County receives safety award  

SMITH COUNTY – Smith County earned the 2025 Safety Achievement Award from the Texas Association of Counties Risk Management Pool for its record of commitment to safety in the workplace.

Several TAC representatives presented the award during Smith County Commissioners Court Tuesday, June 23.

TAC representative Harold Hall said Smith County was one of only 17 counties out of 254 in Texas to receive the honor. He and other representatives talked about their work with some of the county’s largest departments, like the Road and Bridge Department and the Sheriff’s Office. They also work with the Human Resources and Purchasing Departments.

Hall said he often works with the Smith County Road and Bridge Department and called them one of the best to work with.

TAC representative Kenny Lemons said he works closely with the Sheriff’s Office Detention and Patrol Divisions, offering them a tremendous amount of training and supporting them anyway he can.

To qualify for the award, the county must participate in TAC Risk Management Pool’s Workers’ Compensation Program, have a safety program or accident prevention plan and meet additional criteria.

By promoting safe work practices, Smith County has reduced employee injuries and delivered significant savings to taxpayers by lowering workers’ compensation costs, Hall said.

Governed by a board of county officials, TAC RMP has provided Texas counties with protection against risk and liabilities for more than 50 years. TAC RMP’s risk control programs and services help counties improve safety while saving taxpayer dollars.

To learn more, visit http://www.county.org.