The Smith County Commissioners Court on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, expressed a desire to compile more comprehensive statistical data on jail mental-health and forensic cases. During its weekly meeting, the court also unanimously approved raising the commercial on-site sewage facility (OSSF) permit fee from $400 to $600 and moving to digital Texas Conviction Reporting (TXCR) with the Texas Department of Public Safety.
The push for better mental health data follows a report from Smith County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Gary Pinkerton on the status of the Smith County Jail population. Pinkerton reported a total inmate population of 859 individuals as of Tuesday. Among these, 32 individuals were on a minimum security forensic waiting list, and 10 individuals were on a maximum security forensic waiting list. The jail also housed 17 inmates in the emergency room and 10 pregnant women, with some having been incarcerated multiple times.
The forensic waitlist comprises incarcerated jail detainees who have been ordered by a court to receive psychiatric inpatient care or competency restoration at a state mental health facility but must wait in jail due to a lack of available secure hospital beds, according to the Texas Health and Human Services. Pinkerton noted that some inmates on this list are listed as the 500th inmate statewide.
Dalila Reynoso, lead mental health advocate for the Texas Jail Project, addressed the court prior to the report, urging improved transparency regarding jail operations and taxpayer costs. She requested a formal process with clear responsibilities and deadlines for collecting data on inmate behavior and health needs. Reynoso highlighted the importance of regular reporting on how long individuals have been waiting on the forensic list and the full cost of their incarceration, stating that reliable local data could help Smith County advocate for additional state resources. Pinkerton reinforced the financial impact, stating, “It averages about $165 a day to house an inmate that has mental health issues versus an inmate that doesn’t have mental health issues is $75 a day.”
Judge Neal Franklin acknowledged the seriousness of the issue, stating the forensic waitlist is a priority for his discussions with state representatives and senators. He also indicated plans to speak with Donna Henry, mental health coordinator for Smith County, about working with Lt. John Shoemaker to compile statistical data. Reynoso suggested that Smith County explore partnerships with organizations such as the Hope House and the new Andrews Center Behavioral Diversion Center, which opened on September 30 at 3111 NNW Loop 323 in Tyler, to help ease the jail's burden.
The unanimous approval to amend the OSSF fee schedule will increase the commercial permit fee from $400 to $600. Judge Franklin stated that Trace Stanley, who operates RTS Environmental LLC as the OSSF contractor for Smith County, brought the fee discrepancy to his attention. Stanley explained that while his bid initially set both commercial and residential fees at $400, commercial projects, such as RV parks, often require four or five inspection trips due to the work occurring in stages. He noted that after surveying other counties, Smith County’s previous commercial fee was lower than most. Commissioners Christina Drewry and J Scott Herod both praised Stanley's consistent customer service, with Commissioner Herod noting the need for these facilities in Precinct 3.
In another unanimous decision, the court approved an interlocal cooperation contract between the county and the TXCR. County Clerk Karen Phillips clarified that this contract is part of a statewide initiative by the Texas Department of Public Safety to transition from paper to electronic, real-time submission of conviction reports. Once signed, the contract will provide the county with access to submit all final convictions through the TXCR portal, with no budgetary impact to the county.
The Commissioners Court meets weekly at 9:30 a.m. in the Commissioners Courtroom of the courthouse annex at 200 E. Ferguson St.
