At its Oct. 14 meeting, the Tom Green County Commissioners Court approved many grant resolutions and agreements, including renewing its indigent care contract with Shannon Medical Center, pursuing defense-related funding, and supporting both training and infrastructure within Tom Green County operations.
Indigent Care Agreement Renewed
The court unanimously approved a one-year renewal of the Indigent Affiliation Agreement with Shannon Medical Center, covering Oct. 1, 2025, through Sept. 30, 2026, for $1,545,000.
These affiliation agreements, common in Texas counties, allow counties to partner with hospitals to deliver care to residents who cannot afford it. Under Texas Health & Safety Code Sec. 61.056, such agreements permit use of county funds to support health services for eligible residents.
Indigent Defense Grant Application
Following the renewal of the Indigent Affiliation Agreement, the court considered a separate agenda item to apply for the 2026 Indigent Defense Formula Grant and adopt a supporting resolution. That grant funds legal defense services for indigent defendants.
The two items reflect complementary county obligations: one ensures access to medical care for indigent residents, and the other helps guarantee legal counsel in criminal proceedings.
Training Grant for Sheriff’s Office
The court accepted a Justice Assistance Grant award of $36,554 designated for specialized training for the Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Group and Criminal Investigations Division, and established a budget for it. Captain Locklar, presenting the item, said the department has applied annually and this marks the third consecutive year securing these funds for advanced training. The motion carried unanimously.
Goodfellow AFB Infrastructure Resolution
Commissioners also adopted a resolution supporting the 2025 Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant (DEAAG) application for field improvements at Goodfellow Air Force Base and certified the submission. The project proposes installation of synthetic turf on a 175-by-75 yard training field, with a total cost estimate of $3,166,392, including a $100,000 local contribution from Tom Green County.
Michelle Ferguson, the county’s grants administrator, said the upgrade would directly enhance physical fitness and combat readiness. Past DEAAG funding includes the $4.8 million award in December 2024, which supported the Defense Access Control Point project to improve traffic flow and safety at Goodfellow’s Jacobson (South) Gate and to upgrade the Visitor’s Center.
Those funds were part of a $17 million grant package allocated for infrastructure projects across Texas military communities, with Goodfellow Air Force Base among the largest recipients of the 2024 DEAAG program.
According to the Office of The Texas Governor, grant awards can range from $50,000 to $5 million per project.
