San Saba Commissioners Court met in regular session on Tuesday, July 9, 2024. After the prayer and pledges to the American Flag and the Texas Flag, Judge Jody Fauley introduced McKinley Armstrong for an announcement of her resignation.
Ms. Armstrong addressed the court with the following: 'Y'all have probably heard by now, but I will be leaving Extension. It is very bittersweet for me, as I have absolutely loved serving San Saba County. I have enjoyed building relationships, rebuilding our 4-H program, helping with the Food Bank, doing programs at Richland Springs and Cherokee, helping with Kids Nature Kamp, programming for the community, and rebuilding our youth fair.
'After Doss was born, I prayed a lot for change. I wasn’t sure how I was going to be able to keep traveling as much as Extension wanted me to. My prayers were definitely answered, maybe a little too much. First it started with the flood and losing our house and my brand new car. After that, I wasn’t really too for sure where we were going to end up. We had nowhere to go, and were most definitely not prepared to move, so I kept praying for God to lead us to the town and house he wanted us to be in. I also prayed about my career, because at that point it felt like moving and changing careers was too much. God answered our prayers again and we are now moved into our new house (on higher ground), our babysitter lives next door to us, insurance took care of my car, and I was offered a job teaching at the same school I grew up in.
'So with that being said, I will be taking on a complete career change as the 5th and 6th grade science teacher at Ann Whitney Elementary in Hamilton. I am very excited about this opportunity and to be working with my sister and my aunt.
'It is bittersweet to be leaving San Saba County, but this isn’t the last of me. You will see me again, as I have already been asked to help with Kids Nature Kamp in the summer.
'I want to thank you for being so supportive of me, but most importantly of the San Saba County Extension office. ' Judge Fauley said McKinley has done a great job with the kids. The Judge was also told by Neal Alexander that McKinley was one of the best extension agents Neal has ever worked with. McKinley added she will be back next year as a volunteer to work with the Kids Nature Kamp.
The Hill Top Plat Application agenda item drew quite a bit of discussion, including from citizens. The application was originally received in June but needed more wells tested.
After a long discussion, the application was approved with a vote of 3 to 1.
Chief Patrick Cobb with Hamilton County Hospital District addressed the Court regarding the Interlocal Agreement for Hamilton EMS. Hamilton is requesting an extra $250,000 from our area which also includes Mills County. The amount would be divided up based on percentage of usage which would be San Saba County - 53%, Mills County - 47%.
Chief Cobb explained one reason for the increase is the large percentage of that is never recovered by those who use the services.
After a long discussion, the Court approved an additional $131,500 per year pending approval of the Mills County Commissioners Court approving the remainder. The also approved changing the contract date with Hamilton EMS to coincide with the same contract date as Mills County.
The Court discussed Implementation of the Tax Office as an elected office. Traditionally it has been under the Sheriff’s office. The Court approved this with a vote of 3 to 0. Commissioner Lebow abstained as his wife works in the Tax Office. This will now be up to the public to decide and will be on the November ballot.
The following items were approved:
• Order for San Saba Investment Policy
• Resolution appointing a County Investment Officer to be the Custodian of all Investment Records - to be the County Treasurer
• Request for Sheriff to purchase two vehicles
• Trade in 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe to reduce purchase of two Sheriff vehicles
• Exploration on purchase of land for equipment and stockpile supplies for Precinct 4
• One Line Item Transfer presented by County Treasurer Lois VanBeck
• Accounts Payable as presented • County/District Clerk Report
• County Treasurer Report
• County Justice of the Peace Report for June 2024:
-Total: $10,342.40
-Community Service / Jail Credit: $150.00
- Total to County: $7,332.78
- Small Claims and Civil: $162.00
• County Sheriff and Jail Report
• Minutes of previous Commissioners Court meeting(s)
The following items were tabled:
• Statement by Police Chief John Bauer
• Action to generate an Interlocal Agreement with Richland Springs ISD for Radio and Dispatch Services
• Revision of Interlocal Agreement with City of San Saba to include charging to Class C arrests
• Elevator replacement
The Burn Ban remains in effect.
The next Commissioners Court meeting will be held July 22nd, at 9 a.m. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend.