08-14-2023
The Commissioners’ Court meetings are held at least twice a month, usually in the Commissioners Courtroom on the second floor of the Courthouse. They are open to the public.
The August 14th meeting was opened by Judge Fauley. Prayer was led by Commissioner Kenley Kroll who then led everyone in the pledges to the American flag and the Texas Flag.
Audience or Concerned Citizens for Public Comment: Marsha Hardy, Emergency Management Coordinator addressed the court and read from the following: On August 11, 2023, Governor Greg Abbott sent out to the Secretary of State, a proclamation declaring a State of Disaster in a certain number of counties based on the existence of wildfires… She noted we are one of the 192 counties in the state of Texas who are part of this. We are now under the disaster declaration.
What does that mean for us? If those VFD’s (and Commissioners) who fight the fires document what they do, it is possible to get reimbursement. The Fire Departments will have forms from the Texas Forest Service. There was discussion on who fills out the forms and what is needed. Ms. VanBeck, County Treasurer, suggested that if it is like FEMA, they probably need to track hours and equipment used.
Ms. Hardy noted that emergency declarations are now possible by the Commissioners Court because of this State Disaster Declaration. It was mentioned that many places are under water restriction.
There was discussion on how well the Prayer Meeting for rain went and how well it was attended. It was also mentioned that Brown County had rain the next day.
The following items were approved during by the Court:
• Approval of purchase on Tractor Bid Precinct 4. There is funding for the purchase.
• Tax note approval for funding for the new Motorola Radio System. The purchase was already approved. The Tax Note seems to be more secure than financing with Motorola.
• Set Salaries and Other Allowances for all elected County and Precinct Officers F/Y 2023 2024 Budget.
• Adding a bench to grant application for the Beverage Bridge in Precinct 1. The bench will go along way in getting approval for the 'Grant Works' grant.
• Proposed tax rate for budget cycle 2023 2024.
• Public Hearing on tax increase • Adoption of finalized and proposed budget F/Y 2023 2024.
• Two line items presented by Ms. VanBeck
• Accounts Payable There was discussion on purchase of road material from an individual who owns a portable rock crusher and wants to sell materials to the county.
Mr. Lebow said he had been approached by a rock crusher in Melvin who wanted to come to properties here, crush the rocks for landowners, and then sell the material to the County. The man wanted to be endorsed by the Commissioners Court. It was discussed that one company cannot have preference over another one. However, if this man wanted to come and do work here for landowners, it would be between him and the landowner. No action was taken by the Court.
There was discussion on possible conflict of interest for San Saba County Judge in District Court. He noted there was nothing in the law that prevents him from cases in District Court, but he wanted their ethics opinion because of possible perception. The Judge said he would not take cases with conflict, only cases where both parties were in agreement. The Judge said he would bring a conflict of interest waiver to the Court to sign to be transparent with his law firm. The Court all agreed there was no conflict in what was presented. Judge Fauley said he wanted to always be above board and open before the Court.
FEMA was removed from the agenda and future agendas until requested. There is no new information at this time.
Burn Ban was tabled and will stay in effect.
The Court adjourned; next meeting is scheduled for August 21, 2023, at 9 a.m.
08-21-2023
After Judge Fauley opened the August 21st meeting, Commissioner Lebow led in prayer.
For those of you who have never been to a Commissioners’ Court meeting, they are always opened in prayer. The Commissioners as the Lord to give them wisdom to make the best decisions possible for San Saba County. They ask for God’s guidance, and they usually ask for God to bless our land with much-needed rain.
After the prayer, Commissioner Lebow led everyone in the pledges to the American flag and the Texas flag.
The Court discussed Maxwell Bridge Public Safety. This is in Precinct 4. Commissioner Greg McGregor stated this is his precinct. He has gone down there several times and agrees this is hazardous and is a safety risk.
The Sheriff ’s office has increased patrols, and it was reported that things have improved. The Sheriff noted that traffic cannot be in the riverbeds. There was discussion on signage and other ideas on keeping the area safe.
The Sheriff also submitted an article to the San Saba News & Star for the public.
There was short but thorough presentation by Mr. Nelson and Mr. Reed from CTCOG on the Safe Streets and Roads grant. This grant requires a match from the county. Their information showed the costs came in less than half of what was originally projected, so the match from the county will be much, much lower as well. This was very good news.
There will be stakeholders meetings and public meetings as part of the requirements in the safety plan for the grant. They were asking for approval of a resolution for the matching dollars to the grant which is the first step.
The Court unanimously approved a Resolution for San Saba County to participate in Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Action Plan for CTCOG Region.
The Court approved the Proposed County Fees from Sheriff F/Y 2032 2024. The Sheriff had copies of the proposal for the Court. The fees are very close to last year. The Judge agreed the increases are very minimal.
The Sheriff presented a possible Letter of Intent for the Sheriff to purchase a vehicle for $71,000 from Capital Budget F/Y 2023 2024. Since the purchase would be from a future budget that has yet to be approved, the purchase could not be approved. However, with the Letter of Intent, there is no contract or deposit. It only gets the Sheriff’s Office “in line” and “on the list” to receive the vehicle. There is quite a backlog on orders. No action was taken by the court.
The following items were also approved: - Scott Edmonson re-appointment for Solid Waste Advisory Committee for San Saba - Purchase of Water Truck for Precinct 4 - pending personal inspection - Allow County Attorney to purchase the old cell phone that was replaced with the new County cell phones for $340, the amount the Court would have received for recycling it.
- One line item transfer presented by Ms. VanBeck, County Treasurer - 33rd/424rd Judicial District Courts Administration Order setting compensation and expenses of Court Reporters (The Judge remarked that if anyone knew of a graduate who was deciding on a career path to suggest Court Reporting. They are in great need which is reflected by their pay.)
The following items were tabled: - Possible action to post speed limit signs on San Saba County roads - Possible action for unclaimed Capital Credits of $2,083.39 - Burn Ban The Radio Communication item was removed from the Agenda as it has all been decided.
During the meeting, the Commissioners talked about the Chase Pecan fire last week. Judge Fauley was in contact with those working the fire. The Laney Construction crew had dozers and water trucks, and they came over to help out. They were helping to spread out the debris to keep the fire from starting up again. The fire ignited a few times during the night, but the VFD still had someone there all throughout the night to monitor it. More crews were called in during the night to help fight the fire when it sparked back up. All commended our wonderful first responders and all that they do.
Judge Fauley also said many came to help out with the fire including citizens and businesses wanting to donate water and snacks for the firefighters. He has been in contact with the VFD and has a message from them to the public: The VFD greatly appreciates all the donations people bring to them. However, please bring your donations to the Fire Station and not to the emergency scene. The emergency scene needs to stay clear for emergency personnel.
The next Commissioners’ Court meetings will be held on Tuesday, September 5th, due to the Monday holiday.
Meeting Schedule for September 5, 2023: 8:15 a.m. - Public Hearing of Proposed Budget F/Y 2023 2024
8:45 a.m.
- Public Hearing on Tax Increase 9:00 a.m. - Commissioners’ Court The public is invited to all Commissioners’ Court Meetings and is encouraged to attend.