County adopts sanctuary ordinance for unborn
By David H. Waller
The Shackelford County Commissioners met April 15 at the Law Enforcement Center due to the courthouse being unavailable, addressing a full agenda that included infrastructure agreements, nonprofit support, and the passage of a major resolution regarding abortion.
Commissioners voted unanimously to lift the county’s current burn ban due to improved conditions. The decision takes effect immediately and will be reevaluated if necessary.
One of the most significant actions of the morning was the court’s decision to approve an ordinance declaring Shackelford County a “Sanctuary County for the Unborn.” The measure, which passed by a unanimous roll call vote, outlaws abortion within the unincorporated areas of the county and allows for civil enforcement by private citizens.
The courtroom was filled with visitors for the discussion, many of whom shared personal stories during the public comment period. Katherine Thomson, a local resident, spoke at length about her faith, her family’s experiences with unplanned pregnancies, and the importance of supporting alternatives to abortion, such as adoption. Others, including Rodney Casey, Randy Walker and Ella May Walker, voiced strong support for the measure, citing moral, religious, and constitutional concerns.
Mark Lee Dixon, founder of the Sanctuary Cities for the Unborn initiative, gave a detailed presentation on the ordinance and its legal structure. Dixon explained that the ordinance includes civil enforcement provisions modeled after the Texas Heartbeat Act, which allow private citizens—not government agencies—to take legal action against those who aid or abet abortion-related activity, including abortion trafficking and the mailing of abortion-inducing drugs.
“This ordinance helps close loopholes in existing state law,” Dixon said, “and gives counties like Shackelford a legal tool to protect unborn children from conception—not just at the point of a detectable heartbeat.”
He cited data showing an increase in abortion-related travel to nearby states and warned of outside organizations working to help minors bypass parental consent laws. Dixon emphasized that his legal team, led by conservative attorney Jonathan Mitchell, has successfully defended similar ordinances across the country and would do so free of charge if Shackelford County faced a legal challenge.
County attorney Rollin Rauschl raised questions about the enforceability of certain provisions and the potential for constitutional conflicts, especially regarding transportation across state lines. Dixon responded by pointing to the federal Mann Act and similar precedents, stating that the ordinance had been written to mirror long-standing federal law.
Following the discussion, commissioners called for a roll call vote. Each precinct commissioner—Steve Riley (P1), Ace Reames (P2), Lanham Martin (P3), and Cody Jordan (P4)—voted in favor of the ordinance. Shackelford County becomes the ninth county in the United States and the seventh in Texas to adopt the sanctuary designation.
FiberLight Easement:
A proposal from FiberLight to construct a 60-by-60-foot equipment station at the southeast corner of the Law Enforcement Center was tabled for further review. The company offered a $40,000 one-time easement fee, along with $1,000 to cover preliminary expenses, but commissioners had concerns about the long-term lease, building materials, and restoration requirements in the event the structure is abandoned.
ResourceCare Funding Request:
Mindy Ary and Megan Marshall of ResourceCare asked the court for financial assistance to support the Vittles by Vehicles meal delivery program, which serves homebound residents in Albany. Commissioners expressed appreciation for the program’s value and agreed to consider funding during the next budget cycle.
Tree Trimming
Contract:
Commissioners approved hiring Silvano Alvarez to trim pecan trees around the courthouse, with the cost not to exceed $4,500.
Surplus Vehicle
Auction:
The court heard from Sheriff Ed Miller regarding surplus vehicles now available at PublicSurplus.com, where interested buyers can search for Shackelford County listings.
Mental Health
Concerns:
Sheriff Miller also reported on an ongoing public safety issue involving a homeless man with mental health issues who continues to return to Albany after being relocated. Officials stated they are working within the law to keep both the individual and the public safe.
