The San Saba County Commissioners’ Court met Monday, January 26, 2009 in the County Judge’s Chambers. Judge Byron Theodosis called the meeting to order followed by Kenley Kroll with the invocation and everyone joining for the pledges to the American and Texas flags. Judge Theodosis recognized that newly elected or appointed county officials were in attendance. They are County Attorney, Tim Inman; County Sheriff, Allen Brown; and County Bailiff Dwayne Shaw. Marsha Hardy, County Coordinator, reported that the newly elected Executive Director of the Pecan Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross, Missi Malone, was in attendance, along with Terri Burross, Assistant and Community Services Director, for today's meeting.

Sheriff L.A. Brown addressed the Court regarding some changes and a report since he took office January 1st. Sheriff Brown’s report included information about: new uniforms, staff, training, increase in arrests, traffic violations (especially running stop signs) and a dispatcher’s injury from a fall. The County jail, which is the oldest active jail in the country, failed a state inspection and the Sheriff’s Department is working on a list of deficiencies. The county commissioners are helping keep the cost to a minimum by doing some of the repairs such as welding.

The following items were discussed and approved.

1. Resolution authorizing private practice of law by County Attorney in Courthouse office to be in compliance to government code.

2. Conservation Contract, Precinct 2, Estate of J. C. Edmondson, c/o Sammy Smith.

3. Interlocal agreement between San Saba County Jail and Llano County Jail giving flexibility to transfer primarily female prisoners.

4. A new computer for County Treasurer Gayla Hawkins, and amend the budget accordingly.

5. Interlocal Agreement with Hill County Community Action Association to provide building and fire insurance for Head Start Program with a 60 day notice for any changes.

County Attorney Inman read the requirements for the Salary Grievance Committee. The committee is made up of four county officials, the county judge (non-voting member) and five citizens of the county. County Clerk Kim Wells provided slips of paper with names of qualified citizens who had served on the Grand Jury. Cathi Miles, Administrative Assistant, drew the names for the five citizens plus 10 names as alternates. The citizens will be notified and they will be asked to send in their written acceptance.

The current Burn Ban is in effect from December 22, 2008 to March 22, 2009 unless lifted. The Commissioners approved keeping the burn ban in effect.

The proposed revision to San Saba County commissioner precinct lines was tabled.

The County Treasurer was available for questions regarding the accounts payable. Treasurer Hawkins reported that a letter regarding a rate increase in 2010 for the Retirement System was in the Commissioners’ Court folders. The Accounts Payables were approved to be paid.

Judge Theodosis led a discussion regarding the cell phone reception. Sheriff Brown, Attorney Inman and Marsha Hardy all agreed the AT&T system provided good reception and they are satisfied. Ricky Lusty requested that his Precinct land line be disconnected because he was getting just a few calls on it and used his cell phone all the time. There were no complaints on the cell phone service.

The next commissioners court was set for Monday, February 9th at 9 a.m.

Marsha Hardy announced to the Court that she had received a call that the Scott & White Blood Drive scheduled for January 27th had to be cancelled because of predicted weather conditions and rescheduled for February 16th.

Missi Malone, Executive Director of the Pecan Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross explained their organization's services. In the last seven months they have responded to 23 fires with assistance. Other assistance are to those affected by wind, flood, and other disasters; services to military families; health and safety services; and volunteer services training and opportunities. Marsha Hardy reported that the Red Cross has provided assistance any time there has been a need in San Saba County. The Pecan Valley Chapter serves Brown, McCulloch, Mills & San Saba Counties.

Judge Theodosis adjorned the meeting. Those in attendance were: County Judge Byron Theodosis; County Commissioners Kenley Kroll, Ricky Lusty and Otis Judkins; County Treasurer Gayla Hawkins; County Clerk Kim Wells; Administrative Assistant Cathi Miles; County Attorney Tim Inman; County Coordinator Marsha Hardy; County Court Bailiff Dwayne Shaw; County Sheriff Allen Brown; County Treasurer Gayla Hawkins; Red Cross Reps Terri Burross and Missi Malone; Alice Smith, San Saba News & Star Reporter.