Catching up with the Commissioners

You can see your elected officials working for you at the Commissioners’Court meetings. The dates of the meetings are posted on the San Saba County website calendar.

The meetings are very informative. You get to see a real “team” in action. It is very evident that their goal is always what is best for the citizens of San Saba County - that is YOU!

The Commissioners' Court meetings are opened with prayer by a member of the Court and pledges to the American Flag and the Texas Flag.

On every Agenda, there is a Public Comment time for anyone who wishes to address the Court.

Following is some information on the July 24th and July 31st Commissioners’Court meetings: July 24th

Marsha Hardy, Emergency Management Coordinator for San Saba County updated the court on FEMA; the questions for Precinct 2 and Precinct 4 are considered closed.

Leigh Ann Glaze was reappointed to serve on the Central Texas Mental Health Retardation Center for Life Resources Board of Trustees from September 1, 2023 to August 31, 2025. She is currently serving on the Board, and this is an official reappointment for the next term.

The Court unanimously approved a Resolution authorizing a County Grant Program for F/Y 2024. The County puts in $5,463, and there is a matching amount from the Texas Agricultural Grant. This provides for the Hill Country Community Action Association to deliver home meals that are delivered throughout the year.

The Court approved the Purchase of a Caterpillar Loader for $160,000 for Precinct 1. Commissioner Lebow explained to the Court that the one they have now is a 1972 model which was purchased in 1984. No money will have to be borrowed for the purchase.

There was discussion on the Radio Communication within San Saba County for the upcoming Eclipse event in 2024. The Motorola option was deemed to be the best option/bid that was presented. The Court along with Chief Deputy Reid and County Treasurer Lois VanBeck discussed the best financial options for San Saba County for financing the project. After discussion, the Court voted unanimously to approve using $2,800 of the ARPA funds for FCC Licensing Fee which has to be paid up front to get the contract started.

Because of the tremendous heat and lack of rain, the Court did not lift the Burn Ban which has been in effect since June 26th, 2023. They discussed the many fires happening around the County including the large fire near CR 232 and Cottonbelt.

The Court spent time complimenting the VFDs with comments like: “What a great fire department we have.”

“Even though they are all volunteers, they work like a welloiled machine.”

“They are wonderful, and we are very proud of them.”

“It just makes you feel good that you have people out there that volunteer their time taking care of other people. It’s just overwhelming.”

“The different VFDs all jump in and work together as ONE TEAM.

The Court also complimented our Police Department and all of our First Responders.

The Court approved five Line Item Transfers andAccounts Payable before adjourning.

July 31st

Lois VanBeck informed the Court that some of the County phones are eligible for upgrades, and her office will be contacting those who are eligible.

The Court approved an Interlocal Agreement between Lampasas County and San Saba County for Jail Services for F/Y 2023 2024. The cost of housing inmates in this Interlocal had an increase this year of $10 per day.

Sheriff Jenkins mentioned that his department had to go to Lampasas and bring our prisoners back to San Saba because of the water issue in Lampasas last Friday.

The Court approved a Resolution pertaining to the Bridge at Richland Creek and CR252 Project. The replacement will be funded by state and federal departments, and there will be no cost to San Saba County.

There was discussion on funding equipment for all precincts, and the item was tabled until all details could be decided and presented.

The Court voted to change ownership of Fontain Trailer #1420 to all Precincts from Precinct 3 and 4. All Precincts use it. The other Precincts will pay $2,500 each for their part in the ownership. It will be housed in Precinct 1 as it is a central location.

The Judge reminded everyone about the Budget Workshop for F/Y 2023 2024 and that a Public Notice will be in the paper this week.

The Court approved two Line Item Transfers andAccounts Payable before adjourning.

Dates of the upcoming Commissioners’ Court meetings: August 7th and August 14th, both at 9 a.m.

The Public is welcome.