Van Zandt County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Van Zandt County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
SB 22 rural law enforcement salary grant
The county will apply again for up to $500,000 in state money to fund raises for jailers and deputies.
Indigent defense representation in the 294th District Court
The county's two contract defense attorneys are leaving — one to become the elected DA — so the court hired two replacements. About 100 inherited cases will transfer, and the county budgeted extra to cover flat fees on those cases.
Countywide burn ban
Dry, dormant vegetation means even legal controlled burns are escaping. The 30-day ban carries a $500 fine, with site-specific ag exemptions available through the Fire Marshal and commissioners.
Rural ambulance service grant (HB 3,000)
The county applied for a new state grant worth up to $250,000 toward an additional ambulance unit, which Christus has agreed to staff. A new unit runs roughly $285,000–$295,000.
Low-cost spay/neuter services
Late county checks were causing the Animal Protection League to cut off the 50% discount program. Quarterly payments should keep the service flowing for residents.
Officer tracking and radio system improvements
A $13,000 software upgrade lets dispatchers track deputies via their radios instead of unpluggable USB GPS devices, and generator alarms at five towers will now report outages properly.
Youth Diversion Program funding
The county is seeking grant money to keep funding the youth diversion coordinator position the state requires. Officials credited the program with a recent success story in the courts.
Victims assistance funding (VOCA grant)
The annual state VOCA grant pays for the victim's assistance coordinator in the DA's office. The court approved reapplying for 2026-2027.