Grade 3 and 4 gravel, Flex base, and CRS/CRS2P.
Note: CRS (Cationic Rapid Set) and CRS2P are types of emulsified asphalt used primarily for "chip sealing" or surface treatments to extend the life of county roads.
Additionally, the court will consider a contract with West Techs for maintenance . . . . . . . .
Local governance takes center stage this coming Monday as the Nolan County Commissioner’s Court prepares for its next regular session. On March 23, 2026, at 9:00 A.M., County Judge Whitley May and the commissioners will gather at the County Courthouse to address a range of issues from public safety to essential infrastructure maintenance.
The meeting, officially noticed on March 17, follows the court's standard procedure of beginning with the pledges to both the United States and Texas flags.
Here is a breakdown of what citizens can expect from the upcoming session:
Public Safety and Community Recognition
High on the priority list is the potential reinstatement of the county-wide burn ban. Commissioners typically weigh this decision based on current drought indices and local weather forecasts to mitigate the risk of wildfires during dry or windy periods.
In addition to safety concerns, the court will recognize two significant community initiatives:
Soil and Water Stewardship Week: A proclamation to highlight the importance of natural resource conservation.
Child Abuse Prevention Month: A formal recognition aimed at increasing public awareness and supporting local prevention efforts.
Infrastructure and Competitive Bids
A significant portion of the morning will be dedicated to the "nuts and bolts" of county maintenance. The court is scheduled to open and potentially award bids for several essential materials used in road construction and fleet operations:
Fuel: Vital for the operation of county vehicles and heavy machinery.
Road Materials: This includes Grade 3 and 4 gravel, Flex base, and CRS/CRS2P.
Note: CRS (Cationic Rapid Set) and CRS2P are types of emulsified asphalt used primarily for "chip sealing" or surface treatments to extend the life of county roads.
Additionally, the court will consider a contract with West Techs for maintenance on the Nolan County Coliseum’s HVAC system. Keeping the Coliseum’s heating and cooling systems functional is a routine but critical expense for the county’s primary event venue.
Utilities and Administration
The commissioners will also review a road crossing agreement with Bitter Creek Water Supply. This agreement would allow the water utility to install or maintain infrastructure beneath County Roads 246 and 249, ensuring residential water access while maintaining road integrity.
Other administrative items on the docket include:
Approval of the March 9th meeting minutes.
Authorization for office supply purchases.
Receiving monthly reports from various department heads to track county performance.
The payment of claims, line-item transfers, and budget amendments as requested by the County Auditor to keep the county’s finances in balance.
The court reserves the right to enter into a closed executive session under Texas Government Code 551.074 should personnel matters require private deliberation.
SHS One Act Play Team Advancing Past District Competition
SISD Live Feed (https://www.sweetwaterisd.net/o/highschool/live-feed) - Our incredible One Act Play students competed at District yesterday and delivered an outstanding performance! Their hard work and dedication paid off as they brought home four individual awards and are advancing to the next round of contest!
Please help us celebrate these amazing students:
⭐ Best Performer Award – Halley Nixon
⭐ All Star Cast Award – Victor Bock
⭐ All Star Cast Award – Mckinley Wilson
⭐ All Star Crew Award – Valli West
We are so proud of this talented group for representing our school with excellence, creativity, and heart. Congratulations to the entire One Act Play team and their director!
SISD Live Feed (https://www.sweetwaterisd.net/o/highschool/live-feed) - Our incredible One Act Play students competed at District yesterday and delivered an outstanding performance! Their hard work and dedication paid off as they brought home four individual awards and are advancing to the next round of contest!
Please help us celebrate these amazing students:
⭐ Best Performer Award – Halley Nixon
⭐ All Star Cast Award – Victor Bock
⭐ All Star Cast Award – Mckinley Wilson
⭐ All Star Crew Award – Valli West
We are so proud of this talented group for representing our school with excellence, creativity, and heart. Congratulations to the entire One Act Play team and their director!
Sweetwater City Council Advances Infrastructure and Planning Initiatives (Minutes from February’s Meeting)
The Sweetwater City Council held a productive regular session on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at City Hall, tackling an agenda focused on long-term urban planning, public safety, and critical infrastructure improvements. Led by Mayor Jerod Peek, the council navigated a series of unanimous votes to modernize city ordinances and secure future funding for utility upgrades.
