Sep 03, 2024 Regular

[A. CALL TO ORDER]

[00:00:08]

GOOD MORNING, EVERYONE, THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR BEING HERE.

COMMISSIONER SMITH IS GOING TO BE A LITTLE LATE . HE IS BEHIND A MAJOR ACCIDENT AND I AM NOT CERTAIN IF THE JUDGE IS GOING TO JOIN US ONLINE , BUT HE IS NOT IN EITHER TODAY. I WANT TO GO AHEAD AND CALL THIS MEETING TO ORDER. WE WOULD HAVE OUR INVOCATION BY PASTOR DARIUS TODD. IF YOU WOULD ALL PLEASE

RISE. >> LET US BOW. HEAVENLY FATHER, WE THANK YOU FOR ANOTHER DAY THAT YOU HAVE MADE. ANOTHER DAY THAT WE HAVE THE PRIVILEGE TO READ AND TO HAVE ACCESS TO THE PEOPLE THAT ARE HERE IN THIS ROOM AND ALSO AROUND THIS COUNTY. WE THANK YOU, LORD , THAT YOU HAVE GIVEN US GRACE, EVEN THROUGH LANE , THAT PROVIDES, AND REFRESHES, AND THE SUN THAT NOURISHES . WE THANK YOU, FATHER, FOR ALL YOU HAVE GIVEN US. WE ARE DEPENDENT ON YOUR PROVISION . TODAY, AS WE PREPARE TO SERVE, WE PRAY ALOUD THAT YOU WILL GIVE US WISDOM, GIVE US INSIGHT, GIVE US PATIENCE, GIVE US STRENGTH.

I PRAY THAT YOU WOULD COVER US AND DIRECT US, AND LEAD US AND HELP US TODAY. WE THANK YOU NOW FOR THIS AND ALL THINGS. IT IS

IN JESUS NAME I PRAY, AMEN. >>> AND OUR PLEDGE.

>> I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL HONOR THE TEXAS FLAG. I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THEE, TEXAS, ONE STATE UNDER GOD, ONE AND INDIVISIBLE.

>>> IF YOU WOULD CALL THE ROLL, PLEASE.

>> COMMISSIONER CROSBY, COMMISSIONER , COMMISSIONER SIX

[E. PUBLIC COMMENTS]

>>> WE ARE GOING INTO PUBLIC COMMENTS NOW. THE FIRST IS

VILLARREAL. >> THINK YOU, COMMISSIONER, COURT . TODAY , I WANTED TO BRING TO YOUR ATTENTION FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH , I'VE GOT COPIES OF SOME PEOPLE WERE GENERATED OUT OF THE CONSTABLE'S OFFICE FROM PRECINCT 1. IT APPEARS THAT SOME OF REGISTER OF ACTIONS THAT ARE DOCUMENTED , I HAVE A HOLDUP APPEAR , THEY ARE SHOWING THAT THERE ARE CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS THAT NEED TO BE SERVED PAPERWORK AND OR THESE DOCUMENTS, SHOWING THAT THEY ARE UNSERVICEABLE FOR SOME REASONS THAT DON'T MAKE. ON ONE OF THESE CURRENT DEFENDANT WAS SITTING DOWN WITH THIS CONSTABLE , SAME TABLE LAST SUNDAY AT A POLITICAL FUNCTION . FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH , LIKE I SAID, THIS SHOULD BE SOMETHING . SOMEBODY LOOKS INTO . YOU TOOK AN OATH OF OFFICE TO SERVE PAPERWORK AND YOU ARE NOT DOING IT FOR WHATEVER REASONS, BECAUSE THEY ARE YOUR FRIENDS, WHATEVER, NORMAL FAVOR , WHATEVER, SHOULD NOT BE IN THAT OFFICE. SOMEONE, I HOPE , IS TROUBLED ENOUGH LIKE IM TO LOOK INTO THIS . THIS IS AN INDIVIDUAL, THEN IN OFFICE A LONG TIME IN THESE DOCUMENTS CLEARLY SHOW THAT THEY ARE NOT DOING THEIR JOB . NOW, MY QUESTION IS, WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES FOR IT? I COME UP HERE AS MUCH AS I CAN , TO SOME FOLKS MIGHT ACTIONS ARE DEEMED AS UNPRODUCTIVE . I DON'T KNOW HOW UNPRODUCTIVE THIS IS, WHEN HAVE GOT A SWORN IN LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER NOT DOING THEIR JOB, FOR WHATEVER REASON . IT WOULD BE NICE TO SIT DOWN WITH HIS INDIVIDUAL AND ASK THEM, HOW DO YOU JUSTIFY THIS? IT IS RIGHT HERE ON THE PAPERS. THE PUBLIC HAS THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT APPLIES, YOU CAN GO OUT AND GET IT ALL .

AGAIN, FOLKS, THERE'S A LOT OF THINGS THAT I COULD COME UP HERE AND SHARE WITH Y'ALL. THIS IS PROBABLY ONE OF THE MOST SERIOUS ONES . WE HAVE A CONSTABLE, PRECINCT 1, THAT I HAVE DOCUMENT TO SHOW ONE OF THE OTHER DEFENDANTS WAS THE PRECINCT CONSTABLE , ONE WAS NOT SEVERABLE BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT LOCATE THE INDIVIDUAL . THIS GOES BACK TO 2010, ACCORDING TO THE CIVIL CITATION . I WANTED TO BRING THAT TO YOUR ATTENTION. HOPEFULLY, SOMETHING CAN BE DONE. I AM

[00:05:01]

>>> NEXT IS DAN RYAN. >> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER GONZALES AND INGALSBE. TODAY, I WANT TO TALK ABOUT THE BUCCEES COMING IN. IT SEEMS LIKE THE CITY OF DENMARK HAS PHYSICALLY GIVEN AWAY THIS PROJECT, WHICH IS NOT GOING TO RETURN THAT MUCH TAX MONEY TO HAYS COUNTY . I WILL JUST GO AHEAD AND READ SOME OF THIS. IN A TUNNEL READING TUESDAY NIGHT, SAN MARCUS CITY COUNCIL APPROVED CHAPTER 380 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVES TO PROVIDE INCENTIVES FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW BUC-EES TO BE LOCATED ON INTERSTATE 35 SOUTH, JUST OFF YERINGTON ROAD . THE VOTE WAS NUMBER 5-1 IN FAVOR OF THE AGREEMENT WITH COUNCILMEMBER VOTING AGAINST, COUNCILMEMBER GONZALEZ WAS ABSENT . THE CITY EXPECTS TO COLLECT $5.9 MILLION IN PROPERTY TAXES OVER FIVE YEARS IN PROJECTS. HAYS COUNTY WILL RECEIVE $2.8 MILLION , OVER 15 YEARS . WE WILL RECEIVE A GRAND TOTAL OF $2.8 MILLION. DO THE MATH REALLY QUICKLY, THAT IS LESS THAN $200,000 A YEAR. IF IT IS LESS THAN $200,000 A YEAR, WE ARE PAYING $54 MILLION TO THE BANK OF NEW YORK, MELON FOR INTEREST PAYMENTS ALONE , MONDAY THAT IS JUST GOING DOWN THE DRAIN . NOBODY HERE SEEMS TO CARE THAT WE'VE GOT OVER HALF $1 BILLION IN DEBT . NOW, THIS IS THE FIRST YEAR IN A LONG TIME THAT WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO ACTUALLY GO UP ON THE TAX RATE. IN A YEAR, EVALUATIONS OF HOMES AND PROPERTY ARE AGAIN GOING UP THROUGH THE ROOF . SO, IF WE GO UP ON THE TAX RATE , EVALUATIONS ARE UP, GET WHAT, THAT MEANS , OUR TAXES ARE ACTUALLY GOING TO BE HIGHER . I WOULD APPRECIATE IT IF THE COURTS WOULD MAKE THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN TAX RATE AND EFFECTIVE TAX RATE . EFFECTIVE TAX RATE IS WHAT WE ACTUALLY PAY . TAX RATE CAN GO DOWN AND THE AFFECTED TAX RATE CAN GO UP, DEPENDING ON THE EVALUATIONS OF PROPERTY , AND THAT IS WHAT HAS BEEN HAPPENING. EVALUATIONS HAVE BEEN GOING UP EVERY YEAR . Y'ALL HAVE BEEN DROPPING THE TAX RATE INCREMENTALLY , JUST BIT BY BIT . THEN, YOU TELL US , YOU ARE LOWERING TAXES, IT IS NOT TRUE . THANK YOU.

>>> THOSE ARE THE ONLY FORMS THAT I HAVE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT . IS THERE ANYONE ELSE THAT WISHES TO SPEAK FOR PUBLIC

[F.1. Adopt a Proclamation recognizing September 14, 2024 as the 3rd Annual Hispanic Heritage Exhibition Walk Day.]

>> F 1 , ADOPT A PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING SEPTEMBER 14TH, 2024 AS THE THIRD ANNUAL HISPANIC HERITAGE EXHIBITION WALK DAY. WHERE IS THE RECORDED HISPANIC HERITAGE HAS BEEN A PART OF DNA OF AMERICAN CULTURE FOR OVER 480 YEARS WITH UNDENIABLE INFLUENCE AND EDUCATION OF PUBLIC SAFETY, INFRASTRUCTURE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND GOVERNANCE , AND WHEREAS, IN THE WORDS OF CESAR CHAVEZ, PRESERVATION OF ONE'S OWN CULTURE DOES NOT REQUIRE THE CONTENTS OR DISRESPECT TO OTHER CULTURES, AND THUS, CELEBRATES THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE ROBUST HISPANIC DIASPORA , THAT INCLUDES ARGENTINA, BRAZIL, CHILE, COLOMBIA, COSTA RICA, CUBA, AMERICAN REPUBLIC, ECUADOR, EL SALVADOR , GUATEMALA , HONDURAS, MEXICO, NICARAGUA, PANAMA , PARAGUAY, PERU, WHAT WE GO , URUGUAY , AND VENEZUELA, AND WHEREAS , COMMUNITY MEMBERS OF HAYES COUNTY ARE PROUD OF THEIR MEXICAN HERITAGE, THAT INCLUDES NATIVE AMERICAN AND SPANISH BLOOD, IDENTIFYING THEMSELVES AS MEXICAN AMERICAN, CHICANO, THAT TINO, SPANISH, YOU KNOW, OR HISPANIC , THERE ARE OTHER LATIN AMERICAN COUNTRIES WHOSE PEOPLE HAVE BECOME A PART OF THE COLORFUL FABRIC , WHICH HAS ADDED TO THE TEXAS CULTURE THAT SOMETIMES IS IMPOSSIBLE TO SEPARATE FROM TEX-MEX, AND WHEREAS HUMANITY AND CENTURIES OF SACRIFICE HAS BROUGHT US TO

[00:10:04]

ADOPTED ON THIS 30 DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2024.

>> IS THERE SOMEONE HERE TO SPEAK REGARDING THIS PROCLAMATION? HI, GOOD MORNING.

>> MORNING, HOW ARE Y'ALL ? THANK YOU SO MUCH, COMMISSIONERS . WE ARE EXTREMELY EXCITED FOR THE 3RD ANNUAL HISPANIC HERITAGE WALK . TRULY, IT IS A BLESSING AND AN HONOR TO SHOW THE COLORFUL CULTURE OF THE LATINO CULTURE IN THE 21 COUNTRIES THAT WILL BE WALKING WITH THEIR MANNERS THAT THEY. AND SO, THIS PAST WEEKEND, WE WERE ASKED A QUESTION AND THE QUESTION , HOW DO WE MAINTAIN HERITAGE , WHEN WE ARE ALL BLENDED , AND IT WAS A BEAUTIFUL QUESTION, TRULY, BECAUSE I BELIEVE ALSO IN THE BLENDING IS THE BEAUTY, BUT WE MUST MAINTAIN OUR CULTURE THAT BRINGS US TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE OUR DIFFERENCES IN UNITY. AND WE SEE THIS EXAMPLE IN THE FUSION OF OUR FOOD AS WELL. THE LATINO FOOD , WE DID NOT HAVE THE PLANTS OR THE SPICES FROM THE COUNTRIES WE CAME FROM, SO WE FOUND THE CLOSEST TO THOSE SPICES AND TO THOSE PLANTS THAT WERE USED IN THOSE COUNTRIES, BUT IT MADE YOU FOOD FUSIONS , BUT WITH A RICH, LATINO FLAVOR. SOMETHING IN OUR CULTURE, WE FUSE TOGETHER, BUT THERE IS STILL THAT RICH, LATINO FLAVOR IN ALL OF US. WE INVITE EVERYONE TO COME OUT AND CELEBRATE THE DIVERSITY, THE LOVE, AND THE UNITY. IT WILL BE SEPTEMBER 14TH, STARTING AT 10:00 A.M. AND CULMINATING AT THE HAYS COUNTY COURTHOUSE. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> IF YOU COULD PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME FOR THE RECORD.

>> YES, LUCY GONZALEZ . >> THANK YOU, MS. GONZALES.

LUCY, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING HERE . AND IT IS WONDERFUL TO SEE OUR COMMUNITY COME TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE THE RICH HISTORIES OF OUR HIS NECK CULTURE. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING HERE AND I AM SURE WE WILL HAVE A LOTS OF

PARTICIPATION THAT DAY. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR COMING HERE TODAY. THIS IS A GREAT EVENT. I'VE LOVED ATTENDING THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS. IT HAS BEEN FUN. I LOOK FORWARD TO ATTENDING THIS YEAR, FOR SURE.

>> THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE. >> WE WOULD LIKE TO TAKE A PHOTO WITH ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO COME UP AND JOIN US.

[00:15:21]

>>> OKAY, IF YOU WOULD OPEN F.2, PLEASE .

>> OH, HOLD ON JUST A MINUTE. I AM SO SORRY. I DO HAVE A PUBLIC COMMENT ON F. 1 , I APOLOGIZE, MR. LION . IF YOU WOULD, FOR A

BIT . >> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER .

REAL QUICKLY, WHAT I WOULD REQUEST THAT Y'ALL DO IS THAT THE NEXT GOVERNMENT BUILDING , AND , OR, SCHOOL , AND I KNOW YOU WOULD HAVE TO GET THAT APPROVED THROUGH THE SCHOOL BOARD, I SUGGEST WE NAMED IT AFTER ROY BENAVIDES. HE WAS A GREAT HERO IN THE VIETNAM WAR , AND HE WAS A GREAT TEXAN , AND A GREAT AMERICAN . AND I WOULD LIKE THIS WHOLE THING, BUT I AM SURE I AM NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO GET THROUGH IT, IT IS VERY LONG. MASTER SERGEANT, THEN STAFF SERGEANT , ROY BENAVIDES, UNITED STATES ARMY, HE DISTINGUISHED HIMSELF BY A SERIES OF DARING, AND EXTREMELY VALOROUS ACTIONS ON MAY 2ND, 1968 WHILE ASSIGNED TO ATTACHMENT B 56 , FIFTH SPECIAL FORCES AND GROUP AIRBORNE, FIRST SPECIAL FORCES REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM . ON THE MORNING OF MAY 2ND, 1968, AND 12 MAN SPECIAL FORCES RECONNAISSANCE TEAM WAS INSERTED BY HELICOPTERS IN A DENSE JUNGLE AREA WEST OF LUCKMAN, VIETNAM TO GATHER INTELLIGENCE INFORMATION ABOUT CONFIRMED, LARGE-SCALE , ENEMY ACTIVITY . THIS AREA WAS CONTROLLED AND ROUTINELY PATROLLED BY THE NORTH VIETNAMESE ARMY . AFTER A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME ON THE GROUND, THE TEAM MET HEAVY IN ANY RESISTANCE AND A REQUEST OF EMERGENCY EXTRACTION. THREE HELICOPTERS ATTEMPTED EXTRACTION , BUT WERE UNABLE TO LAND , DUE TO INFANTS, ENEMY SMALL ARM, AND ANTI-AIRCRAFT FIRE . SERGEANT VETOES WAS AT FORWARD OPERATING BASE , MONITORING THE OPERATION BY RADIO WHEN THESE HELICOPTERS RETURNED TO OFFLOAD WOUNDED CREWMEMBERS AND TO ASSESS AIRCRAFT DAMAGE. SERGEANT BENEVIDES VOLUNTARILY BOARDED A RETURNING AIRCRAFT TO ASSIST IN ANOTHER EXTRACTION ATTEMPT, REALIZING THAT ALL THE TEAM MEMBERS WERE EITHER DEAD OR WOUNDED, AND UNABLE TO MOVE TO THE PICKUP ZONE . HE DIRECTED THE AIRCRAFT TO A NEARBY CLEARING, WHILE HE JUMPED FROM THE HOVERING HELICOPTER AND RAN APPROXIMATELY 75 METERS UNDER WITHERING, SMALL ARMS FIRE TO THE CRIPPLED TEAM. PRIOR TO REACHING THE TEAM'S POSITION , HE WAS WOUNDED IN HIS RIGHT LEG

, FACE, AND HEAD. SORRY . >> THAT IS OKAY.

