The Blanco County Commissioners Court meeting was called to order at 9:01 a.m. Tuesday by Judge Brett Bray with Commissioners: Tommy Weir, Emil Uecker, Chris Liesmann, and Paul Granberg.
The public comments were heard after the pledge of allegiance was recited. D’Anne Welch spoke first regarding the upcoming budget. She urged the court to focus on the first responders and make sure they are fully staffed and fully funded. “This proposed increase to perform county clerk and county assessor/registrar duties, including elections duties appears excessive and unwarranted. And I still don’t have an emergency services district that remains always open as advertised. I recommend that you abort plans to enhance salaries until all first responders of Blanco County are fully staffed and fully funded,” said Mrs. Welch.
Kenneth Welch spoke next about the upcoming budget focusing on community services. He explained that the court has proposed funding for the Blanco Library and the Food Pantry North, even though these organizations did not send their requests in until after the deadline; Mr. Welch encouraged the commissioners to improve rural healthcare. “The Gem of the Hills provides much needed health focused programs for Blanco County citizens. In addition they provide needed space and services during times when an evacuation center is needed. The Gem is truly a Gem in Blanco County and is worthy of help,” explained Mr. Welch. “...Please start complying with state laws so the public can see what you are really doing with their tax dollars.”
The court approved the minutes of the previous meeting. The estimated August payroll of $315,208.14 was approved. All of the official reports were in and accepted. There were three line item transfers from Sheriff Don Jackson. Weir moved to approve the line items as presented and Uecker seconded. The motion carried. Liesmann moved to approve the outstanding bills in the amount of $70,183.38 and Granberg seconded; it carried.
Ben Oakley, Blanco County Infection Control Officer/EMS Chief, provided an update regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. As of Tuesday (Aug. 11) morning, there are a total of 115 confirmed cases, 77 active, 36 recovered and 2 deceased in Blanco County. There are currently 18 persons under investigation. Oakley said the recovery number is low but it’s probably a little higher in reality. The state is reporting five deaths, but these are being confirmed by the Region 7 epidemiologists and will not be included in the county’s numbers until confirmed.
Oakley said that there has been improvement during the last few weeks. Flu season is coming up fast and it’s going to be an upcoming challenge, he said.
Next, the commissioners authorized Bray to sign a professional service agreement with Software Unlimited Corporation for a criminal case management program for the county attorney office. Currently, the attorney’s office is having to create documents from scratch.
There was a brief discussion about a restoration, preservation and digital archiving project with Kofile Technologies for the district clerk’s office. The project focuses on the historical documents from 1876 to 1991. Kofile Technologies has worked on previous county projects such as Commissioners Court minutes. The project covers all the district clerk record books and civil and criminal case files; it would total $246,782.70 or $49,359.54 for five years. Liesmann moved to approve the project with Kofile and Uecker seconded. It carried.
The judge was authorized to enter into a joint election agreement with Johnson City ISD to provide election services on Nov. 3 for the school districts. The purchase of two DS200 Scanners and six Express Vote Machines was approved for the election. The items and their specs totaled $34,659.95 and have a one year warranty.
Liesmann moved to authorize Bray to sign an agreement with Central Square for a CAD and Mobile Community Data Platform to share amongst agencies utilizing Central Square. This will not cost anything. Weir seconded the motion and the motion carried.
All four road reports were received and were reported to be in fair to good condition. There was a discussion regarding the road variance in the proposed subdivision “The 1623 Divide.” These will allow an alternate pavement section of “6 inches of type A, Grade 2 aggregate base material and 2 inches Type D asphalt surface course” which is equal or superior to the current county regulations. The variance was approved. Liesmann moved to approve the purchase price of $30,000 for the one-acre piece of property adjacent to Precinct Three. Weir seconded the motion and it carried. Purchasing the one-acre piece of property had previously been approved but the amount had not.
The commissioners authorized the judge to sign the Equipment Transfer Memorandum and Agreement between the Capital Area Council of Governments, sub-recipient, and Blanco County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, receiving jurisdiction/agency. The total project cost is $85,000; total federal award/state funds appropriated totals $98,436,639.
Granberg moved to authorize Bray to sign the CAPCOG’s FY2021 Solid Waste Interlocal Agreement and Uecker seconded. The Blanco Hazardous Waste Collection event is scheduled for Sept. 26 and citizens are encouraged to drop off their hazardous wastes such as paints that day. The last hazardous waste collection took place in 2017 and the county tries to host the event every three years. The motion carried.
Debbie Earley, county attorney, provided a quick briefing regarding a lawsuit entitled Cesar Diaz-Frances, plaintiff versus the City of Blanco, as Will Daves, city code inspector, the defendant. Liesmann moved to authorize the county attorney’s and the county treasurer’s offices to work with the carrier and if needed to authorize the county judge and attorney’s office to engage in professional services. Weir seconded and the motion carried.
The burn ban remains on at this time. Lastly, the on-going discussion regarding budget items for the upcoming fiscal year took place. The meeting was adjourned at 10:11 a.m.
