Q&A with Dale Spurlen; challenger running for Erath County commissioner, precinct 2.

Dale Spurlen

Q. Why are you running for Erath County commissioner?

I’m running for County Commissioner because I care deeply about Erath County and how local decisions affect people’s lives every day.

Having lived and worked in this area, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges our county faces as we experience growth and change.

I want to ensure that county services are working efficiently to help people get on with their daily lives, whether that’s maintaining safe roads, managing responsible development, or planning for infrastructure needs.

Q. What qualities do you have that will strengthen the Commissioners Court as a team?

Educationally, I have a business associate’s degree from TSTC (1981) and a Bachelor’s degree from Tarleton (1993).  

Career-wise, I have a varied work background. From working on small farms and ranches to welding shops, tractor dealership, feed mill, to a 23-year career at TXDOT, and 1+ year at the county.  

While raising our children, I served on several community organizations, including livestock associations, the DeLeon Baseball Association, and the Boy Scouts.  

Through all of this, you learn to get along for the good of the organization.

Q. How should the county balance growth and development while protecting rural character?

We all live here in Erath County because of the rural lifestyle.  

But as anyone can see, people and progress are coming, so the decisions made now will last forever.

I think that slow, steady growth is the way to go.

I think we need to expand the tax base to fund necessary improvements while remaining mindful that we are still a rural county.

Q. As commissioner, how would you approach county budgeting and property tax rates?

This is probably what I know the least about, but as a property owner, I’m not in favor of higher property taxes.  

I also realize that the state legislature mandates what a local taxing entity must do.  

I feel like sales taxes are the most equitable for everyone.  If a county can grow its sales tax base, it takes the load off of property taxes.

Q. How important is collaboration with cities, school districts and other local entities?

Extremely important.

Effective collaboration with cities, school districts, and other local entities is essential for coordinated growth management.

The county government must work closely with these partners to anticipate where growth will occur and plan accordingly. Roads will see traffic counts increase, requiring coordination with municipalities on transportation planning.

Utilities will need to be installed in partnership with service providers.

School districts must be involved early to plan for enrollment increases and facility needs.

As larger acreages are broken up and housing is built, the load on all infrastructure increases significantly.

Strong intergovernmental collaboration and good planning ahead will prevent problems in the future and ensure that all entities can adequately serve the growing population.

Q. What educational and career experiences in your background make you uniquely qualified to serve in this elected capacity?

I have an Associate’s in Farm and Ranch Management from TSTC in Waco. This program taught the basics of managing an agricultural business operation.  

Then I have a Bachelor’s in Agricultural Occupations from Tarleton State.  

This degree also taught the basics of business in agriculture.  

At TXDOT, I served in various capacities, including maintenance and construction inspections. This taught me how to build and repair roads.  

Also served as an Assistant Supervisor in Eastland, where my job responsibilities included driving roads to inspect for road and right-of-way issues requiring attention; issuing property owner permits; handling customer complaints; and leading a crew of 22 employees and their assignments.

In Comanche, I oversaw maintenance contracts, including mowing, tree trimming, and other services, as well as vegetation management.

I currently hold a state right-of-way herbicide license and CDL with all endorsements with the exception of hazmat.