>> SORRY , IF I COULD, THIS IS QUITE LONG. ALL RIGHT, HE WAS WOUNDED, FACE, LEG , AND HEAD. DESPITE THESE PAINFUL INJURIES , HE TOOK CHARGE, REPOSITIONING THE TEAM MEMBERS , AND DIRECTING VERIFIER TO FACILITATE THE BLENDING OF EXTRACTION AIRCRAFT AND LOADING OF WOUNDED AND DEAD TEAM MEMBERS . HE THEN THREW SMOKE CANISTERS TO DIRECT THE AIRCRAFT TO THE TEAM'S POSITION . DESPITE HIS SEVERE WOUNDS , AND UNDER INTENSE, ENEMY FIRE , HE CARRIED AND DRANK HALF OF THE WOUNDED TEAM MEMBERS TO THE AWAITING AIRCRAFT . HE THEN PROVIDED PROTECTIVE FIRE BY RUNNING ALONGSIDE THE AIRCRAFT AS IT MOVED TO PICK UP THE REMAINING TEAM MEMBERS . AS THE ENEMY'S FIRE INTENSIFIED, HE HURRIED TO RECOVER THE BODY AND

[00:20:06]

HIS ABDOMINAL SPIRITS KEPT THEM GOING AS HE BEGAN TO BURY HIS COMRADES . ON HIS SECOND TRIP WITH THE WOUNDED , HE WAS CLUBBED WITH ADDITIONAL WOUNDS FROM HIS HEAD AND ARMS BEFORE KILLING HIS ADVERSARY . HE THEN CONTINUED UNDER DEVASTATING FIRE TO CARRY THE WATER TO THE HELICOPTER . UPON REACHING THE AIRCRAFT, HE SPOTTED AND KILLED TWO ENEMY SOLDIERS WHO WERE RUSHING THE CRAFT FROM AN ANGLE THAT PREVENTED THE AIRCRAFT DOOR GUNNER FROM HIRING UPON THEM . I'M HAVING A VERY HARD TIME CONTINUING THIS , IF ANYONE WOULD LIKE TO TAKE OVER FOR ME , I HAPPILY TAKE A VOLUNTEER. I APPRECIATE YOU SHARING THAT WITH US, MR. LION . I THINK WE UNDERSTAND WHY YOU FEEL IT FOR TWO THAT WE CONSIDER NAMING SOMETHING AFTER HIM . SO, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING THAT .

[F.2. Adopt a Proclamation recognizing September 2024 as National Suicide Prevention and Action Month.]

>> THANK YOU. >>> OKAY, IF YOU WOULD OPEN

ITEM F.2, PLEASE. >> F.2, ADOPT A PROCLAMATION ORGANIZING SEPTEMBER 2024 AS NATIONAL SUICIDE ACTION ME.

>> IF YOU WOULD LEAVE THE PROCLAMATION, PLEASE.

>> WHEREAS, WITH SEPTEMBER BEING RECOGNIZED AS SUICIDE AWARENESS MONTH, THE NATIONAL SUICIDE AWARENESS MONTH PROCLAMATION WAS CREATED TO RAISE VISIBILITY OF MENTAL HEALTH AND PROACTIVE SUICIDE PREVENTION RESOURCES IN OUR COMMUNITY. THE MOTHER ALSO INCLUDES NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION WEEK, BEGINNING WITH WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY SEPTEMBER , AMONG WHICH WE RALLY THE PUBLIC AND INSPIRE MORE PEOPLE TO LEARN HOW THEY CAN PLAY A ROLE IN THEIR COMMUNITIES AND HELPING SAVE LIVES. WE WANT TO START THE CONVERSATION, DESTIGMATIZE IT, AND HELP CONNECT PEOPLE WITH THE APPROPRIATE SUPPORT SERVICES. AND WHERE IS THEM ACCORDING TO THE NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLNESS, NAMI, CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION, CDC, NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH, NIMH, SUICIDE IS THE SECOND LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH AMONG PEOPLE AGES 10 TO 14 AND THE THIRD LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH AMONG PEOPLE AGES 15 TO 24 IN THE UNITED STATES. 46% OF PEOPLE WHO DIED BY SUICIDE HAD A DIAGNOSED MENTAL HEALTH CONDITION, BUT RESEARCH SHOWS THAT 90% MAY HAVE EXPERIENCED SYMPTOMS OF A MENTAL HEALTH

[00:25:01]

>> LET THE RECORD SHOW THAT COMMISSIONER SMITH IS PRESENT.

>> HANKY. COMMISSIONER , WE HAVE A COUPLE OF OTHER COMMENTS ON THIS ITEM, WOULD YOU LIKE TO TAKE THOSE FIRST OR SPEAK

FIRST? >> I CAN GIVE AN UPDATE . I APOLOGIZE. YOU HAVE TO LOVE AUSTIN TRAFFIC, NUMBER ONE, BUT I DON'T THINK ANYTHING PUT INTO PERSPECTIVE THE NEED FOR SOME OF OUR PROJECTS LIKE TRYING TO GET THROUGH THERE FROM 7:00 THIS MORNING UNTIL NOW. I APOLOGIZE FOR BEING STUCK BEHIND AN THAN IN, BUT I APPRECIATE IT. I CAN TELL YOU THIS ITEM, THERE IS NOT A EASY WAY TO TALK ABOUT THE ITEMS . I WAS VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE LATE SPECIFICALLY BECAUSE I DID NOT WANT TO MISS THE DISCUSSION OF THIS ITEM. ONE THING THAT WE ADDRESS EVERY DAY, AND HE TRIED TO , THROUGH ALL THE MENTAL HEALTH WORK WE DO THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY , IS SUICIDE PREVENTION . ONE OF THE THINGS I DON'T THINK ANYBODY REALIZED THIS IS THAT , WHETHER YOU ARE AN EMPLOYEE OF THE COUNTY OR JUST AN AVERAGE CITIZEN, THERE IS VERY FEW OF US THAT HAVE NOT BEEN TOUCHED IN BY SOMEONE WE'VE LOST, ANY OF US IN THIS ROOM. OUR HEARTS GO OUT . I THINK THE HARDEST PART IS, IF YOU DON'T KNOW SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN LOST, I THINK THE EARLY WARNING SIGNS ARE THE HARDEST THING TO RECOGNIZE . MANY TIMES, THOSE CALLS FOR HELP OUR CALLS THAT WE TRY TO ANSWER, BUT WE NEVER HAVE A TRUE UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT THOSE ARE UNTIL TOO LATE . SO, ONE OF THE GREAT THINGS THAT I THINK BRINGS INTO FOCUS WITH SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH. I THOUGHT A LOT ABOUT THIS YESTERDAY. THE SHEER EDUCATION OF BEING ABLE TO RECOGNIZE WHAT THOSE ARE. SOMETIMES, IT IS JUST CHECKING IN ON SOMEBODY THAT YOU CARE ABOUT, OR THOSE YOU KNOW IS GOING THROUGH A HARD SITUATION , OR JUST BEING THERE. I DON'T KNOW. IT IS VERY PERSONAL TO ME. I APPRECIATE THE FACT THAT MY COLLEAGUES ARE WILLING TO PUT THIS ON THE AGENDA TODAY.

WE DO EVERY YEAR. AND I APPRECIATE THE FACT THAT POSSIBLY MORE SO THAN EVER IN OUR COUNTY, I AM GLAD SAINT THAT I HAVE THE UTMOST CONFIDENCE IN OUR HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND THE FOLKS THAT ARE WORKING THERE, BECAUSE THEY ARE TRULY TRYING TO FOCUS ON ISSUES LIKE THIS THAT ARE REALLY IMPORTANT TO CARVER COUNTY, WHERE MAYBE WE HAVE NOT HAD AS MUCH OF A FOCUS IN THE PAST, AND I AM ACTUALLY EXCITED

[00:30:01]

FOR THE FUTURE AS WELL. >> THANK YOU. I'M GOING TO GO AHEAD AND CALL OF THE PUBLIC COMMENTS. ANITA COLLINS.

>> I'M REALLY SORRY THE JUDGE IS NOT HERE TODAY. BECAUSE A LOT OF THIS IS AIMED AT HIM , BUT MY NAME IS ANITA COLLINS. I AM THE FORMER STAFF MEMBER FOR THE OFFICE OF HAYS COUNTY JUDGE .

IN THE SPRING OF 2018, MY 39-YEAR-OLD SON WAS ENGAGED TO BE MARRIED . HE WAS TOLD HIS FIANCEE WAS PREGNANT WITH HIS CHILD . HE HAD A NEW CAREER IN MANAGEMENT WITH HOME DEPOT , AND HAD MOVED IN WITH HIS FIANCEE THE YEAR BEFORE, BUT SOON, THINGS CHANGED , BECAUSE OF HIS POOR CHOICES , HIS FIANCEE CALLED OFF THE WEDDING AND KICKED HIM OUT OF THE HOUSE, LEAVING HIM HOMELESS, DISTRAUGHT, AND DEPRESSED . SO, WHEN HE WAS IN A SINGLE CAR ACCIDENT ON APRIL 7TH, 2018, MY 39-YEAR-OLD SON APPARENTLY THOUGHT IT WAS TOO TO BEAR .

THERE WAS NO REASON TO LIVE, AND TOOK HIS LIFE. THIS WAS MY STORY TO SHARE , AND I HAVEN'T SHARED IT UNTIL NOW TO ONE VERY REASON , BECAUSE OF THE STIGMA , MY MOTHER ASKED ME NOT TO TALK ABOUT IT, AND I PROMISED HER, I WOULDN'T . SHE KNOWS THE REASON I AM HERE TODAY . I RECENTLY LEARNED THAT IN 2020 , DURING EXECUTIVE SESSION , HR WAS DISCUSSING THE EMPLOYMENT OF OUR SENSES COORDINATOR, WAS STRUGGLING WITH THE SUICIDE OF HER CLOSE FRIEND AND YOU, JUDGE BECERRA, DAVID LEE, AND THIS WAS ACTIVELY DISRESPECTFULLY TOLD THOSE IN THE ROOM, THE MAJORITY OF THE PEOPLE IN FRONT OF ME TODAY, TO TERMINATE OUR SENSES COORDINATOR, AND THAT IF SHE WAS HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE SUICIDE OF HER FRIEND, THAT SHE SHOULD TALK TO ANITA , BECAUSE HER SON COMMITTED SUICIDE . HOW DARE YOU ! DO THAT . THAT WAS NOT YOUR STORY TO TELL.

STRANGERS, PEOPLE WHOSE NAMES I HAD CLEARLY LEARNED, AND TO NOW SPONSOR A PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING SUICIDE PREVENTION AND ACTION OF HYPOCRISY . COMMISSIONERS , I RESPECTFULLY REQUEST THAT A LINE IS ADDED TO THE FINAL LINE OF THE PROCLAMATION, NOW , THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE HAYS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT DOES HEREBY PROCLAIM SEPTEMBER 2024 AS NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION AND ACTION MUST AND RECOGNIZES THAT SUICIDE IS A DEEPLY PERSONAL ISSUE AND SHOULD BE HANDLED WITH THE UTMOST OF COMPASSION . THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU, MS. COLLINS. >>> NEXT IS JESSICA .

>>> YOU'LL HAVE TO EXCUSE ME, I CAME TO SPEAK AT MY CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM . THAT WAS A LOT TO TAKE IN. I WASN'T EXPECTING THAT. I WAS A HAYS COUNTY CENSUS COORDINATOR, FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT DON'T REMEMBER, OR DON'T WANT TO REMEMBER. FOR THE RECORD , JESSICA MEJIA .

UNITED STATES AIR FORCE MOM. AS THE ONLY PROGRAM IN TEXAS WITH A CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS PROGRAM IN LIBRARIES THAT IS ABSOLUTELY FREE, BILINGUAL , ENGLISH AND IN

[00:35:01]

MY FIRST ATTEMPT AND THOUGHTS OF SUICIDE WAS WHEN I WAS 15 AND PREGNANT, AND IT BEGAN WITH THE SENSE OF UNWORTHINESS . I DID NOT WANT TO KILL MYSELF, I DID NOT WANT TO DIE. I JUST DID NOT THINK THAT I COULD BE A GOOD MOM TO MY LITTLE BOY. SO, I HOPE THAT IF I COULD DIE AT EIGHT MONTHS PREGNANT , BECAUSE I READ IN THE LIBRARY, BEFORE GOOGLE AND BEFORE THE INTERNET WAS INVENTED FOR US, I READ THAT THE BABY COULD SURVIVE AT EIGHT MONTHS. SO, I HOPED THAT MY 15-YEAR-OLD BODY COULD MAKE IT TO BE ABLE TO DIE, THAT WAY THE BABY COULD LIVE A BETTER LIFE WITHOUT ME. TODAY, THAT LITTLE BOY IS THE YOUNGEST CAPTAIN IN THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE. I WAS A TEEN MOM , A SINGLE MOM, A COLLEGE MOM. AND HE ALSO SERVED AS YOUR ONLY INDIGENOUS WING COMMANDER AT TEXAS STATE , REPRESENTING THE TRIBE. I WANT TO CLOSE WITH SAYING , THAT THE ONLY PERSON THAT CHECKED UP ON ME WAS ANITA WHEN MY FRIEND DIED . AND I WASN'T TRYING TO KILL MYSELF WHEN MY FRIEND DIED, I WAS CONFUSED, BECAUSE THE MEDICINES THE DOCTORS GAVE ME WERE THE SAME MEDICINES SHE TOOK MY FRIEND WAS NOT SUICIDAL. SHE TOOK MEDICINES THAT MADE HER SUICIDAL . AND I WANT TO THANK BECAUSE WHEN I GOT FIRED, BUT NOT REALLY TIRED, LONBUT THE JUDGE AND TRANSPORT SMCISD DID NOT FIRE ME, BUT HE DID, LON, YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE, AND YOU CAN ALL LOOK IT UP, IT IS ON RECORD, YOU SAID, BEFORE WE MAKE ANY DECISIONS , HAS ANYONE CHECKED ON HER, CAN WE TALK TO HER ? AND YOU DID NOT EVEN KNOW ME, BUT YOUR HEART PROVED YOUR GENUINENESS , YOUR COMPASSION .

THAT IS WHY I ALWAYS THANK YOU OR WANT TO HUG YOU WHEN I SEE YOU. THERE ARE GOOD PEOPLE IN THIS WORLD. ALWAYS CONTINUE TO BE THAT GOOD PEOPLE . THANK YOU FOR GIVING US THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE A VOICE FOR THE VOICELESS. THANK YOU.

>> COMMISSIONER . >> CHAIRWOMAN, I WOULD BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO ADJUST THE RESOLUTION, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE EXACT WORD IS FROM ANITA, IF THAT IS OKAY? WOULD YOU MIND REPEATING THAT SO WE CAN CHANGE THE RESOLUTION AND ADD THAT TO IT? AND CAN -- I'M SORRY, THE PRINTED VERSION WILL NOT LOOK LIKE IT, BUT WE WILL REDO IT TODAY.

>> AT THE END OF THE FINAL PARAGRAPH , IT SAYS , NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION AND ACTION MUST , HERE IS THE PART, RECOGNIZES THAT SUICIDE IS A DEEPLY PERSONAL ISSUE, AND SHOULD BE HANDLED WITH THE UTMOST OF COMPASSION .

>> I WOULD MOVE FOR PASSAGE WITH THAT ADJUSTMENT .

>> MOTIONS AND SECONDED TO ADD THE LANGUAGE THAT WAS JUST STATED . ARE THERE ANY OTHER QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

>> I JUST WANT TO THANK EVERYBODY THAT IS HERE AND I THINK ANITA USED THE RIGHT WORD, COMPASSION, IS NEEDED. WE HAVE A LOT OF PEOPLE IN THIS ROOM THAT HAVE BEEN NOT AFFECTED DIRECTLY BY THIS. SO, LET'S JUST TAKE A MOMENT TO HAVE SOME COMPASSION FOR THEM AT THIS TIME.

