F.4. Adopt a Proclamation recognizing April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month. SMITH

[F.8. Presentation by the Hays County EMS Association regarding oversight of Emergency Services Districts (ESDs). No action shall be taken. INGALSBE]

>> AFTER F.8. WE ARE GOING TO TAKE A QUICK 10 MINUTE BREAK. SO

OPEN F.8.. >> F.8. PRESENTATION BY THE HAYS COUNTY EMS ASSOCIATION REGARDING OVERSIGHT OF EMERGENCY SERVICES DISTRICTS . NO ACTION SHALL BE TAKEN. AND THE JUDGE, WE APPRECIATE THE ASSOCIATION BEING HERE AND MAKING THE PRESENTATION. WE CAN ALWAYS COME BACK AT AN ADDITIONAL COURT

MEETING TO ADDRESS ANY ISSUES. >> PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME FOR

THE PUBLIC . >> I AM GREGORY HUMPHREYS AND I AM THE CHAIR OF THE HAYS COUNTY EMS ASSOCIATION. THIS WILL BE BRIEF. WE WANTED TO GIVE A PRESENTATION ABOUT E.S.D.S OVERSIGHT AND GOVERNANCE AND LOOKING AT A WAY TO ENSURE THAT TAXPAYERS HAVE A DEMOCRATIC MEANS TO ADDRESS ANY SHORT OF ISSUE IN E.S.D.S. THERE IS A PROVISION OF THE HEALTH AND SAFETY CHAPTER THAT ALLOWS A COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT TO ADDRESS CONCERNS WITH THE PUBLIC BUT WE WERE JUST BRIEFED THAT THIS COUNTY HAS ALREADY ADOPTED THE RESOLUTION SO, OUR PRESENTATION COVERS THAT RESOLUTION BUT YOU ALREADY HAVE

IT. >> FOR THE VIEWING PUBLIC, SINCE YOU TOOK THE TIME, WHY DON'T YOU GIVE US JUST A QUICK EXECUTIVE IDEA WHAT THAT MEANS.

>> ESSENTIALLY, IF MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE NOT AWARE, THE EMERGENCY SERVICE DISTRICT IS A POLITICAL DIVISION OF THE STATE PETITION BY THE TAXPAYER. IT GOES TO THE TAXPAYER AND THE DISTRICT IS ESTABLISHED. E.S.D.S BOARDS ARE SELECTED BY THE COMMISSIONERS COURT. THERE IS USUALLY TWO YEAR TERMS THAT ARE STAGGERED BUT ONE OF THE ISSUES WE NOTICED WHEN WE WERE REVIEWING THIS IS SPECIFICALLY FOR HAYS COUNTY THE TAXPAYER HAS NO MEANS OR METHOD TO DEMOCRATICALLY VOICE ANY CONCERN THAT THEIR TAXING ENTITY COULD BE DOING. I CAN'T VOTE ON ANY E.S.D. COMMISSIONER. THE BEST I CAN DO IS COME TO COMMISSIONERS COURT HOWEVER, WITHOUTTHAT PROVISION, YOU YOURSELF CANNOT TAKE ACTION SO ESSENTIALLY WITHOUT THAT PROVISION, IT ALLOWS E.S.D.S TO POLICE THEMSELVES AND WE ARE IN AN ERA OF GOVERNMENT TRANSPARENCY, OVERSIGHT AND EFFICIENCY. WE FELT THAT THIS PROVISION WAS REALLY NECESSARY TO THE TAXPAYER TO ENSURE THAT ANYONE COULD COME TO THE PODIUM, ANY COMMISSIONERS COURT AND SAY I HAVE AN ISSUE WITH THIS.

[02:00:02]

>> THANK YOU FOR THESE SUMMARY. SINCE IT WAS ON THE AGENDA I THOUGHT THAT WOULD BE A GOOD IDEA.

>> I AM GOING TO APOLOGIZE FOR THIS. I HAD PERSONALLY SEARCHED TO SEE IF WE HAD DONE THIS IN THE PAST AND CLEARLY OTHER PEOPLE ARE BETTER EQUIPPED TO SEARCH FOR THINGS BECAUSE I DID NOT FIND IT. JANICE JONES IN MY OFFICE FOUND IT. MY APOLOGIES FOR THAT IF I WASTED ANYONE'S TIME TO UPDATE YOU. I WILL QUIT DOING SEARCHES MYSELF. IT WAS IN 2013 BUT I WILL -- OCTOBER 2013.

MY APOLOGIES FOR THAT. >> WE ARE MOST GRATEFUL AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR EFFORTS AND REACHING FOR TRANSPARENCY. I

SUPPORT THAT ALL DAY LONG . >> I DO WANT TO MAKE ONE COMMENT. YOU MAKE SOME VALID POINTS BUT I WILL SAY AS YOU MENTIONED, ALL OF THE E.S.D.S IN HAYS COUNTY HAVE STAGGERED TWO YEAR TERMS BUT WE HAVE THE ABILITY TO NOT APPOINT COMMISSIONERS EVERY 18-24 MONTHS SHOULD THERE BE AN ISSUE THAT ARISES BUT, WE DEAL WITH COMPLAINTS OR COMMENTS FROM THE GENERAL PUBLIC ON A DAILY BASIS AS TO THE APPOINTMENT PROCESS AND THEY DO HAVE A VOICE BECAUSE THEY GET TO TELL US WHETHER WE HAVE A JOB EVER -- EVERY FOUR YEARS SO IF THERE IS ISSUES OUT THERE ENCOURAGE THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO REACH OUT.

>> SO, CAN I ASK A QUESTION? WE ADOPTED THIS IS A RESOLUTON IN 2013 AND IF I AM NOT MISTAKEN, 775 .0422 CAME ABOUT SEVERAL YEARS AGO. WHY BRING THIS TO OUR ATTENTION NOW?

>> NO PARTICULAR REASON. WE WERE JUST REVIEWING A LOT OF HOW THE DIFFERENT GOVERNMENTS IN THE COUNTY WORK AND AGAIN, MORE OF IN AN ERA OF TRANSPARENCY AND EFFICIENCY, EVERYBODY WANTS A MORE TRANSPARENT AND EFFICIENT GOVERNMENT THAT IS BONDED TO THE

CONSTITUENCY. >> AT INCEPTION, CORRECT ME IF I AM WRONG BUT AT INCEPTION OF A E.S.D., WHEN THE PUBLIC VOTES FOR IT THEY CAN CHOOSE WHETHER OR NOT TO HAVE AN ELECTED BOARD OR APPOINTED BOARD. AND SO, I WOULD JUST SAY THE PUBLIC, AT LEAST AT ITS INCEPTION AT ALL OF OUR E.S.D.S HAD THE OPPORTUNITY

O DO THAT . >> THANK YOU, VERY MUCH. I TRIED TO CREATE A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD ON EVERY FRONT SO I ASK THE

E.S.D. TO APPROACH. >> MY NAME IS CHRISTOPHER ROBBINS AND I HAVE A WORKING RELATIONSHIP WITH MANY OF YOU ON THE COURT AND I JUST WANTED TO TALK ABOUT IN GENERAL TERMS, HEALTH & SAFETY CODE 775. SPECIFICALLY IT OUTLINES ITS ABILITIES WITHIN THE TEXAS CONSTITUTION, ARTICLE 3 SECTION 48, SUBSECTION D AND IT TALKS ABOUT THE CONSTITUTIONAL CAP THAT WAS SET IN 1987 AND A LITTLE FURTHER PASS THAT IT TALKS ABOUT IN SECTION 26, RULE FIVE PREVENTION DISTRICTS AND THAT THAT WAS CHAPTER 794 AND WHEN THAT HAPPENED IN 1987 I GAVE THEM THE ABILITY TO TRANSFER E.S.D.S BUT DURING THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION IT REQUIRED THE SUBSECTION TO BECOME E.S.D.S ON A MUST STANDARD AND AS WE PROCEED FURTHER, I DON'T WANT TO GET LOST BUT SECTION 34 TALKS ABOUT COMMISSIONERS AND WHAT MAKES THEM APPOINT A BOWL AND THERE WERE CONCERN ABOUT WHAT CRITERIA WERE AND I WANTED TO BE SURE THAT EVERYBODY KNEW THAT SECTION A TALKS ABOUT THE ABILITIES WHICH ARE BEING 18 AND A RESIDENT OF THE STATE OF TEXAS BUT THEN THERE ARE SUBSECTIONS THAT TALK ABOUT THEY HAVE TO BE A VOTING MEMBER WITHIN THE DISTRICT OR, HAVE PROPERTY THAT CAN BE SUBJECT TO TAXATION AND, WHILE I SUPPORT 775.0422, I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT TO GIVE BE

[02:05:07]

A COURTS THE ABILITY TO EFFECTIVELY PROVIDE ACCOUNTABILITY AS COMMISSIONERS BUT IT DOES NOT NECESSARILY HELP ON THE FRONT OF TRANSPARENCY. WE HAVE THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE AND THE STATE COMPTROLLERS OFFICE. YOU KNOW, ACCOUNTABILITY COMES IN MANY DIFFERENT FORMS AND E.S.D.S ARE GOVERNED BY THE HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE . WE APPRECIATE EVERYTHING THAT YOU DO AND WE KNOW THAT YOU MAKE VERY JUST DECISIONS AS COMMISSIONERS AND BACK TO 26, TALKING ABOUT ELIGIBILITY, SECTION G TALKS ABOUT COMMISSIONERS SHALL TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION RELEVANT KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE IN SELECTING COMMISSIONERS AND I THINK YOU HAVE DONE THAT EXTREMELY WELL. I TALKED TO COMMISSIONER SMITH ABOUT HIS REQUIREMENTS AND I THINK THEY ARE OUTSTANDING. COMMISSIONER HAMMER, WE TALKED ABOUT LAUREN HAD INSTITUTED AND YOUR GOALS FOR THE FUTURE AND THE TRANSPARENCY COMES IN MANY FORMS AND I THINK THAT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND. I KNOW THAT I HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH MANY OF YOU ON THE FIRE LINE EARLY IN THE MORNING AND IT IS NICE TO GET TO HAVE THIS CONVERSATION WITH YOU BUT I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE DON'T LOSE SIGHT OF THE FACT THAT THESE SERVICES SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A POLITICAL. IT DOES NOT MATTER WHERE YOU ARE FROM OR WHAT BROUGHT YOU HERE. WE ARE HERE TO HELP. I APPRECIATE AND IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, I CAN GET LOST IN THE CODE.

>> THANK YOU, VERY MUCH. >> REAL QUICK, I WANT TO MAKE MENTION THAT E.S.D. BOARD MEETINGS ARE OPEN AND CITIZENS HAVE EVERY CHANCE TO GO AND SPEAK TO THEIR E.S.D. BOARD DIRECTLY WITH WHAT THEY NEED SO I WANTED TO

[K.14. Discussion and possible action regarding: (1) the continuation or termination of the Professional Services Agreement between Hays County and Austin Pets Alive! related to RFP 2024-P10 for the Hays County Pet Resource, Education, and Research Center - Program Coordinator; and (2) the continued commitment moving forward with the Professional Services Agreement between Hays County and Broaddus & Associates, Inc. for Project Management Services in order to partner with both local municipalities and nonprofit organizations to deliver the Hays County Pet Resource, Education, and Research Center in a timely and cost-effective manner. SMITH]

>> K. 14 DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING: (1) THE CONTINUATION OR TERMINATION OF THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN HAYS COUNTY AND AUSTIN PETS ALIVE! RELATED TO RFP 2024-P10 FOR THE HAYS COUNTY PET RESOURCE, EDUCATION, AND RESEARCH CENTER -- PROGRAM COORDINATOR; AND (2) THE CONTINUED COMMITMENT MOVING FORWARD WITH THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN HAYS COUNTY AND BROADDUS AND ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR PROJECT MANAGEMENT SERVICES IN ORDER TO PARTNER WITH BOTH LOCAL MUNICIPALITIES AND NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS TO DELIVER THE HAYS COUNTY PET RESOURCE, EDUCATION, AND RESEARCH CENTER IN A TIMELY AND COST-EFFECTIV

MANNER. >> SO MOVED.

>> SECOND. >> WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND. WHAT I AM GOING TO DO WHAT IS CUSTOMARY. IT BEFORE YOU EXPLAIN THE ITEM I WILL HAVE CITIZEN COMMENTS. WE ARE GOING TO GO IN ORDER AND THIS IS THAT ITEM WHERE, NOW I AM GOING TO CALL YOU UP. FIRST UP, WE HAVE NANCY GUSTAFSON. OH THAT ONE IS BY EMAIL. MY BAD. LET ME GET PAST THE EMAILS THEN WE WILL HIT THE PEOPLE HERE FIRST THEN WE WILL GO BACK TO THESE.

>> SOME OF THOSE THAT SENT IN EMAILS ARE ACTUALLY HERE.

>> THAT IS A GOOD POINT. >> THAT WAS A GOOD SUGGESTION BY

THE COURT EARLIER. >> K.14.. ARE THERE ANY THAT ARE PRESENT? I HAVE MAGGIE LYNCH PRESENT AND SIGNED UP TO SPEAK AT THIS TIME. YOU ARE ALL GOING TO GET YOUR PIECE. AND I KNOW, I

[02:10:10]

KNOW THERE ARE MORE OF YOU HERE AND THAT IS WHY I AM TRYING TO FIGURE THAT OUT. THEY SAY THEY SIGNED UP AND I BELIEVE THEM. IT IS A ROBUST STACK. WE ARE GOING TO BEGIN WITH THOSE THAT ARE HERE AND THEN WE WILL GO TO THOSE THAT ARE EMAIL AND WE WILL START WITH MAGGIE LYNCH. IF YOU WILL APPROACH THE PODIUM AND BECAUSE WE HAVE AN ABUNDANT NUMBER OF PEOPLE SPEAKING I WILL ASK THAT WHEN THE TIMER STOPS THAT YOU DO TOO.

>> OKAY. GOOD MORNING. I AM MAGGIE LYNCH AND I AM THE SENIOR DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AT AUSTIN PETS ALIVE! AND MY ROLE IS BRINGING OUR TEAM TO THE HAYS COUNTY PROJECT. LATE FRIDAY WE RECEIVED NOTICE THAT COMMISSIONER SMITH HAD INTRODUCED AN AGENDA ITEM PROPOSING TO END THE CONTRACT THAT APA ENTERED INTO IN GOOD FAITH. WHAT WE READ IS THAT HE PROPOSED TO USE BROADDUS & ASSOCIATES AS A PROJECT MANAGER THAT WOULD THEN PARTNER WITH LOCAL SERVICES. WE MUST QUESTION HOW A CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGEMENT FIRM CAN BE EXPECTED TO DESIGN AND IMPLEMENT AN EFFECTIVE ANIMAL WELFARE SYSTEM IN AN AREA OUTSIDE OF THEIR CORE COMPETENCIES. THIS IS NOT SIMPLY A CONSTRUCTION PROJECT. IT REQUIRES A DEEP UNDERSTANDING OF BEST PRACTICES IN ANIMAL SERVICES THAT ARE SHELTERING AND COMMUNITY PROGRAM SERVICES THAT WORK TOGETHER IN A SHARED SYSTEM. THE PROPOSAL TO HAVE A COMPANY THAT HAS ALREADY DEMONSTRATED LITTLE UNDERSTANDING OF A SYSTEM IN THE 2022 FEASIBILITY STUDY AND TO PARTNER WITH ANIMAL WELFARE GROUPS SIMPLY BECAUSE THEY ARE LOCAL BUT WITHOUT THE QUALIFICATIONS TO CARRY OUT RECOMMENDATIONS IS FUNDAMENTALLY FLAWED AND WILL ULTIMATELY FAIL TO ADDRESS THE NEEDS OF COUNTY RESIDENTS. WE UNDERSTAND THE CONCERN REGARDING OVERCAPACITY AT THE SAN MARCO SHELTER AND THE SHORT TIMELINE TO BUILD A FACILITY BUT SIMPLY BUILDING ANOTHER FACILITY WILL NOT SOLVE THE UNDERLYING PROBLEMS. EXPANDING INFRASTRUCTURE TREATS THE SYMPTOMS AND NOT THE CAUSE. WE MUST ASK, WHAT ARE THE ROOT CAUSES FOR THE HIGH NUMBER OF ANIMALS IN SHELTERS? HAVE WE ANALYZED THE CHANGES IN COMMUNITY PET OWNERSHIP, ECONOMIC FACTORS IN A COUNTY THAT IS RAPIDLY CHANGING. HAVE WE EVALUATED THE EFFECT TOUGHNESS OF CURRENT ANIMAL CONTROL PROCESSES. UNDERSTANDING THESE FACTORS GUIDES US THROUGH SOLUTIONS THAT CAN RESULT IN A SMALLER UNCROWDED SHELTER RESERVED FOR ANIMALS THAT GENUINELY NEED THAT SHELTER. FOR INSTANCE ANIMALS THAT ARE ABUSED AND NEGLECTED OR STRAYS THAT HAVE NO OTHER OPTIONS. IT RESULTS IN A COMMUNITY OF PET OWNERS THAT UNDERSTAND WE HAVE HEARD WHAT THEIR NEEDS ARE AND ARE SERVING THEM WELL. BUILDING A SHELTER WITHOUT ADDRESSING THE COURT ISSUES IS COSTLY AND AN INEFFECTIVE MANDATE. WE SHOULD STAY ON PLAN AND FUND DIRECT SERVICES THAT APA PROPOSED THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE 2025 CONTRACT .

>> THANK YOU FOR RESPECTING THE TIMER. NEXTEP WE HAVE KELLY

ARTHUR. >> I AM KELLY ARTHUR AND I AM HERE TODAY TO SPEAK ON AGAINST THE APA CONTRACT. SOMETHING THAT IS REALLY HARD FOR ME AND A LOT OF PEOPLE WOULD NOT KNOW IS THAT I WAS A TOP CANDIDATE FOR THE PRC POSITION AND I WAS PROUD TO APPLY FOR IT AND I WAS ENCOURAGED AFTER A YEAR OF MEETING AND I DID NOT GET THE ROLE THAT, I FEEL LIKE I SORT OF DODGED A BULLET BECAUSE OF WHERE WE ARE NOW BECAUSE I WOULD WANT TO STILL SPEAK AS I AM. ONE OF THE REASONS I ACTUALLY WANTED TO APPLY FOR THAT ROLE AS I THOUGHT OF THE ROLL. I PRESENTED IT LAST YEAR AND BECAUSE I FELT THAT THE PAST PROGRAM WAS FALLING SHORT ON THE DUTIES AND THAT THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO BE ACCOMPLISHING AND

[02:15:04]

WHAT THEY STILL STATE THEY ARE ACCOMPLISHING. I RUN A LOST AND FOUND PETS OF HAYS COUNTY AND I HAVE RUN THAT GROUP SINCE 2019 AND I AM VERY PASSIONATE. I HAVE TAKEN THE ROLE IN DIVERSION ABOUT FIVE YEARS AGO AND I HAVE DIVERTED PROBABLY ABOUT 300 DOGS IN THAT TIME AND MOST OF THOSE ANIMALS ARE NOT SPAYED OR NEUTERED AND DO NOT HAVE VACCINES. I HAVE PARTNERED WITH P.A.L.S. SINCE IT DOING THAT AND I HAVE PAID FOR A LOT OF THOSE.

