By Djuana Payton, Editor with information provided by Candy Kokernot, Administrative Assistant to County Judge
Rita Boultinghouse gave a presentation “Bright Lights on Dark Nights in Cherokee” to the Court during the September 12th meeting. She addressed concerns that many have voiced about the new subdivisions coming to town and the way light pollution from that would affect our county. Her presentation also included steps that could be taken so the new growth in the county would cause the least amount of light pollution such as directional lighting instructions/ regulations for property owners.
During the September 26th meeting, the Court unanimously adopted the San Saba County Efforts to Preserve Night Skies.
The following election judges were appointed for the General Election and Special Elections F/Y 2022-2024: San Saba Baptist Church, Precinct 1, 2B, 3B, 4B Presiding Judge – Mabel Ann Blaylock; Alternate Judge – Christine Bessent Richland Springs Fire Station, Precinct 2A Presiding Judge – Helen Bates; Alternate Judge – Cindy Sloan Cherokee Church of Christ, Precinct 3A Presiding Judge – Keith Davis; Alternate Judge – Johana Huff The Court approved the proposed holiday schedule for F/Y 2023.
The Court approved the 2021 San Saba County Resolution Indigent Defense Grant Program. This is something that needs to be approved every year by the Court.
The Court approved the hiring of FCH Agent McKinley Crownover for San Saba County. A Meet and Greet is scheduled for this Friday, October 7, from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. in the AG office at the Courthouse. The public is invited to the event.
The Court had discussion on the sale of the Annex Building, but it died for lack of motion.
There was discussion on amending the Subdivision Rules appendix N, but that item died for lack of motion. The Court approved the following:
• Proposed San Saba County Fees from the Sheriff’s office for F/Y 2022-2023
• 33rd/424th Judicial District Courts Administrative Order setting compensation and expenses for Court Reporters F/Y 2022-2023 The Court approved the following Interlocal Agreements:
• Interlocal between San Saba County and Coleman County regarding jail functions
• Interlocal agreement between Mitchell County and County of San Saba on inmates in the Mitchell County Jail
• Interlocals between San Saba County and the City of San Saba: Justice of the Peace also as Municipal Judge; Emergency Management Coordinator; and Dispatch Services The Interlocal between San Saba County and the City of San Saba for Flood Plain Management was tabled for further research.
The Court approved the Application for Conservation Work Contract for Winnie Lou Ferguson, Precinct 2.
Hidden Hills Subdivision Platt, roadways and possible granting variances as presented by Alan Palermo were approved as amended.
The Court approved a resolution from Hill County Community Action for home-delivered meal grant program F/Y 2023.
After discussion, the Court decided that County Attorney Randy Robinson would reword an addendum to the lease agreement for HCCAA Central Office. Regular business items approved by the court in September:
• Line-item transfers and proposed accounts payable as presented by Lois VanBeck, Treasurer
• Sheriff and Jail Log Reports
• County/District Clerk Report • Ms. Blossman provided the following account information for the month of August 2022: Total: $15,380.89 Community Service/ Jail Credit: $800.00 Total to the County: $8,276.61 Small Claims and Civil: $812.00 The Burn Ban, which was lifted October 8, 2022, was not reinstated.
The Court discussed the FEMA Grant status. FEMA concurs with our requests, and no further action was taken by the Court.
The next Commissions’ Court meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 17th, at 9:00 a.m. in the Commissioner’s Courtroom. The meeting is open to the public.