Jim Wells County court extends disaster declaration 30 days as emergency response continues

The Jim Wells County Commissioners Court voted Friday to extend a countywide disaster declaration for 30 days, saying the emergency the county declared April 24, 2026 remains active and requires continued coordination with state agencies.

County Judge Pedro Jr. opened discussion of agenda item 4.1 and invited county staff to report on conditions. A staff member said the county is continuing to monitor conditions, is in contact with the governor’s office and the Texas Water Development Board, and is meeting with local leaders in Orange Grove and Alice to develop relief projects. “We just need to extend it for 30 days,” the staff member said, adding that a county representative advised starting with 30 days and returning later to consider a six‑month or indefinite extension.

A commissioner moved to extend the declaration for 30 days and a second was given. The court approved the motion by voice vote; no roll‑call tally was recorded on the record.

The staff presentation emphasized ongoing intergovernmental coordination and project planning rather than immediate new spending actions. The court did not make additional policy directions at the meeting; members said the item will return for review after the 30‑day period when commissioners will decide whether a longer extension is warranted.