Bringing the Latest News from the Tarrant County Judge to Your Inbox! Greetings from Judge O'Hare It is a true privilege to serve as your County Judge. I hope this letter finds you well and filled with the promise of the spring season. As we embrace the changing season around us, we also approach significant events that are shaping the fabric of our county. The Tarrant County Commissioners Court has begun the budgeting process for FY2025. One primary objective I’ll pursue during this process is a continued reduction in spending so that we can continue to cut property taxes, while maintaining essential services and the core functions of county government. Last year, we passed tax rates below the "no new revenue rate". By scrutinizing each budget item, the county can identify areas where expenses may be trimmed without sacrificing the quality of services provided to residents. This might involve renegotiating contracts, streamlining operations, eliminating redundant services and wasteful spending, or finding innovative solutions to deliver services more efficiently. This Spring also brings an election of great importance. The Tarrant Appraisal District will be holding an election for three At-large seats on May 4, 2024. For the first time in history, taxpayers will vote for representation on the TAD Board. This is a significant opportunity for voters to shape the future of property appraisals in our county, ensuring fairness and transparency in the process. Get engaged and make sure you are ready to vote on May 4th! During Good Friday, let us reflect on Jesus at Calvary and the spirit of renewal and new beginnings that Easter brings. May this time be a source of joy, hope, and inspiration for you and your loved ones. Amy Ford, Founder and President of Embrace Grace pictured with Judge O'Hare Choosing Grace: Local Nonprofit Guides Women Through Unplanned Pregnancy Hurst is home to a national nonprofit organization with a big mission, igniting hope and support for pregnant women and their families. Embrace Grace, founded by Amy Ford, started with a vision to inspire and equip the church to uplift and encourage young women facing unexpected pregnancies. Today, what began as a local initiative has blossomed into a multi-city movement spanning across 1,100 church campuses, touching lives across Texas and in all 50 states. Amy Ford, the Founder and President of Embrace Grace, embodies the spirit of compassion and empowerment. Her dedication to supporting women experiencing an unexpected pregnancy is not only evident in her words but also in her actions. Recently, Amy met with me and my staff to discuss the impactful mission of Embrace Grace and how it has evolved over time. Ford shared how single moms have been supported in a practical way from everything to baby showers, to cars, tutoring, assistance with college grants, resume help and much more. The core mission of Embrace Grace is clear: to provide practical, spiritual, and emotional support to women. Through support groups established within churches and communities, Embrace Grace offers a safe space where these women can find guidance and encouragement. One of the most inspiring aspects of Embrace Grace is its message of empowerment. By embracing love and acceptance, the organization helps women realize that they can pursue their dreams while embracing the journey of motherhood. Through mentorship, resources, and a network of support, Embrace Grace empowers women to see beyond their current circumstances and envision a future filled with hope and possibility. By partnering with churches and establishing support groups within their congregations, the organization ensures that help is readily available where it's needed most. This decentralized model has enabled Embrace Grace to reach far beyond its origins, extending its impact to multiple cities and church campuses. As they continue to spread their message of hope, one can't help but be inspired by their dedication to empowering single pregnant women and their families, one embrace at a time. James Sellers, Founder and CEO of Sellmark Corporation pictured with Judge O'Hare Mansfield Company Continues to Expand Footprint in Outdoor Industry In the heart of Mansfield, Texas, Sellmark Corporation thrives as an innovator in the outdoor industry. Specializing in the development, acquisition, manufacturing, marketing, sales, and distribution of outdoor products, Sellmark has grown at a steady pace, garnering global recognition amongst firearms enthusiasts. Sellmark’s products include a range of digital and thermal night vision scopes, firearm optics, and personal protective equipment sold in over 66 countries. This past week I had the opportunity to visit with Founder and CEO, James Sellers and visit his expansive 120,000 square foot facility. Sellers’ journey began twenty-four years ago, as a small business in Mansfield, Texas and has grown into a global market leader with several brands and partnerships that include Sightmark, InForce, and Pulsar. Despite humble beginnings, the company is quickly gaining traction for its dedication to excellence and a relentless pursuit of innovation. Sellmark's product portfolio spans a diverse range of firearms, optics, and outdoor gear, each crafted with attention to detail and a focus on performance. From precision rifles and tactical scopes to night vision devices and laser sights, Sellmark's offerings