The San Saba County Commissioners’ Court met on Monday January 12th at 9:00 am in the Court Room of the County Judge. Judge Byron Theodosis called the meeting to order and welcomed visitors, Commissioners, and other county officials. Roger McGehee gave the Invocation and everyone joined in for the pledges to the American and Texas flags.

Judge Theodosis swore into office and acknowledged the following newly elected officers: Sheriff Allen Brown and Commissioners Kenley Kroll, and Otis Judkins.

County Clerk Kim Wells’ report was approved subject to Audit.

County Treasurer Gayla Hawkins asked the Commissioners to go over the diesel fuel information in her report. The Commissioners approved the Treasurer’s Report subject to Audit.

Judge Les Dawson reported that all law enforcement officers are out working for justice, protection, enforcing the law and taking care of criminals. There has been an average of 6.87 per day in jail and one transfer to Lampasas in the month of December.

The Commissioners approved the minutes of the December 22nd Commissioners Court meeting.

The following Departmental Reports were received: County Extension Agents, County Indigent Health Care Program Director, County Grant Writer, County EMS, County Emergency Management Coordinator, County 9-1-1 Coordinator, and County Trapper. Marsha Hardy, County Emergency Management Coordinator, distributed Burn Ban magnetic signs to the commissioners to put on their vehicle. Ms. Hardy announced that a blood drive will be coming soon and donors are needed. Commissioner Lusty reported there has been some removal and destruction of 911 signs in his district.

Judge Theodosis asked Kara Dawson to come forward to receive recognition from San Saba County and the City Council of San Saba. Mayor Ken Jordan was unable to attend. Gale Ivy, San Saba City Secretary, presented the Proclamation to Ms. Dawson proclaiming January 12, 2009 as Kara Dawson Day. Ivy also presented Ms. Dawson a gold key to the City of San Saba. In behalf of the Commissioners and representing the County of San Saba, Judge Theodosis also presented Ms. Dawson a Proclamation.

Ms. Dawson displayed the Navy Achievement Medal she received for outstanding courage and exceptional fire fighting skills on May 22, 2008 for battling several fires onboard her ship without fear for her own life to save four shipmates. Family members attending todays recognition were: mother, Eva McDuff and husband Trey; father, Richard Dawson; grandparents, David & Nancy Stewart; grandfather, Les Dawson and wife Brenda. Kara has been a member of the Ladies Auxiliary VFW Post # 3278 in Brownwood since she was 14 years old and active in school and community her entire life.

The Commissioners tabled the appointment of members to the Salary Grievance Committee and an Interlocal agreement with Hill Country Community Action Association to Provide Building and Fire Insurance for the Head Start Program. Legal direction was needed on these items and the newly elected county attorney was not in attendance.

The County Treasurer will have a report next month of current payroll including names and hours worked.

Sheriff Brown inquired about Workmen’s Comp. benefits for the Reserve Deputies. This was on the agenda quite awhile ago and approved, so information should be sent to Treasurer Hawkins and it will be enacted as of January 12th.

The Commissioners approved the appointment of members to the County Historical Commission to serve 2009 - 2011.

Judge Theodosis greeted Reagan & Stephanie Faught. Reagan is enrolled in graduate school at Texas A&M University and Judge Theodosis is in the process of giving him a letter of recommendation.

The Commissioners had a brief discussion regarding the Burn Ban and it will remain in effect.

Approval was given for Line Item Transfers to the 08-09 Budget and to pay bills holding the payment for the County Court Assistant Training on Feb. 18-20.

The next Commissioners Court will be at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, January 26th.

Judge Theodosis adjourned the meeting.

(See additional pictures on Page 16.)