The San Saba County Commissioners’ Court met on Monday November 24th at 1:30 p.m. in the County Judge’s Chambers. County Judge Byron Theodosis called the meeting to order followed by Roger McGehee with the invocation and everyone joining for the pledges to the American and Texas flags.

Neal Alexander, County Agent, asked if there were any questions pertaining to the report given to the commissioners. It was required that they periodically attend commissioners meetings. Carolyn McDowell, County Extension Office, reported that the newly implemented 4-H Archery Project is going very well and had acquired funds to get equipment.

Neal distributed information regarding Oak Wilt, a fungal disease that strikes live oaks, red oaks, blackjack oaks and shin oaks. Joe Miller also explained the situation and ways to control the problem. A small area was affected within the city limits and is now controlled. Other areas in the county have been spotted. County Attorney David Williams stated that if the Wedding Oak would get infected it would be a tragic loss. With information received and the damage and loss projected, the Commissioners unanimously approved an Oak Wilt Policy be implemented.

Georgia Harris requested the release of funds to the Dove Project that have been collected from divorce filing fees. Since 2003 approximately $1,100.00 has been collected an is now available. The Dove Project is in need of funds because a Grant that was for operating expenses will not be available. The Commissioners unanimously voted to release the Govt. Code #51.961 Family Protection Fees collected by the county to the Dove Project. Georgia Harris had two other requests that the commissioners could not address because the budget has already been approved for this year and the Dove Project is a San Saba City program.

The Commissioner’s approved a Road Maintenance Contract in Pct. 4.

After a lengthy discussion, the commissioners rejected payment of $100.00 per month as a salary supplement to each Juvenile Board Member. There were 4 yes votes to reject and 1 abstained.

The Commissioner’s also rejected a request for drainage for a private road with the understanding that it could be put on the agenda at another time.

The Revision to San Saba County Commissioner Precinct Lines was tabled again with the hope that information that Marsha Hardy gave to David Williams will be able to help complete the project.

There was discussion regarding enacting the burn ban. This is a season of dry windy conditions so Judge Theodosis will contact the Commissioners on Friday to discuss the situation if there is no rain prior to that time. Several people present have been noticing magnetic Burn Ban signs on county vehicles in neighboring counties. There was a discussion that this would be another way to notify the public when a Burn Ban is in effect and could be used by the Fire Departments, also.

There were no Line Item Transfers to the ’08-’09 Budget; however there was some discussion on what funds would be used regarding a grant fee that would be reimbursed.

The Accounts Payables for 2008 - 2009 were unanimously approved to be paid by County Treasurer Gayla Hawkins.

Judge Theodosis adjourned the meeting. Those in attendance for the entire Special Meeting Agenda were: County Judge Byron Theodosis; County Commissioners Roger McGehee, Kenley Kroll, Ricky Lusty and Otis Judkins; County Clerk Kim Wells; County Treasurer Gayla Hawkins; County Attorney David Williams; County Coordinator Marsha Hardy; Administrative Assistant Cathi Miles; Court Bailiff Mike Edgmon and San Saba News & Star Reporter Alice Smith.