The San Saba County Commissioners Court was held on Wednesday, January 30th in the County Judge’s Chambers at 9:00 a.m. County Judge Byron Theodosis called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone to the Court. Commissioner Rickey LusThere was a presentation by Scott Meador, Animal Control Officer for the City of San Saba and Kate Beckes, President of the San Saba County Friends of Animals, regarding a joint operation of an animal shelter and animal control with the City and the County. County Attorney Randy Robinson will be the liason and will take care of paper work so that the official vote will be on the next Courts agenda.

Kevin Shahan, San Saba County Auditor, presented and discussed the audit for the year 2011-2012. He reported that the county books are “in good shape” and headed in the right direction regarding direct payroll deposit for employees.

The Commissioners accepted, with regrets, a resignation letter from Fred Hardy, San Saba County Veterans Representative, effective February 1st. Two people interested in the vacancy were present and answered questions from Commissioners.

Lois VanBeck, County Treasurer, presented the annual Pro Rata Tobacco Settlement Distribution County Expenditure State - 2013. The Court approved the statement and Judge Theodosis signed it.

The San Saba County Appraisal District building, owned by the county, will be undergoing remodeling on the outside structure for a period of three to five months. The office will be moving to the Arrowhead Bank Building during that time and will pay rent of $250 and approximately $50 in utilities per month. Rent for the county-owned building is $800 monthly; because of the situation, the court unanimously approved to decrease the monthly rent to $500 during the remodeling. Commissioner Rickey Lusty abstained from voting because he is the President of the Board of Directors of the County Appraisal District.

Commissioner Lusty reported that the Railroad has been sold and is now the Heart of Texas Railway. The county is owed $400,000, but it will not get the full amount because it has been ruled that the value was over evaluated.

The Board of Directors of San Saba County Appraisal District officially hired Jan Vanderburg as Chief Appraiser. The District will move out of the building February 11th, with the help of county inmates, and using trailers borrowed from SSISD.

The Court approved the accounts payables presented by County Treasurer, Lois VanBeck. There was a discussion regarding the county sales tax exemption status in regards to employee expenses.

The next Commissioners Court will be held Monday, February 11th at 9:00 a.m. Judge Theodosis announced a short break to clear the court for a Closed Session.

The following were in attendance: Byron Theodosis, County Judge; County Commissioners, Pat Pool, Otis Judkins, Kenley Kroll, Rickey Lusty; Kim Wells, County Clerk; Cathi Miles, Administrative Assistant; Lois VanBeck, County Treasurer; Marsha Hardy, County Coordinator/Indigent Health; Randy Robinson, County Attorney; Doug Clancey, with the Clerk’s Office; Kevin Shahan, CPA; Kate Beckes, Scott Meador, Richard Smith, Charles Van Etten and Alice Smith, San Saba News & Star Reporter.

Charles Van Etten was appointed to be the next San Saba County Veterans Representative. ty gave the invocation followed by everyone joining for the pledges to the American and Texas flags.