The Potter County Commissioners’ Court met on April 13, 2026, addressing a wide range of administrative, budgetary, and infrastructure matters, including jail capacity planning, interlocal revenue discussions, and new operational policies for county facilities. The court also approved several items while tabling others for future consideration.
At the start of the meeting, commissioners recognized April as both Child Abuse Awareness Month and Senior Hunger Awareness Month. The court also issued a burn ban set to end on July 12, reflecting seasonal wildfire risk management measures across the county.
Inmate housing agreement tabled amid cost concerns
A major discussion centered on a proposed inmate housing agreement involving Haskell County and its jail operator, LaSalle Corrections West, LLC. Under the proposed arrangement, Haskell County would provide up to 50 jail beds exclusively for Potter County inmates at a daily per-inmate cost of $98.50. The operator would also manage weekly inmate transport and coordinate transfers to Texas Department of Criminal Justice facilities as part of the per diem service.
Potter County Sheriff Brian Thomas explained that the agreement could help reduce reliance on multiple outside jail contracts and provide temporary relief for the local detention facility, allowing time for maintenance and operational breathing room. However, he noted that the immediate financial impact posed a challenge, as the county would be required to pay for all 50 beds upon signing regardless of actual need.
Current jail data showed Potter County housing 531 inmates within a 599-bed facility, with six inmates held in other counties. Commissioners noted that the system previously relied more heavily on outside placements when inmate populations were higher. After reviewing current utilization, the court decided to table the agreement pending future population needs and cost justification.
Public defender budget approved ahead of state deadline
The court also considered an early budget request from the Panhandle Area Public Defender and Managed Assigned Counsel program. Representatives explained that the budget required approval ahead of the typical county budget cycle due to scheduling requirements from the Texas Indigent Defense Commission, which will meet in early May to determine grant funding allocations.
The proposed 2027 budget for Potter County increased by approximately $30,000 compared to the prior year, largely due to adjustments in attorney compensation structures and expanded salary flexibility. While the office did not adopt a previously approved cost-of-living adjustment, it requested broader discretion to reward performance.
The vote drew some discussion among commissioners concerned about the potential ripple effect on other county department budgets, though the measure ultimately passed. Alongside this, County Auditor Brandon Boston presented a revised budget season timeline that shifts the initial budget hearing into a special meeting format and sets key dates including an August public hearing and a mid-September tax rate vote. The schedule was approved unanimously.
Revenue sharing discussions with City of Amarillo
The court also heard a presentation from City of Amarillo officials regarding a proposed revenue sharing agreement involving areas within the County Assistance District that have since been annexed into city limits. The district, created by voters in 2017, established a two percent sales tax in unincorporated areas to fund emergency services and other county operations.
City officials noted that approximately 14,000 acres originally within the district have been annexed into Amarillo, creating overlapping service and revenue considerations. Under state law, the county currently retains sales tax revenue from those areas, but an interlocal agreement could allow for a shared distribution model.
County officials expressed concerns about administrative complexity, data access, and long-term financial implications, particularly regarding system requirements to track revenue distribution accurately. City representatives emphasized that the annexed areas are largely undeveloped and currently generate limited sales tax revenue, while suggesting future growth could increase their value.
Commissioners agreed to continue discussions and directed staff from both governments to collaborate further before any agreement is finalized.
Infrastructure and land use agreements approved
Commissioners approved a road use license agreement with Fermi America, LLC, authorizing the company to construct utility transmission poles along El Rancho Road. The agreement includes a $150,000 payment to the county for use of the roadway corridor during construction activities.
Proposed vaping restrictions in county buildings
The court also reviewed a potential policy that would prohibit vaping and vape-related products inside county facilities. The proposal arose after concerns were raised about vaping occurring inside a courtroom during jury proceedings.
County officials discussed enforcement challenges and potential safety risks, including the unknown contents of vape cartridges and the possibility of hazardous substances entering secure government buildings. Law enforcement representatives indicated that deputies would support enforcement of a policy restricting vape materials in county buildings and on persons subject to search procedures.
