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The San Saba County Commissioners Court met on Monday, March 8th in the County Court Room. County Judge Byron Theodosis called the meeting to order and welcomed approximately 40 people who were in attendance. Commissioner Rickey Lusty gave the invocation followed by everyone joining for the American and Texas pledges.

Judge Theodosis did a re-cap of the Public Hearing held on February 16th, regarding the petition to create an Emergency Service District (ESD) and the naming of a committee.The Committee was formed as a fact finding body to make suggestions back to the Commissioner’s Court as they determine the feasibility of the creation of an ESD.

The ESD Committee submitted a four-page report to the Commissioners presented by spokesman Kevin Shahan. Other committee members attending the meeting were: Bill Price, Rila Roberds, Cissy Williams, Karen Faught, Suzie Garza, Forrest McGregor, and Ricky McKinnerney. The Committee presented three options:

Option #1 - Procurring commitments from taxpayers in lieu of creating a new taxing entity or raising tax rates.

Option #2 - Creating an ESD (Emergency Service District) funded by tax revenues.

Option #3 - The County increasing the Ad Valorem tax rate to cover the added expense.

The report listed advantages and disadvantages of each option and estimates of projected income and expenses. With these projections, it appears that the creation of an ESD would not be adequately funded. Therefore, the Committee’s recommendation was Option #3, the County could insure adequate funding while maximizing existing staff, administrative costs and group type policies.

During the discussion regarding the ESD Committee’s report, Randy Henderson, with the San Saba County Appraisal District, gave information along with Stan Weik, San Saba City Manager. The Commissioners heard discussion by members of the County’s EMS; County Attorney Tim Inman, citizens attending the meeting and members of the ESD Committee.

It was expressed by individuals at the meeting that they fully support EMS and are concerned about the crisis; however, they are also not in favor of creating a new taxing entity.

March 8th, (the day of the meeting) was the deadline to file to place the election for an ESD on the May ballot. The Commissioners voted unanimously to reject the petition for a proposed ESD, therefore there was no need to order a special election in May.

Reagan Burnham called the Court's attention to Agenda Item #20 - "Approve or reject ordering election in the city for legal sale of all alcoholic beverages including mixed beverages in the Incorporated City of San Saba." The item has a wording issue and needed to be taken off the agenda. The Commissioners voted to reject the item.

There was discussion for closing CR 333, CR 335, CR 369, CR 369A, CR 377 and a partial closing of CR 375. Interested landowners were in attendance and answered questions regarding the closing of these roads that would be approximately four miles altogether and were dead-end roads. The item will be put on the agenda at a future Commissioners Court for a vote.

Malissa Mims, Executive Director of the DOVE Project gave a presentation and explained their services, organizational changes and how they are funded.

The Commissioners unanimously approved Item #17 - "County of San Saba requests the PUC to affirm the analytical work performed by the PUC Staff and the recommendations of the TP&W Department and reject Oncor’s Preferred Route 255 in favor of Alternate Route 140."

The Commissioners approved the following items:

1. Minutes of the previous Commissioners Court meeting.

2. County Clerk’s report.

3. The Justice of the Peace report.

4. County Sheriff and jail reports.

The Departmental reports were received: County Judge; County Extension Agents; County Indigent Health Care Program; County Grant Writer; County EMS Billing; County Emergency Management Coordinator; County On-Site Sewage Facility Management Coordinator; County 9-1-1 Coordinator; and Trapper.

Action was taken on the following items:

A. Tabled one item regarding a settlement because more information was needed.

B. Approved payment of bills and discussed mileage reimbursement.

C. The next Commissioners Court will be Monday, March 22nd at 9 a.m. Marsha Hardy, County Coordinator, reported that "Shattered Dreams" will take place at the San Saba High School Wednesday, March 10th and Thursday, March 11th. Judge Theodosis adjourned the meeting.