>> AND ANITA, AND JESSICA , THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING

[00:40:07]

PLEASE. >> YES.

>> COMMISSIONER COHEN. COMMISSIONER SHELL .

COMMISSIONER INGALSBE. >> OKAY, AND IS THERE ANYONE ELSE TO SPEAK REGARDING THIS ITEM?

>> HELLO, MY NAME IS CRYSTAL LOPEZ, I AM THE ACTOR AT -- AND I REALLY WANT TO THANK THE COMMISSIONERS COURT FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK TOWARDS GETTING TO A SPACE WHERE WE CAN TALK ABOUT THIS IN THE COMMUNITY, BUT REALLY PUT ACTION BEHIND THESE PROP DONATIONS. I THINK THAT IS THE WORK WE ARE TRYING TO DO ON THE GROUND LEVEL , WITH A LOT OF THE SUPPORT, ESPECIALLY THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT, AND I THINK THEY ARE GOING TO COME UP REAL QUICK AND SAY A WORD. THANK YOU

SO MUCH. >> THANK YOU.

>> GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS . AS COMMISSIONER SHELL SAID AT COMMISSIONER SMITH HAS NOTED, A LOT OF US HAVE EXPERIENCED OR COME INTO PROXIMITY TO WHICH SOMEONE MAY HAVE EXPERIENCED SUICIDE OR WE KNOW WHAT SOMEONE WHO HAS COMMITTED SUICIDE. WHAT I WOULD LIKE US IS TO TAKE A QUICK MOMENT TO BOW OUR HEADS, PAY RESPECT AND HONOR, AND RECOGNIZE THOSE WHO HAVE LOST THEIR LIVES TO SUICIDE BEFORE WE CONTINUE THE PROCLAMATIONS DISCUSSIONS. THANK YOU FOR THAT MOMENT OF SILENCE . I AM JUST GOING TO GO AHEAD AND INVITE OUR BEHAVIOR HEALTH COORDINATOR

TO COME AND SPEAK. >> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONERS COURT FOR RECOGNIZING SUICIDE AWARENESS MONTH. THIS TOPIC IS CLOSE TO MY HEART, DUE TO MY OWN PERSONAL BATTLE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS . I'M GRATEFUL TO STAND HERE TODAY BECAUSE OF THE HOPE OTHERS HELD FOR ME WHEN I COULD NOT SEE IT MYSELF.

THROUGH THE SUPPORT OF FRIENDS, FAMILY, AND PROFESSIONALS , I WAS ABLE TO REDISCOVER MY HOPE. TO ME, WITHOUT AWARENESS IS ABOUT BREAKING THE STIGMA THAT SURROUNDS SUICIDE. IT IS ABOUT CREATING A SAFE SPACE FOR ABLE TO TALK OPENLY ABOUT THEIR STRUGGLES. IT IS A REMINDER THAT NONE OF US NEED TO FACE OUR DARKEST MOMENTS ALONE. I BELIEVE THERE IS HELP, HOPE, AND WE ALL HAVE A ROLE TO PLAY IN PREVENTING SUICIDE IN OUR COMMUNITY. I WOULD LIKE TO INVITE EVERYONE TO ATTEND THE CONNECTION IS KEY SUICIDE AWARENESS WALK AND FAIR HAPPENING AT BLUECOAT REGIONAL PARK SEPTEMBER 14TH AT 9:00 A.M. . THIS EVENT IS BEING HOSTED BY WISD , THE GREATER MERCY FOUNDATION AND BOOM OF THE PARKS AND REC . I ALSO WANT TO MENTION KIND OF WHAT COMMISSIONER SMITH WAS SAYING, EDUCATION IS A HUGE PIECE . I WILL BE SPEAKING SEPTEMBER 10TH AT 6:00 P.M. WITH NAMI CENTRAL TEXAS MY PRESENTATION WILL COVER UP TO DATE RESEARCH FINDINGS, TALKING ABOUT SUICIDE RISK FACTORS , AND HOW TO IDNTIFY WARNING SIGNS IN OTHERS , AND THEN HOW TO SUPPORT THOSE WHO ARE STRUGGLING . THE EVENT IS FREE TO REGISTER FOR, AND THE LINK CAN BE FOUND ON OUR HEALTH DEPARTMENT'S FACEBOOK PAGE, AS WELL AS THE NAMI CENTRAL TECH 'S WEBSITE. I WANT TO IT BY SAYING THAT TOGETHER, WE CAN CREATE A CULTURE THAT IS SMART ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH, SUICIDE PREVENTION . I ALSO WANT TO THANK THE COMMUNITY PARTNERS WORK EVERY DAY TO PROVIDE CRISIS WAS AUNT'S AND RESOURCES TO HAYS COUNTY. I FEEL REALLY GRATEFUL WE HAVE THE TEAM HERE TODAY AND LASTLY, I WILL INVITE MICHELLE FROM HILL COUNTRY TO SPEAK. I ALSO BROUGHT SOME 90 DATE MAGNETS FOR YOU COMMISSIONERS YOU CAN

HAVE TO HAND OUT TO ANYONE. >> GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS.

MY NAME IS MICHELLE, I WORK FOR HILL COUNTRY M HDD CENTERS. I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU ALL FOR RECOGNIZING THIS IMPORTANT ISSUE FOR SUICIDE AWARENESS MONTH , SHINING A SPOTLIGHT WITH HIS CAN SEE, IT TOUCHES A LOT OF PEOPLE'S LIVES , PERHAPS MANY OF OUR OWN . WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT SUICIDE IS THAT IT IS PREVENTABLE. THERE ARE RESOURCES HERE IN OUR COUNTY

[00:45:03]

IN ADDITION TO THAT, HILL COUNTRY MHDD OFFERS PLENTY OF SUICIDE AWARENESS TRAINING , SUCH AS OUR ASK ABOUT SUICIDE GAIT KEEPING TRAINING , ASSIST WISHES, APPLY SUICIDE INTERVENTION, SKILLS, AND TECHNIQUES, AND MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID. IF THERE ARE COMMUNITY MEMBERS THAT THEY'RE INTERESTED IN LEARNING HOW TO IDENTIFY WARNING SIGNS-- I KNOW PEYTON MENTIONED HER TRAINING. THAT SOUNDS FANTASTIC TOO.

THERE IS A MORE ROBUST TRAINING PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY WITH WANT, PLEASE REACH OUT TO HILL COUNTRY. OUR NUMBER IS ON THE WEST TO OUR CARPULE ADMINISTRATION AND WE HAVE TRAINERS AVAILABLE TO PROVIDE MORE ROBUST TRAINING ON THIS TOPIC TO THE COMMUNITY. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE. THANK YOU TO OUR TEAM OR COPING UP ALL HOURS OF THE DAY AND NIGHT TO RESPOND TO EITHER SOME OF THE WORST DAYS OF PEOPLE'S LIVES . THANK

YOU, COMMISSIONERS . >> THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE.

THANK YOU ALL, PEYTON, THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR STORY . I AGREE, IT IS NOT JUST TO BRING AWARENESS TODAY, OR MUST , IT IS A YEAR-ROUND AWARENESS THAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN SUPPORT FROM EVERYONE . THANK YOU SO MUCH . IS THERE ANYONE ELSE WHO WOULD

LIKE ? >> THANK YOU, GOOD MORNING, COURT. SHERRY MILLER, HAYS COUNTY DIRECTOR. ON BEHALF OF OUR BENEFITS HERE FOR EMPLOYEES , I THINK WE HAVE PERSONALLY WAY TOO MANY EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE BEEN TOUCHED BY SUICIDE .

SO, WE ARE SPONSORING THE FIRST OF A FEW SUICIDE PREVENTION PROGRAMS FOR EMPLOYEES IN OUR MONTHLY LUNCH AND LEARN ON SEPTEMBER 18TH, WITH AN INTERNAL EMPLOYEE THAT IS TRAINED TO PROVIDE QPR TRAINING FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION AND AWARENESS. THANK YOU FOR MENTIONING THE 988 NUMBER . IT IS A NUMBER I HAVE NOT BEEN VERY MILIEU, BUT HAVE BEEN PLANNING LUNCH AND LEARN , AND WILL NEVER FORGET THAT NUMBER .

SO, WE ALL NEED TO KNOW 988, 3 NUMBERS , YOU COULD GET SOME HELP. EMPLOYEE LUNCH AND LEARNS ARE AT LUNCH . WE DO PROVIDE A MEAL FOR YOU. THIS TRAINING WILL BE LIMITED TO 35 EMPLOYEES , WE PROBABLY WILL POSTED TWO OR THREE TIMES AND WE HAVE AN INTERNAL EMPLOYEE THAT WILL BE TEACHING THE TRAINING FROM THE CRIME VICTIMS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AND WE ARE THINK TO HAVE SOMEONE ELSE THAT CAN PROVIDE THAT TRAINING TO US .

WE DO ALSO , AS AN EMPLOYEE BENEFITS, OFFER AN EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM THAT IS AVAILABLE TO OUR EMPLOYEES, AND THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS . IT IS ONE PHONE CALL , AND HEALTH IS THERE TO HELP YOU THROUGH YOUR SITUATION. JUST A REMINDER TO OUR EMPLOYEES OF THESE BENEFITS.

>> IS THERE ANYBODY ELSE THAT WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK ?

>> COMMISSIONER, I DID WANT TO MENTION AS WELL , AND I KNOW OUR SERVICES OFFICES HAVE INTERACTED WITH THIS GROUP , BUT OVER THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS, THERE IS A LARGE THAT IS KIND OF A BROTHER'S KEEPER'S PROGRAM. IT IS NOT A FORMAL GRAHAM, IT IS FOR FORMER MILITARY , ANY BRANCH, FORMER

[00:50:05]

WHO FEELS THEY NEED TO. >> Q, COMMISSIONER. I'D LIKE TO INVITE EVERYONE WHO IS WILLING AND ABLE TO, TAKE A PHOTO WITH US FOR THIS PROCLAMATION TO COME ON DOWN.

>>> I'VE BEEN ASKED TO MOVE SOME AGENDA ITEMS UP. WE ARE GOING TO DO THAT AT THIS TIME AND IF THERE ARE OTHERS THAT

[J.1. PLN-2455-PC; Hold a Public Hearing; followed by discussion and action in regards to Stagecoach Ranch Section 1, Lot 14, Replat. SHELL/MACHACEK]

>> J 1, PLN-255-PC , HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING, FOLLOWED BY DISCUSSION AND ACTION IN REGARDS TO SECTION 1 LOT 14

REPLANT. >> WE ARE GOING TO OPEN UP THAT PUBLIC HEARING. IS THERE ANYONE TO SPEAK FOR OR AGAINST THIS ITEM? IF NOT , WE WILL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING . COLBY

PIERCE >> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONERS INGALSBE. GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS. MY NAME IS COLBY MACHACEK WITH THE SENIOR PLANNER DEPARTMENT. AND THIS ITEM WILL CREATE TWO LOTS ACROSS 10.84 ACRES, THE PROPERTY IS LOCATED ALONG STAGECOACH RANCH IN HAY

[00:55:02]

APPROVAL. >> IS, COLBY. NEXT, COMMISSIONER. MOTION FOR APPROVAL. SECOND PIERCE

>> SECOND, ANY COMMENTS? IF NOT, CALL ROLE, PLEASE.

>> COMMISSIONER SHELL, COMMISSIONER SMITH,

COMMISSIONER COHEN . >> OKAY, LET'S SEE, NEXT ITEM

[K.11. Discussion and possible action to supplement the recently created Hays County Salary Grievance Committee for the remainder of the fiscal year Pursuant to Chapter 152 of the Local Government Code. BECERRA]

IS K 11. >> K 11 , DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO SUPPLEMENT THE RECENTLY CREATED HAYS COUNTY SALARY GRIEVANCE FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE FISCAL YEAR PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 152 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE.

>> SURE. AND I AM SURE YOU WILL PROBABLY REMEMBER THAT YOU GUYS DEVELOPED THE GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE LAST MEETING, I THINK IT WAS, AND WE, UNFORTUNATELY, NEED MORE PUBLIC MEMBERS BECAUSE WE HAVE NOT GOT ENOUGH CONFIRMED FOR OUR GRIEVANCE HEARING WE ARE GOING TO HAVE FRIDAY OF THIS WEEK. SO, THE CLERK'S OFFICE CAME WITH AN ADDITIONAL BUCKET OF NAMES. IF YOU COULD , I KNOW WE DON'T WANT TO BE TOO MANY, BUT I WOULD RATHER HAVE TOO MANY THEN NOT ENOUGH, IF WE COULD PICK AN ADDITIONAL 15 , THAT WOULD BE WONDERFUL, THAT WAY, THE CLERK'S OFFICE COULD CONTACT THEM TO GET THE ADDITIONAL MEMBERS WE NEED HERE ON WRITING FOR THAT HEARING.

>> I HAD THIS SPECIFIC QUESTION, BECAUSE WE HAVE RUN INTO THIS BEFORE AT OUR TRAINING AT THE SOUTH TEXAS CONVENTION. I SPECIFICALLY ASKED, WE LAID OUT THE SCENARIO WHERE WE DRAW 30 NAMES IN ORDER TO GET THE SMALL NUMBER. THE GENERAL COUNSEL TOLD ME THAT YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO THAT . I MAY BE PARAPHRASING HERE, IF YOU DRAW 30 , IT IS VERY SIMILAR TO JURY DUTY , WITH THE EXCEPTION THAT YOU DON'T CYCLE THROUGH A JURY , UNLIKE A JURY, YOU DON'T CYCLE THROUGH THEM, IF YOU DON'T HAVE ENOUGH, YOU ASSIGNED THE DATE, SIGN THE TIME AND ASSIGN THOSE THAT WOULD BE IN ATTENDANCE , AND WE COULD ASSIGN A DESIGNATED NUMBER OF ALTERNATES AND WE MOVE FORWARD WITH THE PROCESS. IS THAT INCORRECT? AND I AM ASKING, BECAUSE WE HAVE GONE THROUGH THIS PROCESS FOR 6

IERCE SINCE I HAVE BEEN HERE >> THAT IS A WONDERFUL QUESTION, COMMISSIONER. THE BEST WAY TO ANSWER THAT, THESE HEARINGS HAVE BEEN ON SUCH A SHORT TIMELIN, THAT IS EVEN ROUGH TO EVEN ONE GET IN CONTACT WITH ALL THOSE PEOPLE THAT WE DREW , AND WE HAVE OTHER, SOME PEOPLE THAT ARE EITHER ON VACATION, OUT OF THE COUNTRY, STUFF LIKE THAT. IF WE TOOK THAT ROUTE , AND WE DID NOT HAVE ENOUGH PEOPLE TO SHOW UP, I DON'T KNOW WHAT KIND OF RECOURSE WE WOULD HAVE FOR THAT

. >> THAT WAS MY QUESTION . MY ANSWER WAS, AS LONG AS WE HAVE DESIGNATED THOSE POSITIONS, AS LONG AS YOU HAVE FILLED IT WITH YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS , AND YOUR MEMBERS OF PUBLIC , IF SOMEONE CHOOSES NOT TO ATTEND TO ME THEY CHOOSE NOT TO ATTEND . I AM HAPPY TO DO THIS TODAY, IF WE COULD, IT SEEMS LIKE WE CALL 30 NAMES A YEAR, MAYBE WE GET FIVE , WHATEVER, LET'S JUST FIGURE OUT HOW TO DO THIS AND IF WE DON'T HAVE THE MONEY SHOW UP, WE DON'T HAVE SOMEONE

TO SHOW UP. >> TRYING TO DO OUR BEST TO GET THOSE NINE VOTING MEMBERS REQUIRED, BECAUSE DEPENDING ON HOW THOSE MEMBERS VOTE , HOW THAT SALARY MAY OR MAY NOT CHANGE FOR THAT ELECTED OFFICIAL . IN THAT SITUATION, WE HAVE NOT CURRENTLY, AS TO DATE, WE HAVE HAD SOME CONFIRM , BUT WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH TO REACH THAT NINE THRESHOLDS , AND WE TYPICALLY AT A COUPLE ADDITIONAL SHOW UP JUST IN CASE GOD FORBID SOMEONE GETS CAUGHT, WHATEVER WE NEED TO MAKE SURE WE CAN FULFILL THOSE NINE VOTING MEMBERS. I WILL LOOK INTO THAT MORE IN THE FUTURE ABOUT THAT OPTION. MAYBE IF WE SET EARLIER IN THE YEAR, THAT MIGHT BE EASIER, I AM HAPPY TO LOOK INTO THAT SOME MORE, B WHEN WE HAVE JUST A LITTLE BIT MORE TIME, BECAUSE WE ARE GOING TO HAVE IT ON FRIDAY OF THIS

WEEK. >> THANK YOU.