I HAVE GOTTEN VOUCHERS, I HAVE GOTTEN DISCOUNTS. WHATEVER TO GET IT DONE. THE PROTOCOL IS THAT THE SHELTER JUST GIVES THE PERSON IN NEED A LITTLE PAMPHLET THAT IS LIKE TWO PAGES AND THEN THEY ARE INSTRUCTED TO EMAIL AND I THINK THEY CAN CALL IF THEY NEED TO FOLLOW UP. I WOULD SAY 95% OF THE PET OWNERS THAT COME TO THEM FROM HAYS COUNTY GET TWO RESPONSES. EITHER NO RESPONSE, WITH JUST -- WHICH JUST HAPPENED THIS WEEK, WHICH IS A SERIOUS SITUATION, OR THEY ARE DENIED. AFTER THAT HAPPENS, THEY STOP WITH THE SHELTER COMES TO COUNTY. I AM NOT SAYING EVERY SINGLE TIME I CAN HELP THEM BUT I DO HAVE A PRETTY GOOD NETWORK OF RESCUES AND FOSTERS AND WE DO A PRETTY GOOD JOB OF EVEN BOARDING FOR A LITTLE BIT AND THAT IS WHY I WANTED TO BE A PART OF THAT PET RESOURCE ORGANIZATION BECAUSE I THOUGHT I COULD COUNT TURN THAT AROUND FOR HAYS. AND THAT IS FINE. I AM NOT DISGRUNTLED. THE OTHER THING I WOULD LIKE TO ADDRESS IS IN THE CONTRACT DELIVERABLES THERE WERE FUNDS FOR 10 CHIP SCANNERS AND I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO KNOW WHERE THOSE ARE AND WHO IS HELPING IN THE COUNTY BECAUSE I HAVE A TEAM AND I AM THE ONLY ONE THAT DOES SAM MARCOS AND I HAVE NEVER BEEN OFFERED ANY HELP WITH THAT.

>> THANK YOU. NEXT WE HAVE LUCY. >> I BELIEVE SHE HAD TO LEAVE .

>> NO PROBLEM. NEXT WE HAVE SUSIE CHASE. FOLLOWED BY KENDRA

--. >> GOOD MORNING JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS AND THANK YOU FOR INVITING US. I AM SUSIE CHASE AND AUSTIN PETS ALIVE! IS A NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED LEADER IN ANIMAL WELFARE AND WE CREATE THE -- IS BASED ON. THE SAME MODEL THAT WAS RECOMMENDED IN THE FEASIBILITY STUDY PAID FOR BY THE COUNTY IN 2022. THE UNIQUE EXPERIENCE THAT APA BRINGS IS THE UNDERSTANDING OF HOW TO DESIGN AND IMPLEMENT AN EFFECTIVE ANIMAL WELFARE SYSTEM WHICH INCLUDES A SHELTER, PROGRAMS THAT SUPPORT PEOPLE AND PETS AND WITHOUT THAT YOU WILL END UP WITH THE SAME KIND OF SHELTER THAT HAS FAILED US PREVIOUSLY. IT WILL BE OVERCROWDED, EXPENSIVE AND LEAD TO EUTHANASIA. IT IS NOT ENOUGH TO OFFER SERVICES WITHOUT A STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK OR TO THINK OF ANIMAL SERVICES AS SEPARATE FROM HUMAN SERVICES. WE ADDRESS AND UNDERSTAND THE NEEDS OF RESIDENTS AND THERE IS ALWAYS A NEED FOR MORE THAN WHAT EXISTS.

THIS IS A STEP TOWARDS CREATING A BETTER FUTURE FOR PETS AND PEOPLE IN HAYS COUNTY. WE PROVIDED THE COURT WITH JOSH FROM SHERIFF'S OFFICE DATA, BEST PRACTICE RESEARCH AND EXTENSIVE COMMUNITY INPUT AND THAT INCLUDES DIALOGUE WITH LOCAL ANIMAL WELFARE ORGANIZATIONS. 1079 SURVEY RESPONSES IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH AND DIRECT ENGAGEMENT WITH 1100 HAYS COUNTY RESIDENTS. THERE IS NO OTHER ORGANIZATION THAT CAN PROVIDE THE SERVICES THAT APA CAN PROVIDE WHEN THERE IS A HIGH NUMBER OF STRAYS IN HAYS COUNTY. LESTER WE WORKED WITHOUT A CONTRACT FIVE MONTHS WITHOUT A CONTRACT AND WE STILL PROVIDED SERVICES AND DISTRIBUTED FOOD. THE PET RESOURCE MODEL ONLY WORKS BY LEVERAGING THE STRENGTH OF ALL ORGANIZATIONS IN ANIMAL AND HUMAN WELFARE. IT ENSURES THAT ALL SAFETY NETS ARE IN PLACE. THIS HAS TO HAPPEN IN CONJUNCTION WITH SHELTER

[02:20:02]

PLANNING CONSTRUCTION OTHERWISE THE NEW SHELTER WILL BE OVERFULL SOON AFTER OPENING. THE HAYS COUNTY RESIDENTS THAT VOTED FOR ALL OF YOU TRUST YOU TO PROVIDE SOLUTIONS TO THE CHALLENGES OF STRAY ANIMALS AND INCREASING NEED FOR SHELTER PROGRAMS TO KEEP PETS WITH FAMILIES. WE KNOW THAT YOU CARE ABOUT THE PEOPLE AND PETS IN HAYS COUNTY AND WE KNOW YOU ARE UNDER A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF PRESSURE FROM A GROUP OF PEOPLE WHO WANT TO STOP THE FUNDING THAT YOU'D DESIGNATED TO WORK WITH AUSTIN PETS ALIVE! SO WE CAN HELP THE PETS AND PEOPLE IN HAYS COUNTY. WE DON'T WANT YOU TO CAVE TO ANY DEMANDS. WE WANT THE RESIDENTS TO CONTINUE TO TRUST YOU AND AUSTIN PETS ALIVE! IS HERE FOR HAYS

COUNTY. >> THANK YOU. KENDRA --.

>> GOOD MORNING. MY NAME IS KENDRA AND I AM THE PETS REUNIFICATION DACHSHUND I HAVE 15 YEARS ANIMAL WELFARE XPERIENCE AND MY PURPOSE IS TO HELP PEOPLE AND THEIR PET. MY ROLE WITH THE PRC BEGAN AS A VOLUNTEER WHERE I MET AND SPOKE WITH HUNDREDS OF PET OWNERS TO PROMOTE RESOURCES AS WELL AS CASE MANAGEMENT FOR THE HAYS COUNTY P.A.S.S. PROGRAM. I IMPLORE HAYS COUNTY TO CONTINUE THE CONTRACT WITH AUSTIN PETS ALIVE!. WE ARE MAKING A REAL DIFFERENCE. JUST THIS PAST WEEKEND WE SERVED 292 FAMILIES WITH 619 PETS AT IF YOU DISTRIBUTION EVENT SHOWCASING THE NEED OF PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY WHO OTHERWISE CANNOT ACCESS THIS TYPE OF HELP FOR THEIR PETS. WE HAVE DIVERTED 15 PETS FROM ENTERING THE SAM MARCOS REGIONAL PET CENTER. ALLOWING US TO GAIN REAL-TIME INSIGHT INTO COMMUNITY NEEDS. WE CREATED A COUNTYWIDE MICROCHIP SCANNER APP MAKING IT POSSIBLE TO REUNITE PEOPLE WITH PETS AND WORKED WITH FIRE STATIONS TO PROVIDE MICROCHIP BEST PRACTICES. THIS EXPANDS ACCESS TO PET REIFICATION, RESULTING IN LESS UNSHELTERED STRAYS. WE CONNECT PET OWNERS TO CRITICAL RESOURCES, ESPECIALLY DURING TIMES OF CRISIS. WE MEET PEOPLE WHERE THEY ARE, OFFER SUPPORT, REASSURANCE AND COMPASSION. THIS IS MY PURPOSE AND I AM HONORED TO SERVE MY COMMUNITY WITH EXPERTISE AND THE NETWORK AND SUPPORT THAT APA PROVIDES.

BEFORE THIS WE HAD INCREASED SHELTER INTAKE AND COST BUT THE PRC IS PROACTIVE STREAMLINING SERVICES. TERMINATING THE APA CONTRACT WOULD BE A DISSERVICE TO RESIDENTS. WE ENSURE THAT

PETS STAY WITH THEIR FAMILIES. >> THANK YOU. UP NEXT IS DOCTOR

ELLEN JEFFERSON. >> THANK YOU. I AM THE PRESIDENT AND CEO OF AUSTIN PETS ALIVE! AND I WANTED TO SHARE A LITTLE BIT ABOUT WHY WE TOOK THIS CONTRACT AND WHY WE ARE HERE. I AM A VETERINARIAN AND I AM THE FOUNDER OF A SPAY AND NEUTER CLINIC AND ALL OF THE ORGANIZATIONS ARE NOW BIG AND VIBRANT AND DOING INCREDIBLY GOOD WORK AND WE ARE HERE BECAUSE WE HAVE WATCHED THE SAM MARCOS SHELTER STRUGGLE. I HAVE WATCHED IT AND BEEN INVOLVED FOR 25 YEARS AND IT HAS BEEN DEMORALIZING TO SEE IT OVER AND OVER AGAIN NOT BE ABLE TO SERVE THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY OR THE PETS OF THE COMMUNITY. THERE ARE TWO MISCONCEPTIONS I WOULD LIKE TO CLEAR UP. ONE IS THAT WE ARE NOT LOCAL. EMANCIPET WAS STARTED IN KYLE AND I PERSONALLY VOLUNTEERED AND DID THE VETERINARY WORK. I WORKED WITH SHERRY AND WARREN FOR MANY YEARS ON ALL OF THOSE PROGRAMS. I LIVE HERE IN YOUR PRECINCT AND PAY TAXES HERE. MY HUSBAND OWNS TWO VETERINARY PRACTICES IN YOUR PRECINCT AND HAS DONE THAT 17 YEARS. WE HAVE ABOUT 2000 DOORS THAT LIVE IN THE HAYS COUNTY. WE HAVE 4000 VOLUNTEERS THAT HAVE BEEN ON BOARDED AND HUNDREDS OF PETS A YEAR COME FROM THE SAN MARCO SHELTER TO THE AUSTIN SHELTER. WE HAVE SECURED OVER $1 MILLION IN GRANT FUNDING TO MATCH THE CONTRACT DOLLARS FROM YOU ALL TO MAKE THIS A WORLD-CLASS PROGRAM AND WE ARE OCCUPYING LAND DOWNTOWN AUSTIN BUT WE ARE SEARCHING FOR LAND IN HAYS COUNTY TO RUN THE

[02:25:07]

CORPORATION. THE SECOND MISCONCEPTION IS THAT WE DON'T WANT AN EXPEDITED TIMELINE BUT WE DO. WE WOULD LOVE TO WORK WITH YOU ON DOING THIS FASTER. WE KNOW HOW TO START AND RUN SHELTERS AND WE KNOW HOW TO BUILD THEM. WE KNOW HOW GOVERNMENT SHELTERS RUN INTIMATELY AND THE REGULATORY NEEDS. WE AND NEUTER INSIDE AND OUTSIDE. WE WANT TO CONTRACT WITH ORGANIZATIONS AND WE KNOW THAT YOU NEED A PLAN FAST FOR THE 2500 PLUS ANIMALS THAT WILL NOT HAVE A PLACE TO GO IN 2026 AND THAT IS SOMETHING THAT WAS UNEXPECTED WHEN CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS AND OUR PROPOSAL WAS SENT FORWARD. WE ARE THE ORGANIZATION WITH THE EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE TO HELP YOU SOLVE THE PROBLEM AND TO DO IT ALL. OUR REQUEST RIGHT NOW IS TO GIVE US A CHANCE TO COME TO YOU AND GATHER YOUR CONCERNS AND BRING FORWARD A PROPOSAL THAT MEETS THE NEEDS THAT YOU HAVE AT THIS

MOMENT. >> NEXT WE HAVE DIANE WALKER. I JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW THERE IS A KEEN ABILITY FOR US ON THE DAIS TO HEAR HISSING. DO IT AGAIN AND YOU WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE.

>> I AM DIANE WELKER AND I AM OFTEN CONFUSED WITH WALKER. FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2024 I PAID $24,000 IN TAXES SO I HAVE A VESTED INTEREST IN THIS. IN REVIEWING PUBLIC INFORMATION AS WELL AS THE COUNTY CONTRACT FOR AUSTIN PETS ALIVE! TO MANAGE THE PET RESOURCE CENTER, THE STAFFING -- THIS CONSTITUTES A USE OF TAXPAYER MONEY AND THE CONTRACT STIPULATES THAT THE P.A.S.S. RESOURCE IS VIRTUAL . THE TOTAL FUNDING AMOUNTS FOR PRC STAFF AND SALARIES GO FROM $383,000 HE THIS YEAR TO $500,000 WITHIN THREE YEARS. THE SELLERS FOR PROGRAM COORDINATOR AND -- WILL DOUBLE WHAT IT POLICE OFFICER MAKES TWO TIMES.

THE SALARY FOR PROGRAM COORDINATOR IS JUST BELOW THAT OF A COUNTY JUDGE AND THAT INCLUDES A RAISE OF 6% EVERY YEAR. I CONTRAST THE 2025 COUNTY BUDGET FOR P.A.L.S. IS $35,000.

DURING 2024 WITH $60,000 AVAILABLE THIS IS WHAT THEY ACCOMPLISHED. THEY PROVIDED SERVICES FOR 6375 ANIMALS AND PROVIDED 1496 VOUCHERS FOR SPAY AND NEUTER. IN ADDITION TO THOSE FREE SPAY AND NEUTER THEY PROVIDE ANOTHER 1492 CATS WITH T AND R SERVICES AND THEY ALSO PROVIDED RABIES AND -- VACCINES.

WHEN I LAST SPOKE WITH YOU I ASK THAT ALL PARTIES BE INCLUDED.

HERE WE ARE TODAY IT IS REINVENTING WHAT WE ARE DOING LOCALLY. SINCE I LAST SPOKE WITH YOU I ASKED FOR HELP UNDERSTANDING WHY OUR HAYS ORGANIZATIONS ARE GIVING GIVEN 1/10 OF WHAT WE ARE GIVEN TO AN ORGANIZATION IN HAYS COUNTY AND I DID NOT GET A RESPONSE. SINCE THE CONTRACT FROM APA EXCEEDS THE BUDGET BY $120,000 I AM ASKING THAT WE HAVE TRANSPARENCY WITH TAXPAYERS AS WELL AS ENSURING THAT ALL GROUPS, ESPECIALLY THOSE DOING THE WORK ARE RECEIVING AN EQUITABLE

AMOUNT OF FUNDING. >> THANK YOU. NEXT UP, TIMOTHY

BUTZ. >> I AM TIMOTHY BUTZ HERE TO READ A LETTER . TO THE COMMISSIONERS COURT THIS IS A LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR PET PREVENT A LITTER OF CENTRAL TEXAS. OURS IS THE ONLY NONPROFIT TO OFFER FREE SPAY AND NEUTER FOR THE PETS OF THE ECONOMICALLY THE MISSION OF P.A.L.S. IS TO HELP UNDERPRIVILEGED IMPOVERISHED PET OWNERS AND P.A.L.S. PROGRAMS CONTINUE TO BE A PARTNER WITH SAM MARCOS REGIONAL ANIMAL SHELTER. THEY

[02:30:03]

PROVIDE A VITAL FUNCTION IN HAYS COUNTY. SAVE MONEY AND FUND

P.A.L.S.. >> THANK YOU. NEXT UP WE HAVE

MARCY WHITE. >> HELLO. I WANTED TO TAKE A MOMENT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE INCREDIBLE EFFORTS OF PET PREVENT A LITTER CENTRAL TEXAS, P.A.L.S. AS AN ORGANIZATION.

THEY HAVE DEMONSTRATED A DEEP COMMITMENT TO THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF ANIMALS ACROSS HAYS AND SURROUNDING COUNTIES AND THEIR WORK IS NOTHING SHORT OF INSPIRING. P.A.L.S.

DEDICATION TO SPAY AND NEUTER AND PET OWNERS HAS MADE A PROFOUND IMPACT BUT, RESOURCES AND CRITICAL SUPPORT THEY HAVE HELPED COUNTLESS FAMILIES KEEP THEIR PETS HEALTHY AND HAPPY WHILE ALSO ADDRESSING THE NEEDS OF ANIMALS IN THE REGION .

>> THANK YOU. NEXT UP, LAUREN FOLEY. -- FOY.

>> I HAD A WHOLE SPEECH BUT I AM GOING TO GO OFF THE CUFF. AS VICKI WOULD SAY WE HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO THE TAXPAYERS OF THE COUNTY SO THAT IS WHERE I AM GOING TO GO WHEN IT COMES TO P.A.L.S.. WE DO KNOW BEST PRACTICES WITH PROGRAM'S AND WE ARE DOING THEM AND DOING THEM EXTREMELY WELL WITH VERY LITTLE FUNDING. WE ARE NOT TALKING ABOUT RUNNING A SHELTER BUT AS FAR AS OTHER PROGRAMS IN THE FEASIBILITY STUDY, WE HAVE CONTRACTS TO DO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, SAFE, AND THE SAFE UNHOUSED ANIMALS. WE ARE ADDING A BEHAVIORAL LIST TRAINER THAT IS LOCAL FEAR FREE ON OUR PROPERTY AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO DO T AND R. HERE IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WHAT APA IS OFFERING AND WHAT WE ARE. YEAR FOUR, $400,000, YOU ARE GOING TO GET 10,128 T AND R CATS. WE DID THAT IN ONE YEAR . WHAT ARE YOUR DELIVERABLES FOR THIS AMOUNT OF MONEY. WE GET THE $35,000 AND I CAN GIVE YOU EVERY SINGLE NAME, NUMBER, DATA. WHAT DELIVERABLES AND PROOF DO YOU HAVE OF WHAT THEY ARE DOING IN THE COMMUNITY.

WE ARE LOCAL AND WE KNOW WHAT WE ARE DOING AND WE ARE SUCCESSFUL AT IT. I HOPE THAT YOU UNDERSTAND OUR PROGRAMS ARE HERE WORKING AND THEY NEED TO BE FUNDED.

>> THANK YOU. NEXT WE HAVE -- SEEKERS. SEEGERS .

