The San Saba County Commissioners Court met Tuesday, November 9th at 9 a.m. in the County Judge’s Chambers. County Judge Byron Theodosis welcomed everyone to the court and noted that Commissioner Rickey Lusty was absent. Commissioner Kenley Kroll gave the invocation followed by everyone joining for the pledges to the American and Texas flags.

Scott & White Healthcare representative, Janice Ranly, presented information regarding the county’s medical insurance plan. The information included three Options: Option 1 was an increase of a little over 2% from last year; Option 2, 5.6% increase; Option 3, 10.6% increase. After discussion, the Commissioner’s approved Option 2.

Kevin Casey, a UniFirst Uniform Service representative, answered questions regarding their uniform rental services. The Commissioner’s voted unanimously to accept this service for certain county departments.

The Commissioners approved the following items:

1. Changes to Contract with CATapiller for Pct. 3.

2. Minutes of previous Commissioners Court meeting.

3. County Clerk’s report presented by County Clerk, Kim Wells.

4. Payment of bills presented by County Treasurer, Gayla Hawkins.

5. The County Justice of the Peace report was presented by Judge Les Dawson.

6. The Jail Report was verified by Commissioner Kroll.

The Commissioners accepted the monthly reports from non-action departments of the county.

County Sheriff, L.A.Brown, reported on the following:

a. Researching possibilities of having workers hired and paid through a government program.

b. Transport of inmates is up.

c. Teams are going out and providing needed work in the county including work for commissioners.

d. Discussed illegal situation, immigration and ICE.

e. New patrol duties because of hunting season.

f. Pre-election went well on first floor of Courthouse - County Clerk Kim Wells verified the change and the help of the Sheriff’s Dept. and Linda Hardy.

g. Deputies are attending schools for rules and regulations.

h. A Gun Safety program will be implemented before Christmas for grades K-4th grades with material from the Extension Office and NRA.

i. A Sexual Assault Prevention Program for girls in grade school, high school and the elderly is being planned.

j. The Cherokee program to educate the public on Drug Awareness is going very well.

k. There has been no complaints filed regarding the Sheriff’s Department.

There was a lengthy discussion regarding a Breathlizer Test or a Blood Test. The State Highway Patrolman has the only portable breathlizer in San Saba County.

The Commissioniers discussed the Conservation Contract equipment rates and adjusted them to match those of contractors in the county.

Also approved was to apply monies from sale of Maintainer 12G; Pct. 4, to the purchase of Maintainer 140H, Pct. 4. Kevin Shahan, CPA, was on hand to give information.

County Treasurer, Gayla Hawkins, presented information for Worker’s Comp. coverage on EMS Volunteers. The Commissioners approved the coverage.

The Treasurer reported the addition of one new employee, Wymond Kraft, to the payroll.

After discussing the county’s weather conditions, the Court unanimously voted to enact a Burn Ban beginning today, Tuesday, November 9th.

The next court date was set for Monday, November 29th at 9 a.m.

Wymond Kraft, EMS Director, presented information to amend the San Saba County EMS Policy Manual. Members of the EMS Board present were Kevin Shahan, Cissy Williams, Charlie Peeler and Connie Adams. The amendments were accepted and approved by the Commissioners.

Judge Theodosis adjourned the regular meeting to leave for an appointment with others staying to get a report from Charlie Peeler.

Charlie Peeler gave information that the CATRAC Regional group will be supplying a portable capnography equipped heart monitor for the EMS. Arragements are being made for EMS to be qualified to operate this much needed item.