The kindness has been almost overwhelming! There have been SO MANY donations received, we are now being asked to stop donating items, except for farm and ranch supplies.
This request is coming from the Commissioners Court and the HCCAA (Hill Country Community Action Association). They will let us know when they need more items and what is needed.
The donations that are needed now are monetary ($$) donations and hands-on help. Contact HCCAA to find out how you can help. (325-372-5167) You can also find updates of needs on their Facebook page.
Commissioners Court
Many of the items discussed in Commissioners Court the last few meetings have been updated several times as many of them were related to our severe weather (two major wind/hail storms; two major floods).
Following are some highlights that were NOT weather-related.
June 23, 2025
The following items were approved:
• Renew 2-year Contract to Consolidate the Assessment of Collection of Ad/Valorum Property Taxes in One Agency.
• “Newest version” of the approved version on May 12 Commissioners Court of Interlocal from Kerr County - per the request of their new Sheriff
• Interlocal and Regulations regarding OSSF (On-site Sewage Facility).
The Court unanimously agreed to leave the burn ban lifted.
June 30, 2025 (and via email July 2, 2025)
There were no comments from members of the public at the Public Hearing held at 8:45 a.m. regarding the adoption of rules for the OSSF.
The following item was approved: • Jacobs/Martin is to be retained as the Engineer/Architect for the Community Development Block Grant/Project for Community Development Block Grant Program funded and administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture.
July 7, 2025
This meeting took place just days after the flood disaster on July 4, 2025. Before the Court started on the Agenda items, they discussed at length the recent disaster, steps that had already been taken, and steps that still needed to be taken.
The notes and stories from that and subsequent discussions by the Commissioners Court have already been covered in our newspaper, on our website (www.sansabanews@centex.net) and sometimes on our Facebook Page. Since these items were being updated, sometimes hourly, they will not be reported again here.
The following non-disaster-related items were approved:
• Hiring KFW Architects to begin the process of remodelling the building at 502 E. Commerce St. This would be Stage 1 / Master Plan.
• Fee schedule for Sheriff/ Constable for 2026 to remain in effect without any revisions
• Interlocal with Mills County to provide secured inmate housing
• Open bids for Library roof repair
• Open bids to replace the A/C system at the library
• Lifting of the Burn Ban which was put into effect June 30th (between meetings)
• Previous minutes and departmental reports which included the following June 2025 from the Justice of the Peace:
- Total: $34,907.35 - Community Service: $6,017.60
- Total to the County: $18,185.65
- Small Claims and Civil: $321.00
• Jail book total for June was 404 with a total of 13.37 days.
July 21, 2025
At the beginning of the meeting, the Judge and Commissioners noted how well the community has worked together on these back-to-back floods, and how much outside help we have received from various groups.
HCCAA has a very impressive set up that is working well. There are places in town including the old G&R building and many churches that are storing supplies for future use when needed. (ie: clothing, baby items, water, etc.) The have received SO MANY donations, they are asking folks to stop donating supplies for now (except for farm and ranch supplies), and just donate monetarily or with hands-on help.
There were updates given on past grants and on a pending 2024 FEMA project. Congressman Pfluger’s office is now helping us in getting the remainder of funds relating to a 2024 FEMA project.
The following items were approved:
• Annual San Saba County Audit Report F/Y 2024 which was presented by Kevin Shahan at the meeting
• Interlocal with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services for County Child Welfare Services Non-Financial Agreement
• Pursuing USDA Grants to Mitigate Erosion and Improve Drainage
• Accept Recommendation to Identify Project Community Block Development Grant (3 locations were noted and prioritized)
• Interlocal Agreement for F/Y 2026/27 Biennium with the Regional Public Defender Office Local Government Corp. (basically insurance for capital cases) Future Commissioners Court dates are August 11th and August 25th.
These meetings are open to the public.