>> MY NAME IS -- SEEGERS AND THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK. I AM TESTIFYING IN SUPPORT OF P.A.L.S. . IN THE SUMMER OF 2023 I NOTICED A REMARKABLE INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF INJURED KITTENS ON THE STREETS IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD. I STARTED REACHING OUT TO NEIGHBORS TO FIND OUT WHERE THE CATS WERE COMING FROM. I BEGAN PUTTING FOOD AND CAMERAS OUT AT NIGHT TO GET AN ACCURATE COUNT OF HOW MANY CATS WERE IN THE AREA AND INITIALLY I COUNTED SEVEN. IT DURING THE TIME I BEGAN RESEARCHING ACTIONS FOR THE MOST EFFECTIVE AND HUMANE ACTION TO TAKE. I LEARNED ABOUT T AND R AND THAT LED ME TO P.A.L.S.. ALSO AVAILABLE ARE RABIES WELLNESS VACCINES, MICROCHIPS, FLEA TREATMENTS AND ADDITIONAL TESTING. OVER THE NEXT YEAR I ENDED UP T AND R ON -- CRISIS THAT HAYS COUNTY IS CURRENTLY IN. NOW MORE THAN EVER THE WORK THAT P.A.L.S. DOES IS CRUCIAL IN ADDRESSING ANIMAL WELFARE EMERGENCIES AND YOU CAN HELP THEM CONTINUE. WHAT IS REMARKABLE ABOUT P.A.L.S. IS THEIR PROFESSIONALISM, EFFICIENCY AND KNOWLEDGEABLE

[02:35:05]

COMPASSIONATE STAFF. THEY WERE THERE FOR ME EVERY TIME I SHOWED UP WITH A TRUCK OF UNFIXED CATS. P.A.L.S. ACTUALLY OFFERS WRAPAROUND SERVICES THE COMMUNITY NEEDS. IT DOES NOT JUST STOP WHEN THE APPOINTMENT IS OVER. ANYTIME I HAVE A QUESTION THEY ARE THERE AND ARE VERY RESPONSIVE. P.A.L.S. IS A WELL OILED EFFICIENT MACHINE AND THEY HAVE BEEN SERVING THE COUNTY OF HAYS COUNTY FOR DECADES. I AM ASKING THAT YOU EXPAND THE LIFE-SAVING PROGRAMS THEY ARE ALREADY DOING AND I AM ASKING THAT P.A.L.S. MANAGE HAYS COUNTY ANIMAL WELFARE PROGRAMS.

>> THANK YOU. UP NEXT WE HAVE LINDSAY DEAL.

>> HELLO AND GOOD MORNING. I SPOKE AT THE LAST MEETING ABOUT THE NEED FOR AID DATA-DRIVEN TNR PROGRAM AND I WANTED TO SHARE A LITTLE BIT OF THE DATA THAT WE HAVE SO FAR ON THE TNR PROGRAM.

I ALSO MADE COPIES. THERE ARE SOME GRAPHICS.

>> WE GOT 'EM. >> GREAT. I STATED BEFORE IN 2024 P.A.L.S. FIXED AND VACCINATED OVER 1200 CATS FROM THE COMMUNITY AND ABOUT HALF OF THOSE CATS ARE FROM HAYS COUNTY.

360 WERE FEMALE PREVENTED -- PREVENTING OVER 1400 CATS FROM BEING BORN ON THE STREETS. THE PROGRAM HAS BEEN WANTING TO GROW FOR QUITE A WHILE. THE BIGGEST PROBLEM WITH GROWING IS THE LACK OF FUNDING. CURRENTLY P.A.L.S. HAS NO EXTERNAL FUNDING FOR THE TNR PROGRAM AND THEY HAVE NODE DESIGNATED COORDINATOR AND LIMITED TRAPS AVAILABLE FOR SERVICES. THE COMMUNITY FACES GREAT CHALLENGES WHEN TRYING TO INTERACT WITH THE TNR PROGRAM.

TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING AFTER SURGERY, TRAP AND TNR SO FOR EXPANDING THE PROGRAMMING WE SEEK MORE FUNDING TO DO MORE SERVICES AND VACCINATIONS. WE WANT TO HELP WITH PEOPLE HOUSING THEIR CATS AND IMPROVING VOLUNTEER ACTIVISM AND OUTREACH FOR THE PROGRAM. IN CASE YOU ARE INTERESTED, THROUGH P.A.L.S.

DATA AND THE ANIMAL SHELTER . WE SEE THAT THERE IS A HIGH DEMAND FOR SERVICES IN THE COUNTY AND A HIGH CORRELATION WITH HOUSEHOLD INCOME SO AREAS THAT HAVE A HIGH POPULATION BUT LESS HOUSEHOLD INCOME ARE MORE LIKELY TO STRUGGLE WITH RESOURCES. I REALLY DO APPRECIATE THE DRIVE FOR AN INCLUSIVE PET RESOURCE CENTER AND I THINK TOGETHER WE CAN ALL WORK TOGETHER TO MAKE A GREAT TEAM EFFORT FOR THE COUNTY.

>> THANK YOU. NEXT WE HAVE --. >> WE APPRECIATE THE IMPORTANCE WHAT IS BEING -- THAT ENCOMPASSES HUMAN AND ANIMAL SERVICES IN THE COMMUNITY. WE HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH THE CENTRAL SOCIAL SERVICES AGENCY THAT YOU SAW HERE TODAY DASHED TO CONDUCT PRUDENT SECURITY FOR THE AMERICAN RED CROSS AND THE HAYS COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO ADDRESS NEEDS LIKE THE WOMEN CENTER TO PROVIDE AID TO WOMEN AND THEIR PETS. THE SERVICE MODEL INCLUDES WORKING ALONGSIDE NONPROFITS AND COLLABORATING WITH THOSE THAT ARE WILLING TO ACT AS PARTNERS. THAT IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE -- AND ENSURES AN INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO SERVING FAMILIES AND APPROACH LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS THAT ARE UNEQUIPPED TO DO IT ON THEIR OWN. THE CURRENT STATE OF ANIMAL WELFARE IN HAYS COUNTY DEMONSTRATES THE INADEQUACY OF EXISTING ENTITIES THAT AFFECT SYSTEMIC CHANGE. 2022 FEASIBILITY STUDY INDICATED THAT EXISTING LOCAL ENTITIES ALONE

[02:40:01]

CANNOT ADDRESS THE SYSTEMIC ISSUES PLAGUING ANIMAL WELFARE IN HAYS COUNTY AND IT RECOMMENDS A PET WELFARE SYSTEM. WE DESIRE IMPROVED WELFARE IN THE COMMUNITY BUT THE OVERCROWDED ANIMAL SHELTER HIGHLIGHTS THE DIRECT CONSEQUENCE OF RELYING ON EXISTING AGENCIES THAT LACK THE ABILITY FOR SYSTEMIC CHANGE. A PET RESOURCE CENTER IS THE ONLY POSSIBLE --. APA HAS DEMONSTRATED EXPERTISE AND THEY ARE THE ONLY PARTNER THAT CAN EFFECTIVELY IMPLEMENT THIS FOR THE COMMUNITY. SERVICES THROUGH P.A.S.S. ARE AVAILABLE BUT THIS ALLOWS FOR STRATEGIC INTEGRATION IN SAN MARCOS, ANIMAL PROTECTION OFFICERS WITHIN THE COMMUNITIES, DASHED TO DIVIDE AND CONQUER CASES IN CRISIS. OUR INCREASED SUPPORT FROM 300 CASES IN 2023 THROUGH THE P.A.S.S. PROGRAM INCREASE TO 3000 CASES THROUGH THE PET RESOURCE CENTER . A RECENT CRITICAL CASE WAS ROUTED TO US REGARDING A PET OWNER NEEDING CANCER TREATMENT BUT PUTTING IT OFF BECAUSE SHE WAS TRYING TO AVOID SURRENDERING HER SENIOR DOGS TO THE SHELTER. WE FOUND A FOSTER FOR THREE MONTHS SO SHE CAN GET BACK ON HER FEET.

PROVIDING CRITICAL THINKING AND COMPASSIONATE SPACE FOR PET OWNERS WITHOUT JUDGMENT, BIAS AND BARRIERS IS OUR FOCUS. THE TRAINING WORK IS NOT EASY BUT WE APPROACH IT EQUAL PARTS FOR PETS

AND PEOPLE. >> WELL DONE. THANK YOU. IN PERSON, IF I AM NOT MISTAKEN WE HAVE ONE MORE. THAN WE HAVE THE

EMAILED. >> THANK YOU, AGAIN. I AM THE HAYS COUNTY ANIMAL ADVOCATE AND THE FOUNDER OF PET PREVENT A LITTER IS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ALONG WITH A BROAD TEAM OF PEOPLE. WE HAVE RELIED UPON -- AND VETERINARIANS AND P.A.L.S.

HAS PROGRESSED IMMENSELY SINCE THOSE DAYS. YOU HAVE SEEN ME HER BEFORE SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF SPAY AND NEUTER PROGRAMS REPEATEDLY. AS A MEMBER OF THE CONTRACT COMMITTEE I HAVE INTIMATE KNOWLEDGE TO ALL OF THIS AND HOW THE PROGRAM IS PUT TOGETHER. WE ARE ASKING FOR THE SAME THING. WE ARE TRYING TO BRIDGE FORWARD FOR A PET RESOURCE CENTER AND THE COMMISSIONERS COURT HAS BEEN TALKING ABOUT THE NEED FOR AN ANIMAL SHELTER SINCE 2006. I HAVE BEEN STANDING AT THIS PODIUM ASKING COMMISSIONERS WELL BEFORE YOU SINCE 1998. NOTHING REALLY HAS MOVED FORWARD EXCEPT THAT WE KNOW WE HAVE NO MORE TIME LEFT. WE HAVE SPENT A LOT OF TIME. I WANT TO POINT OUT IT IS ALL FOR THE ANIMALS. THE GROWTH REQUIRES THE PET RESOURCE CENTER. WE ARE READY. WE HAVE LAND IDENTIFIED, WE HAVE PROGRAMS IDENTIFIED, WE HAVE POTENTIAL PARTNERSHIP IDENTIFIED WITH NOT JUST P.A.L.S. BUT WITH PAUSE. WEMBLEY TRAP, NEUTER, AND RETURN. I WANT TO SAY THERE IS A DEMAND EVEN BEYOND THE THOUSANDS OF ANIMALS. THERE ARE PEOPLE DOING IT PRIVATELY AND GOING TO AUSTIN HUMANE. PEOPLE DOING IT IN KYLE THROUGH THE CITY. SPAY AND NEUTER PROGRAM. BUDA HAS A PROGRAM AND THEY WORK WITH P.A.L.S.. PLEASE DO NOT SET THIS BACK. AGAIN, I WANTED TO JUST, I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH TIME I HAVE LEFT BUT MOVING FORWARD WITH COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR THE NEEDS OF THE ANIMALS IS THE MAIN THING THAT MATTERS. I STAND FOR THE ANIMALS AND I DREAM OF EMPTY CAGES. I STARTED THESE PROGRAMS FOR THE SAME THINGS WE ARE TALKING ABOUT. I VOLUNTEER WITH CHURCHES AND FOOD BANKS, CHILDREN GETTING VACCINATIONS. FAMILIES WOULD SAY YES WE HAVE PETS AND WE NEED VOUCHERS. WE ARE TRYING TO STRETCH SINGLE MOMS, PEOPLE LIVING IN THEIR CATS . WE WANT TO WORK TOGETHER AND WE WANT TO BUILD A FANTASTIC LEGACY AND A FACILITY FOR THE FUTURE. WE DON'T WANT TO RUIN ANY OF THE HARD EARNED SETBACK OF ADVOCACY AND WE WANT TO WORK TOGETHER. WE URGENTLY NEED AN ANIMAL SHELTER SYSTEM WITH FULLY FUNDED PROGRAMS AND THE COURT HEARD THAT IN OCTOBER. THAT REALLY HAS BEEN THE SETBACK. WE WERE PLANNING THESE PLANS APPROVED BY YOU AND OUR COMMITTEE AND YET, WHEN IT CAME TIME TO MAKE THE DECISION TO FUND THINGS ON OCTOBER 1ST, WE MUST PLAN AND BUILD NOW THE

ANIMAL SHELTER IN SAN MARCOS. >> THAT IS IT. I HAVE TO BE

[02:45:02]

CONSISTENT. THANK YOU. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP. NOW, ROXANNE, IF YOU WILL PLEASE GO TO THE WRITTEN ITEMS.

>> EMAIL PUBLIC COMMENT FOR AGENDA ITEM K.14.. THERE ARE 18 TOTAL . FOR PUBLIC COMMENT AGENDA ITEM K.14.. ON BEHALF OF P.A.L.S. PLEASE ALLOW US MORE FUNDING. WE ARE COMMITTED TO CONTINUING OUR LIFE-SAVING PROGRAMS THAT HELP COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND THEIR PETS AS WELL AS HOMELESS ANIMALS. P.A.L.S.

HAS BEEN SUPPORTING HAYS COUNTY SINCE 2023 AND HAS A CLOSE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE COMMUNITY. P.A.L.S. SPAYED AND NEUTERED OVER 6000 ANIMALS LUSTER AND THIS HAS HAD A DIRECT IMPACT ON THE NUMBER OF HOMELESS CATS AND DOGS THAT SAN MARCOS ANIMAL SHELTER AND THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITY. P.A.L.S. IS IN GOOD STANDING WITH THE RESIDENCE AND THEY HAVE -- MORE FUNDING WILL HELP US CARE FOR HOMELESS ANIMALS AND PEOPLE WITH PETS AS WELL AS PROVIDING ADDITIONAL SUPPORT TO LOW-INCOME SERVICES AND HUMANE EDUCATION. WE ARE ALREADY DOING IT. P.A.L.S. HAS THE MEANS TO RUN THESE PROGRAMS AND IT HAS BEEN DOING IT FOR SEVERAL YEARS. NOW THAT P.A.L.S. HAS REQUIRED A LARGER BRICK-AND-MORTAR BUILDING THEY CAN DO MORE. THEY CAN WORK WITH THE COUNTY TO RUN THESE PROGRAMS. WHY WOULD A CONTRACT IN ANY OTHER PLACE? KEEP IT LOCAL. THE COMMUNITY SUPPORTS P.A.L.S. AND THAT IS FROM NANCY GUSTAFSON.

>> PLEASE SET THE TIMER. >> THE NEXT COMMENT IS FROM SUE RICHARDS. AS A CITIZEN OF HAYS COUNTY I URGE YOU TO TERMINATE THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN HAYS COUNTY AND AUSTIN PETS ALIVE!. CONTINUING TO FUND THAT EFFORT IS NOT WHAT PEOPLE IN HAYS COUNTY WANT OR NEED WHEN THEY SEEK CARE FOR THEIR PETS. I DON'T WANT TO CONTACT SOMEONE THAT CANNOT HELP MY PETS. I WANT TO GO TO WHERE THEY CAN BE TREATED. THE PUBLIC NEED FACE-TO-FACE TREATMENT TODAY.

PREVENT A LITTER HAS BEEN HELPING PEOPLE AND THEIR PETS FOR OVER 20 YEARS IN SAN MARCOS AND I RECENT -- THEY RECENTLY PURCHASED A NEW HOSPITAL THAT WILL BE OPERATIONAL IN EARLY APRIL. IT ALLOWS P.A.L.S. TO ASK -- EXPAND AVAILABILITY -- OF PETS AND COMMUNITY CATS, T AND R, LOW-COST VACCINATIONS, MICROCHIPS, PREVENTATIVE CARE, TREATMENT FOR MINOR ILLNESSES AND TRANSPORTATION IS AVAILABLE WHEN NECESSARY AND REFERRALS ARE PROVIDED IF AN ANIMAL NEEDS CARE THAT CANNOT BE PROVIDED BY P.A.L.S.. IN ADDITION TO ALL OF THAT P.A.L.S. ENABLES ADVANCED VETERINARY STUDENTS AT TEXAS STATE THE OPPORTUNITY TO USE SKILLS AND GAIN EXPERIENCE IN A VARIETY OF ROLES. P.A.L.S.

PARTNERS WITH AND SUPPORTS OTHER ANIMAL RELATED ORGANIZATION . I DON'T BELIEVE IT IS RESPONSIBLE TO CONTINUE THE AGREEMENT WITH AUSTIN PETS ALIVE! WHEN WE HAVE P.A.L.S., A LOCAL ORGANIZATION DOING IT ALREADY AND DOING IT WELL. YOU SHOW THAT YOU ARE SENSITIVE TO OUR NEEDS AND SUPPORTING A LOCAL BUSINESS THAT HAS PROVEN YEAR AFTER YEAR HOW THEY CARE FOR PEOPLE AND PETS IN THE COMMUNITY. THE NEXT PUBLIC COMMENT IS FROM LINDSAY --. MY NAME IS LINDSAY AND I AM WRITING TODAY AND OPPOSITION OF ITEM K.14. . I AM A HAYS COUNTY RESIDENT AND WE OWN A LOCAL VET CLINIC AND I WORK FOR AUSTIN PETS ALIVE!. I HAVE LIVED AND WORKED IN HAYS COUNTY AND TRAVIS COUNTY OVER 14 YEARS WORKING IN ANIMAL WELFARE THE MAJORITY OF MY TIME. WHEN I WORKED FOR EMANCIPET WE HELP PROVIDE LOW-COST SPAY AND NEUTER TO THE COMMUNITY AND AS AN EMPLOYEE OF PETS ALIVE! I KNOW HOW COMPLEX RUNNING A PET RESOURCE CENTER IS IN THE AREAS OF EXPERTISE REQUIRED TO DO THIS RIGHT. NO ONE ELSE HAS THE LEVEL OF EXPERTISE THAT AUSTIN PETS ALIVE! CAN PROVIDE. WE WILL NOT BENEFIT FROM A RUN-OF-THE-MILL ANIMAL SHELTER. WE NEED PROGRAMMING THAT AUSTIN PETS ALIVE! CAN PROVIDE. CARING FOR PEOPLE AND PETS REQUIRES EXPERTISE AND KNOWLEDGE. I AM GRATEFUL YOU HAVE TAKEN STEPS TOWARDS CREATING A PET RESOURCE CENTER BUT I AM DISAPPOINTING THE COMMISSIONERS ARE LETTING SOMEONE ELSE TAKE OVER THE PRC PROJECT WITHOUT ANY EVIDENCE OR EXPERIENCE CREATING AN ANIMAL SHELTER OR THE INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS THAT HELP PEOPLE AND THEIR PETS. SIMPLY PUT APA IS THE BEST CANDIDATE TO OPERATE THE PRC IN HAYS COUNTY.

>> NEXT, OUR NEXT COMMENT IS FROM STEPHANIE --. I HAVE BEEN

[02:50:07]

IN RESCUE SINCE 2002 AND I HAVE WORKED WITH MANY RESCUE GROUPS AND COUNTLESS SHELTERS ALL OVER THE STATE OF TEXAS. I HAVE FOSTERED OVER 250 ANIMALS FOR AUSTIN HUMANE SOCIETY, AUSTIN SIAMESE RESCUE, SAN MARCOS ANIMAL SHELTER AND MORE. I WAS BEING AND NEUTERING OVER 60 ANIMALS PER YEAR WHEN WE STARTED AND IT WAS SO MUCH WORK TO RAISE FUNDING AND HAVE TO DRIVE INTO TRAVIS AND WILLIAMSON COUNTY TO GET LOW-COST OR FREE SERVICES.

IS PROGRAMS ENDED I FOUND MYSELF UNABLE TO HELP AS MANY AS I WANTED. FOR THE LAST DECADE P.A.L.S. HAS BEEN ABLE TO HELP ME HELP ANIMALS. I AM ABLE TO STAY IN HAYS COUNTY FOR THE FREE AND LOW-COST SPAY AND NEUTER CLINICS. I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO APPLY FOR VOUCHERS IN A HAYS AND BUDA AREA. NO OTHER GROUP WOULD HAVE DONE THAT. I OFTEN GO INTO COMMUNITIES THAT ARE UNDERSERVED AND NOT ONLY CAN I OFFER HELP TO GET PETS FIXED FOR FREE BUT I CAN ALSO HELP WITH PET FOOD PROVIDED BY THE P.A.L.S. FOOD PANTRY. I HAVE BEEN TO SEVERAL SPAY AND NEUTER CLINICS WHERE THEY ARE FIXING DOGS AND CATS AND TREATING OTHER INJURIES.

