Judge Byron Theodosis called the meeting to order for the San Saba County Commissioners' Court on Monday, June 9th. Judge Theodosis asked Kenley Kroll for the invocation, followed by everyone standing for the Pledge of Allegiance to the American and Texas flags.

There was a group of citizens in attendance protesting the closure of County Road 109. Speaking on behalf of John McConnell's estate was his daughter, Johnette Early, who petitioned that there was no access to three pieces of property off of CR 109 because property owner/owners constructed a fence on the closed road. Public hearings were attended before the road was closed and there was a misunderstanding where the fence was to be constructed. Others with the same concern were: Karen Little, R. Boswell, and Jerilyn McKinney. Kim Wells, also a property owner on CR 109, was consulted about the situation.

A discussion followed with Judge Theodosis, Attorney David Williams, and all concerned. The Commissioners' Court does not have the authority to "undo" the legal closure of a road because it is final after 30 days. The road was closed because the bridge on the road was declared unsafe for passage. The proper steps for the people wanting the road reopened is to issue a civil suit in District Court against the person/persons who constructed the fence. It was suggested to try and settle this out of court because of the expense involved and also the possibility of removing the unsafe bridge.

Jim Reed, Executive Director of Council of Governments (COG), handed out brochures explaining its programs in seven counties, including San Saba County. Mr. Reed gave an update on these programs and ended his report by recognizing that Judge Theodosis was one of the officials for Hill Country Transit District Board of Directors with COG.

Sam Murray, President of the City National Bank, thanked the County for using City National as the County's depository for banking, trust funds, and court registry funds, as well as quoted interest rates and other features. After his presentation, Mr. Murray left the meeting. After a short discussion, and there being no other bids, the Commissioners voted for another four-year banking contract with City National.

Judge Les Dawson was available for discussion of the Proposed Revisions of the County Employee Manual, which was approved.

The following Regular Action Items were discussed and approved:

• Minutes of previous Commissioners' Court meeting;

• Pay Accounts Payable;

• Clerk's Report, subject to audit;

• Treasurer's Report, subject to audit;

• The Justice of Peace reported an increase in tickets for speeding and seat belt violations ("Click it, or ticket!" campaign). There was one fatal accident in the County last month; and

• The Sheriff's Jail Report was in order and subject to audit.

The following reports were accepted:

• Cathi Miles has been out of the office for the past two weeks and some reports haven't been submitted;

• County Attorney David Williams handed out the County Indigent Health Care Program report with expenses well within the budget;

• Marsha Hardy answered questions about County Grant Writer and presented the County EMS Billing report. Marsha reported that a new Director of EMS has been hired; and

• COG is helping with the County's 9-1-1 program.

The following Special Action Items were discussed and approved:

• Application for Conservation Contract Precinct #4 - Jack Perryman;

• Final draft of official County Road map that Attorney David Williams had as a project. He was assisted by Kim Wells. Judge Theodosis commended Attorney Williams for a job well done that saved the County thousands of dollars;

• Policy for receiving annual list of employees and pay rates with monthly adjustments for new employees and pay rates or removals from list;

• Proposed use of courthouse lawn or courtroom on Tuesday, August 19th at 5:00 p.m. for celebration of VIP Planning Project completion; and

• Ban on certain fireworks (rockets and missiles) during the July 4th season.

The Commissioners reappointed Judge Theodosis as Director for Hill Country Transit District Board of Directors. They also received the Annual Racial Profiling Report from the County Sheriff's Department. The Commissioners tabled the proposed protection by the Historical Commission of Edgar T. Neal's bootprint on the courthouse sidewalk for further discussion. Also tabled was the Proposed Revision to San Saba County Commissioner Precinct lines.

The Commissioners rejected proposed hiring of temporary employees by the Commissioners. They also rejected enacting the Burn Ban. However, because of windy conditions, the Ban could be enacted in the near future.

The meeting was adjourned.

Besides the concerned citizens, others in attendance at the meeting included: Judge Byron Theodosis; Commissioners - Roger McGehee, Kenley Kroll, Otis Judkins, and Ricky Lusty; County and District Clerk Kim Wells; County Treasurer Gayla Hawkins; County Attorney David Williams; Judge Les Dawson; Marsha Hardy, County Coordinator; Bailiff - Chief Deputy Doug Clancey; and Alice Smith, San Saba News & Star Reporter.