The burn ban was implemented on March 5, 2025 by order of the Commissioners Court and by unanimous vote this past Monday, March 10, 2025, was extended another 30 days. The Court will review it again at that time.
During the March 10th meeting, there was quite a bit of discussion on a possible update order and interlocals requested by TCEQ (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality). It has to do with the OSSF (On Site Sewage Facility)10-acre rule.
Emergency Management Coordinator Marsha Hardy was not able to attend the meeting, but Mr. Hamrick was there to answer any questions.
After a lengthy discussion, it was decided to table this Action Item until the March 24th meeting so more research could be done.
Updates were given on the Written Sealed Bid on the 423 E. Wallace property. During the discussion, it was noted there seems to be a lot of interest in the property. They decided to run the Bid Notice in the paper again to make sure the public was fully aware of the situation with the property. See the Bid Notice on Page 3.
County Treasurer Lois VanBeck addressed the Court in regards to Disbursement of School Bond Fund Investment Proceeds. This pertains to money left to the County School Bond Fund in 1854. In 1954, the county received a deeded trust to be placed in the School Bond Fund. The money has been in a CD all these years.
The original amount stays in a CD, and the interest is dispersed among the three school districts in our county: San Saba, Richland Springs, and Cherokee. The dispersal is by enrollment as listed by the TEA (Texas Education Agency).
Ms. VanBeck brought the item before the court because it is time to renew the CD. It has been since 2013 since the interest was dispersed. At that time, the total amount was about $25,000. Because of interest rates, the amount that is to be dispersed is only about $9,500. According to the TEA enrollment, the percentages of disbursement would be as follows: SSISD 75%; RS ISD - 12.5%; Cherokee ISD - 12.5%.
After discussion, the court approved the disbursement to the San Saba County Schools.
Commissioner Greg Mc-Gregor addressed the Court on possible court action to assist the San Saba Chamber of Commerce for the Upcoming Pecan Bottom Festival on April 5th at Risien Park. He stated the Chamber Board had requested that the county provide vehicles to block access to certain areas, and the vehicles will need to be manned. No cars will be allowed in Risien Park during the event. The expected crowd of around 2,000 to 3,000 will need to park elsewhere. Different areas were discussed including churches and Mill Pond Park. There will be shuttles to the event from the designated parking lots.
Assistance with security will also be needed; there are several entrances to the park.
The court discussed different options available for the vehicles and for the extra security that will be needed for such a large crowd. They agreed to provide 2 fire trucks or precinct trucks (with personnel) to help with blocking access to certain areas as well as added security.
The Court approved a Conservation Contract for Trent Hotman Road Maintenance on Private Road 129 in Precinct 1. Commissioner Lebow informed the court that the road is very bad, but it should be an easy project.
One Line Item Transfer presented by Ms. VanBeck as well as Accounts Payable were both unanimously approved.
County Official and Departmental Reports
Clerk Report: Christi Whitley explained her office is busy getting reports up to date, and it entails a lot of research to get them completed. She also noted there are elections coming up.
Treasurer’s Report: Lois VanBeck presented her report to the Court.
Justice of the Peace: the following was provided by Judge Sharon Blossman’s office: Total: $24,063.00 Community Service/ Jail Credit: $1,202.00 Total to County: $15,254.33 Small Claims and Civil: $262.00
Sheriff and Jail Report: the Jail Book total was 328 days with an average of 11.71. The Sheriff reported one of the biggest challenges currently is having a pregnant inmate that is currently being housed in Brown County Jail. The person has a history of drug use, even during multiple pregnancies. She has been clean during this incarceration. She is now able to be on Medicaid and can get medical assistance for her pregnancy including having the baby in that hospital which has not been the case for most of the other children she has borne.
The next Commissioners Court dates: March 24, 2025; April 14, 2025; and April 28, 2025, all at 9 a.m.
The visitors to the meeting were dismissed as the Court went into Closed Session.
The public is invited to attend Commissioners Court meetings. They are held in the Commissioners Courtroom on the second floor of the Courthouse.