>> SURE. >> AHEAD AND MENTION THE NAMES WHO WERE SELECTED TODAY? WE HAVE DONE THAT IN THE PAST, CALLED OUT THE NAMES SELECTED TODAY?

>> YES, PLEASE . >> BREANNA HENDERSON, LINDA

[01:00:03]

>> AND IF YOU WOULD GO AHEAD AND CALL ROLE ON THAT ITEM,

[G.17. Approve the January 2024, February 2024 and March 2024 Treasurer Reports. BECERRA/TENORIO]

PLEASE. >> INGALSBE, COMMISSIONER COHEN, COMMISSIONER SHELL , COMMISSIONER SMITH .

>> IF YOU COULD OPEN G. 17 , PLEASE.

>> G. 17, PROVE THE FEBRUAR 2024 AND MARCH 2024 TREASURY

REPORTS. >> MOVE.

>> SECOND. >> DO WE HAVE ANY COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS REGARDING THESE REPORTS ? IF NOT, CALL ROLE

[G.19. Amend the Treasurer's Office continuing education budget adding an additional $2,335.00 related to the annual County Treasurer's Association Conference and TAC Legislative Conference. BECERRA/TENORIO]

PIERCE >> COMMISSIONER COHEN, COMMISSIONER SHELL , COMMISSIONER TRENT,

COMMISSIONERS WITH. >> G . 19.

>> AMEND THE TREASURER'S OFFICE CONTINUING EDUCATION BUDGET, ADDING AN $2335 RELATED TO THE ANNUAL COUNTY TREASURER 'S ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE AND TAC LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE

PIERCE >> I MOVE.

>> THERE IS A MOTION IN A SECOND, QUESTIONS, COMMENTS? IF NOT, CALL ROLE, PLEASE. TOO COMMISSIONER INGALSBE, COMMISSIONER TRENT X, COMMISSIONER SHELL,

COMMISSIONER SMITH. >>> ARE THERE ANY OTHER ITEMS?

[K.6. Discussion and possible action to adopt an order of the Commissioners Court of Hays County, Texas accepting and approving the 2024 Annual Service Plan Update to the Service and Assessment Plan (SAP), including updated Major Improvement Area assessment roll, Neighborhood Improvement Area #1 assessment roll, Neighborhood Improvement Area #2 assessment roll, and Neighborhood Improvement Area #3 assessment roll for the La Cima Public Improvement District (PID); making and adopting findings; providing a cumulative repealer clause; and providing an effective date. SHELL]

PARTING ME? >>> NEXT CASE , IF THE COURT IS

WILLING. >>> K 6, DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO ADOPT ORDER OF PACE COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCEPTING AND APPROVING THE 2024 ANNUAL SERVICE PLAN UPDATE. THIS SERVICE AND ASSESSMENT PLAN, S.A.T. , INCLUDING UPDATED MAJOR IMPROVEMENT AREA ASSESSMENT ROLE, NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT AREA, NUMBER ONE ASSESSMENT ROLE, NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT AREA NUMBER TWO ASSESSMENT ROLE, AND NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT AREA NUMBER THREE ASSESSMENT ROLE FOR THE LOSS IN THE PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT , MAKING AND ADOPTING FINDINGS, PROVIDING A REPEAL OR CLAUSE, AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

>> THERE IS A MOTION AND A SECOND. COMMENTS?

>> SURE. THIS IS OUR ANNUAL SERVICE AND -- ANNUAL SERVICE PLAN UPDATE RELATED TO LAST EMAIL PID . WHAT THIS DOES OVER ALL, IT ALL OF THE UPDATED ASSESSMENT ROLLS , EXCUSE ME, FOR EVERY PARCEL WITHIN THE MAJOR IMPROVEMENT AREA, NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT AREA ONE , NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT AREA TO, AND NEIGHBORHOOD AREA NUMBER THREE . YOU WILL SEE THAT IS LISTED OUT PER PARCEL IN BACKUP, AND THAT ANNUAL SERVICE PLAN UPDATE TO THE STAFF. I ALSO HAVE ESTHER JOHN SCHNEIDER HERE AT P3 WORKS FOR ANY SPECIFIC QUESTIONS THE COURT MAY HAVE IN RELATION TO THE ANNUAL STAFF UPDATE.

>> ANY QUESTIONS, COMMENTS? IF NOT, CALL ROLE, PLEASE.

>> MISSIONARY SHELL . COMMISSIONER INGALSBE.

COMMISSIONER SMITH . COMMISSIONER COHEN.

>> OKAY, LET ME JUST MAKE SURE I DID THIS RIGHT. OKAY, I DID, MR. DAN LIEN WANTED TO SPEAK. AN

>> EXCUSE ME, I AM KIND OF AT A LOSS HERE, WHAT ITEM ARE WE ON?

>> K . 6, . >> K. 6.

>> REGARDING LA CIMA. >> I MUST HAVE NOT GOTTEN THE RIGHT AGENDA ITEM . THANK YOU.

>> OKAY, THANK YOU. ANY OTHER ITEMS WE NEED TO MOVE UP? H 3,

[Items I.3 - I.5]

[01:05:25]

SERVICES . >> SO MOVED.

>> THERE IS A MOTION AND A SECOND AND WE HAVE PUBLIC COMMENTS ON EACH ONE OF THOSE ITEMS , SO WE WILL GO WITH I 3

FIRST. >>, BEFORE WE MOVE ON ON THAT ITEM, JUST FOR THE RECORD, WE TRANSPOSED A COUPLE OF NUMBERS . I WANT TO RESTATE THAT NUMBER AS A HILLY $190,643.30. THANK

YOU. SORRY. >> NO, THANK YOU FOR THAT. MR.

DAN LION I. 3 . >> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER.

LET'S SEE, IN THE SUMMARY , THE EXECUTION OF THE SUPPLEMENTAL TO THE PROGRAM MANAGEMENT CONTRACT ASSIGNED TO HNTB CORPORATION APRIL 1ST, 2020 WILL EXTEND THE TERMINATION DATE FOR THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR, THE TIME EXTENSION AND BUDGET WILL ALLOW THE PROJECT MANAGEMENT /GEC TEAM TO CONTINUE MOVING THE REMAINING HAYS COUNTY / TXDOT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM PROJECTS FORWARD. OKAY. NOW, THIS IS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT NUMBER 13 . I HAVE A FUNDAMENTAL PROBLEM THESE SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENTS AND CHANGE ORDERS , AND WHATNOT .

I'M NOT SURE WHY WHEN WE CONTRACT CORPORATIONS FOR SOMETHING THAT HE WROTE, WHATEVER , THAT WE ALWAYS HAVE TO GO BACK AND REVISIT THE ORIGINAL CONTRACT , AND THEN WE HAVE TO SEEMINGLY , CONTINUOUSLY AT MORE MONEY .

NOW, I AM THINKING , THIS IS OPEN FOR CALL , NOT BEING QUITE HONEST WITH YOUR NEEDS. YOU WOULD BID LOW, Y'ALL WOULD ACCEPT IT , AND THEN WE WOULD COME BACK IN AND AND MORE MONEY TO IT. I AM SORRY, IT HAPPENS SO OFTEN , I'VE GOT TO THINK THERE IS SOMETHING GOING ON BEHIND THE SCENES HERE. IT SEEMS THAT NONE OF THESE COMPANIES SEEM TO UNDERSTAND THE SCOPE OF THE WORK THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO PERFORM AND THEY CONTINUOUSLY COME BACK AND SAY, OH NO, WE NEED TO DO THIS, NEED

[01:10:03]

YOU VERY MUCH. >> THINK YOU, MR. LION . ALSO HAVE A PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE NEXT TWO. I.4 IS NEXT.

>> TO TELL YOU THE TRUTH , I HAVE NOT EVEN LOOK AT THOSE , I WILL GO AHEAD AND YIELD MY TIME.

>> COMMISSIONER. >> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER . I WILL START WITH I.3, THE SUPPLEMENTAL FOR THE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMS . THIS IS THE AGREEMENT WE HAVE WITH HNTB FOR THAT PROGRAM , WHICH I THINK IS DOWN TO ABOUT THREE PROJECTS , TWO OF WHICH I BELIEVE ARE TWO DIFFERENT SECTIONS OF 110 AND PORTIONS OF THE 150 CHARACTER PLAN. SO, WE ARE WINDING THOSE DOWN. THIS SHOULD HOPEFULLY GET US THROUGH THE PROJECTS FOR THE NEXT YEAR , AND ALSO ADDRESSING THE COMMENTS THAT WERE MADE ABOUT THE SUPPLEMENTALS, HOW THAT WORKS, AND IT IS A FAIRLY COMPLICATED PROGRAM, A LOT OF DIFFERENT PROJECTS THAT NEARLY EXACTLY HOW LONG IT IS GOING TO TAKE TO NAIL DOWN THOSE PROJECTS IS DIFFICULT. WE DO TRY TO ESTIMATE, IF IT IS DESIGN ALL THE WAY THROUGH CONSTRUCTION, OR WHAT TYPE OF WORK WE ARE DOING, WE TRY TO ESTIMATE THE TIME IT WOULD TAKE AND THOSE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THAT, BUT THERE IS A LOT OF CHANGES USUALLY THAT HAPPEN WITHIN THE LIFE OF A PROJECT . OFTEN TIMES, RIGHT OF WAY ACQUISITION, RIGHT-OF-WAY COSTS, THE WORK TO GET RIGHT-OF-WAY AND UTILITY LOCATIONS ARE TWO OF PROBABLY SOME OF THE HARDEST TO NAIL DOWN. NAILING DOWN THE ACTUAL DESIGN , THE AMOUNT OF TIME IT WILL TAKE IN DESIGN CAN CHANGE BECAUSE OF THOSE . FOR THE MOST PART, IT IS A LITTLE BIT EASIER TO DETERMINE . I WOULD SAY, CONSTRUCTION IS PROBABLY THE MANAGEMENT OF THAT, WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN , IT IS YEARS IN THE FUTURE, SO IT DOES TAKE A LITTLE BIT OF TIME. IT CAN BE CONFUSING I KNOW TO KEEP COMING BACK , ESPECIALLY AT A YEAR AND AT THIS AMOUNT OF MONEY TO MANAGE THESE PROGRAMS, BUT IT DOES TAKE A LOT OF TIME SPECIFICALLY FOR A PROJECT LIKE 110, THAT IS 20 PLUS YEARS OF PLANNING AND DESIGN, RIGHT-OF-WAY ACQUISITION, ALL OF THOSE CHALLENGES DOES TAKE A WALKER. THERE IS A REASON FOR COMING BACK AND THESE TYPES OF PROJECTS ARE NOT BID . IT IS NOT LIKE A LUMP SUM BID WHERE YOU SAY, WHAT IS IT GOING TO COST TO BUILD? UNDERSTAND, THAT DOES HAPPEN ALL OVER THE PLACE PROBABLY SINCE PROJECTS HAVE EVER BEEN PROCURED BY GOVERNMENTS , SOMEONE COULD SAY, WELL , WE WILL DO IT FOR THIS, YOU END UP HIRING THEM, AND YOU FIND OUT, WE DID NOT INCLUDE THIS AND HAVE AT THAT.

THIS IS A LITTLE BIT DIFFERENT, ENGINEERING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ARE NOT BUILT THAT WAY. WHAT WE ARE BIDDING , THE SCOPE, WHAT IT TAKES TO REACH THESE POINTS, HOW MUCH TIME IT WILL TAKE TO REACH THESE DIFFERENT LEVELS OF PROFESSIONALS WITHIN THE ORGANIZATION OR SUBCONTRACTORS.

AND THOSE ARE VERY DEPENDENT ON HOW THE PROJECT ACTUALLY GOES, WHICH IS OFTEN TIMES OUT-OF-CONTROL OF THIS. THAT IS WHY WE DO IT THAT WAY. WE DO THE BEST ESTIMATE WE CAN ON THE TIME IT IS GOING TO TAKE IN THE WORK NECESSARY TO DEVELOP THE PROJECT AT THE TIME, THERE IS SOMETHING THAT GETS IN THE WAY AND MAKES THAT GO LONGER, TAKES THE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM OBVIOUSLY ON STATE ROADS, TXDOT IS APPROVED, AT THE SAME TIME, TXDOT CAN COME BACK AND WE APPROVE THIS FOR THE STANDARDS THAT HAVE CHANGED SINCE THEN, WE HAVE TO HAVE SOMEONE THAT DOES THAT ANALYSIS. NUMBER FOUR IS, THE RGC AND PROGRAM MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR THE 2016 ROAD BOND . STILL, A NUMBER OF PROJECTS ACTIVE FROM THE 2016 BOND PROGRAM, LISTED AS WELL THAT IS A LITTLE MORE INTENSIVE THAN CLOSING AT THE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM WE STILL HAVE MULTIPLE ONGOING PROJECT IN THE 2016 ROAD BOND PROJECT. NUMBER FIVE IS SUBCONTRACT FOR INFORMATION AND PUBLIC OUTREACH SERVICES FOR PLANNING OF 2024 BOND. THAT IS WHAT THE INFORMATION THAT WILL BE DEVELOPED , SO THAT OUR CITIZENS HAVE EVERYTHING TO BE ABLE TO MAKE A DECISION ON THOSE PROJECT FOR THE 2024., COMMISSIONER . ARE THERE ANY OTHER COMMENTS , QUESTIONS

[01:15:01]

>> MISSION ARE SHELL. COMMISSIONER INGALSBE.

COMMISSIONER SMITH. COMMISSIONER COHEN.

>> ONE LAST TIME, IS THERE ANY OTHER ITEMS THAT NEED TO BE

[G. CONSENT ITEMS]

>> APPROVED PAYMENTS OF COUNTY INVOICES. G. 2 APPROVED THE PAYMENT OF JUROR CHECKS. G. 3, PROVED THE PAYMENT OF UNITED HEALTHCARE CLAIMS AND AUTHORIZED AN ADDITIONAL DISBURSEMENT IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $500,000 TO THE HEALTHCARE CLAIMS ACCOUNT. G. 4 APPROVED COMMISSIONERS COURT MINUTES OF AUGUST 20TH, 2024. G.5, PROVED THE PAYMENT OF THE SEPTEMBER 15, 2024 PAYROLL DISBURSEMENTS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $4.3 MILLION EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 13, 2024. G 7, RECEIVED AND RECORDED IN THE COMMISSIONERS COURT MINUTES THE CERTIFIED ORDER OF THE DISTRICT JUDGES OF WANTING MARSAL VILLAREAL ALONZO CPA ESSAYS COUNTY AUDITOR FOR THE TWO YEAR TERM BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2024. G.8 , AUTHORIZED THE PARKS AND NATIONAL RESOURCES DEPARTMENT TO ADD AN ADDITIONAL TRAVEL AND PHONE ALLOWS FOR THE WATERSHED COORDINATOR POSITION AT SLOT 11 73-001 , EFFECTIVE 19/1 /2024 AND AMEND THE BUDGET ACCORDINGLY . G.9 , AUTHORIZED THE HAYS COUNTY HEALTH APARTMENT TO PURCHASE A NEW ROOF ESTIMATE MEDICAL FREEZER IN THE AMOUNT OF $5588 AND AMEND THE BUDGET ACCORDINGLY.

