Dimmit County court extends disaster declaration as water system remains out of service

The Dimmit County Commissioners Court voted to continue a local disaster declaration tied to flooding and a failed public water system, the court announced at a brief meeting that included roll call and the pledges of allegiance.

The court’s reading of the order said the county declared a local disaster “due to the impending flood in the area, rapid increase of water levels and flooding, and disruption of the county's public water system resulting in the interruption of essential water services.” The proclamation states the public water system “was rendered inoperable due to inundation of flood waters directly impacting the county community of over 5,000 residents.” The order notes local emergency personnel are “overextended in response and capacity,” and that state all-hazards teams are assisting.

The adopted order continues the proclamation and exempts purchases needed to preserve property and public health from the competitive bid process under section 262.24 of the Texas Local Government Code, effective immediately. The order as read will terminate on September 8, 2026, unless the court extends it further.

A motion to approve the extension was made and recorded as moved by Commissioner Alonzo Carreon and seconded by Commissioner Holcomb. The presiding officer asked for discussion and for those in favor; respondents said “I,” and the presiding officer stated, “Motion carries.” The court then recessed and adjourned.

The transcript contains inconsistent references to the issuing judge: the agenda text names Judge Martin E. Gonzalez in one place and references a proclamation “proclaimed by Judge Martha Gomez Ponce” in another. The court did not address or reconcile that discrepancy on the record during this meeting.