Brandon Barton

Seconded the motion for a temporary halt on all non-operating green energy projects in Van Zandt County on February 11, 2026. The order paused permits and construction while the Texas Attorney General's office reviews the projects. The vote was unanimous after a public hearing that ran more than an hour.

February 11, 2026Opposes Environment and Public Health

Source: vanzandtcounty.org · researched September 6, 2026

Moved a 3 percent increase in pay or allowances for Van Zandt County elected county and precinct officials in the 2027 fiscal year budget, on August 10, 2026. The office he holds is one of those covered. The vote was 4 ayes to 1 nay, with Commissioner Mitch Curtis opposed.

August 10, 2026Opposes Government Spending Reduction

Source: vanzandtcounty.org · researched September 6, 2026

Moved to adopt the Van Zandt County budget for the 2026 fiscal year on October 3, 2025, and moved to confirm the property tax increase inside it. The budget raised the tax bill on a median home valued at $173,275 from about $664.48 to about $692.41. Commissioner Mitch Curtis objected. Both motions passed.

October 3, 2025Opposes Government Spending Reduction

Source: vanzandtcounty.org · researched September 6, 2026

Voted no on hiring Komatsu Architecture to design the restoration of the Van Zandt County courthouse windows and doors on April 9, 2025. He first moved to delay the contract and that motion failed. The contract was then approved over his no vote.

April 9, 2025Supports Government Spending Reduction

Source: vanzandtcounty.org · researched September 6, 2026

Moved to call a countywide bond election for May 3, 2025 to let voters decide on a new courthouse and jail. No other commissioner seconded him, so the motion died. He then moved to delay the item so the court could look at a November election instead, and that passed.

February 12, 2025Opposes Government Spending Reduction

Source: vanzandtcounty.org · researched September 6, 2026

Moved to adopt the Van Zandt County budget for the 2025 fiscal year on September 11, 2024. The recorded vote was 5-0. He then voted for the 2024 county tax rate and moved to confirm the property tax increase built into that budget.

September 11, 2024Opposes Government Spending Reduction

Source: vanzandtcounty.org · researched September 6, 2026

Moved to seek proposals for a master plan for a new Van Zandt County jail and justice center on August 22, 2024. In the same meeting he moved to set up an advisory committee for the new jail made up of two elected officials and up to eight county residents. Both motions passed with no votes against.

August 22, 2024Supports Public Safety and Crime Control

Source: vanzandtcounty.org · researched September 6, 2026

Seconded the motion creating a Youth Diversion Board for Van Zandt County on December 18, 2024, and was named the Commissioners Court member on that board. The court also put $47,950 into the youth diversion coordinator job. Both votes were unanimous.

December 18, 2024Supports Social Programs and Welfare

Source: vanzandtcounty.org · researched September 6, 2026

Moved to take $145,000 out of the county contingency fund to pay for storm damage materials and contract work on July 15, 2026. The full repair cost was $224,833.33 and did not qualify for federal disaster money. Commissioner Bobby Phillips voted no. The motion passed.

July 15, 2026Supports Public Infrastructure

Source: vanzandtcounty.org · researched September 6, 2026

Moved the road maintenance agreement between Van Zandt County and the City of Van for the 2027 fiscal year on May 20, 2026. He changed his own motion to let the county civil attorney fix disputed wording first. Precinct 4 agreed to do one city road a year, not curbs and gutters. Commissioner Mitch Curtis did not vote. The motion passed.

May 20, 2026Supports Public Infrastructure

Source: vanzandtcounty.org · researched September 6, 2026

Moved to call a countywide bond election for May 3, 2025 to let voters decide on a new courthouse and jail. No other commissioner seconded him, so the motion died. He then moved to delay the item so the court could look at a November election instead, and that passed.

February 12, 2025Supports Public Infrastructure

Source: vanzandtcounty.org · researched September 6, 2026

Moved to make a quarter-mile stretch of PR 8700 a public county road, County Road 4719, on May 8, 2024. Commissioners Keith Pearson and Chad LaPrade voted no. County Judge Andy Reese voted yes and the motion passed. Barton had made the same motion on March 27, 2024 and it failed.

May 8, 2024Supports Public Infrastructure

Source: vanzandtcounty.org · researched September 6, 2026