G.IN , AUTHORIZED THE EXECUTION OF A PERSONAL PROPOSAL BETWEEN HAYS COUNTY AND I HAD A FOR PLUMBING REPAIRS IN THE AMOUNT OF $16,217. G.11 AUTHORIZE ADDITIONAL CONTINUING EDUCATION FUNDS FOR THE HAYS COUNTY HEALTH APARTMENT . G.12 AUTHORIZED COUNTYWIDE OPERATIONS TO RENEW THE ANNUAL COMMERCIAL GENERAL LIABILITY AND EXCESS LIABILITY INSURANCE RELATED TO THE RUBY DAHLSTROM NATURE PRESERVATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,297. G.13 AUTHORIZE THE OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES TO RENEW THE MAINTENANCE AND SUPPORT AGREEMENT AND AMEND THE BUDGET ACCORDING TO . G. 15 AUTHORIZE THE COMMISSIONER AS A 1 OFFICE TO SUPPORT IT AS ELEMENTARY IN SAN MARCO'S CONSOLIDATED INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT SMCISD . TOO MANY LETTERS, WITH INTEREST-BASED ACTIVITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS. G NOT 16, COMMISSIONER PRESENT 1 OFFICE TO SUPPORT ELEMENTARY IN THE SAN MARCO'S CONSOLIDATED INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT WITH ACTIVITIES. G.17 APPROVE THE JANUARY 2024, TWO FEBRUARY 24, MARCH 24 TREASURER REPORTS.

G.20 , AUTHORIZED THE EXECUTION OF A RENEWAL LETTER AGREEMENT WITH THE COMMUNITY SUPERVIION AND CORRECTION DEPARTMENT, SEE SED , RELATED TO THE FY 25 VETERAN SERVICES TREAT COURTS GRANT FOR ADULT PROBATION SERVICES. G.21, AMID THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY LICENSE AND WAIT DIVISION'S OPERATING BUDGET FOR TRAVEL EXPENSES RELATED TO C I.D.

REQUESTER TRAINING FOR ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT. G.22 OPERATING REPURCHASE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT EQUIPMENT. G.23 , AUTHORIZE THE COUNTY JUDGE TO EXECUTE A SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE SOCIAL SERVICE FUNDING AGREEMENT BETWEEN HAYS COUNTY

[01:20:02]

G 29, APPROVE SPECIFICATIONS FOR IAF 2024-B05 RM 2325 SIDEWALK PROJECT AND AUTHORIZE PURCHASING TO ADVERTISE AND ELICIT FOR BIDS . G.30, AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTION OF AN EXTENSION FOR OUR IF PETE 2019-P05 EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM WITH YOUR OAKS EAP SERVICES FOR PERIOD NOT TO EXCEED 61 DAYS, SEPTEMBER 30TH , 2024 $1062.50 MONTHLY.

>> MOVE . >> SECOND.

>> THERE IS A MOTION AND A SECOND . WE DO HAVE SOME PUBLIC COMMENTS ON A COUPLE OF ITEMS. THE FIRST ONE IS G.7. IT IS MR.

RODERIGO. >> COMMISSIONER, THIS ITEM I NOTICED IS THE COUNTY AUDITOR UPDATED AUGUST 1ST, 2024. THAT WAS THE LAST MONTH . IT IS SEPTEMBER NOW . IN ADDITION , EVERY TIME WE MEET UP HERE FOR THESE COMMISSIONER COURT , I NOTICED THERE IS A LOT OF ISSUES WITH THE REPORTING , AND THE OFFICIALS, PERSONNEL FROM HAYS COUNTY SUBMITTING STUFF WITHOUT PROPER POLICIES AND ALL OF THAT STUFF. ONE OF THE REASONS I WANTED TO SPEAK ON THIS, ON MY FORM, CONSIDERING THE CURRENT COUNTY AUDITOR , AND THE BACKGROUND . I KNOW FOR A WHILE BACK THERE WERE ISSUES WITH THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HER HUSBAND HIM OF THE PEOPLE THE COUNTY DOES DISMISS WITH.

WHY WOULD WE DO BUSINESS WITH SOMEONE WHO HAS THOSE TYPES OF ISSUES IN THEIR BACKGROUND ? IT IS SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT .

AGAIN, JUST CURIOUS ABOUT THESE THINGS. DAY ONE OF AUGUST 2024 WAS THE APPOINTMENT. THAT GOES TO THAT.

>> IS THERE ANY COMMENT TO THAT, QUESTIONS?

>> THAT DATE IS WHEN THE JUDGES WHO APPOINT THE AUDITOR ISSUED THE ORDER . RECOGNIZING THE AUDITOR'S NEXT TERM, WHICH BEGINS AUGUST 2024. I DO NOT SEE ANY ISSUES WITH DATE, I WANT TO CONGRATULATE MY RESOLVE ON HER REAPPOINTMENT. I THINK

SHE DOES A GREAT JOB. >> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER FOR THAT VERIFICATION . YEAH, IT IS EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1ST .

>> THAT IS CORRECT. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD AUGUST 1ST AND ALL THE DISTRICT JUDGES WERE PRESENT AND THEY SUBMITTED MY CPA RENEWAL AND AUDITOR YOUR HIGHLIGHTS AND MY RESUME FOR RECONSIDERATION . AS YOU KNOW, I HAVE 27 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE SINCE I GRADUATED . IT WAS AND STILL IS THE NUMBER ONE RANKED COUNTY PROGRAM . THEY HAD THE HEARING , I WAS REAPPOINTED , AND THE SALARIES WERE SET AND PRESENTED TO COMMISSIONERS COURT . WE DID CHECK WITH THE OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNSEL WHETHER IT SHOULD BE CERTIFIED IN MINUTES , AND THIS IS WHAT THE RECOMMENDATION WAS . ON THE OTHER ISSUE, ANY EMPLOYMENT

[01:25:06]

WITH HAYS COUNTY. >> THANK YOU, MARISOL FOR CLARIFICATION . SO NEXT IS G.IN .

>> I BELIEVE THIS IS THE PLUMBING FOR THE ELECTIONS OFFICE . ON THIS ONE RIGHT HERE, ONE OF THE THINGS I NOTICED THAT IS RECURRING IS THAT , THE COUNTY HAS SIGNED LEASES WITH THESE BUILDINGS, LIKE THE THURMAN BUILDING, THE JAIL . WE KEEP DROPPING MONEY INTO THE JAIL . MY QUESTION IS, WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR GOING OUT THERE AND MAKING SURE THESE BUILDINGS ARE NOT BECOMING MONEY PITS FOR THE COUNTY ? IT LOOKS LIKE WE ARE ON A ROLL HERE THAT EVERY BUILDING THAT IS LEASED AS MAJOR, MAJOR IMPROVEMENT THAT IT NEEDS TO GO THROUGH . IS ANYBODY QUALIFIED GOING THROUGH, MAKING SURE THAT THESE BUILDINGS ARE NOT GOING TO BECOME MONEY PITS FOR THE COUNTY? IN ADDITION, I WAS LOOKING AT THE MECHANICAL INSIGHTS, THIS PROPOSAL IS ONE OF THE TERMS OF CONDITIONS .

JUST ABOUT EVERY WORD IN THIS TERM AND CONDITION , WHAT DO YOU CALL IT, MINIMIZES, OR DOES AWAY WITH MECHANICAL SI, HAVING NO TYPE OF FAULT FOR NOTHING THAT THEY DO . IF YOU LOOK AT THAT, I MEAN , WE WOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS, WE ARE NOT GOING TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THAT, WE WILL NOT BE SUBJECT TO LAWSUITS FOR THIS . IT ALL FALLS ON THE COUNTY. I DON'T KNOW IF ANYONE IS LOOKING AT THE LANGUAGE WHEN THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS, IT IS VERY OBVIOUS THAT WHATEVER GOES WRONG, SI HOLD NO RESPONSIBILITY AND IS IMMUNE FROM ANY TYPE OF LEGAL ACTION. THAT IS VERY CONCERNING TO A

CITIZEN OF HAYS COUNTY. >> THANK YOU. JUST BECAUSE HERMANN BUILDING WAS MENTIONED , THE COUNTY DOES OWN THAT

FACILITY? >> THAT IS CORRECT. COUNTYWIDE OPERATIONS CLARIFIED THAT THE COUNTY OWNS BOTH OF THOSE BUILDINGS THAT WHERE REFERENCED . AND THE ONGOING ISSUES THAT WERE CITED , THESE WERE NOT IDENTIFIED AT THE PURCHASE OF THE BUILDING . AND THEY HAVE BEEN ONGOING SINCE THE BUILDING HAS BEEN OCCUPIED . WE ARE NOT SURE IF IT IS DUE TO THE INCREASE OF ACTIVITY THAT THESE FACILITIES-- THE RESTROOM FACILITY HAS , I DON'T WANT TO SAY UNDERGONE , BUT WHEN IT WAS JUST A CAR MUSEUM, THE NUMBER OF STAFF THAT WAS IN THE FACILITY , BUT THE USE OF THE RESTROOMS HAD REPEATED BACKUP OF PACIFIC WITH THE MEN'S RESTROOM. AND WE'VE HAD THE PLUMBING OUT THERE LOOKED AT NUMEROUS TIMES AND IT IS A CONTINUED PROBLEM WITH THE CLOGGING OF FACILITIES OUT THERE. WE WILL HAVE TWO GO IN AND DO SOME EXTENSIVE WORK TO SEE WHAT THE TRUE PROBLEM IS. AND THE PROBLEM IS , THE RESTROOM IS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE BUILDING . IN ORDER TO GET THERE, YOU HAD TO GO THROUGH THE CONCRETE AND FIGURE OUT

WHAT IS GOING ON. >> THANK YOU. ANY OTHER

COMMENTS-- >> SORRY . IN REFERENCE TO WHAT SI WILL AND WILL NOT DO, I DON'T KNOW THE SPECIFICS OF WHAT HE IS TALKING ABOUT, HE DID NOT STATE THOSE, BUT MAYBE GENERAL COUNSEL OR COUNSEL CAN ADDRESS THOSE.

>> SURE. OUR OFFICE REVIEWED THE LANGUAGE . WITHOUT GETTING INTO ALL OF THE LEGALESE, WE ARE FINE WITH THE LANGUAGE IN THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND IS AN ISSUE ARISES, WE KNOW HOW TO

HANDLE IT. >> ALSO, I DO HAVE MR. DAN LIONM

. >> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ , INGALSBE. I HAVE SOME OF THE SAME CONCERNS MR. MEYER HAS ABOUT WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THE BUILDINGS AT THE COUNTY . I KNOW THAT WE HAD A BIG PROBLEM AT CENTRAL PEAK AND NOW, THIS I.T. ELECTIONS BUILDING SEEMS TO BE , LIKE AS PREVIOUSLY STATED , IT SEEMS TO BE A MONEY PIT . I'VE BEEN

[01:30:05]

THOUGHTS. >> I WOULD JUST CLARIFY THAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT BUILDING MECHANICAL, WHICH FALLS UNDER COUNTYWIDE OPERATIONS , NOT TRANSPORTATION . WHILE I APPRECIATE THE WORK, THE NEXT TIME I TOILET CLOGS UP AT PRECINCT 4, I WILL GIVE YOU A CALL, JERRY.

>> COMMISSIONER INGALSBE, IF I MAY, TO SO I DON'T MISS OUT, OR ITEM G.23 AND TDOT 27, CAN THE COURT IN ITS MOTION PLEASE AUTHORIZE YOU TO SIGN THOSE TWO AGREEMENTS , GIVEN THE JUDGE'S

ABSENCE TODAY? >> I WAS THE ONE WHO MADE THE ORIGINAL MOTION AND I WOULD LIKE TO AMEND IT TO STATE AS

SUCH. >> THANK YOU. SO, THERE IS A MOTION AND A SECOND TO INCLUDE THOSE AMENDMENTS . ANY OTHER QUESTIONS ON THESE ITEMS? IF NOT, CALL THE ROLL , PLEASE.

>> COMMISSIONER SMITH, COMMISSIONER COHEN , COMMISSIONER SHELL, COMMISSIONER INGALSBE.

>> COMMISSIONER , I DON'T KNOW HOW TO DO G.14 WITHOUT TALKING TO YOU, DAN . WE MISSED YOU THIS YEAR, WE WILL CATCH YOU

NEXT YEAR. >> ACTION ITEMS ON THE ROADS.

[I.1. Discussion and possible action to authorize the execution of a Professional Services Agreement between Hays County and WSB Engineering for the design of intersection improvements to include a traffic signal at the intersection of Firecracker Drive and Main Street. COHEN/BORCHERDING]

>> I . 1, DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTION OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AGREEMENT BETWEEN HAYS COUNTY AND WSB ENGINEER FOR THE DESIGN OF INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS TO INCLUDE A TRAFFIC TUNNEL AT THE END OF THE INTERSECTION OF FIRECRACKER DRIVE AND MAIN STREET.

>> SO MOVED. >> SECOND. NECK MOTION AND A SECOND. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS ? UNLESS JERRY WANTS TO SAY

ANYTHING . >> WE WENT THROUGH THE PROCESS TO SELECT WSB , AND WE REVIEWED THEIR SCOPE AND RECOMMEND

APPROVAL OF THIS ITEM. >> OKAY. CALL THE ROLL, PLEASE.

[I.2. Discussion and possible action to authorize the execution of Contract Amendment No. 1 in the amount of $567,339.00 to the Professional Services Agreement for engineering services with Bowman Consulting Group, Ltd. for the Cotton Gin Road Phase 2 project in Precinct 1. INGALSBE/BORCHERDING]

>> COMMISSIONER COHEN, COMMISSIONER SHELL.

COMMISSIONER INGALSBE. COMMISSIONER SMITH.

>> I.2 . >> DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE THE CONTRACT AMENDMENT NUMBER ONE IN THE AMOUNT OF $567,339 TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES WITH BOWMAN CONSULTING GROUP LIMITED FOR THE COTTON GIN ROAD PHASE 2 PROJECT AND IN

RECEIPT 1. >> SO MOVED.

>> SECOND. >> THESE ARE REVISIONS THAT WERE PREVIOUSLY COMPLETED , DESIGNING OTHER SERVICES NEEDED TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THIS PROJECT WITH COTTON GIN PROJECT

. PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> COMMISSIONER INGALSBE.

[I.6. Discussion and possible action to authorize the execution of a TIA Contribution Agreement between Hays County and Lennar Homes of Texas Land & Construction LTD., in the amount of $109,886.00, for certain off-site traffic improvements related to the Sunset Oaks Subdivision, and amend the budget accordingly. INGALSBE/BORCHERDING]

COMMISSIONER SHELL. >> IDOT 6.

>> DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTION OF A TI AGREEMENT BETWEEN HAYS COUNTY AND CONSTRUCTION ARE LIMITED IN THE AMOUNT OF $109,886 FOR A CERTAIN OFF-SITE TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENTS RELATED TO THE SUNSET OAKS SUBDIVISION AND AMEND THE BUDGET ACCORDINGLY.

>> SO MOVED. >> SECOND .

>> THANK YOU. AND THIS IS THE REGISTER OF THE OFF-SITE TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENTS THAT WILL BE COMPLETED BY THIS COMPANY .

PLEASE CALL ROLE. >> COMMISSIONER INGALSBE.

[I.7. Discussion and possible action to call for a public hearing on September 17, 2024, to establish "No Parking" zones along Harris Drive and Maeves Way within the Belterra subdivision. SMITH/BORCHERDING]

[01:35:04]

COMMISSIONER SHALL . >> IDOT 7 , PLEASE.

>> DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACTION TO CALL FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON SEPTEMBER 17TH, 2020 OR TO ESTABLISH NO PARKING ZONE ALONG TERRACE DRIVE AND MADE HIS WAY WITHIN THE BELLE TERRE

SUBDIVISION. >> SO MOVED.

>> SECONDED. >> PLEASE CALL ROLE.

[I.8. Discussion and possible action to accept the Irrevocable Letter of Credit No. 20244070 in the amount of $91,340.00 for street and drainage improvements in the Parten Ranch Phase 6 & 7 Subdivision. SMITH/BORCHERDING]

>> COMMISSIONER SMITH. COMMISSIONER COHEN.

COMMISSIONER SHELL. COMMISSIONER INGALSBE. I.8 , DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACTION TO ACCEPT THE IRREVOCABLE LETTER OF CREDIT NUMBER 202440 HEAVEN ZERO IN THE AMOUNT OF $91,340 FOR STREET AND DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PARTON RANCH PHASE 6 AND 7 SUBDIVISION.

>> SO MOVED. >> SECOND.

>> COMMISSIONER SMITH . >> COMMISSIONER COHEN.

[J.2. PLN-2392-NP; Ratify Approval of the Richards Ranch Estates, Final Plat. SHELL/MACHACEK]

>> RATIFY APPROVAL OF THE RICHARDS RANCH ESTATES VINYL

PLANT. >> SO MOVED.