cater to the needs of hunters, law enforcement agencies, military personnel, and shooting enthusiasts worldwide. One of Sellmark's flagship brands, Sightmark, has revolutionized the optics market with its cutting-edge rifle scopes, red dot sights, and binoculars. Leveraging advanced technology and ergonomic design, Sightmark products deliver accuracy and reliability in any shooting scenario. “I believe that when you get a committed group of people to come together on a worthwhile project you can achieve anything,” remarked Sellers. Sellmark is building an innovation center in Mansfield as part of the city’s economic development innovation corridor. The goal is to create a place where new up-and-coming businesses can have access to the space, equipment, and experience they need to get their products manufactured, shipped, and validated in the market faster. “What took us 24 years to learn and achieve, we want to collapse into 2-3 years for innovative companies coming up next. We think having a center for innovation and production can do that,” noted Sellers. Thank you to the Sellmark team for the insightful tour of your top-notch facility! Criminal District Attorney Phil Sorrells Taking Down Traffickers: Tarrant County District Attorney Phil Sorrells Launches Special Narcotics Unit In response to the escalating crisis of opioid overdoses, Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney Phil Sorrells has spearheaded the formation of a dedicated Narcotics Unit. Comprised of three seasoned prosecutors, this unit represents a significant step forward in combating drug-related fatalities in the region. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, has emerged as a particularly lethal substance in recent years. Its potency and prevalence have contributed to a surge in overdose deaths nationwide, and Tarrant County is no exception. According to data from the Tarrant County Medical Examiner's office, out of 429 overdose deaths recorded in 2023, a staggering 174 were linked to fentanyl. To address this alarming trend, the newly established Narcotics Unit is leveraging innovative legal tools, including House Bill 6, signed into law by Texas Governor Greg Abbott in 2023. This legislation empowers law enforcement to pursue murder charges against fentanyl manufacturers and dealers in cases where overdoses result in fatalities. Since its inception, the unit has wasted no time in putting this legislation into action. So far in 2024, they are actively pursuing two cases where individuals have been indicted on charges of fentanyl-related murder. Additionally, three cases have been filed and are awaiting presentation before the Grand Jury. As Tarrant County continues to grapple with the devastating consequences of the opioid crisis, the establishment of the Narcotics Unit marks a significant step forward in the fight against drug-related fatalities and a reduction in other drug-related crimes. Through proactive enforcement, legal innovation, and community engagement, Sorrells and his team are committed to saving lives and bringing accountability to those who profit from the sale of deadly substances like fentanyl. Texas Health Huguley Opens State-of-the-Art Critical Care Tower Texas Health Huguley Hospital recently celebrated the grand opening of its new 116,000-square-foot critical care tower. The January event, attended by County Judge staff, showcased the hospital's commitment to providing exceptional care to the community through cutting-edge facilities and compassionate staff. Amidst the excitement, staff of the Advent Healthcare system shared insights about the project, highlighting its significance in advancing patient-centered care in the region. The new critical care tower is forward-thinking in its design, which includes two floors dedicated to shelled spaces for future growth. This strategic planning reflects the hospital's commitment to meeting the evolving healthcare needs of the community for years to come. The new tower includes an expanded emergency department, doubling its capacity. With 44 patient rooms and six ambulance bays, the larger space enables staff to accommodate a higher volume of patients efficiently. The redesigned exam rooms, equipped with frosted windows for enhanced privacy, underscore the hospital's commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all. The second floor of the critical care tower houses an enhanced Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU), boasting 20 patient rooms equipped with state-of-the-art critical care technologies. The expanded capacity is a 25% increase from the previous location. As Texas Health Huguley Hospital embarks on this new chapter, it reaffirms its commitment to serving the community with excellence in healthcare. Through state-of-the-art facilities, compassionate staff, and a dedication to innovation, the hospital remains steadfast in its mission to provide high-quality care close to home. Thank you for the honor of serving you. As we enter into Easter week, let us rejoice in the gift we have been given through the resurrection of Jesus. Wishing you and your loved ones an Easter filled with joy, peace, and abundant blessing. With gratitude, Tarrant County | 100 E. Weatherford Street, Suite 501, Fort Worth, TX 76196-0101 Unsubscribe [email protected] Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected] powered by Try email marketing for free today!