Kim Wells has been serving San Saba County working in the County Clerk’s office since 1983 and as County Clerk October 1, 1992.
Mrs. Wells rendered her resignation during the January 6th Commissioners Court meeting. She has worked for San Saba County for 41 years and has seen many changes during that time.
Judge Jody Fauley thanked her for her faithful service to the county. The resignation had to be approved by the Commissioners Court, and it was unanimously accepted with well wishes for her.
Mrs. Wells had recommended Christy Whitley to fill the remainder of her term. Mrs. Whitley has worked in the County Clerk’s office for four years and has been the Deputy Clerk. The Court voted unanimously to appoint Christy Whitley as District/County Clerk for Kim Wells’ unfulfilled term which ends in 2026.
Public Comments
A concerned citizen attended the Commissioners Court meeting to address the court. His concern was the markers on 202 west of 209 intersection put up by ONCOR. The markers were on the opposite side of where the lines currently were installed. He was concerned about lines being moved to the other side of the road in several places and stated that seemed to be a huge expense for no reason. He also stated moving them would inconvenience the landowners of the new location; landowners of the current location are fine with them being at the front of their property. The citizen just wanted to understand why the lines were being moved.
An ONCOR presentation was on the meeting’s agenda, and representatives were present. They explained that those were only markers for the route down the road and not necessarily markers for the placement of lines. They also arranged to meet with the concerned citizen afterwards to hear his concerns.
During the ONCOR presentation, contact information was given, and the representatives encouraged anyone with questions or concerns to reach out to them. They want to be transparent. They want feedback and are willing to make changes so their project will benefit everyone.
Carrie Pickering from Linebarger Law Firm addressed the court in reference to delinquent taxes. She explained about Public Tax Sales (auctions) and where the money goes from that. Any money (excess over tax owed) is held for landowners/family. If none are found or come forth in a prescribed amount of time, it is presented to the county.
Ms. Pickering presented a check for $6,954.94 to the County for this access. Ms. Lois VanBeck accepted the check.
Hollee Ragsdale, new TDEM District Chief for Region 8, was introduced to the Court. She stated she considers San Saba County home. She told the Court they have her contact information and encouraged them to reach out to her any time.
Burn Ban
On January 2, 2025, Judge Jody Fauley declared an emergency Burn Ban stating: Due to the dry conditions, a county wide Ban on Outdoor Burning (Burn Ban) goes into effect today, January 2, 2025. Be safe out there and protect our beautiful county and keep our first responders safe. On January 6th, the Commissions extended the Burn Ban 90 days.
During the meeting, the following updates were given by Judge Jody Fauley:
• Courthouse elevator - the elevator was installed in the early ‘80s, and it has been out of service a bit. Many dollars have been spent for short fixes. The rebuild of the elevator is to officially start on January 13, 2025, and it will take about five weeks to complete. The entire inside (electronics/mechanical) will be completely modern, but the outside (panels/box) will look mostly the same.
A sea crate storage building has been placed at the southeast corner of the courthouse parking lot for equipment storage while the elevator is under construction.
The elevator rebuild has already been paid; no county monies were used.
• Purchase of 502 E. Commerce - the purchase has been completed. First priority is getting dispatch to a safer location. Information/technology equipment will also probably be moved there. After that, the property will probably be annexed and/or used for future growth. There are many different options for the future.
The following items were unanimously approved by the Court:
• Minutes from previous meetings
• County/ District Clerk Report
• County Treasurer Report
• County Justice of the Peace Report for December 2024:
Total: $11,961.85
Community Service/Jail Credit: $1,164.50
Total to the County: $6,840.78
• County Sheriff and Jail Report: 433 total days with an average of 13.97.
A new deputy was also introduced, Deputy Fincher.
• Four line-item transfers as presented by Ms. Lois VanBeck.
• Accounts Payable
Future Commissioner Court meetings are scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on January 21st (Tuesday due to the Monday holiday), February 10th, and February 24th.
The public is invited to attend these meetings.