>> SECOND. >> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER INGALSBE. GOOD MORNING, COURT. MARK MACHACEK , ITEM J.TO IS FOR APPROVAL OF THE RICHARDS RANCH FINAL PLAT . THIS IS ON A LOT OF 2.5 ACRES , LOCATED IN SAN MARCUS, PRECINCT 3. FOR THE SUBDIVISION, WATER UTILITY WILL BE ACCOMPLISHED BY INDIVIDUAL PRESTON WILSON WASTEWATER TREATMENT WILL BE ENCOMPASSED BY INDIVIDUAL ON-SITE SEWAGE FACILITIES . AT THIS TIME, STAFF HAS COMPLETED ITS REVIEW PURSUANT TO TIMELINES REGARDING CODE 232 , AND REGULATIONS , AND STAFF HAS GRANTED APPROVAL OF THIS SUBDIVISION PLAT AND THE DATA WE ARE TODAY IS TO

RATIFY THAT. >> OKAY . IF THERE ARE NO

QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL ROLE. >> MISSIONARY TRENDS SEVEN.

[J.3. PLN-2504-PC; Call for a Public Hearing on September 17, 2024, followed by discussion regarding Deer Run Estates, Lots 17 & 22, Replat. SHELL/MACHACEK]

>> SO MOVED. >> THIS IS A ALL, IF YOU WOULD

CALL ROLE, PLEASE. >> SORRY. COMMISSIONER SHELL .

>> MISSIONARY INGALSBE. COMMISSIONERS . COMMISSIONER

[J.4. PLN-2516-PC; Call for a Public Hearing on September 17, 2024, followed by discussion regarding the Mountain View Estates, Lots 2A & 3, Replat. SHELL/MACHACEK]

ESTATES, LOTS A AND 3. >> SO MOVED.

>> SECOND . >> CALL FOR PUBLIC HEARING ,

CALL THE ROLL, PLEASE. K.1 . >> DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE

[K.1. Discussion and possible action to authorize the execution of Change Proposal No. 291302-0001 with Vaughn Construction related to the Hays County Jail Visitation Renovation Project. INGALSBE/SHELL]

>> SO MOVED >> SECOND.

>> AND THIS IS FOR CHANGE ORDERS TO ADDRESS THE MODIFICATIONS RELATED TO THE BUILDING CODE THAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN AT THE COUNTY JAIL. IN ESSENCE OR COMMENT ON THIS ITEM

? IF NOT, CALL ROLE. >> COMMISSIONER INGALSBE.

[K.2. Discussion and possible action to authorize the execution of the Equipment Calibration & Maintenance Program Agreement with FarrWest pursuant to HGAC Contract EP11-20, in the amount of $14,469.72 annually, effective October 1, 2024. BECERRA/M.JONES]

COMMISSIONER SHELL. K.2, DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE THE ACCUSING OF CALIBRATION AND MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT PROGRAM WITH FAR WEST PURSUANT TO H GAC CONTRACT EP 11-20 IN THE AMOUNT OF 14,000 FOR JUST $69.72 ANNUALLY,

AFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2024. >> SO MOVED.

>> SECOND. >> ANY COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS ON

THIS ITEM? IF NOT, CALL ROLE. >> COMMISSIONER INGALSBE.

[K.3. Discussion and possible action to execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Standard Response Protocol and Standard Reunification Method Between Dripping Springs ISD, Hays Consolidated ISD, San Marcos ISD, Wimberley ISD, San Marcos Academy, County and/or City emergency managers, law enforcement agencies, fire departments, emergency medical services, and the Hays County Office of Emergency Services ("HCOES"). BECERRA/MIKE JONES]

COMMISSIONER SHELL. K.3, DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACTION TO EXECUTE A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR STANDARD RESPONSE PROTOCOL AND STANDARD REUNIFICATION METHOD BETWEEN DRIPPING SPRINGS ISD, HAYS CONSOLIDATED ISD, SAN MARCOS ISD, WHERE BURLY ISD, SAN MARCOS ACADEMY, COUNTY, AND OR CITY EMERGENCY MANAGERS , LAW ENFORCEMENT, FIRE DEPARTMENTS , EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES, AND THEY COUNTY OFFICE OF EMERGENCY

SERVICES . >> SO MOVED. SECOND .

>> ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS AT THIS TIME?

[01:40:02]

>> I WANT TO THANK OUR PARTNERS IN EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT FOR WORKING ON THIS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT SUBJECT AND THESE PROTOCOLS HAVE BEEN IN PLACE HERE IN THIS COUNTY FOR A LONG TIME. I AM JUST VERY PROUD OF THE COLLABORATION ACROSS ALL OF OUR SCHOOLS AND OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES.

>> I AGREE . THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. CALL ROLE ,

[K.4. Discussion and possible to approve 40-year service award gift selection. BECERRA/MILLER]

PLEASE. >> COMMISSIONER INGALSBE.

COMMISSIONER COHEN. COMMISSIONER SMITH.

COMMISSIONER SHELL. K . 4, DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE TO APPROVE 40 YEAR SERVICE GIFT AWARD SELECTION.

>> SO MOVED. >> SECOND .

>> MISS MILLER . >> THANK YOU, GOOD MORNING.

SHERRY MILLER, HAYS COUNTY HR DIRECTOR . WHEN WE REVAMPED OUR SERVICE AWARD PROGRAM, A YEAR OR SO AGO, WE DID NOT SELECT A SERVICE AWARD GIFT FOR 40 YEARS . WE DO HAVE A COUPLE OF EMPLOYEES THAT WILL BE THAT MILESTONE IN A FEW MONTHS . WE NEED TO MAKE A DECISION . OPTIONS THAT WE COME UP WITH , THIS WAS A TOUGH ONE. 40 YEARS , YOU WANT IT TO BE SOMETHING SIGNIFICANT. SO, OPTIONS ARE THE WRISTWATCH THAT WE HAVE SO ENJOYED . WE DO GIVE THE WRISTWATCH FOR 35 YEARS. THESE TWO EMPLOYEES COMING THIS FALL HAVE NOT RECEIVED WRISTWATCH .

SO, THAT IS AN OPTION , ANOTHER OPTION , UTILIZING A LOCAL CRAFTSMAN WOULD BE A SET OF TWO , PROBABLY , THEY CALL THE WHISKEY GLASSES , YOU CAN PUT WHATEVER YOU WANT TO IN THEIR , AND WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO DO IS ASK THE COURT'S PERMISSION TO EMPLOYEE THEIR CHOICE OF THE GIFT .

>> THAT IS FINE WITH ME. 40 YEARS.

>> I SEE COMMISSIONER SMITH LOOKING AT ME. WE HAD TALKED ABOUT A WOOD TYPE PRODUCT . TOO BAD I DID NOT GRAB SOME OF THE TREES OFF OF THE COURTHOUSE LAWN . THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN AMAZING TO TURN INTO. I AM ALSO HAVING TROUBLE FINDING A LOCAL

WOODWORKER . >> I WILL TELL YOU, I TOOK THE INITIATIVE AND DID THAT. THE TREES THAT WERE ON THE COURTHOUSE LAWN WERE IN SUCH A BAD STATE, BY THE TIME THEY WERE TAKEN DOWN, I HAD ONE, THEY MADE ABOUT 70 BLANKS AND ALL OF THEM RUPTURED . THEY COULD NOT SAVE ANY OF THEM. SO , I STILL HAVE A COUPLE OF PIECES , AND I AM GOING TO LET THEM DRY OUT FOR ABOUT A YEAR. WHEN THEY TOOK THEM DOWN, I GOT A WHOLE TRAILER LOAD FULL IN ORDER TO TRY TO DO THAT . THEY COULD NOT THINK ANY OF THEM. I WENT TO AN LOCAL ORGANIZATION , AND EACH MEMBER OF IT TOOK LIKE TWO OR THREE PIECES AND MADE BLANKS, AND NONE OF THEM SURVIVED.

>> WE HAVE UTILIZED A LOCAL MESQUITE FURNITURE MAKER IN THE PAST FOR SMALLER ITEMS. HE IS NOT REALLY MAKING SMALLER ITEMS . HE IS OFF INTO BIGGER , BUILD YOUR TABLE, DINING ROOM TABLES . HE IS KIND OF OUT OF THE MARKET FOR THE SMALLER, MESQUITE PRODUCTS. IF THE COURT WOULD IMPROVE APPROVE GIVING

THE EMPLOYEE THE OPTION . >> LIKE I SAID, 40 YEARS AGO, I WAS RIDING MY BIKE DOWN HOPKINS WITH MY FRIENDS, THIRD GRADE OR

SOMETHING. >> YOUR FRIENDS WERE HERE WORKING .

POTHOLES THAT YOU ROLLED OVER .

>> ALL OF THAT WHILE YOUR FRIENDS WERE ALREADY HERE

WORKING. IT IS AMAZING. >> WE WILL HAVE A COUPLE EVEN

NEXT YEAR. >> YOU NEED A MOTION --

>> WE NEED A MOTION TO APPROVE .

>> WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND?

>> A CHOICE, LET THEM CHOOSE WOULD BE MY PREFERENCE.

>> THANK YOU. >> WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND, IF YOU WOULD LEAVE CALL THE ROLL. TOO COMMISSIONER

[K.5. Discussion and possible action to authorize the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Hays County and ViaHOPE regarding the placement opportunity for a minimum of two (2) Peer Specialists for the HRSA Level I program for a period of 7 months. SMITH/T.CRUMLEY]

COMMISSIONER SHELL. K.5, DISCUSSION TO AUTHORIZE THE

[01:45:03]

PERIOD SEVEN MONTHS. >> THANK YOU, I WILL TURN IT

OVER TO TAMMY TO DISCUSS. >> TAMMY CRUMLEY. VIA HOPE IS THE RECIPIENT OF A GRANT AND THEY WANT TO REPLACE THESE TWO PEER SPECIALISTS WITHIN THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT. THEY WILL BE WORKING WITH PEYTON TO -- ANY PROJECTS THAT SHE HAS THAT WILL FIT UNDER THEIR PURVIEW FOR MENTAL HEALTH.

>> COMMISSIONERS, I'M ACTUALLY REALLY EXCITED ABOUT THIS. WITH PEYTON AND MATTHEW, IT IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO GET, I HATE TO SAY FREE LABOR , BUT FREE LABOR IN AREAS SPECIFICALLY, I MEAN WE TALKED ABOUT THAT AND HOW IMPORTANT IT IS . AND SO, AS WE BROADEN AND EXPAND WHAT WE HAVE WITH THE MENTAL HEALTH DONATED COMMISSION, AS WELL AS WITH THE IT SELF, I THINK THESE ARE ADDED , WARM BODIES THAT WILL ADD VALUABLE , MAN HOURS TO WHAT SHE IS DOING. I DON'T KNOW HOW MANY OF YOU HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK WITH PEYTON YET, SO FAR, SHE HAS HIT THE GROUND RUNNING. WE HAVE A LOT MORE BETTER IDEAS THAT WE HAVE TIME TO DO THEM AT THIS POINT. I THINK SOME OTHER INDIVIDUALS IN THE OFFICE WILL BE HELPFUL, ESPECIALLY THOSE WE DON'T NECESSARILY HAVE TO GO

PAY FOR. >> COMMISSIONER, I AGREE.

PEYTON HAS BEEN AN AWESOME JOB UNDER MATTHEW GONZALES AND TAMMY CRUMLEY , I THINK YOU ALL HAVE DONE A GREAT JOB, TAMMY, DEVELOPING THAT TEAM . THANK YOU SO MUCH AND THANK YOU, PEYTON AND MATTHEW FOR THE WORK Y'ALL. SO IMPORTANT, REALLY APPRECIATE IT. IF THERE ARE NO OTHER COMMENTS, PLEASE CALL

ROLE PIERCE >> COMMISSIONER SMITH.

[K.7. Discussion and possible action to authorize the execution of a Funding Agreement between Hays County and the City of Drippings Springs regarding the design and construction of Rathgeber Natural Resource Park and amend the budget accordingly. SMITH]

COMMISSIONER INGALSBE. K.7, DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE THE FUSION OF A FUNDING AGREEMENT BETWEEN HAYS COUNTY AND THE CITY OF DRIPPING SPRINGS REGARDING THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF RAVI GERBER NATIONAL RESOURCE PARK AND AM IN THE BUDGET ACCORDINGLY PIERCE

>> A MOTION IN A SECOND, WE DO HAVE PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING

THIS ITEM. MR. DAN LION. >> THINK YOU, COMMISSIONER GONZALES INGALSBE. I JUST HAVE A FUNDAMENTAL PROBLEM WITH THE COUNTY PAYING FOR CITY PARKS . I KNOW Y'ALL ARE GOING TO TELL ME, OH NO, THIS IS THE BEST WAY TO DO IT BECAUSE WE GET THE BEST BANG FOR OUR BUCK, AND THE COUNTY DOES NOT HAVE TO PAY THE FULL PRICE. THE CITY DOES NOT HAVE TO PAY THE FULL PRICE, BUT I, THE PERSON THAT PAYS THE TAXES , HAS TO PAY THE FULL PRICE. WE HAD A BIG , WOULD YOU CALL IT, ELECTION FOR PARKS FOR THE COUNTY , BUT APPARENTLY, Y'ALL CAN'T SEEM TO GET ENOUGH PARKS . NOW, I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHERE THE PARKS WERE FROM THAT BOND ELECTION . I WOULD NOT HAVE A CLUE. THEY DON'T REALLY SERVE ME THAT WELL. I AM NOT REAL BIG ON CREATING ANOTHER PART, ENTERING INTO A AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY TO GIVE THEM COUNTING MONEY. I AM JUST FUNDAMENTALLY AGAINST THAT AND I WANT TO APOLOGIZE TO MR. . I DID NOT REALIZE THAT HE DID NOT SUPERVISE THINGS LIKE THAT AND HE IS ONLY WROTE NOW.

IF HE HAD NOT SAID ANYTHING, HE MIGHT BE ABLE TO PUT IN FOR A RAISE. NOW THAT YOU'VE POINTED THAT OUT, YOU HAVE RUINED THAT

FOR HIM. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. I WAS SAY, I AM HAPPY TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION ON THIS. THIS WAS A PART OF THE 20 TO 20 PARKS SPOT. THE AREA IS ABOUT 25 ACRES, LOCATED AT THE FOOT OF RATHGEBER BARTON AND LITTLE BARTON CREEK. THIS WAS INCLUDED IN THAT BOND AND FUNDING FOR THE ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THAT WAS INCLUDED TO THE TUNE OF ABOUT THREE AND HALF MILLION DOLLARS, IF I REMEMBER CORRECTLY . THIS IS THE ACTUAL FUNDING AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY , AND TO MR. LION'S POINT, THIS IS A GOOD DEAL FOR US .

NOT ONLY IS THE CITY PAYING FOR A MASSIVE PORTION OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF IT, BUT THEY ARE GOING TO TAKE CARE OF MAINTENANCE AND PERPETUITY . THIS PARK IS DIRECTLY ADJACENT TO NORTH OF 290 , IN THE BACK OF WHAT IS NOW KNOWN AS HEADWATER SUBDIVISION , BUT IT IS SURROUNDED , I WANT TO SAY,

[01:50:03]

>> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER . IF THERE ARE NO OTHER COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL.

>> COMMISSIONER SMITH. COMMISSIONER COHEN.

[K.8. Discussion and possible action to authorize the execution of a Professional Services Agreement between Hays County and Dunaway Associates, LLC, regarding the proposed design of Sentinel Peak Preserve, a Hays County POSAC approved project. SHELL]

>> YOU ALL KNOW THIS WAS ON OUR BOND APPROVED BY THE VOTERS IN 2020 . I KNOW MR. LION HAS MENTIONED THIS BEFORE , IT IS COMING A LONG WAY, BUT IT HAS TAKEN A LONG WHILE FOR US TO GET TO THIS POINT. APPRECIATE OBVIOUSLY OUR PARK STAFF, TUCKER , GENERAL COUNSEL'S OFFICE JUST FOR THE WORK THEY HAVE DONE TO GET US FORWARD HERE. OBVIOUSLY, THIS PROJECT WAS APPROVED BY THE VOTERS AND THESE FUNDS COME FROM THE BOND . I THINK WE HAVE GOT A REALLY GOOD PLAN PUT TOGETHER. OUR STAFF HAS DONE AMAZING WORK FROM TRENT ROTATION, BUILDING THE ACCESS ROAD, TO PARK STAFF WORKING ON TRAILS , AND DEVELOPING THE ACTUAL PRESERVE, MAKING SURE WE DO THIS IN A VERY RESPONSIBLE MANNER , SO THAT WHEN WE DO OPEN THE FACILITY THAT IT SERVES THE PUBLIC WELL AND IS SAFE , AND CAN BE OPERATED IN A MANNER THAT IS FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE AS WELL . WE PUT A LOT OF THOUGHT INTO , AND WE THINK WE HAVE A REALLY GOOD PLAN PUT TOGETHER AND NOW IT IS TIME TO PUT THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES TOGETHER TO ACCOMPLISH THAT PLAN.