THEY CAN PROVIDE INJECTIONS, PERFORM AMPUTATIONS AND OTHER LIFE-SAVING PROCEDURES. THESE ANIMALS WOULD NOT HAVE RECEIVED CARE OTHERWISE BECAUSE THEIR GUARDIANS COULD NOT AFFORD A HOSPITAL OR CLINIC. P.A.L.S. IS LOCAL . NO GROUP IS BETTER EQUIPPED THAN P.A.L.S.. THEY HAVE A PROVEN TRACK RECORD .

THEY SUPPORT AND KNOW THEIR COMMUNITY. THEY LIVE WITH US. I HAVE SEEN LARGE ANIMAL RESCUE GROUPS UP CLOSE AND I HAVE SEEN MISMANAGEMENT OF FUNDS, INTERNAL STRIFE AND ANIMALS TAKING A BACKSEAT TO OTHER ISSUES. P.A.L.S. IS LOCAL AND HAS BOOTS ON THE GROUND NOW. THE COMMUNITY NOSE AND TRUST THEM AND THEY GO ABOVE AND BEYOND. PLEASE KEEP -- LOCAL AND PLEASE HELP THEM EXPAND LOCAL PROGRAMS. NEXT COMMENTS IS FROM JAY RAYMOND.

COMMISSIONERS, KEEP IT LOCAL BY SUPPORTING P.A.L.S. WITH FUNDING TO EXPAND LIFE-SAVING PROGRAMS THAT HELP COUNTLESS COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND THEIR PETS. TELL THEM YOU WANT P.A.L.S. TO MANAGE PROGRAMS. P.A.L.S. IS OUTLET RISK OF LOSING FUNDING TO A LARGE OUT OF COUNTY PROGRAM THAT HAS RECEIVED MOORE COUNTY FROM HAYS COUNTY THEN -- AND IT COULD TAKE YEARS TO SEE A TANGIBLE IMPACT. P.A.L.S. IS DOING THE WORK RIGHT NOW AND COULD DO MORE WITH MORE FUNDING. AND, THIS IS A , HAS SOMETHING ATTACHED TO IT THAT LOOKS LIKE A POEM. I SEE NO GROWING OLD IS A LUXURY AND WE ALL TO FOCUS ON AGING GRACEFULLY. WE ARE THE TREES AND LIFE LEAVES ITS MARK UPON US. MY BODY WILL BETRAY ME LONG BEFORE MY SPIRIT BREAKS. EACH WRINKLE A WELL-EARNED REMINDER OF ALL OF THE RACE MY FACE WHERE IS HAPPINESS. I HAVE LOST TOO MANY PEOPLE, THE LIGHT SNUFFED OUT EARLY TO TALK TO THESE ROADS BEGRUDGINGLY OR WITH ENVY OR WITH ANYTHING OTHER THAN APPRECIATION. I WILL TAKE EVERY STEP LEFT AFFECTIONATELY AND WHEN THE DAY COMES FEED THE EARTH OUR FLESH AND BONES KNOWING FROM WHERE WE LIVE LOVE GROWS. THE NEXT COMMENT, IT IS FROM LYNN REARDON. MY NAME IS LYNN REARDON AND I AM A HAYS COUNTY RESIDENT AND PET OWNER. I AM WRITING TO OPPOSE K.14. AND VOICE MY SUPPORT FOR AUSTIN PETS ALIVE! IS THE RIGHT PARTNER FOR OUR PET RESOURCE CENTER. I APPRECIATE EFFORTS TO PROVIDE SERVICE FOR PETS AND PEOPLE. A TRADITIONAL SHELTER WILL NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEMS OUR COMMUNITY FACES AND AUSTIN PETS ALIVE! BRINGS THE EXPERIENCE AND INNOVATION TO MAKE THE -- A SUCCESS. I HAVE SEEN THE APA STEP UP TIME AND AGAIN IN AUSTIN AND ACROSS TEXAS INCLUDING DURING NATURAL DISASTERS. OF SOMEONE THAT RUNS A CLEAN RESCUE AND HAS ADOPTED FROM APA I KNOW HOW DEDICATED AND EFFECTIVE THEY ARE. HAYS COUNTY WOULD BE LUCKY TO HAVE A RECOGNIZED LEADER WORKING FOR PETS AND TO OUR RESIDENTS. KNOW WHETHER ORGANIZATION HAS THE EXPERIENCE AND ABILITY TO BRING IN OUTSIDE RESOURCES TO SUPPORT THIS PROJECT. I URGE YOU TO OPPOSE K.14. AND KEEP APA AS A PARTNER IN THIS WORK. THIS NEXT ONE IS FROM ALLIE KLEIN. HELLO AND PLEASE FIND MY COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEM K.14.. I AM A HAYS

[02:55:01]

COUNTY RESIDENT WHO OWNS TWO RESCUE DOGS AND A RESCUE CAT. I AM COMMENTING ON AGENDA ITEM K.14.. I HAVE FIRST-HAND EXPERIENCE WITH AUSTIN PETS ALIVE! AS AN ADOPTER AND VOLUNTEER AND HAVE SEEN THE POSITIVE IMPACT THEY HAVE MADE IN OUR COMMUNITY. IS SOMEONE WORKING IN THAT MARY MEDICINE I SEE APA AS A FORWARD INKING LEADER IN ANIMAL WELFARE BEST POSITIONED -- LOCATION AND DESIGN OF A SHELTER. WE DO NOT WANT TO BE HERE AGAIN IN THREE YEARS. LET'S SOLVE THE PROBLEM NOW BY KEEPING APA IN PLACE PROTECTING OUR PETS AND OUR COMMUNITY. THE NEXT ONE IS FROM JACKIE DAVIS OF KYLE , TEXAS. I AM A VOLUNTEER WITH THE LOCAL ANIMAL RESCUE AND A PARTNER WITH LOST AND FOUND PETS OF HAYS COUNTY. I AM ALSO CONCERNED ABOUT AUSTIN PETS ALIVE! RUNNING THE HAYS COUNTY PET RESOURCE CENTER AND THEY FEEL THAT P.A.L.S. IS THE BEST CHOICE.

THEY HAVE BEEN CRUCIAL IN ASSISTING ME WITH VETTING MANY FOSTERS AND HAVE BEEN VERY ORGANIZED FOR RESCUES. THEY HAVE THE MEANS TO RUN THESE PROGRAMS AND WITH A NEW LARGER BUILDING THEY WILL BE BETTER THAN BEFORE. WE SHOULD REALLY KEEP THIS LOCAL AND IT SHOULD NOT BE OUTSOURCED TO APA. WE ARE A LARGE COMMUNITY OF ANIMAL LOVERS AND ONLY WANT WHAT IS BEST FOR THEM AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND THIS INCLUDES HAVING A PLACE FOR PEOPLE TO GO FOR PETS NEEDS INSTEAD OF DOING EVERYTHING VIRTUALLY. I HOPE TO SEE IT PARTNERED WITH P.A.L.S.. THE NEXT IS FROM TERESA. I AM A RESIDENT AND OWNER IN HAYS COUNTY AND USING MY TAX DOLLARS TO SUPPORT AN OUT OF COUNTY -- IS A SLAP IN THE FACE. SUPPORT P.A.L.S. TO CONTINUE SERVICES TO NEEDY ANIMALSIN HAYS COUNTY AND CONTINUE PLANNING FOR A STATE-OF-THE-ART HAYS COUNTY PET RESOURCE CENTER. HAYS COUNTY CITIZENS ARE INVOLVED IN THE PRESENT SHELTER, P.A.L.S. AND OTHER ANIMAL NONPROFITS. THERE IS SO MUCH SUPPORT FOR A NEW SHELTER. PLEASE HELP HAYS COUNTY TO BE AN EXCEPTIONAL EXAMPLE OF ANIMAL CARE ON THE LOCAL LEVEL BY CONTINUING SUPPORT FOR P.A.L.S. AND PLANS FOR A NEW DEVELOPMENT THAT WE CAN ALL BE PROUD OF AND HAPPY TO SEE TAX DOLLARS AT WORK. THIS NEXT COMMENT IS FROM JAMIE CIBIK. I AM A PARTNER WITH P.A.L.S. FOR APPROXIMATELY SIX YEARS AND I HAVE WITNESSED EXPONENTIAL GROWTH WITHIN THE ORGANIZATION. I FOSTER FOR MULTIPLE ORGANIZATIONS IN THE AREA AND INDEPENDENTLY. ANIMAL WELFARE IS IMPORTANT TO ME AND IT DOES TAKE A VILLAGE. I SUPPORT THE IDEA OF A PET RESOURCE CENTER AND HAVE BEEN AT MULTIPLE MEETINGS REGARDING THIS. THIS IS NOT A P.A.L.S. VERSUS APA ISSUE. WHERE THE ISSUE LIES IS THAT P.A.L.S. WAS NEVER INVITED TO THE TABLE DURING INITIAL PLANNING. WHERE THE ISSUE LIES IS THAT APA REPRESENTATIVES HAVE STATED THEY INTEND TO BUILD A SPAY AND NEUTER CLINIC WHICH IS REINVENTING THE WHEEL AND WASTING TAX DOLLARS. THE HIGHLY FUNDED PROGRAM HAS NO PLAN ON HOW THEY WILL DISTRIBUTE -- I KNOW THIS BECAUSE I ASKED IN MY MEETINGS. YOU HAVE HAD A YEAR AND MORE THAN ADEQUATE COMPENSATION TO COME UP WITH A GAME PLAN THAT INCLUDES EXISTING ORGANIZATIONS YET, THERE IS NO GAME PLAN. PLEASE SUPPORT P.A.L.S. BEING THE MAIN RESOURCE FOR SPAY AND NEUTER BY SUPPORTING ADDITIONAL HAYS COUNTY FUNDING GOING TOWARDS SUPPORTING THE ORGANIZATION. THANK YOU. NEXT IS FROM ALICIA DOWD TO. GOOD MORNING. I COME BEFORE THE COURT TO SHOW SUPPORT FOR A LOCAL NONPROFIT CLINIC PET PREVENT A LITTER OR P.A.L.S..

THEY ARE LOCAL AND HAVE A POSITIVE PRESENCE IN THE COUNTY.

THEY EACH HAVE ROOTS CONNECTED VIA ONE OF THE CITIES, TOWNS OR COUNTY TO BE THE GO TO WHEN AN OWNER HAS A PET IN NEED OF MEDICATION, SPAY, NEUTER OR OTHER MEDICAL SERVICES.

PRESIDENT OWNERS RELY ON FREE FOOD DISTRIBUTION THAT P.A.L.S.

OFFERS. BEING AN ANIMAL WELFARE ADVOCATE I SHARE THEIR EVENTS ON SOCIAL MEDIA OUTLETS AND I AM ALWAYS GETTING QUESTIONS ABOUT AN EVENT OR QUALIFYING FOR SERVICES OFFERED. RESIDENTS NEED AND RELY ON SERVICES. THE P.A.L.S. VOLUNTEERS ARE THE BOOTS ON THE GROUND TYPE OF -- THAT DO WHAT THEY DO WITHOUT PAY. P.A.L.S. IS A NONPROFIT WITH LOW OVERHEAD SO ALL EXTRA GOES TO MEDICATION, SPAY AND NEUTER VOUCHERS AND SO ON AND

[03:00:06]

NOT TO LINE THE POCKETS OF STAFF AND MANAGEMENT. NOT TO BUY VOTES. POPULATION PREVENTION SHOULD BE THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF PREVENTION. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THE POPULATION CRISIS WE WOULD NOT NEED A PET RESOURCE CENTER. THE CURRENT SAN MARCOS REGIONAL SHELTER WOULD NOT BE OVERCAPACITY FOR YEARS ON END AND WOULD BE ABLE TO MANAGE THE NUMBER OF ANIMALS IT TAKES IN.

CURRENT STATE LAWS PREVENT DACHSHUND OF THE CURRENT LAW CANNOT BE CHANGED, IT HAS BEEN TRIED MANY TIMES, MORE LOCAL FUNDING WILL BE NEEDED IN THE FUTURE. LEASE CONSIDER FUNDING P.A.L.S. FIRST AND FOREMOST. THANK YOU. AT ANY TIME YOU MAY CONTACT ME VIA PHONE OR EMAIL TO DISCUSS THE ABOVE. NEXT IS FROM LAURA RODRIGUEZ. I AM SPEAKING AS ADMIN FOR LOST AND FOUND PETS OF HAYS COUNTY. I AM IN SUPPORT OF P.A.L.S. AND EVERYTHING THEY DO TO HELP PETS. P.A.L.S. HAS BEEN THE ONLY PLACE TO GO AND GET HELP FOR YOUR PETS. HAYS HAS GROWN SO MUCH THAT YOU ARE FORGETTING WHO HAS BEEN HERE AND HOW MANY PETS AR HELPED AND HOW MANY FAMILIES GET ASSISTANCE. FUNDING SHOULD GO TO AN EXPERIENCED AND WELL KNOWN GROUP. WHY WOULD WE GIVE IT TO SOMEONE THAT COMES FROM ANOTHER JURISDICTION. IT IS NOT EITHER OR. IT IS YES TO P.A.L.S. AND YES TO LET'S MAKE THIS GREAT ORGANIZATION MORE THAN IT CAN BE. IT IS YES, LET'S STAND BY OUR LOCAL P.A.L.S. DON'T FORGET WHO HAS LED THE WAY ALL OF THESE YEARS. WASN'T THANK YOU JUDGE BECERRA, WHO SAID WE ARE CREATING A COMMUNITY WERE PETS AND PEOPLE COME FIRST. WHY ARE WE CREATING? UNITED IN VISION SHOULD BE P.A.L.S. AND YOUR COMMITMENT TO THEM TO PROGRESS WITH YOUR FUNDING. THANK YOU.

LAURA. THIS NEXT COMMENT IS FROM MIGUEL --, CITY COUNCILMEMBER WITH THE CITY OF KYLE. DEAR HAYS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS I WOULD LIKE TO EXPRESS MY SUPPORT FOR P.A.L.S. AND KEEP HAYS COUNTY ANIMAL WELFARE PROGRAMS LOCAL. P.A.L.S. HAS THE MEANS TO RUN THE PROGRAM SUCH AS SPAY AND NEUTER, TNR AND WITH A NEW BRICK-AND-MORTAR HEALTH CAN DO MORE, DO BETTER CONSERVE THE PETS IN NEED OF OUR COMMUNITY AND VOLUNTEER PARTNERSHIPS. THE NEED FOR ANIMAL ADOPTION SERVICES AND ANIMAL WELFARE SHOULD AND MUST STAY LOCAL AND NOT BE OUTSOURCED TO SOMEONE OUTSIDE OF HAYS COUNTY. PEOPLE NEED TO BE ABLE TO GO TO A LOCATION SUCH AS P.A.L.S. AND RECEIVE RESOURCES FOR THEIR PETS AND TO ADOPT. THIS CAN ONLY BE DONE BY HAVING A LOCAL FACILITY AND REAL PERSON WORKING ON BEHALF OF PETS AND AT P.A.L.S..

ANIMAL ADOPTION AND ASSISTANCE CANNOT BE DONE BY A VIRTUAL PROGRAM OR EMAIL. PLEASE KEEP ANIMAL SERVICES LOCAL AND SUPPORT P.A.L.S. WITH FUNDING TO PROVIDE LIFE-SAVING PROGRAMS THAT HELP COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND THEIR PETS. BEST REGARDS. THE NEXT COMMENT IS FROM ROBIN GONZALEZ. THIS COMMENT IS IN RESPONSE TO ITEM K.14. REGARDING THE CONTRACT WITH AUSTIN PETS ALIVE! I AM HEAVILY INVOLVED IN THE ANIMAL WELFARE COMMUNITY THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY BUT PRIMARILY IN CENTRAL TEXAS. FOR YEARS I HAVE BEEN UNIMPRESSED WITH AUSTIN PETS ALIVE! AND THEIR ABILITY TO DO WHAT IS BEST FOR ANIMALS. THEY SPEND MUCH OF THEIR TIME MARKETING AND MAKING PROMISES TO COMMUNITIES AROUND THE COUNTRY BUT THE RESULT OF THEIR EFFORTS ALONG A COUNTERPART BEST FRIEND LEAVE THESE COMMUNITIES HIGH AND DRY.

KENNELS THAT THEY MAINTAIN IN AUSTIN COLD, WET, AND INAPPROPRIATE FOR ANIMALS IN THEIR CARE. IN THE SUMMER THEY DO NOT HAVE AIR CONDITIONING. THE ORGANIZATION THANKS PROMISES BUT THEY SEEM TO TAKE UP KENNELS THAT COULD HAVE HELPED THE COMMUNITY THEY PROMISED TO HELP WHEN THEY SPEAK WITH MUNICIPALITIES. WHY I DO NOT THINK THEIR EFFORTS ARE WITHOUT GOOD INTENTION, I DON'T THINK THEY SERVE THE PURPOSE. MY CONCERN APA EXTENDS TO UNETHICAL PRACTICES. ANIMALS IN THEIR CARE ARE PROVIDED AN ADEQUATE CARE AND IN CROWDED AND INAPPROPRIATE SPACES. THE ANIMALS ARE STRESSED. FOSTER SELF-REPORTED RECEIVING ANIMALS WITH UNDISCLOSED MEDICAL AND BEHAVIORAL ISSUES PUTTING ANIMALS AND FAMILIES AT RISK.

