Greetings from Judge O'Hare | |
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As we reflect upon this year, I am filled with a sense of gratitude and humility. It has been an extraordinary honor to serve the people of Tarrant County. Over the past twelve months we have tackled challenges, celebrated successes, and forged a path towards a brighter future.
In 2023, Commissioners Court set tax rates below the No New Revenue Rate and implemented a historic first Homestead Exemption for both the County and Hospital District. I look forward to continuing this effort in 2024.
My office was delighted to host our first annual Christmas Open House. This gathering was designed to foster Tarrant County employee fellowship while celebrating the most wonderful time of the year. We came together, enjoyed treats, hot cider and cocoa, shared smiles, and built connections. I plan to make this an annual event.
This year Tarrant County has embraced the magic of Christmas, as evidenced by the enchanting display of lit trees near the 1895 Courthouse and G.K. Maenius Administration building. The glittering lights add a touch of charm to the county’s landscape and invite residents to immerse themselves in the joy of the season. If you have the opportunity, I suggest a drive down Weatherford Street at night to see the fantastic warm glow coming from our Tarrant County landmark buildings, capturing the essence of Christmastime. The festive display is a testament to our collective effort to make Tarrant County a beacon of Yuletide joy!
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Commissioners Court Record Clerks, April Hanks (left) and Iliana Cantu (right)
with Christen O'Hare (center) pictured at the Christmas Open House.
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Fort Worth Zoo's Exceptional Offerings | |
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In a recent visit to the Fort Worth Zoo, I had the opportunity to tour the Zoo’s latest attraction, the Predators of Asia and Africa Exhibit. This new exhibit, enriched with a variety of species, showcases the Zoo’s commitment to conservation and education.
The highlight of the exhibit was the addition of two majestic leopards – an African Leopard and a Clouded Leopard – joining several favorites, including the awe-inspiring African Lion, African Painted Dog, Cheetah, Striped Hyena, and the magnificent Sumatran Tiger. The exhibit not only provides a thrilling experience for visitors, but also serves as a platform to inform about the preservation of these species and their natural habitats.
The Fort Worth Zoo takes pride in its many educational offerings, catering to various age groups. From classroom field trips that offer hands-on learning experiences to classes for home-schooled children, the Zoo is dedicated to fostering a lifelong love for wildlife and nature. One of the standout programs is the Winter Zoo Camp, providing an engaging experience, creating lasting connections with the animal kingdom.
As 2023 comes to a close, the Fort Worth Zoo is gearing up for its Zoo Year’s Eve celebration, an overnight New Year’s Eve party for children. The Zoo also offers sleepover experiences for families, birthday parties, youth groups, and other groups, complete with a night hike through the park after hours. Through a combination of thoughtful exhibits and innovative programs, the Fort Worth Zoo continues to be a leading destination for both education and entertainment in the heart of Tarrant County. Thank you to Ramona Bass for the tour and your continued dedication to the Fort Worth Zoological Association.
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Male African Leopard pictured at the Fort Worth Zoo | |
Non-Profit Spotlight - Roll Call | |
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In October, I had the opportunity to attend the Roll Call monthly luncheon at Birchman Baptist Church. Formed in 2014 by Kevin Boldt to honor WWII veterans, Roll Call has expanded into a larger vision, which includes a veteran outreach and home visitation program, service projects for high school and junior high students, community outreach and education, as well as their monthly luncheon.
The luncheon provides a time of connection, fellowship, and comradery for veterans and service members. A unique program accompanies the lunch, including stories of courage, sacrifice and interviews highlighting members’ service. Luncheons often include guest speakers or entertainment. Roll Call President, Mary Staffeld, SMS (ret), USAF demonstrates a special commitment to honor and serve our veterans at each meeting.
In addition to the monthly luncheons, Roll Call coordinates veteran speaking engagements at schools, churches, and local organizations. Veterans share their stories and educate others about their combat experiences, supporting combat operations, and other difficult topics such as post-traumatic stress disorder, and military life transitions.
Roll Call volunteers help veterans in their home, hospital, or rehab. They show appreciation by spending time with veterans, learning from their experience, and displaying simple acts of friendship. They provide transportation to local appointments and events where veterans are honored for their service and identify veterans in need of additional resources. Roll Call volunteers help with various veteran home repairs, mobility, and independent living projects. An additional team manages the Mail Call program, which sends birthday, get well, and thank you cards to veterans. Tarrant County is blessed to have Roll Call serving our local veterans and service members.
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Members of Roll Call attend the monthly luncheon | |
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Commissioners Court Approves Law
Enforcement Training Center Renovations
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In early December, the Commissioners Court approved a professional services contract with Komatsu Architecture to provide architectural and engineering services for the Law Enforcement Training Center Renovation Project at the county-owned Resource Connection facility located on Circle Drive in Fort Worth. Proposed plans include renovations to an existing 41,700-square-foot building and renovations to an 1,860-square-foot building for Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) vehicle storage and personnel.
Soon after I took office, I was made aware of the conditions of the existing training facility, a building which was once a housing unit for the Fort Worth State School and was never intended to serve as a law enforcement academy. The current training center lacks space, is outdated, and has an inadequate range.
Nationwide law enforcement recruitment challenges along with our growing population and expanding infrastructure place significant pressure on our law enforcement officers. This strategic investment provides a needed commitment to ensure our law enforcement professionals have the tools necessary to protect Tarrant County residents and their property. The Law Enforcement Training Center will provide first-class training to help us attract and retain the best and brightest to keep Tarrant County safe.
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Pictured from left to right, Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. Vice President of Sales Jeff Hardin, Tarrant County Judge Tim O'Hare, Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Clint Hickman, and Tarrant Area Food Bank President and CEO Julie Butner. | |
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World Series Wager Scores a Home Run
for the Tarrant Area Food Bank
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On December 8, 2023, Tarrant Area Food Bank received a donation of 51,840 farm fresh eggs stemming from a friendly World Series wager between Tarrant County Judge Tim O’Hare and Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Clint Hickman. As the Rangers and Diamondbacks squared off, both O’Hare and Hickman agreed the losing county executive would donate to the local food bank of the winning team.
After the Rangers’ championship win, Chairman Hickman generously honored his bet. This collaboration resulted in a contribution that provided a wonderful impact to the local community. The parties used the opportunity to celebrate the Rangers’ World Series Championship win and highlight the need to replenish the food bank during this Christmas season.
Chairman Hickman’s graciousness during this charitable initiative went beyond fulfilling a wager; it exemplified the positive influence that friendly competition can have. Although the Diamondbacks lost, the folks in Maricopa County are winners with the Tarrant Area Food Bank!
I'd like to extend my sincere thanks to Chairman Clint Hickman, the Texas Rangers Foundation, and the Tarrant Area Food Bank for hosting this donation event and for the work you do helping others each day.
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Pictured from left to right, Julianna, Santa Claus, Christen, Katie, Tim, Mrs. Claus, Amanda, and Emily | |
As we reflect on the birth of Jesus, may the joy of the season inspire a spirit of thankfulness and generosity. I want to extend my heartfelt wishes for a wonderful Christmas to each and every one of you. May your homes be filled with love and laughter. Here's to a new year filled with a shared commitment to making our county an even better place for everyone! | | | | |