EXTREMELY EXCITED ABOUT THE PROJECT . I THINK IT WILL BE EXTREMELY POPULAR WITH THE PUBLIC IN ONE OF THE REASONS I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE DO IT RIGHT BECAUSE THEY WILL BE A HIGH DEMAND AND WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ALLOW THE OPPORTUNITY TO THE PUBLIC TO GET OUT THERE, BUT IN A SAFE AND RESPONSIBLE

MANNER . I APPRECIATE THE WORK. >> CONGRATULATIONS . THAT IS WONDERFUL. ANY OTHER COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS? IF NOT, CALL

[K.9. Discussion and possible action to create a committee to gather and disseminate information in relation to the proposed 2024 transportation-road bond election. BECERRA]

ROLE, PLEASE. >> COMMISSIONER SHELL.

COMMISSIONER SMITH. COMMISSIONER INGALSBE. K.9, DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACTION TO CREATE A COMMUNITY COMMITTEE TO GATHER AND DISSEMINATE INFORMATION IN RELATION TO THE PROPOSED 2024 TRANSPORTATION-RO AD BOND ELECTION.

>> SO MOVED. >> UNFORTUNATELY , JUDGE BECERRA IS NOT HERE TO VERBALIZE, EXPLAIN THIS ITEM .

I KNOW IT IS OF INTEREST TO HIM . I KNOW WE SPOKE ABOUT IT LAST COURT MEETING. HE STILL THINKS IT COULD BE A VALUABLE COMMITTEE TO FORM . AGAIN, HE WAS HOPING THAT WE WOULD EACH APPOINT ONE MEMBER OF SOMEONE THAT WOULD NOT HAVE ANY KIND OF VOTING RIGHTS , OR ANY KIND OF AUTHORITY , JUST TO PROVIDE INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC . I DID SPEAK WITH HIM BRIEFLY AT OUR TECH CONFERENCE, TOLD HIM , I WAS NOT SURE IF WE MOVED FORWARD WITH THIS ITEM THAT WE WOULD BE READY TO MOVE FORWARD ON IT. I DON'T KNOW IF WE HAVE HAD ANY THOUGHTS SINCE LAST WE DISCUSSED THIS, OR A PERSON THAT WE MAY WANT TO APPOINT .

ANYWAY, THOSE ARE HIS THOUGHTS . I THINK YOU WOULD STILL LIKE

TO MOVE FORWARD . >> I MEAN, I AM FINE , LIKE I SAID BEFORE, DOING IT . I WOULD HAVE TO TALK TO A COUPLE OF PEOPLE, WAITING ON CONFIRMATION, BUT I HAVE A COUPLE OF PEOPLE READY. I COULD EASILY APPOINT SOMEONE TO THAT BODY . I DO THINK IT WOULD BE IMPORTANT THAT WE ASSIGN SOMEONE IN THE COUNTY TO BE ABLE TO WORK WITH THEM AND MAKE SURE THEY HAVE THE INFORMATION THEY NEED TO BE ABLE TO SHARE THAT PROPERLY. I DON'T KNOW WHO THAT WOULD BE , BUT GOING TO LOOK AT JORDAN , MAYBE SOMEONE IN YOUR OFFICE, TO MAKE SURE THAT, ESPECIALLY , IT IS EDUCATION BASED, IF THERE IS A MEETING FOR THE PUBLIC, EVERYONE HAS THE INFORMATION THAT THEY NEED, ARE ABLE TO DISCUSS THAT IN A MANNER THAT KEEPS US, ESPECIALLY ALONG THE LEGAL CONSTRAINTS THAT WE HAVE, WE CAN'T CHAMPION THAT IN CERTAIN WAYS WE NEED TO ONLY

[01:55:02]

NEED TO DO. >> COMMISSIONER, THAT WAS ONE OF THE QUESTIONS ALSO. WE DON'T HAVE AN OUTLINE OF WHAT THIS PERSON MAY BE RESPONSIBLE FOR AND IT MAY BE GOOD TO HAVE SOMETHING DRAFTED , JORDAN , SO THAT THEY UNDERSTAND IT IS INFORMATION PROVIDING INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC , AND WHAT OTHER TERMS WE WANT TO PUT ON THERE. I THINK THAT IS ONE OF THE CONCERNS. WE REALLY DON'T KNOW WHAT THAT PERSON IS GOING TO BE DOING , ARE THEY GOING TO BE MEETING AS A GROUP? HOW DID THEY GET THAT INFORMATION OUT ? I KNOW WE ALL FEEL WE WILL BE DOING A LOT OF THAT, SO WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THIS PERSON ? I'M NOT SURE IF YOU COULD COME UP WITH SOME KIND OF AN OUTLINE OF WHAT THAT IS. WE CAN EITHER COME BACK AGAIN NEXT TIME WE MEET ON THE 17TH , AND WE WANT TO PROVIDE OUR NAMES AT THAT TIME , BUT WE WILL ALSO HAVE SOMETHING TO SHARE WITH THAT PERSON TO SERVE ON THIS COMMITTEE.

>> SURE. COMMISSIONER SHALL BROUGHT UP A GOOD POINT . I AM NOT 100% SURE OF WHAT JUDGE BECERRA'S IDEALS WERE ABOUT THE COMMITTEE . I THINK TO SAY IT IN THE SAFEST MANNER, IT DOES JUST, IN MY OPINION , NEED TO BE AN INFORMATION SHARING SESSION . I THINK THE COURT MEMBERS ARE WELL AWARE THAT THE COURT CAN'T EXPRESSLY ADVOCATE FOR SOMETHING ON AN ELECTION , AN ELECTION AND BOND MEASURED PROJECT . MY OPINION IS, THAT WOULD CARRY OVER TO THE COMMITTEE MEMBERS, SHOULD THE COURT MOVE FORWARD AND ESTABLISH SOME SORT OF COMMITTEE TO PASS OUT INFORMATION . THEY WOULD NEED TO BE LIMITED TO SHARING THE FACTUAL INFORMATION , AND THE FACTUAL INFORMATION ONLY, AND NOT ADVOCATING , OR THE OPPOSITE, ON BEHALF OF THAT ROAD BOND . IF THE COURT HAS CONFIDENCE THE COMMITTEE COULD DO THAT, THEN , YOU KNOW, I THINK THAT IS FINE. THERE WOULD NEED TO BE SOME VERY STRONG MATERIALS AND INFORMATION GIVEN TO THOSE COMMITTEE MEMBERS FOR THEIR SPECIFIC ROLE IN WHAT THEY CAN AND CANNOT DO. IT WOULD NEED TO BE STRICTLY INFORMATION SHARING. AND I KNOW WE HAD EARLIER ON THE AGENDA, WHERE SOME OF OUR CONSULTANTS WORK DEVELOPING THE INFORMATION RELATED TO THAT AND WE ALREADY HAD A WEBSITE GOING . THOSE WITH HELPFUL MATERIALS FOR THIS COMMITTEE TO SHARE . I AM HAPPY TO WORK ON ANYTHING THE COURT WANTS US TO WORK ON. I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE IT IS MADE CLEAR TO THOSE COMMITTEE MEMBERS GOING FORWARD IT IS JUST INFORMATION SHARING, VERY FACTUAL INFORMATION SHARING, NO

ADVOCACY , ONE WAY OR ANOTHER. >> IS MY CONCERN, ASKING SOMEONE TO JOIN A COMMITTEE WHERE I DON'T HAVE AN OUTLINE, RESPONSIBILITY, OR JOB DUTIES TO PROVIDE THEM . HOW OFTEN ARE THESE COMMITTEE MEMBERS MEETING TOGETHER? IS SOMEONE SHOULD CHAIRING THIS COMMITTEE CHIMERIC ? I DON'T KNOW COMFORTABLE , THERE ARE NO DETAILS. I AM SUPPOSED TO LET THIS PERSON GO OUT INTO MY PRECINCT AND TALK ABOUT THINGS WE HAVE BEEN WORKING ON FOR A WALK ALREADY. SO, I JUST HAVE SOME REAL CONCERNS. ARE THEY GETTING PAID TO DO THIS? IS IT COMPLETELY VOLUNTARY? IT SOUNDS LIKE IT IS SUPPOSED TO BE JUST VOLUNTARY, ASKING THEM TO OUT ADVOCATES, SETTING UP EVENTS ON THEIR OWN. TOO ANY UNKNOWNS FOR ME, THEY ARE NOT BEING ANSWERED RIGHT NOW.

>> DIRECT LIABILITY ON US AS MEMBERS OF THE COURT AND BY ENGAGING SOMEONE , WE ENGAGE THEIR DIRECT LIABILITY AS WELL.

[02:00:02]

AND SO I HAVE A REAL CONCERN OVER THAT APPOINTMENT PROCESS.

>> SO, JORDAN, WOULD IT BE POSSIBLE FOR YOU TO REACH OUT TO THE JUDGE OR THE JUDGE'S OFFICE TO SEE IF YOU CAN GET A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT THE INTENT WAS ? MAYBE PUT SOMETHING TOGETHER FOR US IF YOU CAN DO THAT BEFORE THE 17TH . SHARE THAT WITH THE COURT AND THEN, I GUESS ON THE 17TH, IF WE FEEL THAT WE WOULD LIKE TO MOVE FORWARD WITH IT, AT LEAST WE HAVE SOME KIND OF AN OUTLINE PRIOR TO THAT SO THAT IF WE ARE REACHING OUT TO SOMEONE, THEN WE HAVE THAT DIRECTION TO GIVE

THEM? >> AND I WOULD EVEN SAY, I KNOW THIS IS A TIGHT TIMELINE. I KNOW Y'ALL ARE OVERWORKED, BUT THE FACT IS IF WE GOT THAT INFORMATION ON THE FRIDAY BEFORE TO TRY TO RECRUIT SOMEBODY AND ENSURE THAT THEY HAVE THE AVAILABILITY DO IT BEFORE THEN, IT IS GOING TO BE REALLY TOUGH. SO IF WE CAN HAVE THAT BACKGROUND MATERIAL TO SEE EXACTLY WHAT THE REQUEST IS AND HOW THAT WOULD BE STRUCTURED PRIOR TO THAT, IT WOULD BE VERY HELPFUL.

>> OUR OFFICE, WE CAN DEFINITELY REACH OUT TO THE JUDGE AND TRY TO -- PROVIDED HE IS AVAILABLE. I AM NOT SURE WHAT HIS AVAILABILITY LOOKS LIKE BUT WE CAN DEFINITELY REACH OUT TO THE JUDGE TO SEE WHAT THE INTENT OR IDEA WAS AND TRY TO DROP SOMETHING BASED OFF OF THAT INTENT. I DO THINK IT IS GOING TO BE RATHER LIMITED, TO BE HONEST.

>> AT LEAST LIKE A MONTH BEFORE EARLY VOTING IS GOING TO START

PRETTY SOON. >> I DO WANT TO ELABORATE A LITTLE BIT. WITH THE COMMISSIONER JUST SAID IS THAT , YOU KNOW, WE ARE ALL HUMAN, NO? SO WHETHER INTENTIONAL OR NOT, ADVOCATING FOR SOMETHING OR AGAINST SOMETHING IS KEY TO DO THAT. I AM HAPPY TO REACH OUT AND HAVE THE CONVERSATION IF THE COURT WANTS US TO DO THAT. THE DOCUMENT MIGHT BE

QUITE SHORT. >>

>> BUT I AM HAPPY TO PUT SOMETHING TOGETHER. HAPPY TO DO THAT IF THE COURT WISHES OUR OFFICE DO THAT.

>> I THINK THAT IS GOOD AND I WILL BE READY WITH A NAME BY THEN AND ALSO INCLUDED IN THAT, YOU KNOW, PROBABLY SOME INTERACTION WITH OUR TEAM , COREY, OR SOMEONE WHO DEVELOPED THE ACTUAL PROJECT LISTS AND ALL OF THE INFORMATION. THERE WOULD NEED TO BE COORDINATION WITH THAT BECAUSE IT IS FACTUAL INFORMATION. THE BODY WOULD NEED TO UNDERSTAND THAT.

>> AND I HAVEN'T RECEIVED ANYTHING REGARDING THAT I AM NOT SURE IF THEY HAVE COMPLETED WHAT IS GOING OUT.

>> I THINK THEY ARE WORKING ON IT. THEY DO HAVE THE PRELIMINARY OF WHAT THE PRESENTATIONS HAVE BEEN. I KNOW

[02:05:01]

STARTING POINT. >> YEAH. SO JORDAN, IF YOU CAN EVEN GET A FINALIZED COPY OF WHAT THAT LOOKS LIKE TO INCLUDE WITH THE INFORMATION THAT YOU COME UP WITH AFTER SPEAKING WITH THE JUDGE OR HIS OFFICE, THAT WOULD BE GREAT.

>> SURE. >> ALL RIGHT. SO THERE IS NO

[K10. Discussion and possible action to authorize the execution of a Product Schedule and Order Agreement with Ricoh USA, In. to add a printer/copier for the Justice of the Peace Precinct 2.2 Office, $112.78 monthly. COHEN/MENDOZA]

ACTION TODAY ON THAT ONE. >> OKAY. WE ARE ON K.10.

>> K.10 DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTION OF A PRODUCT SCHEDULE AND ORDER AGREEMENT WITH RICOH USA, IN. TO ADD A PRINTER/COPIER FOR THE JUSTICE OF THE PEACE PRECINCT 2.2 OFFICE, $112.78 MONTHLY.

>> SO MOVE. >> SECOND.

>> THIS IS FOR A PRINTER? IS THAT CORRECT?

>> SINCE THEY SEPARATED OFFICES AND THE PRECINCT 2, THEY HAVE THEIR OWN AREA SO THEY NEED THEIR OWN PRINTER IN THE

OFFICE. >> THESE CALL THE ROLL.

>> COMMISSIONER COHEN . >> YES.

>> COMMISSIONER SHELL. >> YES.

>> COMMISSIONER SMITH. >> YES. COMMISSIONER INGALSBE.

>> YES. >> WE HAVE ONE EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEM. DOES THAT NEED TO BE OPENED?

>> COMMISSIONER INGALSBE, FROM THE LEGAL SIDE IT IS TO BE OPEN BUT IF THE COURT WASHES TO DISCUSS ANYTHING, --

>> OKAY. I DON'T CARE OF ANYTHING EITHER.

>> I GUESS WE WILL STAND IN RECESS UNLESS THERE IS ANYTHING ELSE THAT WE HAVEN'T DISCUSSED REGARDING ANY ITEMS ON THE AGENDA. SO WE WILL STAND IN RECESS TILL 1:00. OKAY.

>> OKAY, I'M GOING TO HAVE TO HIT THIS GAVEL ONE MORE TIME.

