Just looking at the Agenda items, you might not think the meeting on June 24, 2024, would be out of the ordinary. However, when you get to the Commissioner’s Courtroom on the 2nd floor of the Courthouse and find a sign that says the meeting was moved to the 3rd floor District Courtroom, you start to wonder, “Why was more room needed for this meeting?”
The Commissioners’ Court meetings typically have around 15 to 20 people in attendance. However, this week’s Commissioners’ Court drew many who don’t usually attend. Approximately 40 folks were in attendance at this meeting. The Commissioners and County employees who usually attend, about 12-14, saw more interest from the community in this meeting’s Agenda.
County Judge Jody Fauley opened the meeting. After the opening prayer, and pledges to the American flag and the Texas flag, Judge Fauley opened the floor for “Audience for Concerned Citizens” and asked if anyone wanted to make a comment. He also said they could wait and make their comment during the meeting as Agenda Items came to the floor. He reminded everyone they needed to limit their time to three to five minutes.
No one made a comment at this time.
Judge Fauley started with Agenda Item #5:
Discuss and Take Possible Action to Generate an Interlocal Agreement for Richland Springs ISD for Radio and Dispatch Services.
Interlocal Agreements are made all the time in Commissioners’ Court. The County works with other counties on a number of items very frequently. They also work with the City of San Saba on a number of items. Each time, there is an “Interlocal Agreement.” That way each party knows what is expected of them and the other party in the agreement.
However, this particular Interlocal Agreement proposal generated a lot of interest among the public.
There had been a lot of talk on Social Media, some with facts but most with conjecture, that had stirred up many emotions in several citizens.
Judge Fauley called on the first citizen to make their concern known.
Comments and concerns were made by several citizens, City officials, and County officials on this topic. There was a very lengthy discussion back and forth on both sides of this issue concerning the Interlocal Agreement of radios/dispatch services for RSISD.
After a suggestion from the Court, the Judge said the item would be tabled after more historical data was gathered on the subject.
Judge Fauley proceeded to Agenda Item # 6:
Discuss and Take Possible Action to Revise Interlocal Agreement with The City of San Saba to include Charging for Class C Arrests.
Again, many voiced opinions and concerns on this item. Those who chose to speak included private citizens, City officials, and County officials. Just as was the case on the previous item, those who spoke were very passionate about what they had to say on the subject.
After quite a bit of intense discussion, the Judge reminded everyone that this item on the Agenda is just a starting point for discussion.
There were many comments back and forth, and not all of them were beneficial.
The Commissioners then discussed it. They decided to check with surrounding counties to see how much they charged.
After even more discussion, the Judge told everyone it is important that the citizens come to the Commissioners’ Court meetings and make their concerns and thoughts known. He said the Court needs that to help them make decisions.
Other Special Action Items:
Ernesto Galindo from TAC and Rick Baskin from Baskin Insurance both made presentations to the Court regarding insurance policies and quotes. After discussion and consideration, the Court voted to continue with Baskin Insurance for Property/ Equipment Insurance Plan for San Saba County.
The County Audit was presented by Kevin Shahan. He noted San Saba is a very healthy County. You can see the full report on the San Saba County website. co.san-saba.tx.us
The following items were approved:
• Line-Item Transfers presented by County Treasurer Lois VanBeck.
• Accounts Payable as presented.
The following items were tabled:
• Request for Sheriff to purchase two vehicles using Capital Outlay and SB 22.
• Items #5 and #6 listed above.
• Burn Ban Status - will remain lifted.
The Judge gave an update to the Court on the following: Cleaning of the Pipeline, EMS Contract, Transit District, and the Courthouse Elevator.
He also announced that the official opening of the Mason County Courthouse will be July 13th.
Conclusion
In a marriage, assuming can get you into a lot of trouble. You're feelings, your facial expressions, and sometimes even your decisions are based on what you think happened and not what actually happened. The same can be said about living in a small community.
Since everyone knows everyone and knows everyone's business, we can make assumptions based on what we know. However, sometimes what we know is based on hearsay or incomplete information.
That can be dangerous in a community just like it is in a marriage.
With that being said, for you jump to any conclusions about your public servants in the City or the County, consider coming to their meetings to get a first-hand account of what the situations really are.
The next Commissioners' Court meeting is Tuesday, July 9th, at 9 a.m.
The next City Council meeting is Tuesday, July 9th, at 6 p.m. at City Hall.
Both meetings have an opportunity for citizens to make their concerns known.
Is very important to note... This is not a time for elected official to give an answer to the citizens or for them to debate with the citizens or for them to resolve questions or issues brought up by citizens.
This is exactly what it says: Audience For Concerned Citizens. It is a time to make your concerns known. This helps them do the job you elected them to do.
The Commissioners' Court or City Council will then consider the items brought up and make decisions based on what is best for their constituents.