Areas Served
Cuney, Reese, Cove Springs, Teaselville, Bullard, Mt. Selman, Mixon (to hwy 135, south to CR3908), south along Us Hwy 69 to City of Jacksonville, west along Bolton to Hwy 2138 including, Indian Trails, New Hope, most of the Lake Jacksonville area, and Maydelle: west along CR3114 to CR1804, and on to the dirt section of 1905, then continuing west, to the Anderson County line at the Neches River.
*As a result of redistricting, the area east of the Maydell Highway (2138) is now entirely in Precinct 1.
Road Maintanence Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday 7:00am - 3:30pm
*After hours, or during Holidays, if you need to report an emergency, such as a tree down across the road, you must contact the Sheriff's Office at (903) 683- 2271 (Toll Free at 800 - 259 - 5518)
Katherine Pinotti, Commissioner
Office: 903-586-5811
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Precinct 3 is now the second largest precinct area in Cherokee County, having
approximately 255 miles of county roads within its boundaries.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How do I report my road in need of repair?
Call 903 - 586 - 5811 to notify us of the problem so that inspection and scheduling of repair can be made.
2. Are all roads in the precinct maintained by the County?
No, not necessarily. Most roads are, with the exception of those within city limits, private roads, and all FM or state highways.
3. How do I determine if my road is a county or private road?
Contact our office and we can probably inform you right away. If not, a research of county records will be conducted and a determination will be made. About 2 years ago, a new map was developed for Cherokee County. All roads maintained by the county were included, but errors have been found. Changes were made, so if you are not sure, please contact us, or the appraisal district for clarification.
4. Is my driveway repairable by the County?
Unfortunately not. The County can only repair and maintain those roadways within the confines of the county easement of the road you live on. However, sometimes problems with sloping driveways affect our county roads and it may become necessary to move outside the confines of the right-of-way onto private areas to repair drainage problems. Permission will be obtained whenever possible.
5. Can the County cut back my trees without my permission?
Yes, in most instances, if overhanging limbs present a sight-distance problem for motorist. Notification is given and permission is obtained whenever possible, but it is our responsibility to keep our roadways free of obstruction. Unchecked vegetation obstructs corners and curves making it dangerous for drivers and emergency vehicles.
6. What do we do if we need a culvert installed along our driveway?
Homeowners are responsible for purchase and delivery of culverts, the County will install them once delivered to the site of installation in most instances. Please contact our office before installing a culvert on your own to make sure it is the right type and size.
7. Can I bring trash and other stuff to the dumpsters at the precinct office?
We have designated days throughout the year where this can happen, such as Free Trash Days. However, if you call ahead, oftentimes we allow precinct 3 residents to dispose of trash on other days. Do not bring trash to dispose of without authorization. Do not bring paint, batteries, computer monitors, roof shingles or other hazardous materials. We can accept old car tires for recycling. Please do not put these in the dumpster. Leave them nearby and we will transport them to the recycling area.
8. Where can I visit with my Commissioner?
My office is located on the Road & Bridge Maintenance grounds at 7500 US Hwy. 79 W, about a mile from Hwy. 747 toward Palestine. Typically, I am there off and on throughout the day from 7:00 am - 4:30 PM M-F. Many times I am away from the office assessing the roads, in meetings, or in court. Should I not answer the phone, simply leave a message and I will return your call as soon as possible. If you have an emergency after hours, please call the Sheriffs' Department and they will contact me to coordinate and expedite assistance. I enjoy visits from the residents of Precinct 3, and other county citizens so I urge you call or to stop by whenever possible.
9. Who do I contact for employment opportunities?
You must fill out an application for employment at the courthouse in Rusk, (3rd floor) or at the individual precinct offices for employment with the road & bridge crew. Other jobs within the county are handled within the courthouse. Sid Riley is the Director of Human Resources for the County and his office is on the 3rd floor of the courthouse.
10. When are Commissioners Court meetings held?
Typically, the second and fourth Monday of each month at 10:00 a.m. at the 1st floor courtroom at the County Courthouse in Rusk.
11. When can I speak to the court about an issue?
To appear and speak during court about an issue on the agenda, you must sign up before court begins, or you can call ahead to make arrangements with the County Judge's office at least 24-hours before the scheduled court date. The agenda is posted at the courthouse and is available for review on the County's website 72 hours before the scheduled court session. If you would like to discuss something that is not on the agenda, please contact your commissioner or the county Judge.
12. Who do I contact about wild animals, loose livestock, or stray dogs in my area?
To report loose livestock, wild animals, or a stray animal that appears sick or aggressive, contact the Sheriff's Department. The Animal Control Officer should take care of the problem. Arrangements have been made for residents of Cherokee County to take stray animals to the Klein Animal Shelter at a reduced rate. Contact your commissioner if you have questions or need further help. Unfortunately, we do not have an animal control ordnance at this time, but the issue has been discussed. If you would like more information, please call me.
13. Where do I go to file a complaint against my commissioner or another elected official?
Unless the official is an attorney, judge, or peace officer, there really isn't any agency in place within Cherokee County for a taxpayer or another elected official to file a complaint of any sort with the hopes of anything being done. Residents should contact their Commissioner or the County Judge if they are experiencing difficulty or want to report an incident. The Texas Ethics Commission may be a venue. They will give an opinion, if asked, as to the validity of a complaint, but cannot take any action. The Attorney General cannot become involved in a complaint or any investigations unless invited to assist by the District Attorney or County Attorney. Your vote during elections is really the only recourse for taxpayers. Making prudent decisions during elections is very important for the county.
14. Who do I contact to report trash dumped on the roadway or dead animals?
Call your constable "Eddie Lee" at 903-586-9161, or the precinct office and we will take care of it as promptly as possible.
15. Can I speak out about something during commissioner's court sessions?
Anyone can be heard during Commissioner's Court, but their comments on issues are restricted to those being discussed that are on the agenda. If you want to discuss an issue, please contact your commissioner or the County Judge and ask that the issue be placed on the agenda for discussion at the next available time.
16. How do I get my road maintained by the county, if it is not considered to be a county road at this time?
There are 2-3 different ways to petition the court to have your road taken into the county's system. One involves section 253 of the TX Transportation code, and is used if your road was included in a platted subdivision. Our County's subdivision regulations are the guidelines for making or altering the status of roads in a platted subdivision. If the road you live on is not in a platted subdivision, then other laws will pertain. Call your Commissioner to get more information on this process.
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