THE OTHER ISSUE IS FINANCIAL TRANSPARENCY. DESPITE RECEIVING DONATIONS AND GRANTS QUESTIONS REMAIN ABOUT HOW FUNDING IS DISTRIBUTED. REGARDING ADOPTION AND INTAKE PRACTICES WHILE THE APA COMMITMENT TO SAVING LIVES IS COMMENDABLE THERE HAVE BEEN

[03:05:02]

NUMEROUS CASES OF ADOPTING OUT ANIMALS WITH KNOWN AGGRESSION OR SEVERE ISSUES. A GREAT CONCERN I HAVE IS THE TRAINING METHODS THAT APA HAS ALLOWED ADOPTERS TO USE NOT INCLUDING ADOPTIO LANGUAGE REGARDING TRAINING METHODS. IT HAS BEEN REPORTED THAT SOME OF THE TRAINING METHODS USED BY APA ITSELF, INCLUDES NEGATIVE REINFORCEMENT, PRONG AND CHOKE COLORS AND E COLORS. THE MOST RECENTLY ADOPTED A DOG TO SOMEONE THAT WAS IN A BOARD AND TRAIN PROGRAM WHERE THE DOG IS BEING STRANGLED AND TORTURED UNDER THE ANIMAL CRUELTY LAW. WHERE IS APA NOW? WHY DO THEY PROVIDE RESOURCES FOR TRAINING TO ADOPTERS? WHY ARE THEY SITTING BACK AND NOT WORKING TO GET THIS DOG BACK. I CANNOT SUPPORT MONEY GOING TO THIS ORGANIZATION WHICH PUT US THEIR EFFORTS ABOVE THE WELFARE OF ANIMALS. THE NEXT COMMENT IS FROM MARIANA ALTAR. AND THIS JUST LOOKS LIKE PAGE TWO. IT MIGHT BE PART OF THAT. WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY WITH THEIR TNR CLINICS AND MOBILE VACCINATION CLINICS P.A.L.S. IS OUR COUNTY MAIN RESOURCE CENTER FOR THE RESOURCES I MENTIONED. APA HAS A TAXPAYER PROVIDED OFFICE WHILE THEY CONTINUE TO SEEK TAXPAYER MONEY FOR YEARS TO COME HOPING TO REINVENT A WHEEL THAT IS ALREADY ROLLING DUE TO OUR NONPROFIT P.A.L.S.. IT IS IMPORTANT TO KEEP A NONPROFIT THAT HAS TANGIBLE DELIVERABLES WHICH IS WHAT WE HAVE WITH P.A.L.S.. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION. THIS NEXT COMMENT IS FROM KATE. DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY GRANTS INITIATIVES AT PET SMART CHARITIES. I WOULD LIKE TO COMMENT REGARDING K.14. AND VOICE SUPPORT FOR THE CONTINUATION OF THE APA CONTRACT . PET SMART CHARITIES IS THE IN THE UNITED STATES AND WE FAR- INVEST IN SOLUTIONS LED BY COMMUNITY PARTNERS THAT CONNECTS PETS WITH FAMILIES COMICS VETERINARY CARE MORE ACCESSIBLE. HELP WITH PET HUNGER AND SUPPORT DISASTER RESPONSE. OUR TEAM HAD THE ABILITY TO VISIT HAYS COUNTY AND MEET WITH APA STAFF IN HIS COUNTY. THE CENTRAL TEXAS FOOD BANK SUPPORTING LOCAL ANIMAL WELFARE ORGANIZATIONS AND WE WERE INSPIRED BY THE FORWARD THINKING TO CREATE AN ANIMAL SERVICES SYSTEM THAT ADDRESSES THE LACK OF ACCESSIBLE PET CARE.

ADDRESSING COMPANION ANIMAL CONCERNS REQUIRES CONNECTIONS AT MANY LEVELS. FAR MORE THAN HOUSING PETS AND PROVIDING VETERINARY CARE, MODERN ANIMAL WELFARE SYSTEMS THAT MEET THE NEEDS OF PET FAMILIES REQUIRE LEADERSHIP, INTEGRATIVE SOCIAL SERVICES, DATA LED SERVICE ALLOCATION, ANIMAL WELFARE AND VETERINARY EXPERTISE. TARGETED MARKETING AND INTEGRATION OF PARTNERS. APA IS ONE OF THE FEW NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS WITH THE ABILITY TO BREAK DELIVER ON THE INITIATIVE OF HAYS COUNTY TO MINIMIZE RELIANCE ON COSTLY PUBLIC SHELTERING STRUCTURES BY SUPPORTING PETS AND THEIR FAMILIES BEFORE THEY FACE THE CRISIS OF ABANDONMENT, HUNGER, OR AVOIDABLE ILLNESS. WITH THE THE SUPPORT OF NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS LIKE PET SMART CHARITIES, AUSTIN PETS ALIVE! IS A TRUSTWORTHY NONPROFIT THAT HAS THE -- DELIVERED THIS INNOVATIVE PROGRAM FOR HAYS COUNTY.

DELIVERING AN EFFECTIVE PET RESOURCE CENTER LIKE THE ONE IN VISION FOR HAYS COUNTY AND LED BY APA MAINS FAMILIES REMAIN INTACT AND COMMUNITIES STAY CONNECTED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND CONSIDERATION. THIS NEXT COMMENT, I DON'T HAVE THE COVER SHEET SO THAT WOULD BE WITH YOU. I DO NOT HAVE THE NAME ASSOCIATED. PLEASE KEEP IT LOCAL BY VOTING P.A.L.S. TO MANAGE THE ANIMAL WELFARE PROGRAM P.A.L.S. OFFERS FREE AND LOW-COST SPAY AND NEUTER, TRAP, NEUTER, RETURN FOR HOMELESS CATS. FOR DECADES THEY HAVE BEEN DOING THE LEGWORK FOR HAYS COUNTY ANIMAL WELFARE PROGRAMS AND YET -- HAS RECEIVED MORE FUNDED THAN HAS BEEN AWARDED TO P.A.L.S.. LOOK AT THE P.A.L.S. RECORD TO SEE THAT THEY DESERVE THIS OPPORTUNITY. THIS IS THE FINAL COMMENT ALSO, THE COVERSHEET WOULD BE ON YOUR -- THE COMMENT READS I SUPPORT DESIGNATING P.A.L.S. AS THE ANIMAL RESOURCE CENTER FOR HAYS

[03:10:02]

COUNTY AND ALLOWING THEM TO RUN THE ANIMAL WELFARE PROGRAMS. P.A.L.S. HAS PROVIDED SERVICES TO PETS FOR DECADES AS WELL AS ATTENDING TO THE NEEDS OF UNDOMESTICATED ANIMALS. I HAVE PERSONALLY BEEN ABLE TO AFFORD, SPAY, NEUTER, VACCINATE, AND CHIPPED MY PETS. THE STANDARDS ARE HIGH AND WORK IS EXCELLENT.

I TRUST THEM WITH MY TREASURED FUR BABIES. THE COMMUNITY EXPERIENCES THE SAME BENEFITS. ALMOST EVERYONE I KNOW LOCALLY TAKES THEIR PETS TO P.A.L.S.. AT A TIME WHEN THAT WILLS ARE HIGH AND SAVINGS ARE LOW. P.A.L.S. HAS SURPASSED AUSTIN PETS ALIVE! IN EVERY WAY. P.A.L.S. CAN PROVIDE A BRICK-AND-MORTAR LOCATION ON LAND WITH THE ORGANIZATION ALREADY OWNS AS OPPOSED TO OTHER CONTENDERS. P.A.L.S. IS WELL KNOWN, WELL ESTABLISHED AND WELL LOVED IN SAN MARCOS AND SURROUNDING AREAS. GIVE THEM THE TITLE AND FUNDS THEY NEED TO STRETCH RESOURCES IN EVERY DIRECTION. IF YOU MAKE ONE GOOD CHOICE TODAY MAKE IT THIS ONE. I DO HAVE THREE MORE COMMENTS THAT CAME --

>> I HAVE THE PAPERS HERE. THREE MORE. ALMOST AT THE END. WE LOVE

OUR PETS. IS THIS PROOF. >> THIS IS FROM TAYLOR HOGLE. I AM WRITING OUT OF CONCERN FOR THE FUTURE OF ANIMAL WELFARE EFFORTS IN OUR COUNTY. DEDICATED NONPROFITS AND VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS HAVE POURED TIME AND RESOURCES THE WORK IS NOW BEING THREATENED. DUE TO THE ACTIONS OF A SMALL GROUP PUSHING THEIR OWN AGENDA. THIS GROUP OPTED TO STAY ON THE SIDELINES.

YET, THEY HAVE SINCE GONE TO GREAT LENGTHS TO DISCREDIT AN EFFECTIVE PARTNER THAT HAS WORKED HAND-IN-HAND WITH THE SHELTER FOR YEARS. THIS HAS CAUSED TENSION AMONG PEOPLE WHO CARE DEEPLY ABOUT ANIMALS. THE RESULT, PROGRESS IS STALLED IN A VITAL SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR OUR SHELTER IS AT RISK. I HOPE YOU WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THOSE THAT HAVE SHOWN ACCOUNTABILITY, TO THE ANIMALS OF HAYS COUNTY. THESE ARE THE PARTNERS THAT WE NEED. THOSE WHO DO THE WORK AND NOT JUST TALK ABOUT IT. THIS COMMENT IS FROM JAY MORENO. I AM WRITING OUT OF DEEP DISAPPOINTMENT AND CONCERN NOT FOR MYSELF BUT THE FUTURE OF A PROJECT WITH HER, COMMITMENT, AND RESULTS. HAS TRIED TO DISCREDIT A PET LOVING ORGANIZATION WITH A PROVEN TRACK RECORD. THEIR APPROACH, STRIP AWAY YEARS OF HARD EARNED CREDIBILITY IN THE HOPES OF REDIRECTING FUNDING TO THEMSELVES AND YET, WHEN THE COUNTY OPENED THE FAIR PROCUREMENT PROCESS AND THEY DID NOT EVEN APPLY. WHY? THEY WERE NOT QUALIFIED . INSTEAD OF COLLABORATING OR BUILDING SOMETHING OF THEIR OWN THEY CHOSE TO TEAR OTHERS DOWN. THEY HAVE SOWN DIVISION AMONG PET OWNERS, PET LOVERS AND PEOPLE WHO SHOULD BE UNITED IN COMPASSION. THROUGH ANGER, FRUSTRATION AND FALSE NARRATIVE THEY FRACTURED WHAT WAS ONCE A STRONG ALLIANCE AND JEOPARDIZED A PROJECT IN THE FINAL STRETCH OF SUCCESS. THIS IS NOT HOW WE BUILD COMMUNITY. THIS IS NOT HOW WE PROTECT ANIMALS AND CERTAINLY NOT HOW WE HONOR THOSE THAT HAVE PUT IN THE WORK YEAR AFTER YEAR FOR THE GOOD OF HAYS COUNTY. I URGE YOU TO SEE THROUGH THE NOISE AND STAND BY THE ORGANIZATIONS THAT HAVE DELIVERED RESULTS THAT HAVE BROUGHT PEOPLE TOGETHER AND CONTINUE TO SERVE WITH HONESTY AND CARE. LET'S NOT ALLOW THE DOGE MENTALITY TO UNDO WHAT SO MANY HAVE BUILT TOGETHER. FINAL COMMENT IS FROM NORMA -- OF KYLE. DEAR HAYS COUNTY, IT IS DISHEARTENING TO SEE ATTEMPTS TO TEAR DOWN THE PET RESOURCE CENTER AS IT IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE. IN THE FIRST 90 DAYS OF THIS YEAR THIS ORGANIZATION HAS HELPED OVER 1000 FAMILIES. THEY HAVE HELD FOUR PET FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS REACHING MORE THAN 700 HOUSEHOLDS AND FEEDING 937 DOGS AND 616 CATS. THAT KIND OF IMPACT DOES NOT COME FROM NO MORE -- NOWHERE AND IT IS NOT EASY TO REPLICATE. THE PEOPLE BEHIND THIS WORK ARE NOT GUESSING. THERE USING NATIONALLY PROVEN MODELS SO EFFECTIVE THAT PET SMART AWARDED THEM A MAJOR GRANT. ONE THAT P.A.L.S. WOULD NOT EVEN QUALIFY FOR. THAT MATTERS. IT MEANS EXPERTS RECOGNIZE THE WORK AS SERIOUS,

[03:15:05]

SUSTAINABLE, AND WORTH INVESTING IN. WHAT IS PAINFUL IS WATCHING A GROUP LIKE P.A.L.S. THAT HAVE BEEN SUPPORTED BY THE COUNTY FOR YEARS RESULT TO -- RESORT TO UNDERMINING OTHERS INSTEAD OF STANDING ON THEIR OWN MERIT. THEY DID NOT APPLY FOR THE CURRENT CONTRACT BECAUSE THEY DID NOT MEET THE QUALIFICATIONS.

NOW THEY ARE LEANING ON HARSH DIVISIVE TAG SIX THAT ONLY WEAKEN OUR MISSION OF CARING FOR ANIMALS AND PEOPLE. P.A.L.S.

WILL NOT AUTOMATICALLY GET THE FUNDING OR THE WORK. IT JUST MEANS WE ALL LOSE, ESPECIALLY THE ANIMALS, THE FAMILIES, AND THOSE WE SERVE. WE HAVE ONE MORE YEAR LEFT AND THE REGIONAL SHELTER MAY CUT TIES WITH US. THIS IS A YOUR FOR UNITY AND WE NEED A STRONG COORDINATED FACILITY AND NOT A FRACTURED SYSTEM RUN ON SHORTSIGHTEDNESS. PLEASE DON'T LET THE RIVALRY UNTO THE MEANINGFUL PROGRESS BEING MADE. WE DESERVE BETTER.

OUR ANIMALS DESERVE BETTER. LET'S MOVE FORWARD TOGETHER.

>> IS THAT THE END? THANK YOU. I APPRECIATE THE FEEDBACK. IT IS IMPORTANT TO US ALL. SO IMPORTANT. UNFORTUNATELY WE DID NOT HAVE MUCH TIME. I WAS ASKED FOR IT TO BE TABLED. THEY CALL THOSE FRIDAY AGENDA ITEMS, WITH NO SURPRISES .

>> I WOULD SAY SIMILAR ON THE USE OF OUR COURTHOUSE AS A VISIBLE LOCATION FOR THE CONTRACT. UNDER THE CURRENT CONTRACT IT IS A VIRTUAL CONTRACT WITH A VIRTUAL FACILITY. SATURDAY WE LEARNED THAT WITHOUT APPROVAL OR USE OF THE COURT, WHICH, IF WE MOVE A DESK IN THE COURTHOSE OR ASSIGN OFFICE SPACE WITHIN THE COUNTY WE HAVE DIRECTORS COME IN NOT MONTHLY BUT VERY OFTEN ASKING FOR THE USE OF THAT SPACE. I HAVE TALKED WITH DIRECTORS IN THE COURTHOUSE WHO NEED MORE SPACE. WE LEARNED ON SATURDAY THAT THERE WAS AN ANNOUNCEMENT THAT THIS CONTRACT, THE CONTRACT PROVIDER WOULD HAVE THIS. I WILL BE VERY HONEST. I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE CONVERSATIONS WITH PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITY AND TO THIS POINT I HAVE BEEN VERY SUPPORTIVE AS YOU HAVE SEEN FOR THIS EFFORT. THE RESPONSE OR LACK THEREOF UNDER THIS CONTRACT IS WHAT PROMPTED ME TO BRING FORTH THIS AGENDA ITEM AND I THINK THERE IS, I WROTE THIS AGENDA ITEM VERY SPECIFICALLY BECAUSE, AND I THINK THERE WAS MAYBE SOME MISCONCEPTION IN A COUPLE OF THE PUBLIC COMMENTS RELATED TO INCLUDING THE BROADEST CONTRACT AS A PART OF THIS AGENDA ITEM TO DISCUSS BECAUSE, AT THE END OF THE DAY WE ARE NOT ASKING BROADEST TO DEVELOP THE PROGRAM WRAP AROUND THE RESOURCE CENTER. WE NEVER DID. WE HAVE AN EXISTING CONTRACT WITH THEM FOR A PHYSICAL FACILITY. ONE THAT IS SUPPORTED BY THE COUNTY AND INCLUDES THE FUNCTIONALITY THAT WE HAVE AS A COUNTY RIGHT NOW. I THINK THERE WAS A LARGE EMPHASIS IN A NUMBER OF PUBLIC COMMENTS RELATED TO THE 2022 NEEDS ASSESSMENT THAT WAS DONE BY THE COUNTY AND PAID AM NOT ALONE WHEN I SAY THAT THE NEEDS ASSESSMENT WAS TRAGICALLY FLAWED. THE SCOPE AND THE OUTLOOK OF THAT NEEDS ASSESSMENT SPECIFICALLY SAID THAT WE NEEDED THE PEOPLE WHO CONDUCTED THAT TO DO OUTREACH TO ALL OF OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS AND TO EVERY MUNICIPALITY THAT TRUSTS HAYS COUNTY TO HANDLE THEIR PET SERVICE NEEDS. WHEN WE WERE PRESENTED WITH THAT OVERALL ASSESSMENT, WE WERE TOLD BY THOSE THAT HAVE COMPLETED IT THAT THEY HAD ONLY INTERVIEWED THREE MUNICIPALITIES IN OUR COUNTY. WE DON'T OPERATE IN A COUNTY WHERE WE JUST LISTEN TO THREE OF OUR CHILDREN. I DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOUR HOUSEHOLD BUT IF I ONLY LISTENED TO ONE OF THE THREE I WOULD BE IN TROUBLE AND WE ALL HAVE DIFFERENT NEEDS. AT THAT POINT WE DISCUSSED THE NEED FOR REGIONALIZED ASSISTANCE. WHEN I SAY REGIONALIZED ASSISTANCE, TO LITERALLY REVIEW THOSE OPERATING ENTITIES THAT WE HAVE HERE THAT HAVE FACILITIES ON THE EAST SIDE, ON THE FAR WEST SIDE TO SEE HOW WE CAN INCORPORATE THEM INTO AN OVERALL CONCEPT TO PROVIDE SERVICES HERE. SINCE THAT TIME WE HAVE MUNICIPALITIES LIKE THE CITY OF KYLE THAT HAVE STEPPED UP AND SAID WE ARE BUILDING A FACILITY. WITH OR WITHOUT THE COUNTY WE WILL BUILD THE FACILITY. FROM MY VIEWPOINT IT IS VERY PROBLEMATIC. WHENEVER WE HAVE THE CONCEPT OUT THERE THAT NO

[03:20:01]

MATTER WHAT WE ARE GOING TO RUN HEADLONG INTO BUILDING A FACILITY WHEN WE HAVE PARTNERS IN THE COMMUNITY AND I MEAN BOTH MUNICIPAL PARTNERS AS WELL AS NONPROFIT AND OTHER PARTNERS WHO HAVE BEEN HERE AND ARE WILLING TO STEP UP AND PARTNER AND WANTED TO INCLUDE US IN THEIR PLANS AND WANT TO SAVE OUR TAXPAYERS MONEY IN DOING SO. AND ARE WILLING TO HAVE THAT PARTNERSHIP AND HAVE THOSE CONVERSATIONS. THE THING THAT REALLY PROMPTED ME TO DO THIS AND TO HAVE THIS DISCUSSION IS ONE THAT IS VERY SIMPLE. WHENEVER WE WENT THROUGH THE CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS AND REDRAFTED THE SCOPE OF THE CONTRACT SEVERAL MONTHS AGO, I WILL STAY THERE WAS A MISSTATEMENT. IT WAS UNKNOWN THAT WE WOULD BE KICKED OUT OF THE SAN MARCOS SHELTER. WE KNEW THAT WE HAD A TIMETABLE WHEN WE SIGNED THE LATEST CONTRACT. WE WERE VERY AWARE. THAT IS WHAT PROMPTED US TO MOVE FORWARD SO QUICKLY. ONE OF THE THINGS IN THERE, AS WE LOOKED AT THE OVERALL SCOPE WHICH WAS MUCH LARGER, WHEN WE LOOKED AT THE OVERALL SCOPE THERE WAS A CONVERSATION ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING CERTAIN POSITIONS AND CERTAIN FUNCTIONALITY WITHIN THE CONTRACT AND ONE OF THOSE WAS GRANT WRITING AND WE THOUGHT THE NEED TO HAVE A GRANT WRITER UNDER THAT CONTRACT AND TRY TO OFFSET THE COST TO THE COUNTY WOULD BE BENEFICIAL AND IN THAT CONTRACT ITSELF, THERE WAS LANGUAGE IN THERE THAT WE WANT TO PROMOTE THE ACQUISITION OF GRANTS OR THE SOLICITATION OF GRANTS AND IT IS VERY CLEAR THAT WHEN WE DID THAT IT WAS TO OFFSET THE COST OF THIS PROGRAM OR TO ASSIST IN THAT PROCESS.

