The San Saba County Commissioners Court was held on Monday, January 14th at 9 a.m. in the County Judge’s Chambers. County Judge, Byron Theodosis called the Court to order and welcomed everyone. Commissioner Kenley Kroll gave the invocation followed by everyone joining for the pledges to the American and Texas flags.

The following county official and departmental reports were approved subject to audit: County/District Clerk, Kim Wells report; County Treasurer, Lois Van Beck’s report; County Justice of the Peace, Judge Les

Dawson’s report; County Jail report.

County Sheriff, Steve Boyd gave the following report that was approved subject to audit:

1. Three vehicles that were inoperable were traded for a 2013 Ford F-150.

2. Three new deputies were hired: Chief Deputy Rickye Feist, Deputy Matthew Boswell and Deputy Mitchell Jacobson. Deputy Bill Price will remain with the department and Becky Star will be the Jail Administrator.

3. Chief Deputy Feist, Ranger Marquis Cantu and Deputy Bill Price completed a four day inventory of the evidence locker and other areas and found outdated, unlabeled and other exhibits that will be properly destroyed.

4. The week of January 7th the department underwent an annual health inspection, a fire inspection, a Jail Commission audit and a TCLEOSE audit. Some technical assistance was needed and leniency was given due to the change in administration. Most of the 35 items not in compliance with TCLEOSE rules were unaddressed by the previous admin-istration.

5. The department is obligated to pay Unifirst for uniforms from the former sheriff and chief deputy in the amount of $1,842.50 because they were personalized and an additional $2,000.00 for money owed for previous services.

6. When checking the inventory it was discovered that there were items purchased by the county that were missing. They have been reclaimed from Snyder, Deleon and Dallas Counties.

At least one item (a rifle) is still missing and could be in Comanche County.

The following Action Items were addressed by the Court:

A. Appointed County Sheriff Stephen L. Boyd and Chief Deputy Rickye Feist as Firearm’s Proficiency Officers for San Saba County Sheriff’s Office.

B. Approval was given for the County Attorney’s office to also be used for private practice by County Attorney Randy Robinson. County Attorney Robinson reported that there is a numerous amount of unfinished business to be done regarding a backlog of hot checks, arrest warrants and reports. It will take time to get things in order.

C. Sheriff Boyd presented two bids to move the Tax Assessors Office to the first floor of the courthouse for better access for the public and move the deputies’ office to the second floor where the Tax office is now. The Court accepted the lowest bid of $1,547.91 and approved the change to be made from Courthouse Improvement funds.

D. Approval was given for the appointment of Biennium members to the County Historical Commission.

E. The policy was approved to allow meal reimbursement for county employees for out-of-county traavel without overnight stay with supervisor’s approval.

F. Discussed the services of UniFirst Uniform.

G. After discussion, approval was given County Treasurer, Lois Van Beck, to set up and use Payroll Direct Deposit for county employees to a local bank as requested by auditor.

H. The implementation of “Years of Service Recognition” was withdrawn from the agenda for lack of a motion.

I. After consideration, the Burn Ban was lifted by the Court with the advise to use extreme caution for outside burning.

J. The minutes of the previous Commissioners Court meeting were approved.

K. The Accounts payables were checked by the Commissioners and approved to be paid.

L. The next Commissioners Court will be held on Wednesday, January 30th at 9 a.m.

Commissioner Rickey Lusty, President of the San Saba County Appraisal District, reported that Jan Vanderburg has been appointed as the Interim County Appraisor to replace Randy Henderson, who resigned. He also reported that there has been an offer made to purchase the Railroad.

County Coordinator, Marsha Hardy reported that the first quarter Blood Drive of the year will be from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, January 15th.

Judge Theodosis reported that Architect Kim Williams is retiring and that Architect Susan Turner will be replacing him and will assist the county in the Courthouse restoration.

An informal meeting will be set up soon to answer questions and help the new sheriff and treasurer. The meeting was adjourned with no further items on the agenda. Attending the Court were: County Judge, Byron Theodosis; County Commissioners, Pat Pool, Kenley Kroll, Rickey Lusty, Otis Judkins; Administrative Assistant, Cathi Wells; County Treasurer, Lois VanBeck; County Coordinator/ Indigent Health, Marsha Hardy; County Sheriff, Steve Boyd; Chief Deputy, Rickye Feist; Judge Les Dawson; County Attorney, Randy Robinson, San Saba News & Star Reporter, Alice Smith.