The San Saba County Commissioners’ Court met for a regular meeting on Monday, July 27th, in the District Courtroom. Judge Byron Theodosis called the meeting to order at 9:02 a.m. The Judge welcomed everyone in attendance and mentioned how good it was to have the meeting in the District Courtroom so everyone could spread out to ensure social distancing.
Commissioner Kenley Kroll gave the invocation and led everyone in the pledges to the American flag and the Texas flag.
Audience for Concerned Citizens For Public Comment:
None.
Special Action Items (and Non-Action Items):
1. Discuss and Take Possible Action on Presentation by Snider Technology on Solutions to Reduce Phone Costs and IT Services:
Ray Bertrand, Senior Business Development Manager for Snider Technology, gave the presentation and provided a list of 10 County references. Randall Robinson, County Attorney, reported he has had dealings with this company before and had many problems. He said he would not support using the company. The Judge informed Mr. Bertrand that he would contact the County references and would call Mr. Bertrand if the Court decided to pursue business with his company. Mr. Bertrand thanked the Court for their time.
2. Approve Conservation Application from Galen Guillory for 911 Addressing Pct. 2:
Decision: The Court unanimously approved the Conservation Application from Galen Guillory for 911 Addressing Pct. 2.
3. Approve or Reject All County Indigent Health Applications Must Originate From Indigent Health Director’s Office:
Decision: After discussion, the Court unanimously approved All County Indigent Health Applications Must Originate From Indigent Health Director’s Office.
4. Approve or Reject Mary Dell Rhoades as a member of Child Welfare Board Pct. 3:
The Judge commended those who serve on the Child Welfare Board.
Decision: The Court unanimously approved Dell Rhoades as a member of Child Welfare Board Pct. 3.
5. Discuss and Take Possible Action On Expected Payroll Changes for Next Fiscal Year:
The Judge stated that unless something wonderful happens, there will be no raises for elected officials. He is not interested in raising taxes especially during a time like this with the pandemic. He also stated the County should be okay on paying bills with the taxes from new properties. He asked the Court if they thought it would be okay for him to go ahead and send a letter informing elected officials about the absence of raises for the next year.
Decision: The Court unanimously agreed that it was okay for the Judge to inform the elected officials of no raises for next year.
6. Approve or Reject Order Directing That The Voter-Approval Tax Rate Be Calculated at 8% In The Manner Provided For A Special Taxing Unit:
The Judge stated, "Although the Court is not planning to raise the property tax rate, we passed an order allowing us to raise the income if absolutely necessary. The Court has no intention of having an increase; our intention is to keep the rate the same and limit any increase that may be required."
Decision: The Court unanimously approved the Order Directing That The Vote-Approval Tax Rate Be Calculated at 8% In The Manner Provided For A Special Taxing Unit.
7. Discuss and Take Possible Action on Approval to Purchase F150 Super Crew 4x4 from Silsbee Ford for Sheriff’s Department For $38,897.00 To Be Picked Up on or Shortly After October 1, 2020 When Funds Are Available:
The Sheriff reported to the Court that the Sheriff’s office discovered a great deal on this vehicle through the Sheriff’s Association. After discussion, it was noted that since the money is already available in this year’s budget, there was no need for a vote. A subsequent vehicle, however, would need to wait until after next year’s budget is approved and funds are available.
Decision: No action was needed by the Court.
8. Discuss and Take Possible Action on COVID-19:
Ms. Hardy reported that there are currently 25 cases in San Saba County, and that number has been the same since Saturday. The only changes have been in the active and recovered numbers.
Currently, there are 16 recovered and nine active. There are no hospitalizations at this time, but that may change very soon. Ms. Hardy stated there is no rhyme or reason to the cases: all the symptoms are different from person to person; the age ranges are different; some are healthy, and some have underlying issues.
Decision: No further action was taken by the Court.
9. Take Possible Action Concerning Burn Ban (Current Status: Burn Ban is in EFFECT As Of 07-07-2020):
Decision: The item was tabled.
10. Approve or Reject Proposed Amendments and/or Line Item Transfers:
Ms. VanBeck presented three Line Item Transfers.
Decision: The Court unanimously approved the three Proposed Line Item Transfers.
11. Approve or Reject Proposed Accounts Payable:
Decision: The Court unanimously approved Proposed Accounts Payable.
12. Discuss Next Commissioners Court Date & Time:
The next Commissioners’ Court will be held Monday, August 10th at 9:00 a.m.
13. Adjourn:
Judge Theodosis adjourned the meeting at 9:44 a.m.
The following were in attendance at this meeting: Judge Byron Theodosis; Commissioners: Otis Judkins, Rickey Lusty, Kenley Kroll and Pat Pool; Lois VanBeck, Treasurer; Marsha Hardy, Emergency Management Coordinator; Sheriff David Jenkins; Chief Deputy Dwayne Shaw; Randy Robinson, County Attorney; Justice of the Peace Sharon Blossman, Sally Gibson, Deputy County Clerk; Kim Wells, County Clerk; Candy Kokernot, Administrative Assistant; and Djuana Payton, Reporter for the San Saba News & Star.