The San Saba County Commissioners Court met on Monday, February 9th at 9 a.m. in the County Judge’s Chambers. Ricky Lusty called the meeting to order followed by the invocation and everyone joining for the pledges to the American and Texas flags.

The Commissioners approved the minutes of the previous Commissioners Court; the Clerk’s Report; the Justice of the Peace Report; and the Sheriff and Jail Reports. The jail occupancy averaged 4.58 for the month. Sheriff Allen Brown gave an update on the work being done in the jail inorder to be in compliance with jail regulations; over-flow prisoners will be transferred to closer facilities instead of to Abilene, which will save time and money; the new sheriff’s office in the courthouse will be open by the end of the week; law enforcement officers are working on changes regarding security at the courthouse; the tax office is in full operation now with all employees working again. The sheriff’s office is announcing zero tolerance for those who choose to break the law. The Sheriff invited the Commissioner’s Court to come to the jail at 3 p.m. where the entire law enforcement group will have their picture taken for The San SabaNews & Star.

The Commissioners reviewed the following county official and Departmental Reports: County Extension Agents; County Indigent Health Care Program Director; County Grant Writer; County EMS; County Emergency Management Coordinator; County On-Site Sewage Facility Management Coordinator; County 9-1-1 Coordinator and County Trapper. Marsha Hardy reported that another shipment of the new magnetic Burn Ban signs had arrived. Some had been given to TxDOT, and she had around six extra signs.

W.D. Carroll, Joe Ragsdale and Charlie Peeler of the San Saba County Volunteer EMS requested funds to purchase an ambulance. The new ambulance amount is $104,927 and they have in place two grants that will supply $60,000. The remaining $44,927 is needed and the City Council will also be asked to contribute. The Commissioners approved to provide funds.

The Commissioners approved a conservation contract, precinct 2, to take care of some road work.

After some discussion regarding attaching an irrigation line under a bridge on CR 216, Precinct 1, the request was granted.

The Commissioners approved getting two credit cards for the County Sheriff’s Office. The card will be properly checked in/out and receipts will begiven to the treasurer promptly so that it can be paid by the due date.

The proposed revision to San Saba County Commissioners Precinct lines was tabled due to staffing delay. They have some new information that will help them get this revision done in the next few months.

The Commissioners Court examined the report from County Treasurer Gayla Hawkins that contained the current payroll including names and hours worked. There are 45 employees at the present time. The next report will be prepared for the January 2010 meeting. The Commissioners will be given a report of new employees when they occur.

The Accounts Payable were approved to be paid by the treasurer. Otis Judkins made the court aware of a request to purchase an item above the limit amount as required. Judge Theodosis handed out five cellular phones for testing the available reception areas in the county.

The Burn Ban was not lifted because of the dry windy conditions in the county. The next Commissioners Court will meet on Monday, February 23rd at 2 p.m.

Judge Theodosis made the Court aware of the Farm Service Agency situation. At the present time the FSA has two offices, one in Lampasas and one in San Saba. FSA needs to consolidate and have just one main office and it is important for our county that San Saba be selected.

Judge Theodosis adjourned the meeting. Those in attendance for the entire meeting were: Judge Byron Theodosis; County Commissioners Roger McGehee, Kenley Kroll, Ricky Lusty, Otis Judkins; Judge Les Dawson; County Coordinator Marsha Hardy; Administrative Assistant Cathi Miles; County Treasurer Gayla Hawkins; County Court Bailiff Dwayne Shaw; County Attorney Tim Inman and San Saba News & Star Reporter Alice Smith.