The San Saba County Commissioners’ Court met for a regular meeting on Monday, September 28th, in the District Courtroom. Judge Byron Theodosis called the meeting to order at 9:06 a.m. and welcomed everyone in attendance. Commissioner Kenley Kroll gave the invocation and led everyone in the pledges to the American flag and the Texas flag.
Audience for Concerned Citizens For Public Comment:
• Commissioner Lusty told the court that he met Senator Dawn Buckingham when she was visiting San Saba on Friday, September 25. He invited her to a Commissioners’ Court meeting to discuss legislative items, and she will try to arrange her schedule to make the next meeting. The Judge stated he would put her on the agenda for the next meeting, and the Court will adjust to her schedule if needed.
• The Sheriff updated the Court on the situation with Regency Bridge. He stated the engineers were there, and the County should have an estimate of the repair cost within two weeks. The Bridge was damaged in a motor vehicle accident; it will be closed because of safety issues at least two more weeks. The Judge agreed that safety is the primary concern.
• Ms. VanBeck reminded the offcials that their bills for the county with a date of September 30th or earlier need to be submitted within five to 10 days after the end of the fiscal year to be considered in this year.
• Connected Nation Technical Services Presented by Judge Theodosis; handouts were made available to the Court. This company has concerns that every family has access to the internet. Some suggestions were offered during the discussion.
Special Action Items (and Non-Action Items):
1. Approve or Reject Interlocals Agreements Between the City of San Saba and San Saba County for Sharon Blossman, Municipal Judge, Marsha Hardy, Emergency Management Coordinator and Dispatcher Services:
Decision: The Court voted unanimously to Approve Interlocals Agreements Between the City of San Saba and San Saba County for Sharon Blossman, Municipal Judge, Marsha Hardy, Emergency Management Coordinator and Dispatcher Services.
2. Approve or Reject Addendum To Lease Agreement for HCCAA Central Offce:
The Judge explained this is a lease agreement that needs to be renewed annually.
Decision: The Court voted unanimously to Approve Addendum To Lease Agreement for HCCAA Central Offce.
3. Discuss and Take Possible Action On Railroad Easements Needing Clean Up:
Discussion: The Judge told the court that the railroad appears to be abandoned, but it appears their taxes are paid up to date. There was concern discussed for safety and for fire hazard due to very high grass growth. The Railroad is private property. Options were discussed. The Judge stated he would visit with San Saba City Manager about the options of sending a letter to the railroad company.
Decision: The item was tabled until the next meeting.
4. Approve or Reject The Purchase Of New Pickup For The Sheriff On Next Year’s Budget:
Discussion: The Sheriff told the court the cost is $38,000; it is fourwheel drive. Others wanted $50,000 for the same vehicle. Ms. VanBeck stated that since it is approved in the budget for next year, no vote is needed. The Judge thanked the Sheriff for giving the Court a heads up on the purchase which will take place in the next budget year. No action was needed by the Court.
5. Discuss and Take Possible Action on COVID-19:
Discussion: Ms. Hardy informed the Court on the current COVID-19 numbers for the county. As of this morning, there are 70 cases: 55 recovered and 15 active. Over the weekend, there were many confirmed cases at the nursing home. Currently, there are eight residents and two staff who are positive. She assured the Court the nursing home is doing all they can. They are not sure where it started as all the residents have been isolated since March.
At this time, of the 15 active, two are from the County, 13 from the city. Two are hospitalized: one from the city and one from the nursing home. She stated “Thank God that there are no deaths” in San Saba County. (Reporter note: to see the current counts and details, see the COVID update on the front page or go to the San Saba News & Star website.)
Ms. Hardy reminded everyone - keep doing what you are doing: wear your mask, wash your hands, be as careful as you can. The Judge continued to encourage everyone - when you can’t be further than six feet from others, wear a mask. He said that even though it is not popular, it is wise to do so. You are protecting everyone else when you wear a mask.
The Judge said when our count goes over 20, our status changes. Ms. Hardy said if we have 20 active, there are some procedures that are open that will have to be backed off again. We are only five away from that.
6. Take Possible Action Concerning Burn Ban (Current Status: Burn Ban is LIFTED AS OF 09- 09-2020):
Decision: The item was tabled. (Reporter’s note: The burn ban was reenacted as of 9-30-2020)
7. Approve or Reject Proposed Amendments and/or Line Item Transfers;
Ms. VanBeck presented nine line items transfers.
Decision: The Court unanimously approved the nine Line Item Transfers..
8. Approve or Reject Proposed Accounts Payable:
Decision: The Court unanimously approved the Proposed Accounts Payable.
9. Discuss next Commissioners Court Date & Time:
The next Commissioners’ Court was tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, October 13, 2020, at 9:30 due to the fact that Monday, October 12, 2020, is a holiday. This schedule is tentative pending confirmation with Senator Dawn Buckingham’s schedule.
At this point in the meeting, the Judge dismissed everyone in the courtroom except the Commissions to go into Executive Session.
8. Adjourn:
Judge Theodosis adjourned the meeting at 10:20 a.m.
The following were in attendance at this meeting: Judge Byron Theodosis; Commissioners: Otis Judkins, Rickey Lusty, Kenley Kroll and Pat Pool; Lois VanBeck, Treasurer; Kim Wells, District/ County Clerk;Sheriff David Jenkins; Dwayne Shaw, Chief Deputy; Ty Man, Deputy; Marsha Hardy, Emergency Management Coordinator; Randy Robinson, San Saba County Attorney; Sharon Blossman, Justice of the Peace; Sylvai Hodges, Citizen; Candy Kokernot, Administrative Assistant; Djuana Payton, Reporter with the San Saba News & Star.