Modernizing the City's Blueprint
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the 2022 Comprehensive Plan and the city's legal zoning framework.
Future Land Use Map: Following a public hearing, the council approved an ordinance to amend the Future Land Use Map. This map serves as a visionary guide for how Sweetwater will grow, designating specific areas for residential, commercial, or industrial development.
Zoning Land Use Ordinance: In a related move, the council adopted a major update to the Zoning Land Use Ordinance. While the Comprehensive Plan is a vision, the Zoning Ordinance is the law that dictates building heights, density, and specific land usage.
Expert Testimony: Bester Munyaradzi, Director of Planning and Development Services, and Ashley Woolsey of Kendig Keast provided the technical background for these updates to ensure they align with modern development standards.
Strengthening Public Safety and Partnerships
The council also reviewed essential public safety reports and renewed vital emergency service agreements.
SPD Reports: Police Chief Cory Stroman presented the department's Racial Profile Annual Report, a state-mandated review ensuring transparency in law enforcement practices.
Ambulance Services: To ensure continued emergency medical coverage, the council approved an Interlocal Agreement for ambulance services between the City of Sweetwater and Nolan County. These agreements allow the city and county to share resources, providing a more efficient response for all residents.
Community Engagement: In a lighter moment, Officer Taven Berrie and local DECA students Allie Thompson and Sophia Vela introduced "Dasha's First Safety Book," featuring . . . . . . .
The Sweetwater City Council held a productive regular session on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at City Hall, tackling an agenda focused on long-term urban planning, public safety, and critical infrastructure improvements. Led by Mayor Jerod Peek, the council navigated a series of unanimous votes to modernize city ordinances and secure future funding for utility upgrades.
Modernizing the City's Blueprint
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the 2022 Comprehensive Plan and the city's legal zoning framework.
Future Land Use Map: Following a public hearing, the council approved an ordinance to amend the Future Land Use Map. This map serves as a visionary guide for how Sweetwater will grow, designating specific areas for residential, commercial, or industrial development.
Zoning Land Use Ordinance: In a related move, the council adopted a major update to the Zoning Land Use Ordinance. While the Comprehensive Plan is a vision, the Zoning Ordinance is the law that dictates building heights, density, and specific land usage.
Expert Testimony: Bester Munyaradzi, Director of Planning and Development Services, and Ashley Woolsey of Kendig Keast provided the technical background for these updates to ensure they align with modern development standards.
Strengthening Public Safety and Partnerships
The council also reviewed essential public safety reports and renewed vital emergency service agreements.
SPD Reports: Police Chief Cory Stroman presented the department's Racial Profile Annual Report, a state-mandated review ensuring transparency in law enforcement practices.
Ambulance Services: To ensure continued emergency medical coverage, the council approved an Interlocal Agreement for ambulance services between the City of Sweetwater and Nolan County. These agreements allow the city and county to share resources, providing a more efficient response for all residents.
Community Engagement: In a lighter moment, Officer Taven Berrie and local DECA students Allie Thompson and Sophia Vela introduced "Dasha's First Safety Book," featuring the department’s K9 to promote safety education among youth.
Infrastructure and City Maintenance
Action was taken to address both financial oversight and physical blight within the city.
Auditing Services: The council authorized City Manager Bryan Sheridan to enter into a contract with MWH Group, P.C. for independent auditing services. This annual process ensures the city's financial records are accurate and transparent.
Blight Removal: A bid from Red River Remediation was accepted for the demolition and remediation of structures at 110/112 and 114 West Broadway. "Remediation" typically involves the safe removal of hazardous materials, such as asbestos, before a structure is cleared for future use.
Water Upgrades: Council members voted to apply for funding from the Texas Water Development Board. These applications are critical for securing low-interest loans or grants to fund major improvements to the city's water and wastewater systems.
Administrative Updates
City Manager Bryan Sheridan concluded the meeting by highlighting several internal successes:
The city was officially awarded a Texas Community Development Block Grant.
Staff members were recognized for their hard work during recent winter storms.
City Hall is currently undergoing network upgrades to improve digital efficiency.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:02 a.m..