ALSO UNDER THAT CONTRACT IT SAID THAT WE WOULD HAVE ACCESS AND BE PROVIDED ANY OF THAT INFORMATION BY STATE LAW. WE HAVE TO BRING THAT TO COURT BECAUSE THERE ARE OBLIGATIONS A PROGRAM COST $100,000. LET'S SAY THEN THERE IS AN OBLIGATION THAT HAS TO BE MADE ON BEHALF OF THE HAYS COUNTY COURT TO PROVIDE THAT MATCH. LIKEWISE, IF IT IS 100% GRANT, BUT THERE IS AN EXPECTATION THAT WE HAVE TO CONTINUE THOSE SERVICES ONCE THE GRANT RAN OUT WE HAVE TO MAKE AN OBLIGATION THAT SAYS, IF YOU SPEND THESE DOLLARS ARE GRANT THESE DOLLARS TO HAYS COUNTY WE WILL CONTINUE THOSE SERVICES. SO, IN THAT, ONCE WE RECEIVE ANY GRANT MONEY THAT IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE COUNTY OR ONCE IT IS AWARDED AND EVERY ONE OF OUR DEPARTMENT HEADS WILL TELL YOU THIS, THEY HAVE TO COME BACK TO COURT AND THEN WE BY STATE LAW HAVE TO RECEIVE THOSE FUNDS OR WE HAVE TO ACCEPT THAT GRANT. AS A PART OF THE CONTRACT THAT WE HAV, IT IS VERY CLEAR THAT WE HAVE TO KNOW WHAT WE ARE GETTING INTO AND WHAT WE HAVE BEEN OBLIGATED TO. IT SAYS WITH EVERY INVOICE, ANY AND ALL GRANT SOLICITATIONS AND BACKGROUND MATERIALS WOULD BE SUBMITTED WITH THE INVOICE. THAT IS PART OF THE CONTRACT. I WAS VERY EXCITED TWO WEEKS AGO, WHEN I SAW PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT THAT OUR PET RESOURCE CENTER RECEIVED A GRANT FROM PET SMART SO I SENT AN EMAIL TO OUR PROJECT COORDINATOR AND ASK FOR ALL OF THE BACKGROUND MATERIAL RELATED TO THE GRANT BECAUSE WE HAD NEVER APPROVED A GRANT FOR OR THE SOLICITATION OF A GRANT THROUGH COURT WHICH WE SHOULD HAVE. THE RESPONSE I GOT WAS A PRESS RELEASE. AND I SAID, I HAVE NEVER SEEN A GRANT OF ANY TYPE, ESPECIALLY WHEN WE ARE LOOKING AT A CONTRACTED ENTITY, A VENDOR FOR THE COUNTY, WHERE THERE WASN'T A FUNDING AMOUNT DISCLOSED. ESPECIALLY SINCE, BY THE SHEER NATURE OF THE CONTRACT, WE SAID WE ARE DOING THIS AND WE ARE FUNDING A GRANT WRITER SPECIFICALLY TO HELP OFFSET THE COST OF THAT CONTRACT. AND, SO, THE RESPONSE THAT I GOT, I SAID THANK YOU FOR THE INFORMATION. CAN YOU PLEASE PROVIDE ME ALL OF THE NECESSARY AND RELATED MATERIALS TO THIS GRANT. AND AGAIN, THE RESPONSE WAS, WHAT INFORMATION DO YOU NEED AND, BY THE WAY, APA NEVER DISCLOSES THE AMOUNT OF GRANT FUNDING THAT WE RECEIVE. UNTIL TODAY, WHENEVER THOSE THAT CAN TO TESTIFY SAID, $1 MILLION IS

[03:25:04]

WHAT WAS SAID. $1 MILLION. AND WE AS A COUNTY, WE ARE SUPPOSED TO BE A PART OF THE UPFRONT PROCESS, WE HAVE ASKED FOR ALL OF THAT MATERIAL. IT IS PART OF OUR CONTRACT AND IT WAS NOT PROVIDED. THAT IS NOT ONLY NON-TRANSPARENCY BUT, TO ME, IT IS MORE THAN A PROBLEM. I DON'T KNOW HOW I CAN GET PAST THAT IN A LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIP. AS I LOOK AT THE THINGS THAT ARE ASSOCIATED WITH THAT CONTRACT, AND THERE WERE CONTRACT -- COMMENTS ABOUT HOW APA WORKED WITHOUT PAY FOR FIVE MONTHS ON THE ORIGINAL CONTRACT. THE ORIGINAL CONTRACT PAID $375,000 TO GET US TO A POINT WHERE THERE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE AN ADDITIONAL REVIEW OF THE THINGS THAT I MENTIONED RELATIVE TO REGIONALIZATION TO WORK WITH OUR PARTNERS. I HAVE TALKED WITH MULTIPLE MUNICIPALITIES IN THE COUNTY THAT HAVE NOT MET WITH THEM. I HAVE TALKED TO OUR PARTNERS AND THEY HAVE TOLD ME WHO HAVE WORKED IN OUR COUNTY FOR YEARS WHO HAVE SAID POINT-BLANK THAT NOT ONLY WERE THEY NOT CONSULTED BUT THEY WERE EXPECTED TO PROVIDE ALL OF THEIR DATA AND ALL OF THE INFORMATION THAT THEY HAVE BEEN GENERATING IN THE COUNTY FOR DECADES AN ORDER FOR APA TO INCLUDE THAT IN THEIR DISCLOSURES FOR THE DATA RESEARCH THAT THEY DID. YOU KNOW, IN LOOKING AT SOME OF THE OTHER THINGS THAT WERE SAID, I THINK THE PET FOOD DISTRIBUTION WAS GREAT. UNDER THEIR CONTRACT APA PROVIDES ONE OF THOSE PER QUARTER. WE HAVE AN ORGANIZATION IN THE COURTROOM TODAY WHO DID 14 LAST YEAR AND THEY DID THAT FREE OF CHARGE TO THE CITIZENS OF OUR COUNTY. I HAVE ISSUE WITH THAT. ONE OF THE OTHER THINGS IS, IT IS PART OF THE CONTRACT THAT EVERY SINGLE ITEM THAT IS GENERATED, IT STATES VERY CLEARLY, WILL BE PROVIDED IN BOTH ENGLISH AND SPANISH AND BILINGUAL. I HAVE GONE THROUGH ALL OF THE FACEBOOK POSTS AND ALL OF THE RELEASES THAT WE HAVE SEEN. THERE IS NOT ONE SPANISH VERSION THAT I HAVE SEEN. I MAY NOT HAVE SEEN IT. BUT AGAIN THAT IS A CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATION THAT IS NOT BEING MET. I FOUND IT INTERESTING WHENEVER WE LOOKED AT THE SCANNERS. YOU KNOW, ONE OF THE MOST BASIC THINGS I WOULD ASK IS, DOES THE COUNTY OWN ANY SCANNERS? IF THEY WOULD HAVE ASKED I CAN TELL YOU THAT WE AS A COURT PROVIDED SCANNERS TO EVERY CONSTABLES OFFICE LESS THAN THREE YEARS AGO SO, WHEN WE ARE LOOKING AT THOSE NEEDS, I KNOW THAT WE PROVIDED TO ADDRESS THAT AND TO PURCHASE ADDITIONAL SCANNERS BUT THE QUESTION WAS, WAS THERE EVER AN EVALUATION OF WHAT WE ACTUALLY HAD? YOU KNOW, THE SAN MARCOS REGIONAL ANIMAL SHELTER, THEY ARE IN A CRISIS.

AND, I THINK WE ALL AGREE THEY ARE IN CRISIS BUT, AT THIS POINT, THERE ARE OTHER THINGS THAT I WOULD SAY, I THINK THAT WE ARE OPERATING AND ACCOUNTING -- IN A COUNTY WHERE WE HAD SO MANY PEOPLE THAT CARE ABOUT THE SAME THING AND THERE ARE A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT ORGANIZATIONS IN OUR COUNTY THAT TRULY WANT THE SAME OUTCOME. THEY WANT A SUCCESSFUL OUTCOME FOR OUR PETS AND FOR THOSE RESIDENTS ASSOCIATD WITH IT. AT THE END OF THE DAY, I TRULY ENVISION THAT THIS CONTRACT WAS A MEANS TO THAT END. A GOOD COORDINATION EFFORT ON HOW TO GET THAT DONE. MY FEAR IS THAT TWO FOLD. NUMBER ONE, WE ARE PAYING FOR SERVICES THAT EITHER AREN'T BEING CONTRACTUALLY MET UNDER THE CONTRACT OR HAVEN'T BEEN DONE AND THE PARTNERS THAT HAVE BEEN SERVING WITH US FOR DECADES, NOT ONLY FEEL OSTRACIZED BUT THEY FEEL LIKE THERE IS A BIG BROTHER LOOKING OVER THEIR SHOULDER AND THEY CANNOT OR WILL NOT BE ABLE TO WORK WITH THE COUNTY IN THE FUTURE OR LOCAL MUNICIPAL PARTNERS WITHOUT SOMEBODY ELSE IN THERE CHILI -- I DON'T KNOW ANOTHER PHRASE -- BUT WE HAVE PARTNERS WHO ARE OUT THERE WHO ARE DOING IT. AND THEY ARE LITERALLY WAITING TO HEAR FROM

[03:30:03]

US BECAUSE THEY WANT US TO PARTICIPATE. WE HEARD FROM -- I HEARD FROM, TODAY, WE HEARD FROM CITY COUNCILMEMBERS IN SAN MARCOS. WE HEARD FROM CITY COUNCILMEMBERS IN KYLE. I PERSONALLY HAVE HEARD FROM FOLKS IN BUDA AND ALL THREE OF THEM, THE COMMUNITIES THAT WERE REACHED OUT TO DURING THE ASSESSMENT, ALL THREE HAVE TOLD ME, AT LEAST PEOPLE FROM ALL THREE OF THEM HAVE TOLD ME THAT THEY WANTED TO WORK WITH THEIR LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS AND CREATE A SYSTEM AND A MEANS HERE LOCALLY AND THEY HAVE NOT BEEN IMPRESSED WITH WHAT WE PAID FOR THUS FAR.

AND SO, I DRAFTED THIS AGENDA ITEM VERY SPECIFIC BECAUSE I THINK THAT THERE NEEDS TO BE DIRECTION FROM OUR COURT AS FAR AS WHAT WE WANT TO DO WITH EITHER CONTINUATION OR TERMINATION OF THE CONTRACT AND I PUT THE BROADEST CONTRACT IN THERE NOT TO REVIEW FOR CANCELLATION BUT TO REAFFIRM THAT WE ARE MOVING FORWARD WITH THE FACILITY. AND THAT FACILITY, I TRUST THAT THEY CAN WORK WITH OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS AND THE SPACE AND NEEDS THAT THEY ARE PRODUCING FOR US TO WORK WITH THEM AND HOPE COURTNEY THAT EFFORT FOR US. AT THE END OF THE DAY WE ARE NOT GETTING WHAT WE ARE PAYING FOR. I CAN BE WRONG BUT, UNDER THAT BROADDUS CONTRACT AND APA CONTRACT THERE NEEDS TO BE A TRUE VETTING AND DIRECTION FROM OUR COURT AS TO HOW WE WANT TO MOVE FORWARD ON THIS BECAUSE I CAN TELL YOU TALKING WITH REGIONAL PARTNERS, MUNICIPALITIES AND OTHER NONPROFITS THAT WORK WITH US, THERE IS NOT A CLEAR DIRECTION.

THEY FEEL LIKE AND I FEEL LIKE WE ARE PAYING FOR STUFF AND IT IS LIKE TWO SHIPS CROSSING IN THE NIGHTS. THERE IS NO CLEAR DIRECTION AND THAT IS WHY I PUT THIS AGENDA ITEM ON. I WOULD WELCOME COMMENT AND CONSIDERATION FROM EVERYBODY IN THE COURT TO HEAR WHERE YOU ARE AT. I CAN BE CONVINCED OTHERWISE. I WOULD FEEL REMISS IF WE DID NOT ADDRESS THIS. THAT

IS WHERE I AM AT. >> THANK YOU. I APPRECIATE THE COMPLETE LEVEL THAT YOU CAME UP WITH THAT THOUGHT. AND UNINTERRUPTED. WOULD YOU PLEASE GO NEXT?

>> SURE. I WILL BE SHORT, JUDGE. I REALLY APPRECIATE EVERYBODY THAT HAS COME TO VOICE CONCERNS AND OPINIONS AND VIEWS ON A PET RESOURCE CENTER AND I WOULD JUST SAY THAT I AM STILL COMMITTED TO SUPPORTING PROGRAM EFFORTS THAT WE STARTED. I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT. I THINK THAT DIRECTION, I UNDERSTAND THE NEED AND THE DESIRE OF HAVING THE RIGHT SIZED FACILITY BUILT BECAUSE OF PROGRAMMING BUT I THINK THAT THOSE EFFORTS CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED BY WORKING WITH OUR ORGANIZATIONS. I HAVE HAD MANY PEOPLE REACH OUT TO ME ALSO, MUNICIPALITIES ALSO, THE CITY OF KYLE AND THEY ARE EXTREMELY INTERESTED IN PARTNERING WITH US AND I THINK THAT IS A DIRECTION THAT WE REALLY NEED TO LOOK AT SERIOUSLY. I THINK WE CAN GET A CENTER QUICKER AND I JUST FEEL THAT NEED TO TAKE A LOOK AT THE DIRECTION THAT WE ARE GOING .

OUR CONSULTANTS HAVE MENTIONED A DIFFERENT DIRECTION FOR THE COUNTY AND I AM CERTAINLY OPEN TO THAT.

>> COMMISSIONR COHEN . >> FIRST, THANKS FOR EVERYONE WHO WROTE IN AND SPOKE TODAY. I BELIEVE THAT WE ALL WANT THE SAME THING IN THE END. TO PROTECT OUR PET COMMUNITY AND PROVIDE RESOURCES. THAT IS CLEAR AND THE PASSIONTHAT I HEAR IN THIS ROOM ABOUT THAT TOPIC IS VERY EVIDENT IN TODAY. I WILL SAY, I HAVE NOT BEEN PART OF THE PET RESOURCE COMMUNITY OR ANY OF THOSE CONVERSATIONS BUT, THIS CONTRACT HONESTLY DID NOT SIT

[03:35:06]

WELL FOR ME BECAUSE I COULD NOT FIGURE OUT THE WHERE AND THE HOW. THE TANGIBLE THINGS THAT ARE NEEDED. AND, THAT IS WHERE I STRUGGLE WITH THIS CONTRACT, PERSONALLY. AND OVER THE PAST FEW DAYS I HAVE GOTTEN THE SAME PHONE CALLS AND EMAILS FROM THESE CITIES, NEIGHBORS. NOT UNDERSTANDING WHAT THIS CONTRACT IS ABOUT AND WANTING US TO PROVIDE MORE SUPPORT TO OUR LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS THAT ARE ACTUALLY DOING THE WORK RIGHT NOW AND, I CANNOT IGNORE THAT AS A COMMISSIONER. I WAS RUNNING DOWN WHO WORKS FOR WHO AND WHAT AND THE OVERWHELMING VOICE IS TO SUPPORT OUR LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS AND I DON'T KNOW WHY THE COUNTY HAS NEVER SUPPORTED LOCAL. I DON'T HAVE THAT ANSWER BUT I DO KNOW WHO IS TRULY OUT THERE DOING THE WORK. I HAVE HAD P.A.L.S. AT MY PRECINCT DOING MICRO-CHIPPING AND VACCINATIONS.

THAT IS TANGIBLE WORK BEING DONE AND I AGREE THAT WE DO NEED A PHYSICAL LOCATION, EVENTUALLY AND I DO KNOW THOSE DISCUSSIONS ARE BEING HAD BY BROADDUS. THERE S SOME CHANGE IN VISION ON WHAT THAT LOOKS LIKE RIGHT NOW BUT I KNOW, THIS IS A REALLY TOUGH SUBJECT AND EVERYONE IS SENSITIVE TO THIS AND I UNDERSTAND THAT BUT, FOR ME, PUTTING MY PROCUREMENTS CONTRACT MANAGEMENT ON IF I HAVE A CONTRACT, I CANNOT IGNORE THAT AND ASKING WHAT IS NOT GOING RIGHT WITH THE CONTRACT. WHY IS THERE SO MUCH OPPOSITION? SO, THAT IS KIND OF WHERE I AM AT. I WOULD LOVE TO MAYBE DO A RESET AND THINK ABOUT, WHAT ACTUALLY MAKES SENSE FOR THE COUNTY? I AM EVEN OPEN TO HAVING AN ANIMAL SERVICES DIRECTOR WITHIN THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO HELP LEAD INITIATIVES INSTEAD OF COMING OUT OF AN ELECTED OFFICE.

SOMEBODY ACTUALLY DOING THE WORK AND STRATEGICALLY INDISCERNABLE ] FOR US. THAT IS WHERE I AM AT WITH THIS SITUATION. SOME OF THE THINGS THAT COMMISSIONER SMITH BROUGHT UP ARE A REAL CONCERN FOR ME. THE GIVING THE SPACE IN THE COURTHOUSE TO APA, THAT IS CONCERNING TO ME. I DID NOT BELIEVE THAT WAS PART OF THE CONTRACT EITHER. WHEN WE HAVE SO MANY INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS LIKE THE SPACE FOR OUR FUTURE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR. WE WERE HOPING TO HAVE THAT PERSON HERE AND, SO, IT IS TOUGH. THIS IS A REAL TOUGH DECISION BUT THAT IS WHERE

I AM AT WITH THIS. >> COMMISSIONER SMITH .

>> I AGREE WITH YOU WHEN IT COMES TO, WE CANNOT IGNORE THE PEOPLE. THIS TOPIC, OVER THE LAST THREE MONTHS, I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED MORE CALLS, TEXT MESSAGES, EMAILS. EVERY TYPE OF COMMUNICATION. I HAVE SOMETHING PERSONAL THAT HAPPENED TO ME LAST WEEK THAT P.A.L.S. HELPED ME WITH. THERE WAS A PITBULL IN THE ROAD, I ALMOST RAN IT OVER. I TRIED TO GET IT. IT WAS 5:00 AND THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE COULD NOT TAKE ANYMORE PETS. I HAVE A THREE-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER AND THREE DOGS. ONE OF WHICH IS IN A WHEELCHAIR WHICH IS A WHOLE OTHER STORY. NOBODY ELSE WOULD TAKE THIS ANIMAL AND IF I LET IT GO IT WOULD GET HIT. IT WAS A LITTLE AGGRESSIVE WHICH WAS SCARY. I GOT IT IN MY CAR AND HAD TO KEEP IT AT MY HOUSE UNTIL MIDDAY THE NEXT DAY. I CALLED EVERYWHERE. I TRIED TO USE ANY TYPE OF POLL I HAD WITH ANYONE BUT, THERE IS NO RESOURCES AND A TYPICAL PERSON MIGHT NOT HAVE A ROOM WHERE THEY CAN HOLD A DOG UNTIL THE NEXT DAY SO, WE HAVE A PROBLEM IN THIS COUNTY,100 %. I MADE THIS VERY ABUNDANTLY CLEAR.

THERE IS A LOT OF HE SAID SHE SAID. I FEEL SOMEWHAT LIKE IT IS A BIT OF A HIGH SCHOOL DISCUSSION SOMETIMES. WE HAVE GOT TO WORK TOGETHER. WE HAVE THE SAME GOAL. WE WANT TO GET

[03:40:01]

THESE DOGS IN GOOD PLACES. LET'S LET THAT FUELED THE FIRE.