THERE WE GO CAN. OKAY. OKAY. SO OUR NEXT ITEM IS A PUBLIC

[K.12. 1:00 p.m. - Hold a public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2025 proposed tax increase. BECERRA/DORSETT]

>> K12, 1:00 P.M. HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE FISCAL YEAR 2025

PROPOSED TAX INCREASE. >> OKAY. I'M GOING TO OPEN UP THE PUBLIC HEARING. IS THERE ANYONE HERE TO SPEAK ON THIS

ITEM? MR. LYON. >> YES, MA'AM, THANK YOU VERY MUCH. LET ME JUST SAY THAT FOR YEARS NOW, Y'ALL HAVE BEEN TELLING US THAT WE'VE BEEN STEADILY GOING DOWN ON OUR TAX RATE, WHICH IS TRUE. BUT WHAT YOU DIDN'T TELL THE PUBLIC WAS OUR VALUATION, PROPERTY VALUATIONS HAVE STEADILY GONE UP. INCLUDING THIS YEAR. NOW YOU ALWAYS TRY TO CONFLATE THE EFFECTIVE TAX RATE WITH THE TAX RATE. THEY'RE TWO DIFFERENT THINGS. THE EFFECTIVE TAX RATE IS THE TAX RATE THAT YOU SET TIMES THE VALUATION, WHICH THE -- WHICH IS SET BY THE CENTRAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT. NOW THEY SAID BASICALY EVERYTHING IS UP THIS YEAR. BUT YET YOU WANT TO RAISE THE TAX RATE. YOU SHOULD BE DROPPING THE TAX RATE, AND YOU SHOULD DROP IT A LOT FURTHER THAN YOU HAVE BEEN. I KNOW YOU CAN'T DO THAT, BECAUSE FOR ONE THING YOU'VE GOT $440 MILLION IN PROPOSED ROAD BONDS, AND YOUR DEBT IS $524,710,000. OVER HALF A BILLION. AND WITHIN THE LAST 6 MONTHS, WE'VE GIVEN THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELON $54 MILLION IN INTEREST ALONE. THIS IS NO WAY TO RUN A COUNTY. IT'S NO WAY TO RUN A HOUSEHOLD. WE CANNOT KEEP DOING THIS. I BEG YOU ONCE MORE, PLEASE LOWER THE TAX RATE, HAVE SOME CONSIDERATION FOR THE PEOPLE OF HAYS COUNTY. WE'VE GOT PEOPLE THAT HAVE LIVED HERE ALL THEIR LIVES THAT CAN'T AFFORD TO LIVE HERE ANYMORE, BECAUSE OF THE PROPERTY TAX. YOU KNOW, WHEN YOU TAX SOMEBODY 5,000 A YEAR FOR THEIR HOME, THERE ARE PEOPLE HERE THAT DON'T EVEN

[02:10:04]

WE CAN'T DO ANY MORE OF THIS. YOU HAVE TO LOWER THE TAX RATE.

DO NOT RAISE IT. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> ANYONE ELSE? LIKE TO SPEAK? OKAY, IF NOT, I'M GOING TO GIVE VICKY DORSETT OUR BUDGET OFFICER AN OPPORTUNITY TO GO THROUGH SOME INFORMATION REGARDING THE TAX RATE.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON, COMMISSIONERS. AS YOU KNOW, THIS PUBLIC HEARING IS REQUIRED PER PROPERTY TAX CODE 2606. ON AUGUST 20TH, THE COURT HELD A PUBLIC HEARING TO VOTE ON A PROPOSED BUDGET AND TAX RATE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025. THAT TAX RATE WAS SET AT 35 CENTS. IT CONSISTS OF 22.56 CENTS FOR GENERAL MNO MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS, 8.29 CENTS FOR DEBT, AND 4.15 CENTS FOR ROAD MAINTENANCE OPERATIONS. THIS RATE -- IF NOT CHANGED ON THE 17TH WILL GO IN EFFECT IN THE UPCOMING BUDGET CYCLE. THE PROPERTY TAX RATE, THE KNOWN NEW REVENUE RATE AND VOTER APPROVAL RATES ARE CERTIFIED BY OUR TAX COLLECTOR. SHE WAS NOT ABLE TO BE HERE TODAY. I GO THROUGH A PROCESS OF RECONCILING THAT TAX RATE AS A PROCESS FOR BALANCING THE BUDGET AND THE REVENUE FOR THE FISCAL YEAR. THAT TAX RATE OF 35 CENTS, THE TAXES OWED UNDER ANY OF THOSE TAX RATES MENTIONED CAN BE CALCULATED AS FOLLOWS. THE TAX RATE TIMES THE TAXABLE VALUE OF YOUR PROPERTY DIVIDED BY 100 WILL EQUAL THE PROPERTY TAX AMOUNT FOR THE YEAR. ADDITIONALLY, AS MR. LYONS MENTIONED, THE VALUES -- THE TAX RATES SET BY THE COURT, THE VALUES ARE SET BY THE CENTRAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT. THERE IS INFORMATION ON THE STATE COMPTROLLER'S WEBSITE THAT TALKS ABOUT THE PROPERTY TAX RATE BASICS. THE TEXAS LAW DOES REQUIRE THAT THE COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE DOES CONDUCT AN APPRAISAL DISTRICT RATIO STUDY TO MEASURE THE PERFORMANCE OF EACH APPRAISAL DISTRICT IN TEXAS EVERY TWO YEARS. SO THIS STUDY MEASURES THE UNIFORMITY AND MEDIAN LEVEL OF APPRAISALS PERFORMED BY AN APPRAISAL DISTRICT WITHIN EACH MAJOR PROPERTY CATEGORY. SO THAT IS ANOTHER CHECKS AND BALANCES SET BY THE STATE. WE HAVE THE COURT AS A WHOLE HAS DROPPED THE PROPERTY TAXES. I DID INCLUDE SOME INFORMATION FOR YOU. SOME TAX RATE CHARTS ARE HIGH OVER THE LAST 20 YEARS WAS 4.692, WHICH WAS IN 2010.

OUR LOW UNDER THE 35 WAS FROM 1990, WHICH IS 3.278. AND THE ABILITY TO ADOPT THE LOWER TAX RATE IS DUE TO THE GROWTH THAT IS BECAUSE OF THE ADDITIONAL GROWTH WITHIN THE COUNTY THAT ALLOWS FOR THE RATE TO GROW. IT IS A TAX RATE INCREASE, SO IT IS REQUIRED TO HAVE A TAX RATE HEARING TODAY.

>> THANK YOU. >> SO I DO WANT TO MENTION AS WELL ONCE THE COURT ADOPTS ON THE 17TH, THE TAX RATE WILL NOT GO UP FROM THIS 35 CENTS. AND THE PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD ON SEPTEMBER 17TH AT 1:00 P.M. HERE IN THE COMMISSIONER'S COURTROOM. AND THE COURT WILL ADOPT A BUDGET AND FINALIZE AND ADOPT AND LEVY THE TAXES ON THAT DATE.

>> THANK YOU. THANK YOU SO MUCH, VICKY, FOR EXPLAINING THE TAX RATE AND HOW WE GOT THERE. AND SO IF THERE'S NO OTHER COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC I'M GOING TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. OKAY. AND THERE'S NO ACTION PROPOSED TODAY AS MISS DORSETT MENTIONED, WE'LL COME BACK ON SEPTEMBER 17TH AND WE CAN DETERMINE WHAT THAT TAX RATE IS, IF IT STAYS AT THE 35 CENTS OR IF WE LOWER IT, WE CANNOT INCREASE IT. BUT WE CAN

[02:15:02]

COURT? >> JUST, YOU KNOW, MR. LYON I THINK MAKES SOME GOOD POINTS, AND I TRY TO MAKE CLEAR, I THINK I TRY TO DO THAT EVERY YEAR ABOUT THE VERY INSTANCE OF TAX RATE VERSUS APPRAISAL VALUE AND TECHNICALLY VERSUS ASSESSED VALUE, BECAUSE IT CAN GET CONFUSING. BECAUSE THEY'RE APPRAISING OUR PROPERTIES, THE CAT IS APPRAISING OUR PROPERTIES FOR THE MOST PART EVERY YEAR I'M ASSUMING, COMING UP WITH A VALUE. THAT VALUE IS CAPPED AT A 10% INCREASE YEAR OVER YEAR, AND THAT'S WHAT RESULTS IN THAT ASSESSED VALUE. SO IF YOU LOOK AT YOUR APPRAISAL NOTICE, THEY'RE SAYING, THIS IS YOUR APPRAISE THE VALUE, BUT THIS IS WHAT THEY'RE GOING TO MULTIPLY THE TAX RATE BY, BECAUSE IT'S CAPPED AT A 10-CENT INCREASEOVER OVER YEAR. IF YOU WANT TO GO BACK TO 2014, I WANT TO SAY MY HOUSE WAS $205,000.

IT'S APPRAISED VALUE BY THE CAD. BY NOW IT'S IN THE $750,000 RANGE. MY HOME HAS GONE FROM A LITTLE OVER $205,000, TO $750,000 IN VALUE. I'M NOT PAYING TAXES ON $750,000. I'M PAYING TAXES ON THOSE INCREASES YEAR OVER YEAR AT 10% A YEAR, ALSO MINUS MY EXEMPTIONS, WHICH IS A HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION FOR COUNTY SCHOOLS, ET CETERA. THERE'S ALSO A TAX RATE FOR SENIOR. ANYONE WHO IS OVER 65 FOR HOMESTEAD, THEIR PROPERTY TAXES BY LAW CANNOT INCREASE OVER 65.

AND THE COUNTY IMPOSED THAT YEARS AGO, AN OPTIONAL INCREASE THAT NO ONE WITH THOSE EXEMPTIONS OVER 65 OR DISABLED ON A HOMESTEAD, THEIR TAXES CANNOT GO UP UNLESS THEY MAKE SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS TO THEIR PROPERTY THAT CHANGES THE VALUE, AND THEN A RATIO IS USED TO DO THAT. IN MOST CASES, I THINK, EVEN SOME OF THOSE FROZEN TAXES HAVE GONE DOWN SINCE THAT WAS IMPLEMENTED IN THE COUNTY. IT JUST DEPENDS ON EACH SPECIFIC CASE. I SAY THAT BECAUSE MY CASE, I WAS JUST LOOKING AS MR. LYON WAS SPEAKING ABOUT MY TAX HISTORY.

I HAVE IT IN A SPREADSHEET SOMEWHERE ELSE, BUT 2019 AND 2023, THAT'S THE HISTORY THEY SHOW ON THE TAX SITE. SO IN 2019 I PAID $1,138 IN COUNTY TAXES. THAT'S OUR COUNTY RATE AND OUR ROAD AND BRIDGE RATE. IN 2023, I PAID $1,136 FOR THE COMBINATION OF THOSE TWO RATES. SO A DIFFERENCE OF TWO DOLLARS FROM 2019 TO 2023, AND HOW THAT WORKED IS ALTHOUGH MY HOME'S VALUE IS GOING UP AT THAT TIME, IT WAS CAPPED AT A 10% INCREASE OVER THE YEAR AND THE COUNTY WAS LOWERING THE RATE DURING THOSE FIVE YEARS. IT WAS LOWERING THE RATE. SO FOR MY CASE IN THAT TIME, IT KEPT THE TAXES THE SAME. YOU CAN GO TO ANOTHER FIVE YEAR PERIOD, WHERE I SAW A REDUCTION IN WHAT I ACTUALLY PAID IN COUNTY TAXES. THAT DID NOT RESULT IN A REDUCTION IN OVERALL TAX BILLS. MY TAX BILL WAS STILL GREATER, BUT MY ACTUAL COUNTY TAXES WERE LESS OVER THE LAST SEVEN YEARS.

THAT'S A FACT. ANYONE CAN TYPE MY NAME, AND PULL UP THE HISTORY OF ALL OF MY TAXES. BUT MY TAXES, I'M LOOKING AT IT RIGHT NOW, IS A DIFFERENCE OF TWO DOLLARS FROM 2019 TO 2023.

MY OVERRAL TAXES PAID IS DIFFERENT, BECAUSE IT INCLUDES THE SCHOOL DISTRICT AND MTSD SCHOOL FOR ME. SCHOOL TAXES LAST YEAR BECAUSE OF LEGISLATIVE ACTION WERE FOR THE MOST PART REDUCED ACROSS THE BOARD. THEY DID THAT A FEW SESSIONS BEFORE. MANY OF US SAW A DECREASE IN SCHOOL TAXES, OR FOR THE FIRST TIME IN QUITE SOME TIME. BUT JUST TO TRY TO POINT OUT THAT IT IS COMPLICATED TO DETERMINE WHAT YOU'RE PAYING IN TAXES, THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT IT IS THE MULTIPLICATION OF A RATE SET BY THIS BODY, BY AN ASSESSED VALUE SET BY THE CENTRAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT. THAT IS WHAT YOU PAY IN TAXES. THAT DOES NOT MEAN YOU PAY LESS IN TAXES IF THE RATE GOES DOWN. THERE IS TIMES YOU'LL PAY MORE TAXES IF THE RATE GOES DOWN, THERE'S TIMES YOU WILL PLAY LESS IN TAXES IF THE RATE GOES UP. SO MR. LYON IS CORRECT. THERE'S NO STATEMENT THAT BECAUSE IT'S LOWER, IT'S A TAX DECREASE OR ANYTHING ELSE. IT IS SPECIFIC TO EACH AND EVERY INDIVIDUAL

[02:20:03]

THERE'S NO DOUBT THAT THERE IS A COST ASSOCIATED WITH THAT. I JUST WANT TO MAKE THAT CLEAR. THAT'S SOMETHING THE COUNTY DID. THEY BELIEVED IT'S IMPORTANT, I BELIEVE IT'S IMPORTANT TO OFFER THAT PROTECTION, THE STATE HAS FOR SCHOOLS FOR A LONG TIME. IT'S MANDATORY, BUT I DO THINK THERE

IS A COST ASSOCIATED WITH IT. >> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. WE ALWAYS APPRECIATE THAT THOROUGH EXPLANATION YOU GIVE EVERY YEAR. SO THAT'S HELPFUL, I HOPE, TO OTHERS. SO IS THERE ANY OTHER COMMENTS FROM THIS COURT REGARDING THIS ITEM?

>> I WOULD JUST SAY LOOKING AT THE COMMISSIONER LOOKING AT THE OVERALL TAX RATE, AND I DON'T KNOW IF ANYBODY'S REALLY LOOKED AT IT AS MUCH AS VICKY HAS, TO SAY THE LEAST. I DON'T THINK ANY OF US EVER WILL. BUT GOING IN 2015 FROM A RATE OF 46.9 CENTS PER 100, TO A PROPOSED RATE THIS YEAR OF 35, I THINK MOST MUNICIPALITIES, COUNTIES AND OTHER TAXING ENTITIES IN THE STATE WOULD WONDER HOW WE'VE DONE THAT.

WE'VE TRIED TO PAY FOR GROWTH WITH GROWTH HERE. IT'S AN IMPOSSIBILITY AT A CERTAIN POINT. YOU HAVE ENOUGH RESIDENTS HERE WITH SERVICES, AND THE NEED FOR SERVICES OUTSTRIPS SOME OF OUR TAX BASE. SO WE'VE DONE A GREAT JOB IN THE PAST WITH OUR TAX RATE OF 3075, OR .3075 PER 100. WE WERE A BOTTOM, AND I'M REMISSED TO SAY, TIED FOR 25TH, BUT BOTTOM 30 IN THE STATE IN TAX RATE. AS ONE OF THE FASTEST GROWING COUNTIES IN THE ENTIRE NATION, WE WERE BOTTOM 30 OUT OF 254 IN THE STATE OF TEXAS. I THINK THERE'S ALWAYS, WE OFTEN HAVE THIS CONVERSATION. THERE'S MASS CONFUSION WHENEVER ME AS A HOMEOWNER, OR ME AS A PROPERTY OWNER GOES IN, AND THEY WRITE ONE CHECK, AND THAT ONE CHECK GOES TO HAYS COUNTY. I THINK THERE IS A MASSIVE ISSUE WITH THE FACT THAT THAT ONE CHECK GOES TO US, BUT VERY FEW KNOW THAT WITHIN 48 HOURS, WE HAVE TO DISSEMINATE ALL OF THAT MONEY TO ALL OF THOSE OTHER TAX ENTITIES. ON MY COUNTY, I THINK I HAVE 14 LINES, 12 OR 14 LINES ON MY TAX BILL, AND WE AS A COUNTY HAVE TO CASH FLOW THAT FOR THAT 48 HOURS AND GET THAT MONEY OUT TO THOSE ENTITIES, BUT WE ARE TRULY A CLEARING HOUSE FOR ALL OF THOSE OTHER ENTITIES. I THINK IT'S SOMETIMES LOST, THE CUTS, AND THE WORK THAT OUR COUNTY GOVERNMENT HAS DONE ON BEHALF OF ITS INDIVIDUAL TAXPAYERS TO ENSURE THAT WE CAN KEEP THAT

RATE AS LOW AS POSSIBLE. >> I AGREE, COMMISSIONER. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THOSE COMMENTS. ANYONE ELSE? OKAY. IF NOT, THERE IS AGAIN, NO ACTION THAT NEEDS TO BE TAKEN TODAY. AND SO I APPRECIATE EVERYONE COMING OUT THAT IS HERE AND WE WILL HAVE OUR LAST PUBLIC HEARING ON SEPTEMBER 17TH AT 11:00, OH, AT 1:00, PARDON ME. AT 1:00 P.M. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH. AND IF THERE'S NOTHING ELSE, I WILL ENTERTAIN THE MOTION.

>> MOTION TO ADJOURN. >> SECOND.

* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.