Waller County Commissioners discussed the nationwide protests regarding law enforcement’s relationships with minority communities and announced a new mobile COVID-19 testing site during their June 3 meeting.

Testing

Judge Trey Duhon announced a new mobile drive-thru COVID-19 testing site on June 5 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Waller County Community Center, located on 21274 FM 1098, Prairie View. Registration opens 48 hours prior. Residents can log on at txcovidtest.org or call (512)-883-2400. The location can screen up to 120 people.

Duhon said the county is still working on obtaining a regular testing center through the use of CARES Act funds.

Protests

In light of the recent protests across the country, Precinct 3 Commissioner Jeron Barnett addressed the situation and relationship between the community and law enforcement during the public comment section of the meeting. He emphasized that law enforcement needs to continue to honor the badge and oath they took.

Barnett asked community leaders to sit down together and come up with a plan of action to “bring about an understanding between the community and law enforcement.”

“It’s going to take time and we can start it here in Waller County,” Barnett said.

Other Items

The court also approved the re-nomination of Brian Cantrell and Justin Beckendorff to the Houston-Galveston Area Council  Advisory Committee for the remainder of the June 2019-May 2021 term. They will be representing the Regional Homeland Security Coordinating Council.

The Waller County Commissioners’ Court meets Wednesdays at 9 a.m. at the Waller County Courthouse in Hempstead. Meetings are currently being held virtually, including the public comments portion of the meeting.. Local callers should call 979-921-6212 and non-local callers should call 800-576-1131. User code is 14329937.