The San Saba Commissioners’ Court met for a regular meeting on Tuesday, November 8th, in the Commissioners’ Courtroom. In Judge Byron Theodosis’ absence, Commissioner Rickey Lusty called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. County Extension Agent Neal Alexander gave the invocation and led everyone in the pledges to the American flag and the Texas flag.
Audience for Concerned Citizens For Public Comment:
None.
Action Items:
1. Approve or Correct And Approve Minutes of Previous Commissioners’ Court Meeting(s):
Decision: The Court unanimously approved the Minutes of Previous Commissioners’ Court Meeting(s).
County Official and Departmental Reports:
2. County/District Clerk: Approve Subject to Audit or Reject Clerk's Report:
Decision: The Court unanimously approved the Clerk’s Report Subject to Audit.
3. County Treasurer: Approve Subject to Audit or Reject Treasurer's Report:
Decision: The Court unanimously approved the County Treasurer’s Report Subject to Audit.
4. County Justice of the Peace: Approve Subject to Audit or Reject JP Report:
The following information was provided by Ms. Blossman:
Total: $15,979.60
Community Service/Jail Credit: $5,705.50
Total to the Community: $8,448.31
Small Claims and Civil: $515.00
Decision: The Court unanimously approved the JP Report Subject to Audit.
5. County Sheriff and Jail: Approve Subject to Audit or Reject Sheriff's Jail Report:
The jailbook total was 355 with an average of 11.45 days. Decision: The Court voted unanimously to approve the Sheriff’s and Jail Report Subject to Audit.
Special Action Items (and Non-Action Items):
1. Canvass Constitutional Amendments Election Votes For November 2, 2021:
Ms. Wells reported there were 423 total votes cast with 106 people voting early and 317 voting on election day.
2. Discuss and Take Possible Action for Credit Card For Sheriff's Office:
Sheriff Jenkins explained that he and others in his office are having to pay out of pocket for expenses and then be reimbursed. Even though they get reimbursed in an efficient manner, the bills have to wait for the next Commissioners’ Court meeting to be approved before the check is cut. He stated that sometimes, items are not purchased or needed trips are not taken due to cash constraints. He said the request is for only one card that would be kept locked up at all times. After a lengthy discussion and input from the Commissioners, Ms. VanBeck, the Sheriff, the Chief Deputy, and Mr. Robinson, it was decided that Mr. Robinson will invite the credit card company to provide a presentation to the Commissioners on options and safeguards. The Commissioners also stated that a definite policy would need to be in place before the card was issued.
3. Discuss and Take Possible Action on Casualty/Property Insurance F/Y 2021-2022:
Ms. VanBeck presented a spreadsheet to the Court comparing the costs of their current insurance company, Baskin Insurance, and TAC (Texas Association of Counties). She also stated that going with TAC would require more staffing on our part which would negate any slight savings. Everyone agreed the County is very happy with the service from Baskin Insurance.
Decision: After some discussion, the Commissioners decided they wanted to stay with Baskin Insurance for the Casualty/Property Insurance for F/Y 2021-2022.
4. Approve Resolution 30x30 Land Grab For San Saba County:
Decision: This item was tabled.
5. Discuss and Take Possible Action On Plans Under American Rescue Funds:
There was a lengthy discussion about needs in communications in emergency services. Chief Deputy Shaw stated he has been testing one of the systems to see if that is the one they want to choose, but there is more testing yet to do. There are many things to consider. It was agreed that the main thing is that they choose a dual band system. That way, in case of a big fire or emergency, such as the May’s Fire this past year, all emergency personnel will be able to communicate with each other effectively.
Decision: This item was tabled, and decision is pending until more testing can be done.
6. Discuss and Take Possible Action on COVID-19:
Ms. Hardy stated it appears San Saba County COVID numbers are taking a down turn. There is one patient who is hospitalized, and no COVID deaths have been reported in quite awhile.
The vaccine clinics are still set for November 18th and December 16th at the Civic Center. These are drive-thru clinics from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The EMS is still doing COVID testing Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to noon, unless they are out on a call.
MidCoast is also doing COVID testing in the afternoon, but appointments need to be made for that.
7. Take Possible Action Concerning Burn Ban (Current Status: Burn Ban LIFTED As of 10-07- 2021):
Decision: This item was tabled.
8. Approve or Reject Proposed Amendments and/or Line Item Transfers:
None.
9. Approve or Reject Proposed Accounts Payable:
Decision: The Court unanimously approved the Proposed Accounts Payable.
10. Discuss Next Commissioners’ Court Date & Time:
The next Commissioners’ Court meeting will be held on Monday, November 22, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. in the Commissioners’ Courtroom.
11. Adjourn:
Commissioner Lusty adjourned the meeting at 10:00 a.m.
The following attended this meeting: Commissioners: James Lebow, Kenley Kroll, Pat Pool, and Rickey Lusty; Marsha Hardy, Emergency Management Coordinator; Kim Wells, District/ County Clerk; Lois VanBeck, Treasurer; Sheriff David Jenkins; Chief Deputy Dwayne Shaw; County Attorney Randy Robinson; Wesley Alexander, EMS District Chief; Pat Cobb, EMS Director; Rick Baskin, Baskin Insurance Agent; Harold Yates, Sheriff’s Office; Neal Alexander, County Extension Agent; Candy Kokernot, Administrative Assistant; and Djuana Payton, reporter with the San Saba News & Star. Judge Byron Theodosis was not present at this meeting.