August 10, 2026 Commissioners Court Town Hall Meeting

The Gonzales County Texas Commissioners Court held a town hall meeting on August 10, 2026, focused primarily on the restoration project for the historic Gonzales County Courthouse. The meeting featured detailed presentations from the architect Terry Okonnell and project manager John Duke of CPM Texas, outlining the scope of work, including structural repairs, waterproofing, HVAC upgrades, and historic preservation efforts. The project has secured an $8.9 million grant from the Texas Historical Commission, with a county match of approximately $11.7 million and a total estimated budget of around $31 million, including contingencies. The court discussed financing options, favoring the issuance of tax notes to cover the remaining $19 million balance, with a recommended 7-year tax note resulting in a tax rate increase of about 6.8 cents. The commissioners voted to accept the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program grant and to proceed with the tax note financing for the restoration. The project timeline anticipates construction beginning in late 2026 and lasting approximately 18 to 20 months, with a strong emphasis on maintaining the building's historic integrity and ensuring ongoing maintenance funding.