State of the County – East Side 2025

By Gloria Way

  Chambers County Commissioner Pct 1 Jimmy Gore was joined by a handful of elected officials to present to the Winnie Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon last week an update of what is happening on the east side of the county.

  Gore started his remarks stating that Chambers County population is now approximately 56,000 people with 16,500 households. He said that Chambers County is the sixth fastest growing county in the nation.

  Gore said that of a $75 million budget, about $23 million goes to the sheriff’s office, $14 million to road and bridge projects, and $19.8 is the health services tax which funds the Chambers County EMS, fire departments, and Chambers County Public Health.

  He talked about the new east annex that will replace the old annex on Broadway. Gore stated that the county clerk and district clerk will have offices in the new annex and will be staffed by full-time employees. He projected that the new annex will be completed in the next 19-20 months.

  The commissioner is very proud of the senior assistance program precinct 1 sponsors. “We now have four drivers who drive seniors and the disabled to their doctor appointments, grocery store, etc.,” he said. “Just this year alone, we average 80-100 trips a month. We assisted 536 residents. To date, we participated in 1,223 trips covering 65,000 miles.”  For assistance call 409-296-8250.

  Gore said Gregory Park in Stowell would be getting a new splashpad. He said that they hope to install one in Carver Park in Anahuac. He also said that Winnie Stowell Park would be getting six pickle ball courts, and the county is partnering with ECISD to build regulation size soccer fields with concession stands and restrooms.

   Gore also announced that on August 21, the Winnie library will hold “senior” days. Senior days will have employees available on site to assist seniors with electronic and technology questions. This brought a laugh from the crowd because people of a certain age always need help with their phones and laptops. He said there will also be board games and activities available. “We need to give our seniors something to do,” said Gore.

  Gore talked about road and bridge projects. He said that in next year’s budget $1 million will be given to each precinct so each precinct can determine how to use that money for infrastructure. He also described how county roads will no longer be rock roads and that the county was going to “chip seal” the roads for longer use and endurance.

   Gore also said that the county will now be able to clear ditches on private property to help ease the drainage/flooding issues.

  Sheriff Brian Hawthorne told the audience that the east side of the county, particularly the Winnie Stowell area, is the safest community in Chambers County. “We average about 1,700 calls on the east side,” he said. Hawthorne spoke of hiring and training new deputies to increase patrols. He also spoke of the new gun range being built for the sheriff’s department.

  Tax Assessor-Collector Laurie Payton warned about never letting the buyer of your vehicle leave with your license plates on the vehicle. “You pay for the license plates. You own them.”, said Payton. “And when you come to the tax office for plates, you will always receive metal plates, not paper plates.”

 County Clerk Heather Hawthorne talked about the launch of a new property fraud alert system. The system helps safeguard constituents against property record fraud by allowing constituents to sign up for alerts to be notified when a document associated with a property record is recorded. To sign up for alerts from Chambers County visit: chambers.tx.publicsearch.us/property alert. If the system issues you an alert, it is up to you to contact local law enforcement and your attorney.

  Justice of the Peace Pct 1 Celia Devillier talked about the services her office provides. She spoke about the mental health issues they deal with and told everyone that if they think someone needs mental health assistance, let her office know. “We are here to help you,” said Judge Devillier. “Sometimes we can direct you in the right direction to get help before the situation gets really bad.”

  Constable Pct 1 Rodney Kahla spoke about how he supports the school and provides security for the students. He also stated that he is available to assist his constituents however he can.