Catching up with the Commissioners
The San Saba Commissioners Court unanimously approved a Proclamation of May 1, 2025, as National Day of Prayer for San Saba County at their April 14th meeting. John Alsbrooks from First Presbyterian Church in San Saba addressed the Court to announce the National Day of Prayer meeting on Thursday, May 1st, on the 3rd floor of the Courthouse, in the District Courthouse, at 10 a.m. The public is welcome. Mr. Alsbrooks stated the theme for this year is “God of Hope.”
The Burn Ban was extended until the May 12th meeting. (Editor's note: Judge Jody Fauley lifted it on April 22, 2025, because of much-needed rain.)
Audience for Concerned Citizens:
Jeffrey Carlson (San Saba County Republican Party Chair) gave a handout to the commissioners and noted they need to review the precinct boundaries every two years to make sure they are in compliance. He asked that it be put on the next agenda. It needs to be reviewed in March or April of the odd numbered years; any changes take effect the following January. He mentioned they might consider consolidating Precinct 4A and 4B since there is no longer a polling place for Precinct 4B.
The following items were approved at the April 14th Commissioners’ Court meeting:
• Housing of inmates in Runnels County. Sheriff Jenkins said we pay $85 per day for an adult to house there.
• Bond for road maintenance at Rocky Hollow Estates, Pct. 4. Commissioner McGregor said this was requested by the subdivision, and they have done all that is required of them. Mr. May was present to answer questions.
• Plat for Sawmill Ridge Subdivision, consisting only of lots larger than 10 acres.
• Three line-item transfers as well as Accounts Payable
• Previous meeting minutes with corrections
The following Departmental Reports were approved:
• County Clerk Report - Christi Whitley stated they are getting ready for elections at the end of the month, but they are mostly city and school.
• County Treasurer Report – Lois VanBeck has reviewed the American Rescue Fund, and it is now correct. She also mentioned that the FEMA project is now finished. She received the check for approximately $13,500. (Three precincts were involved, and Lois and Marsha Hardy have worked hard for 5-7 years to get this project finished.) It’s time for insurance renewal. It was decided to get bids in case they could save money.
• Justice of the Peace Report – Judge Sharon Blossman reported many old citations have been cleaned up. She provided the following report for March 2025:
- Total: $26,630.20
- Community Service/Jail Credit: $1,023.50
- Total to the County: $16,107.79
- Small Claims and Civil: $216.00
• County Sheriff and Jail Report – Sheriff David Jenkins said it had been a busy week in his department. Jail totals were 399 days with an average of 12.87 days.
Other items at this meeting:
• Lois VanBeck gave a report from a conference she attended and announced “Zero Lost Time” award. (See our April 17th edition or San Saba County - Zero Lost Time on our website)
• New EMS District Chief was introduced. (This was in our digital newsletter dated 4-18-25 - Meet the new District Chief.)
April 28, 2025 meeting
Public Comments:
City Manager Scott Edmonson addressed the Court and thanked them for covering the city last week during the loss of Police Chief Steven Newkirk. He noted the department was pretty upset over the surprising loss, but they appreciate the County for stepping in to help.
Judge Jody Fauley gave updates. Last meeting, the court asked for insurance quotes. Judge Fauley thanked Lois VanBeck and Candy Kokernot for their hard work getting the packets together to send out to get bid requests.
Jeffrey Carlson addressed the Court on combining Precinct 4A and 4B. This would not effect the voters as there is no polling place for 4B any longer. The needed procedures to make this happen were discussed, and the Court approved combining Precinct 4A and 4B. Please note: this change will not go into effect until January 2026.
Judge Fauley gave updates on the following properties:
• Property sold: 423 E. Wallace St. (old Bank building)
• Property; 502 E. Commerce (G&R building) Even though more rain is needed, the Court decided to hold off until the next meeting on a possible Burn Ban because more rain is expected this week. (Burn Ban is currently lifted as of April 22, 2025 by order of San Saba County Judge.)
The next Commissioner Court dates are May 12th and May 27th, both at 9 a.m. in the Commissioners’ Courtroom, 2nd floor, County Courthouse.