Wise County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Wise County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Chisholm Trail Landfill Opposition Legal Action
County staff updated the court on a recent TCEQ hearing where Wise County successfully secured affected party status regarding the proposed landfill near Bobo Crossing.
Wagner Branch Creek Erosion and Flooding
Residents of the Holly Ridge subdivision raised serious concerns about severe creek erosion, loss of property, and flooding along the Wagner branch, asking for a dedicated agenda slot to discuss remediation and historical diversion issues.
Highway 380 to Old Denton Highway Road Connection Property Purchase
The county is buying a 3.37-acre tract for $63,000 to create a new road link between Highway 380 and Old Denton Highway.
FY 2027 County Budget and Tax Rate
Commissioners pushed back against an outsized pay raise proposed for the district court reporter, setting a firm boundary that keeps salary bumps aligned with the standard 3% offered to other county workers.
November 2026 Election Planning and Administration
The county locked down its voting schedule, polling locations, and election administration contracts for the upcoming November general election. Voters will have access to four main early voting sites across the county.
Wise County Park Trailhead Restroom Grant
The county secured a state wildlife grant to build a brand new restroom and make other upgrades at the Wise County Park walking trail trailhead.
Alvord Dedicated Deputy Interlocal Agreement
The sheriff proposed a budget-neutral agreement where the City of Alvord would fund a dedicated resident deputy, mirroring arrangements with New Fairview and Paradise.
Weather-Based Burn Ban Renewal
Due to dry conditions and high temperatures, the county enacted a 90-day burn ban to prevent wildfires.
Sheriff's Office Participation in 287G Immigration Program
Residents and local officials debated the Wise County Sheriff's Office's partnership with ICE through the 287G program. Supporters praised the sheriff for keeping communities safe and enforcing laws, while the sheriff clarified rumors by stating deputies do not conduct door-to-door raids or ignore 911 calls from undocumented individuals needing emergency help.
Proposed Wise County Emergency Services District No. 5
A proposed new emergency services district in southern Wise County would establish a dedicated tax of up to 10 cents per $100 of property valuation to fund firefighter staffing and equipment. Supporters say it's urgently needed because volunteer firefighting is dying out amid explosive population growth, but critics argue the boundaries overlap with existing professional departments and create unnecessary tax stacking.
Proposed Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District Rule Changes
The general manager of the Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District briefed the court on proposed rules, including a 5-acre minimum lot size for new private wells in the western part of the county where water is scarce, and new spacing requirements to combat declining groundwater levels.
Speed Limit Reductions and School Zones in Precinct 4
The county lowered speed limits from 40 to 30 mph on portions of Schoolhouse Road and Old Town Road in Precinct 4 to improve traffic safety near new housing developments and a school.
County Employee Health Insurance Renewal
Wise County renewed its employee health plan with the Texas Association of Counties pool, facing an 8.9% rate increase after negotiators lowered it from 11.5%. To achieve the savings, the county increased deductibles slightly while keeping out-of-pocket maximums the same.
Animal Shelter Capital Improvements
Private donors and county leaders teamed up to fund over $43,000 in new, secure outdoor playpens for the animal shelter. This upgrade will help keep animals active and provide a better adoption experience.