By Pat Trevino | June 22 2026
During their May 2026 Commissioners Court meeting, the DeWitt County Commissioners unanimously approved two actions authorizing a $222,000 economic development loan to the Thomaston Volunteer Fire Department, a nonprofit emergency‑services provider serving residents in DeWitt County.
In a 5–0 vote, commissioners approved Court Order No. 2026‑023, which establishes an Economic Development Agreement between the County and Thomaston VFD. The agreement authorizes the County to loan $222,000 in public funds to the department for the purchase of critical firefighting equipment, including one fire truck and one water tank. Thomaston VFD will execute a Secured Promissory Note, with interest, payable to the County as required under Chapter 381 of the Texas Local Government Code and Chapter 614 of the Texas Government Code.
Commissioner Mr. Carson made the motion to approve the agreement, with Commissioner Mr. Varela seconding. The motion passed unanimously.
The Court then approved Court Order No. 2026‑024, a budget amendment adjusting the FY2026 DeWitt County Budget to authorize the transfer of the $222,000 loan amount. This amendment aligns the County’s financial records with the terms of the Secured Promissory Note executed by Thomaston VFD. The motion, also made by Mr. Carson and seconded by Mr. Varela, passed on a 5–0 vote.
County officials stated that the funding will support Thomaston VFD’s ability to provide adequate fire suppression and emergency response services to the public, strengthening rural emergency‑services capacity across DeWitt County.