The Blanco County Commissioners on Monday named a member of the county’s emergency management board as local health authority.

The commissioners appointed Dr. Craig Manifold to the position of local health authority.

Manifold said that he is simply volunteering to serve the community and has no political intentions with the position. He has been on the emergency management board about five years, and he is a board certified emergency physician. Manifold retired from the U.S. Air Force and the Texas National Guard and has training in public health.

“I stand to serve you, judge, and the commissioners court, and the citizens of the community during a time of great need and where we anticipate additional measures that will need to be put in place regarding our public health initiatives,” said Manifold.

Commissioner Chris Liesmann moved to appoint Manifold as Blanco’s local health authority and Commissioner Tommy Weir seconded; the motion carried.

As of Monday’s meeting, there was still only one confirmed COVID-19 case in Blanco County, but others are awaiting the results from tests. Judge Brett Bray said it is important to remember that Blanco County is surrounded by larger populated counties. He stressed the importance of practicing safe habits at this time, including frequent hand washing and continuing social distancing.

The special meeting was called to order at 9:35 a.m. A live stream of the meeting was broadcast via Zoom; the audio was muted for all Zoom participants unless the person was called to speak. The county judge and all four commissioners were present.

After the pledge of allegiance was recited, public comments were heard. Kenneth Welch encouraged the court to find an expert for the local health authority position, who knows the facts. “Choose a person for the position of local health authority that has the professional training that qualifies him/her to advise you. Then, follow his/her advice,” said Welch.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:53 a.m.