Angelina County, Texas – In a unanimous vote Tuesday morning, the Angelina County Commissioners Court approved the allocation of $54,541 in unclaimed capital credits to three priority areas: children’s literacy, the arts and tourism promotion. The money, which originates from electric cooperatives that were unable to return refunds to former customers, is reported to the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts as unclaimed property and may be claimed by the county under state law.
Legal authority and approved uses
Under Local Government Code Section 381.004 and Texas Property Code Section 74.602, the Commissioners Court is the decision‑making body that determines how unclaimed credits may be spent. The law limits the funds to economic development, tourism promotion, women and minority business contracting, literacy, the arts and children’s advocacy.
Judge Keith Wright, who presided over the court, read the statutory language into the record, stating that the county may use the credits to “develop and administer programs for state or local economic development, for small or disadvantaged business development to stimulate, encourage and develop business location and commercial activity in the county, to promote or advertise the county in its vicinity or conduct a solicitation program to attract conventions and visitors and businesses, to improve the extent to which women and minority businesses are awarded county contracts, to support comprehensive literacy programs that benefit county residents, for the encouragement, promotion, improvement, and application of the arts, and to support a children’s advocacy center.”
How the funds will be distributed
With court approval, the county will submit a formal request to the Comptroller’s office. Once approved, the funds will be paid directly to the Commissioners Court for distribution to the designated programs. Residents who believe they may be owed unclaimed property, including capital credits, are encouraged to search the state’s database at ClaimItTexas.org.
Impact on the community
The allocation reflects the county’s dedication to strengthening families and preserving traditional values. By directing resources toward literacy, the court supports parents and children in building the foundational skills needed for academic success. Funding for the arts encourages cultural enrichment that benefits the whole community, while tourism promotion aims to attract visitors, generate modest economic growth and showcase the natural beauty of East Texas.
Judge Wright noted that the credits may cover multiple reporting years, providing a reliable source of supplemental funding for future initiatives. “It’s unclaimed credits that we end up receiving in each county. This year we have $54,541,” he said, emphasizing the importance of responsibly returning these funds to the public.
Looking ahead
The Commissioners Court’s decision demonstrates a proactive approach to stewardship of taxpayer‑related resources. By adhering to the statutory guidelines and focusing on programs that benefit children, families and local businesses, Angelina County continues to model responsible governance rooted in faith, family and liberty.
Original reporting: KLTV 7 Tyler (news) — read the source article.