LET'S WORK TOGETHER. WHAT PROGRAMS IS P.A.L.S. BETTER AT.

WHAT PROGRAMS IS AUSTIN PETS ALIVE! GOOD AT? I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY WE DID A BID AND IT WAS -- P.A.L.S. DOES NOT WANT TO RUN A SHELTER AND THAT IS WHY THEY DID NOT BID FOR THE CONTRACT. WHEN IT COMES TO SUPPORT WE SHOULD NOT LOOK AT THIS AS A TERMINATION OF CONTRACT AND NO MORE AUSTIN PETS ALIVE!. I THINK WE SHOULD LOOK AT , LET'S COME BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD AND LET'S ESTABLISH A PLAN. WHAT DOES THE PLAN LOOK LIKE? I AM NOT ON THOSE COMMITTEES EITHER. I DON'T KNOW IF THE GENERAL PUBLIC KNOWS THIS BUT MORE THAN TWO OF US CANNOT TALK AT A TIME OUTSIDE OF THE COURT SESSION SO IT IS DIFFICULT TO FIGURE OUT A PLAN WITHOUT THE ABILITY TO CHAT WITH ALL OF THE OTHER COMMISSIONERS. I THINK THIS IS THE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY TO ONLY LOOK FORWARD AND SAY WHAT PLAN SHOULD WE ESTABLISH FROM HERE. I APPRECIATE WHAT OUR LOCAL -- THEY ARE BOOTS ON THE GROUND. DO THEY HAVE THE NATIONAL REPRESENTATION? NO BUT THEY WILL COME OUT TO YOUR HOUSE AT 7:00 A.M. AND SEE IF THERE IS A MICROCHIP IN A PITBULL FOR YOU.

>> THANK YOU, VERY MUCH. I APPRECIATE THAT. I TAKE NOTES OF EVERYONE AS THEY SPEAK AND I WANTED TO SAY THESE PIECES. ALL OF THEM MAY BE FRAGMENTED BUT THESE ARE FRAGMENTS OF THINGS THAT WERE EYE-CATCHING TO ME. SOME OF THOSE THINGS WERE SAID, FOR EXAMPLE, WITH ZERO FUNDING. THIS IS A REPRESENTATION OF SUPPORTING P.A.L.S.. THEY SAID WITH ZERO FUNDING WE ARE DOING X, Y, Z. THINGS LIKE, I COULD REALLY JUST STOP ON THE FUNDING PART RIGHT THERE. THE NARRATIVE HAS BEEN PLACED OUT IN THE COMMUNITY. I HAVE HAD SCREENSHOTS SENT TO ME THAT THE COUNTY DOES NOT FUND P.A.L.S.. NOTHING COULD BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH. AND IT IS AN EITHER OR, COME TO COURT OR, I DON'T WANT TO BE DRAMATIC BUT, FILL IN THE BLANK, COME TO COURT OR ELSE IT IS CURTAINS FOR US. ALMOST ALL OF YOU ARE HERE LIKELY FOR VICKIE'S SENDOFF. I WAS ABLE IN ONE SHORT MOMENT TO TEXT VICKIE AND ASK HER, BECAUSE WE TOUCH A LOT OF THINGS AND YOU KNOW WE DO AND WE CARE DEEPLY ABOUT EVERY SINGLE THING WE TOUCH BUT I SIMPLY TEXTED VICKIE TO REMIND ME BECAUSE THE MESSAGES WERE BEING SAID IN THE COURT OF RECORD THAT WITH ZERO FUNDING P.A.L.S. IS DOING X, Y, Z AND I AM A HUGE SUPPORTER OF P.A.L.S..

I SUPPORT AND I VOTE FOR THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO GO TO P.A.L.S. SO, VICKI REPLIED TO MY QUESTION AND I SAID TELL ME IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS, HOW MUCH HAVE WE GIVEN TO P.A.L.S.? SHE IMMEDIATELY TEXTED ME BECAUSE SHE IS THAT GOOD. SHE TEXTED ME THE NUMBERS WITH NO HESITATION OF WHAT WE HAVE GIVEN TO P.A.L.S.. JUST IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS, AND I WILL SAY IT THIS WAY, IN 2020 WE GAVE THEM $20,625. AND IN SUMMARY, IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS WE HAVE GIVEN THEM ALMOST A QUARTER OF $1 MILLION AND IN 2024, THREE TIMES THE MONEY FROM 2020. $16,000 IN 2024. WHAT I WANT TO REITERATE IS THAT THOSE PIECES I AM SPEAKING OUR FAX. FAX FROM OUR BUDGET OFFICE. WE, AS A COURT SUPPORT P.A.L.S.. I COULD'VE ASKED FOR A LONGER TIME BUT, WE HAVE HISTORICALLY, AND I BELIEVE WE WILL CONTINUE TO NOT ONLY FUND P.A.L.S. BUT UP -- UPTICK THE FUNDING OF P.A.L.S. BECAUSE OF THE MAGNIFICENT TESTIMONY THAT WAS GIVEN TODAY. IT IS

[03:45:03]

INDISPUTABLE HOW USEFUL AND MEANINGFUL P.A.L.S. HAS BEEN. WE ARE VERY HAPPY, ME AS A COURT MEMBER VOTING TO GIVE THEM THIS MONDAY. I AM HAPPY TO KNOW THAT THIS IS THE IMPACT THAT P.A.L.S.

IS HAVING IN THIS FOOTPRINT. WELL DONE, KUDOS, GOOD JOB.

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON THAT. WHAT MR. LINDSAY DEAL SAID, -- MISS LINDSAY DEAL SAID, THIS IS A PLACE WHERE EVERY WORD MATTERS. SHE SAID, WE SEEK MORE FUNDING. I SAID TO MYSELF, THAT IS ACCURATE. THANK YOU, LINDSAY FOR SPEAKING ACCURATELY BECAUSE WE ALL BENEFIT FROM THE MOST ACCURATE WAY OF SPEAKING AND BELIEVE ME, I AM GUILTY OF PASSIONATELY SPEAKING AND BY DEFAULT, MISSPEAKING. FOR EXAMPLE, COMMISSIONER COHEN JUST SAID , "OVERALL WE SHOULD SUPPORT LOCALLY. I DON'T KNOW WHY WE HAVE NEVER SUPPORTED LOCAL." BUT SHE VOTED FOR ALL OF THESE DOLLARS TO GO LOCAL. I'M SURE SHE DID NOT QUITE MEAN IT THAT WAY. I'M NOT TRYING TO POKE AT HER BUT WHEN WE ARE SWAYING IDEAS AND SWAYING HOPES, IT IS SO IMPORTANT THAT WE SPEAK WITH ACCURACY. I ALSO HEARD, WE VOTE FOR THINGS AND WE DON'T READ EVERY SINGLE WORD OF EVERY SINGLE CONTRACT EVERY SINGLE TIME. WE HAVE A WHOLE LEGAL DEPARTMENT THAT HELPS WITH THAT AND INTERPRETS WHEN WE HAVE QUESTIONS. THE PROCUREMENT PROCESS WE HAVE A DEPARTMENT DEDICATED TO HELPING US MAKE SURE THE THINGS ARE ACCOMPLISHED AND IF THEY ARE NOT THEY CLARIFIED DURING COURT TO TELL US WHAT ISN'T AND WHY. I HEARD AS A REMINDER, THIS IS WHAT I HEARD, THE FUNDING FOR THE APA CONTRACT DID NOT INCLUDE THE SPAY AND NEUTER PIECE. IS THAT ACCURATE? THAT EXPLAINS WHY SOME OF THESE THINGS WERE CAPPED. I AM SO GRATEFUL WE CAME TOGETHER AND WE HAVE AN ENORMOUS AMOUNT OF THINGS TO COVER TODAY. I HAVE A SERIOUS PRESSURE TO KEEP THINGS MOVING FORWARD TIMELY BUT, THIS IS SO IMPORTANT AND WE CAN'T JUST SKIP ON BY EVERY SINGLE PERSON IN THIS ROOM FEELS PASSIONATE ABOUT THIS BUT WE CANNOT BURN A WHOLE DAY ON IT SO IT IS IMPORTANT TO STICK WITH THE DETAILS SO WE CAN DO WHATEVER WE ARE GOING TO DO. SUPPORT FUNDS FOR P.A.L.S.. WE ALREADY DO. ANOTHER COMMENT. NOW THAT WE HAVE ACQUIRED A BUILDING. I THOUGHT THAT WAS A VERY TIMELY COMMENT AS WELL BECAUSE SOME FOLKS HAVE SAID, MY AIM IS GOING TO BE TO SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON THOSE COMMENTS SO THAT WE CAN HAVE A SIMILAR LOOKING GLASS SO WE CAN SEE HOW MUCH MORE WE ARE ALIKE AND HOW MUCH MORE WE HAVE IN COMMON WITH SHARED GOALS THAN WHAT WE DISAGREE WITH. NOW THAT WE HAVE ACQUIRED A BUILDING, THAT MAKES SENSE. I RECEIVED ON MY DESK A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO ASKING FOR A COURT OF $1 MILLION FOR P.A.L.S. FOR THAT BUILDING.

ABSOLUTELY. I IMMEDIATELY REACHED OUT TO COMMISSIONER HAMMER AND I SAID -- LET'S GO CHECK THIS OUT. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT. THIS IS A COG IN THE WHEEL THAT WE NEED. SINCE IT IS IN YOUR PRECINCT I WOULD LIKE TO GO VISIT WITH YOU. IS THAT NOT WHAT I SAID? NO HIDING. NO SECRET AGENDA. MY AIM IS TO REALIZE THE FACT THAT WE HAVE EVERY INTENTION OF BUILDING A BUILDING BECAUSE WE NEED IT OR PARTNER WITH SOMEONE THAT IS.

WHATEVER THE CASE MAY BE. IF SOMEONE ELSE'S BUILDING A BUILDING AND WE CAN PIGGYBACK WITH THEM, HAPPY TO DO IT AS LONG AS WE HAVE EQUITABLE STAKE IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS.

HOWEVER, THE APA CONTRACT IS TIED TO SYSTEMS. NOT THE BRICKS AND MORTAR SO PULLING THE APA OUT OF THE BRICKS AND MORTAR IS NOT GOING TO END THE IDEA THAT WE ARE STILL ON HOT PURSUIT FOR BRICKS AND MORTAR THAT WE COULD SOMEHOW CONTROL. ALTHOUGH EVERYBODY OUT THERE THAT IS DOING A MAGNIFICENT JOB IN OUR COMMUNITY, NO ONE OF YOU CAN DO WHAT WE NEED AS A COUNTY. NONE OF YOU INDIVIDUALLY CAN HOLD THE WHOLE BAG. NOW THAT WE ACQUIRED A BUILDING. NOW THE SCENERY IS CHANGING BUT WITH THIS CONTRACT,

[03:50:02]

WHEN THE CONTRACT WAS PUT INTO PLACE WE DID NOT HAVE THAT EXTRA BUILDING OR THE EXTRA PERCEIVED CAPACITY BANDWIDTHS. SO IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE REALIZE THAT AS THINGS CONTINUE TO UNFOLD, THAT WE WORK TOGETHER AND WE DON'T LET OURSELVES GET DIVIDED BECAUSE WE ALL HAVE THE SAME PASSION. THE ALL THE MORE WE REMIND OURSELVES, THE SUN SHINES FOR EVERYONE AND WHAT I MEAN, YOU SHOULD ALL GET AN OPPORTUNITY TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT IN THE BEST SETTING THAT YOU HAVE AVAILABLE TO YOU SO THAT WHEN THE CONTRACT GOES OUT THROUGH THE PURCHASING DEPARTMENT AND WE TELL SOMEONE, EVERYONE, HERE IS WHAT WE NEED.

EVERYONE THAT IS QUALIFIED. EVERYONE THAT FEELS THEY CAN MEET THIS NEED, PLEASE APPLY. AND, THAT IS WHAT WE GET.

CRICKETS. WE GET ONE HORN THAT APPLIED. APA. DID SOMEBODY ELSE APPLY BESIDES APA? THE POINT IS, EVERYBODY HAS THE FAIR SHAKE.

OUR JOB AS A GOVERNMENT IS TO BE AS FAIR, IS EQUITABLE, AS TRANSPARENT AS POSSIBLE AND STILL WE ARE GOING TO MAKE SOMEBODY FEEL LIKE THERE IS A CONSPIRACY GOING ON.

NEVERTHELESS THE AIM IS WHOLESOME AND PURE IN TERMS OF GIVING EVERYONE ACCESS TO THE CONTRACT. I LOVE P.A.L.S. BUT JUST BECAUSE THE PHRASE IS RIGHT. NOW THAT WE HAVE ACQUIRED THE BUILDING. IT IS NOT RIGHT AND FAIR FOR US TO SAY GO GET THAT CONTRACT BECAUSE I WANT THAT MONEY BUT IN MY OPINION, I SAY, TWO WEEKS AGO I WAS NOT HERE AND YOU DROPPED A QUARTER OF $1 MILLION REQUEST ON MY DESK. I WAS NOT HERE WHEN IT GOT DROPPED ON MY DESK. SO, MY POINT STILL REMAINS THE SAME. WHEN P.A.L.S. WANTS MORE MONEY, BECAUSE THEY ARE WORTHY OF IT, WE ARE ABOUT TO STEP INTO THE BUDGET SEASON, ASK FOR IT.

TAKING THE IDEA THAT IF SOMEBODY HAS A CONTRACT, WE DON'T GET IT OR WE ARE GOING TO GET CUT. WE NEED EVERYONE AND WE NEED MORE THAN ONE SPAY AND NEUTER. WE NEED MORE THAN ONE VET. WE NEED MORE THAN ONE CENTER. THE IDEA IS TO HAVE A HUB. A MAIN CENTER AND THE COUPLE OF SATELLITES ON THE EXTREME ENDS OF THE COUNTY.

IT IS NOT AN EITHER OR. WE NEED EVERYONE SO MY HOPE IS THAT WE DON'T CREATE NARRATIVES THAT COULD BE ACCIDENTAL, AS I HAVE SAID. BUT WE ARE CREATING NARRATIVES THAT ARE NOT QUITE ACCURATE. I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT FOR US TO HELP EACH OTHER COME OFF THAT, I WILL CALL IT WHAT IT IS, POTENTIALLY TOXIC EDGE AND WORK TOGETHER. INSTEAD OF TEARING SOMEONE DOWN, WE WORK TOGETHER AND SAY I WANT THIS AND THIS IS WHY. HOW CAN WE WORK TOGETHER BECAUSE WE CAN'T REPLACE EACH OTHER WHEN WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH HANDS TO FILL THE FULL ORDER. I HAVE A COUPLE LEFT. P.A.L.S. FUNDING THE PROGRAM. THEY DID NOT APPLY SO I DON'T KNOW IF THEY CAN FUND THE PROGRAM FOR P.A.L.S. TO RUN IT.

I DON'T KNOW BECAUSE THEY DID NOT APPLY. SO I DON'T KNOW THAT ANSWER. THE NEEDS ASSESSMENT WAS FLAWED. I'M NOT SURE WHO SAID THAT. YOU SAID THE NEEDS ASSESSMENT WAS FLAWED. YET YOU VOTED ON A COUPLE OF EXTRA BUILD UPS FROM THAT NEEDS ASSESSMENT SO, I THINK IT WOULD'VE BEEN A GOOD OPPORTUNITY. IT IS NOT A JOB ON YOU. THAT IS NOT PRODUCTIVE BUT IT WOULD GIVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SAY, SHE IS AN INTIMATE WIZARD ON ALL OF THE CONTRACTS SAYING PLEASE SEND ME MORE INFORMATION. AND THEN, -- I WILL HAND IT OFF IN A BIT, MY BIGGEST HOPE IS THAT IF WE FIND SOMETHING TO BE FLAWED, WE STOP. THAT IS WHY THESE PROFESSIONALS ARE HERE. WHEN SOMETHING IS FLAWED IN YOUR EYES, I HOPE THAT WE WOULD MOVE FORWARD WITH CLARIFICATION SO WE CAN HELP IT NOT BE FLAWED. IF I REMEMBER, CORRECTLY, THE REASON THREE MUNICIPALITIES WERE ENGAGED WAS BECAUSE THEY WERE THE ONES, THEY HAD ONLY REACHED OUT TO THREE MUNICIPALITIES BECAUSE THEY WERE THE ONES THAT HAD THE OFFICERS THAT CAPTURED THE ANIMALS. AND

[03:55:01]

MY RIGHT? WAS THAT THE REASON? THE RESPONSE WAS RIGHT WE NEED, WE HAVE A PIECEMEAL PROGRAM. SEVERAL ORGANIZATIONS DOING KEY MAGNIFICENT THINGS BUT WE NEED TO PUSH THIS ALONG. WE ARE ON THE HOME STRETCH TO UNIFY EVERYONE'S HEARTS DOING SUCH GREAT WORK SO THAT WE CAN BE A BEACON IN THE CENTRAL TEXAS SPACE. I HAVE A QUESTION FOR JORDAN. WHEN YOU TALKED ABOUT THE GRANTS PEACE, GRANTS OR ORGANIZATIONS THAT WE FUND PARTIALLY. DO THEY HAVE TO REPORT WHEN THEY GET A GRANT TO US? DESTA THEY HAVE TO REPORT THAT TO US? BACK IN THIS SPECIFIC CONTRACT, IN ORDER FOR APA TO BE REIMBURSED ON GRANT PROPOSALS THEY ARE REQUIRED TO SEND INFORMATION TO US TO BE PAID FOR IT. AND THAT IS CONSIDERED PROPERTY OF THE COUNTY. DOES THAT ANSWER THE QUESTION?

>> I AM BARELY HANGING ON SO I BELIEVE THAT A LOT OF THE AUDIENCE PROBABLY DOES NOT UNDERSTAND IT. BY PURE EXPERIENCE. AND IF AUSTIN PETS ALIVE! APPLIES FOR THE GRANT FROM THE PET STORE TO GIVE THEM DOG FOOD, AND I AM SIMPLIFYING THIS FOR EASY UNDERSTANDING AND THEY ARE AWARDED MONEY BUT IT IS PERFORMANCE-BASED, THEY CANNOT QUITE PUT A DOLLAR AMOUNT TO IT, BECAUSE THEY HAVE TO PERFORM TO GET IT. HOW DO WE EXPECT THEM TO HANDLE THAT? I WANT IT DONE RIGHT TOO.

>> I WOULD SAY IT IS THE SAME RULE. IF THEY ARE APPLYING FOR A GRANT, THE COUNTY HAS TO APPROVE THE APPLICATION. TWO, THE DOCUMENTATION WOULD HAVE TO BE PROVIDED TO THE COUNTY. I INTERRUPTED YOU MAYBE BUT I WILL ASK WITH A NOD, WAS THAT GRANT APPLIED TO ON BEHALF OF THE COUNTY?

>> NO. >> SO THAT WAS A GRANT TO HAYS COUNTY THAT WE HAPPEN TO BE CONTRACTING WITH. SO IT WAS NOT A GRANT TO HAYS COUNTY. IT WAS A GRANT TO THE ORGANIZATION THAT

WE ARE CONTRACTING WITH. >> I HAVE NOT SEEN ANY OF THIS WORK SO I AM SHOOTING FROM THE HIP .

