The San Saba Commissioners’ Court met for a regular meeting on Monday, May 23rd, in the Commissioners’ Courtroom. Judge Byron Theodosis called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. Commissioner Lusty gave the invocation and led everyone in the pledges to the American flag and the Texas flag.
Audience for Concerned Citizens For Public Comment:
Ms. Hardy informed the Court about two executive orders from the Governor. 1.) The COVID-19 Disaster Declaration was renewed. This affects all counties in Texas. 2.) The Border Security Disaster Declaration was renewed. This declaration was not for San Saba County but was for counties around us including Mason, McCollough, and Menard.
The Jail Report was not on the minutes, but jail numbers were reported: 378 with an average of 12.6.
County Official and Departmental Reports:
1. County Justice of The Peace: Approve Subject To Audit or Reject JP Report:
The following information was provided by Ms. Blossman:
Total: $12,500.60
Community Service/Jail Credit: $1,577.10
Total to the Community: $6,357.66
Small Claims and Civil: $836.00
Decision: The Court voted unanimously to approve the County Justice of the Peace report Subject to Audit. Special Action Items (and Non-Action Items):
1. Discuss and Take Possible Action On Selling Courthouse Annex:
The Judge stated he has been contacted by some who may be interested in buying the Courthouse Annex.
Decision: After some discussion, all agreed to move forward to sell. The Judge will coordinate the process to sell.
2. Approve or Reject Abandoning 1240+\-ft of CR272 West, Pct. 2:
Attorney Marcus Wood was present to explain: a landowner is having difficulties with access to property because of the current situation with the road. This is the west end of the road near Hope Cemetery.
There was a question as to whether this road was actually an “abandoned road” by the County or not.
Decision: After a lengthy discussion, this item was tabled.
3. Discuss and Take Possible Action on Conservation Contract Rate For San Saba County:
The Judge explained that if someone needs conservation work on a road that is not a County Road, we (the County) will do contract work so emergency vehicles can get to their property. There was discussion about changing the rate for this work.
Decision: The Court voted unanimously to change the contract rate from $150 to $175.
4. Approve or Reject Agreement Between Upton County and San Saba County Housing Jail Inmates:
Decision: The Court voted unanimously to approve the agreement between Upton County and San Saba County housing jail inmates.
5. Discuss and Take Possible Action To Enter Agreement To Contribute Right Of Way Funds (FIXED PRICE) With The State of Texas and Approve Resolution Of Contractual Agreement:
The Judge explained that our cost is now only a one-time payment of $3,200 for this work on FM45. At one time, TxDOT wanted San Saba County to pay more of the cost.
Decision: The Court voted unanimously to approve the agreement to contribute right of way funds with the state of Texas and approve resolution of contractual agreement.
6. Discuss and Take Possible Action San Saba County Sheriff’s Office to Assist The City of Richland Springs with Municipal Law Enforcement Services:
The City of Richland Springs wanted permission to hire off duty San Saba County law enforcement officers to work from time to time in Richland Springs for short shifts. There was concern over finances and overworking our officers.
Decision: After a lengthy discussion, this item was tabled.
7. Discuss and Take Possible Action On FEMA Grant Status:
Ms. Hardy gave an update and stated all projects have been turned in. Some have had questions for clarifications or have had more information requested on them.
8. Take Possible Action Concerning Burn Ban (Current Status: Burn Ban In EFFECT As of 05-09-2022 expires 08 08 22):
Decision: This item was tabled.
9. Approve or Reject Proposed Amendments and/or Line Item Transfers:
Ms. VanBeck presented three Line Item Transfers to the Court.
Decision: The Court voted unanimously to approve the three Line Item Transfers.
10. Approve or Reject Proposed Accounts Payable:
Decision: The Court voted unanimously to approve the Proposed Accounts Payable.
11. Discuss Next Commissioners Court Date & Time:
The next Commissioners’ Court meeting will be held Monday, June 6, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. in the Commissioners’ Courtroom.
12. Adjourn: Judge Theodosis adjourned the meeting at 10:23 a.m.
The following were in attendance at the meeting: Judge Byron Theodosis; Commissioners: James Lebow, Kenley Kroll, Pat Pool, and Rickey Lusty; Kim Wells, District/County Clerk; Lois VanBeck, Treasurer; Sheriff David Jenkins; Dwayne Shaw, Chief Deputy; Attorney Marcus Wood; Marsha Hardy, Emergency Management Coordinator; Sharon Blossman, Justice of the Peace; Jody Fauley, Citizen; Greg McGregor, Citizen; Reagan McKinnerney, Citizen; Jill McKinnerney, Citizen; Johnny Reeves, Mayor of Richland Springs; Sonny McAfee, District Attorney; Bailey Rogers, Office Manager at the DA’s office; Mike Poe, Citizen; Chris Perry, from the City of Richland Springs; Candy Kokernot, Administrative Assistant; and Djuana Payton, reporter with the San Saba News & Star.