>> JUST GIVE ME HYPOTHETICALS. >> IF THOSE SERVICES, WHAT I THINK I AM HEARING, APA SAYING, WE APPLIED FOR A GRANT SPECIFICALLY FOR SOMETHING FOR APA THAT IS UNRELATED.

PLEASE APPROACHED THE PODIUM AND CLARIFY .

>> FORGIVE ME, I AM SHOOTING FROM THE HIP .

>> I AM THE ONE WHO WROTE THE GRANT SO I AM THE BEST PERSON TO RESPOND. YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT TWO DIFFERENT ISSUES. IN THE CONTRACT WE ARE -- WE CAN WRITE GRANTS AND WE PLAN TO WRITE GRANTS WITH COLLABORATING ON PROFITS. COORDINATE THE ACTIVITIES RELATED TO THE PRC AND WE HAVE NOT DONE THAT. THAT PART OF THE CONTRACT HAS NOT BEEN CARRIED OUT. IT WAS NOT SCHEDULED UNTIL LATER IN THE YEAR AND IT DEPENDS ON WHEN GRANT MAKERS HAVE RFPS FOR GRANTS .

>> REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS . >> RIGHT .

>> WE HAD TO BE ELIGIBLE AND BE A GOOD FIT FOR THE GRANT. AT THE PET SMART GRANT WAS APPLIED FOR. AND IT WOULD ONLY BE AWARDED IF

[04:00:02]

WE HAD THE CONTRACT WHICH WAS AWARDED LAST FALL. THAT GRANT IS NOT TO HAYS COUNTY. IT IS TO THE AUSTIN PETS ALIVE! NATIONAL PROGRAM AND IT IS INTENDED TO LEND THE EXPERTISE OF OUR NATIONAL TEAM, WHICH HAS EXPERTISE IN DATA, RESEARCH, IMPLEMENTATION OF PROGRAMS, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT. ALL OF THE THINGS THAT WE KNOW ARE IMPORTANT TO SYSTEMS CHANGE AND WE KNEW THAT THE COUNTY WOULD PROBABLY NOT AGREE TO PAY FOR BUT WE KNEW IN ORDER TO CREATE A TRULY STRONG FOUNDATION AND A SUSTAINABLE FOUNDATION FOR THE PET RESOURCE CENTER IN HAYS COUNTY THAT WE WOULD NEED THOSE OPPORTUNITIES. IT IS PAYING THE SALARIES OF ME HERE PEOPLE THAT WORK ON THE NATIONAL PROGRAM THAT ARE NOT ONLY WORKING ON HAYS COUNTY AND WORKING ON CONTINUING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE MODEL THAT WE PROPOSED AND THAT IS WHAT IT IS BASED ON. IT WAS FOR OUR NATIONAL WORK. A CONSIDERABLE PART OF THE GRANT IS TO TAKE THE LESSONS THAT WE HAVE LEARNED TO AND IMPLEMENTING IN FULL A PET RESOURCE CENTER IN A LOCAL PLACE AND BROADCASTING TO THE NATION TO TEACH THEM THIS IS HOW IT WORKS WHEN YOU ARE ABLE TO GET A GOVERNMENT TO CHAMPION YOUR EFFORTS TO IMPLEMENT PROGRAMS ON THE GROUND AND TO ENGAGE YOUR COMMUNITY, WHICH IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. A CONSIDERABLE PART OF THE ACTIVITY IS TO ENGAGE THE COMMUNITY AND WE HAVE STARTED THAT. IT IS TO MAKE THE NATION RECOGNIZE WHAT REALLY WORKS WHEN A COMMUNITY GETS TOGETHER AND BUILDS A PET RESOURCE CENTER. IT IS NOT SPECIFICALLY FOR HAYS COUNTY. IT IS A GRANT TO THE APA NATIONAL PROJECT.

>> YOU DID SAY SOMETHING IN THE MIDDLE THAT GOT ME THINKING.

THAT, IF I'M HEARING YOU RIGHT, THE GRANT IS CONTINGENT ON GETTING THE CONTRACT SO, HOW DO YOU THREAD THAT NEEDLE?

>> THE GRANT WAS SPECIFICALLY WRITTEN FOR THESE ACTIVITIES. WE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO CARRY OUT THOSE ACTIVITIES IF WE DID NOT HAVE A CONTRACT WITH THE CITY AND IT IS A MULTIYEAR GRANT. WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CONTINUE THE GRANT IF OUR CONTRACT WITH THE

COUNTY IS REMOVED. >> THAT MAKE SENSE. THANK YOU,

JORDAN. >> I, THAT SAME EXACT PIECE. IT IS CONTINGENT ON THE CONTRACT WHICH MEANS IT IS RELATED TO ME.

>> CONTINGENT ON THE WORK BEING DONE BY THE COUNTY. THE WORK

BEING DONE IN THE COUNTY. >> WITHOUT ME SEEING IT I AM TRYING TO GIVE YOU THE BEST ANSWERS THAT I CAN. IT WAS, AND CORRECT ME IF I AM WRONG BUT I THINK THE GRANT WAS MENTIONED IN THE HAYS COUNTY PET RESOURCE CENTER NEWSLETTER. AND TO ME THAT ALSO SAYS THAT THIS IS RELATED TO OUR WORK AS THE, IT RELATED TO THE HAYS COUNTY PET RESOURCE COUNTY CONTRACT.

OUTSIDE LOOKING IN I HAVE NOT SEEN .

>> BUT WE HAVE CLOSER TO CLARITY SO I AM GRATEFUL FOR THAT.

>> IF WE COULD PUT OUR EYES ON IT THAT WOULD BE IDEAL TO ANSWER THE SPECIFIC QUESTION BUT WHAT I CAN TELL YOU NOW, TO ME IT SOUNDS LIKE AT A MINIMUM IT IS RELATED TO AND CONTINGENT UPON THEIR WORK ON BEHALF OF HAYS COUNTY AND IF I HAD TO GIVE YOU AN ANSWER THAT WOULD BE RELATIVE TO WHAT THEY ARE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE US WITHOUT SEEING IT IN FRONT OF ME.

>> YOU DID A PERFECT JOB SUMMARIZING. THANK YOU. I AM ALMOST DONE. THE LEADERS COMMENTS. I HAVE LEARNED THIS.

BEING AN ELECTED OFFICIAL IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT, FIRST OF ALL, IT IS MY HIGHEST HOPE AND, WE ALL SCREWED UP AS I POINTED OUT, IT IS MY HIGHEST HOPE THAT WE UNDERSTAND THAT, WHEN I SPEAK, TO A BODY, UNLESS IT WAS VOTED ON BY THIS BODY, I AM SPEAKING AS AN INDIVIDUAL RESIDENT OF THE COMMUNITY AND NOT A VOICE OF A MUNICIPALITY OR COUNSEL. IS MUCH AS I APPRECIATE BOTH OF THOSE PEOPLE AND AGREE WITH WHATEVER THEY SAY MOST OF THE TIME, I

[04:05:01]

WILL SAY THAT VOICE IS AN INDIVIDUAL VOICE AND NOT A GOVERNMENTAL BODY VOICE UNLESS IT WAS VOTED ON AND I DID NOT HEAR THAT IT WAS VOTED ON. JUST A CLARIFICATION PIECE. OKAY.

COMMISSIONER, YOU WROTE SOME NOTES?

>> I JUST WANTED TO RESPOND TO THE ITEMS THAT YOU BROUGHT UP.

THE FIRST ONE WAS THAT WE, AS A COURT, HAVE LOOKED AT POST THE NEEDS ASSESSMENT DONE IN 2022, YOU MADE THE POINT THAT THERE WERE OPPORTUNITIES FOR US TO ADDRESS THAT IN THE FUTURE CONTRACTS AND IF YOU ACTUALLY READ THE SCOPE OF THE LAST CONTRACT THAT APA HAD A IT WAS SCOPED IN THERE TO REASSESS UPDATES THAT COMMUNITYWIDE ASSESSMENT. UNFORTUNATELY, IT WAS NOT UPDATED TO REFLECT CONCERNS THAT WE HAD AND AS WE HEARD TODAY FROM REPRESENTATIVES, THEY CONTINUED TO REFERENCE THAT 2022 STUDY ONE THAT WAS ACTUALLY PART AND PARCEL OF THE CONTRACT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF, IT WAS THE REVIEW OF CURRENT NEEDS. THE RESOURCE CENTER REVIEW OF NEEDS COMPLETED LAST YEAR THAT IN TOTAL WE PROVIDED $375,000 AND I THINK IT IS INTERESTING THIS YEAR YOU HAD GREAT NUMBERS ON WHAT WE HAVE HELP P.A.L.S. WITH IN THE PAST. IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS WE HAVE DONE IF YOU LOOK AT THOSE OVERALL NUMBERS. WE ARE TALKING WITHIN JUST FOR THE PREVIOUS CONTRACT AND THREE MONTHS INTO THIS CONTRACT, WE HAVE ROUGHLY OVER $450,000. MY CONCERNS ARE, AGAIN, I WAS VERY DIRECT AND I LOOKED AT, I HAVE LOOKED AT EVERYONE OF THOSE CONTRACTS. WHENEVER WE TALKED ABOUT THE SCOPE OF THE CONTRACTS IN COURT THERE WERE DELIVERABLES THAT WE SPENT A LOT OF TIME TALKING ABOUT. BUT THERE ARE MANY I DON'T THINK WERE MET. HOW WE PROGRAMMATICALLY LOOK AT THOSE AND THE BILINGUAL COMMUNITY. THE OTHER THING THAT I WOULD SAY IS I AM VERY INTERESTED TO HEAR MORE ON THE GRANT BECAUSE, AGAIN, I ASKED FOR THAT INFORMATION TWO WEEKS AGO AND I GOT NOTHING. THE ONLY RESPONSE I GOT WAS TO CLARIFY WAS, I SAID, AND I WILL READ THE EMAIL HERE. IT WAS VERY, VERY DIRECT. I ASKED, "FOR ANY BACKGROUND MATERIALS RELATED TO THE APPLICATION." IT SAYS THAT WE WORKED WITH THE JUDGES OFFICE ON THE APPLICATION AND WHENEVER I SAID, "CAN YOU CLARIFY?" AS FAR AS ANY AND ALL OBLIGATIONS ON BEHALF OF THE COUNTY AND HOW WE ARE RELATED TO THIS GRANT, THE ANSWER I GOT WAS THAT APA DOES NOT PUBLICLY SHARE GRANT AMOUNTS. THAT IS PART OF OUR

CONTRACT. >> THAT IS DEBATABLE BUT I

UNDERSTAND YOUR CONCERN. >> I KNOW WE HAVE ALL SPOKEN BUT TO MOVE PAST THIS TODAY, I WILL TELL YOU I DO HAVE A MOTION PREPARED AND I MAY NOT GET A SECOND ON IT. I AM GOING TO MOVE FOR TERMINATION OF THE CONTRACT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES HELD BY APA AND DIRECTS BROADDUS & ASSOCIATES IN A TIMELY AND COST-EFFECTIVE MANNER FOR THE COUNTY.

>> SECOND . >> WE HAVE A MOTION AND ACE -- SECOND TWO TERMINATE THE CONTRACT WITH APA. WHILE

PROVIDING DIRECTION TO BROADDUS. >> I MOVE FOR TERMINATION OF THE CONTRACT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR THE CREATION OF A PET RESOURCE CENTER HELD BY APA AND DIRECTED BROADDUS & ASSOCIATES TO WORK DIRECTLY WITH LOCAL MUNICIPALITIES AND PROJECTS TO PROVIDE -- NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS TO DELIVER THE

[04:10:15]

HAYS COUNTY RESOURCE, EDUCATION, AND RESEARCH CENTER IN A TIMELY

AND COST-EFFECTIVE MANNER. >> LET'S VERIFY THE LANGUAGE OF

THE MOTION . >> IT CANCELS THE CONTRACT WITH APA AND WE CURRENTLY HAVE A CONTRACT WITH BROADDUS & ASSOCIATES TO COORDINATE THE DEVELOPMENT OF THIS . A GIVES DIRECT GUIDANCE TO L. ON TO TO WORK WITH AND THEY NEED TO DO IT IN A TIME EFFECTIVE MANNER PURSUANT TO REALLY LOOKING AT THAT TIMETABLE THAT WE HAVE WITH THE SAN MARCUS REGIONAL ANIMAL SHELTER. WE KNOW THAT WE HAVE LOCAL MUNICIPALITIES THAT ARE MOVING FORWARD WITH THIS FACILITY AND WE KNOW THERE ARE LOCAL NONPROFITS THAT PROVIDE THE SERVICES TO TRY TO FIGURE OUT THE BEST WAY TO INCORPORATE THOSE THINGS. I USE THIS AND I SAY THIS AND I WILL USE THIS ONE POINT AS AN EXAMPLE. IN THAT ORIGINAL NEEDS ASSESSMENT, I THINK THE OVERALL FACILITY THAT WAS ANTICIPATED IN THERE WAS BETWEEN $25 MILLION-$35 MILLION.

46 FULL-TIME STAFF OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT. AT THE TIME WE HAD 26 PEOPLE IN THE TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT. I THOUGHT WE ALREADY HAVE INDIVIDUALS IN THE COMMUNITY THAT DO THIS STUFF BUT AS WE LOOKED AT THIS AND ANTICIPATED IT, THERE IS A FULL-SERVICE VETERINARY UNIT IN THAT FACILITY WHICH IS ANTICIPATED. WE HAVE A NONPROFIT HERE TODAY THAT HAS A FULL-SERVICE VETERINARY FACILITY NOW. LOOKING AT WHAT KYLE IS ANTICIPATING, IF WE KNOCKED ON KILES DOOR TOMORROW IT WOULD SAY HOW MUCH BIGGER DO WE NEED TO BUILD IT? AND HOW DO YOU PARTNER WITH US ON MOVING FORWARD? WE KNOW THAT YOU WANT REUNIFICATION SERVICES AND WE KNOW THAT YOU WANT SEARCHES RELATED TO THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF HUMAN AND ANIMAL INTERACTION. I THINK THAT AS THEY LOOK AT WHAT NEEDS SHOULD BE PLACED IN THAT FACILITY, THEY WILL BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO SIT DOWN AND TALK TO US ABOUT IT. I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR INPUT FROM ANY OTHER MEMBER OF

THE COURT. >> COMMISSIONER INGALSBE

>> I THINK YOU ARE RIGHT. THEY ARE VERY INTERESTED TO HEAR FROM US AND INTERESTED IN WORKING WITH US. WE HAVE A MEETING SCHEDULED WITH THEM AND HAVE SCHEDULED TO MEET IN A FEW DAYS.

>> FOR THE PET SPACE? >> IT IS A CONTINUATION JUDGE. I

BELIEVE, JUDGE . >> I WASN'T TOLD ABOUT THAT .

>> WELL, ACTUALLY, WE HAD ALREADY BEEN MEETING WITH THE CITY OF KYLE AND THAT MEETING HAPPENED AND I WAS INVITED TO THAT MEETING AND I HAD TO STEP BACK BECAUSE I HAD ALREADY BEEN

MEETING WITH THE CITY OF KYLE. >> I AM JUST, JUST FOR CLARIFICATION, THAT ELIMINATES THE CONTRACT WITH APA CURRENTLY BUT IT ONLY ACCOUNTS FOR BRICK AND MORTAR TYPE THINGS LIKE NOT

THE VIRTUAL PROGRAMS? >> THE CONTRACT THAT APA HAS RIGHT NOW IS THE VIRTUAL CONTRACT.

>> OKAY. I MEAN, WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO CANCEL THE CONTRACT TO RENEGOTIATE IN THE FIRST PLACE BUT I AM JUST SAYING I AM NOT AGAINST APA, I AM NOT AGAINST P.A.L.S.. JUDGE ALWAYS SAYS THE SUN SHINES FOR EVERYBODY SO I WOULD LOVE TO SEE COLLABORATION

AND MORE FUNDING TO P.A.L.S. >> HE WILL HAVE THE CHANCE DURING THE BUDGET CYCLE. ALL RIGHT. EVERYONE HAS SPOKEN.

PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >>

>> AND THE JUST LIKE THAT, WE KEEP MOVING .

>> IS IT OKAY TO ASK A CLARIFYING QUESTION?

[Items K.7. & K.8.]

>> DO WE DRAFT THAT TERMINATION LETTER?

>> YES . >> NOW AS PROMISED WE WILL BRING K. 7 AND IT IN. K. 7 DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO ESTABLISH FOUR (4) NEW EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION OFFICERS, GRADE MBS0, AND REGRADE A 9-1-1 CUSTODIAN OF RECORDS POSITION, SLOT #0623-1 TO AN MBS10, EFFECTIVE 5/1/25, AND AMEND THE BUDGET ACCORDINGLY. K. 8. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION

[04:15:04]

TO AUTHORIZE THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE TO ESTABLISH AN OPERATING BUDGET FOR A COUNTY WIDE EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION AND AMEND THE BUDGET ACCORDINGLY.

>> SO MOVED . >> SECOND .

>> I WANT TO HAND IT OVER TO JORDAN QUICKLY. ON CASE 7 WE WILL ONLY BE TAKEN -- TAKING ACTION ON THE COMMUNICATION OFFICERS. WE WILL HOLD OFF ON THE REGRADE AND BRING THAT BACK TO COURT POSSIBLY NEXT MEETING. WE STILL NEED TO DO SOME WORK ON

THAT. >> I HAVE SOME FOR PUBLIC COMMENTS AND I HAVE SUCH A STACK I CANNOT FIND IT. SOMEONE HAD PUBLIC COMMENT ON K. 7. WILL YOU PLEASE APPROACH THE PODIUM.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE . >> YES, SIR. I AM SCOTT COLORED AND I AM THE FIRE CHIEF FOR DACHSHUND I AM THE CHAIRPERSON FOR THE COMBINED EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION CENTER ADVISORY BOARD AND I AM SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF OF THAT WORD TO YOU GUYS. THANK YOU HYDROGEN COMMISSIONERS FOR YOUR TIME ON MARCH 11TH, WE HAD A PRESENTATION BY DIRECTORS STEPHANIE ROBINSON AND BY CHIEF DEPUTY BRETT BAILEY. IT WAS A COMPREHENSIVE VIEW OF THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COMBINED EMERGENCY CAN OCCASION CENTER. THE COLLABORATION AND SUPPORT DEMONSTRATED BY THE SHERIFF OF -- AND CHIEF BAILEY AND HIS STAFF REQUIRED COMMITMENT TO MAINTAIN THE POSITION TO UPHOLD THE MISSION. I AM PLEASED TO INFORM YOU THAT THE CEC -- CECC ADVISORY BOARD EXPRESSED SUPPORT FOR CHANGES TO OPERATIONS OF HAYS COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS CENTER AND WE BELIEVE THESE CHANGES REPRESENT AN IMPORTANT STEP FORWARD TO AND IMPROVING EFFICIENCY RESPONSIVENESS AND OVERALL EFFECTIVENESS OF EMERGENCY SERVICES IN HAYS COUNTY. IS PROPOSED INCREASE IN STAFFING AND THE UPDATE TO THE CECC OPERATIONS ARE ESSENTIAL IN ENSURING OUR COMMUNITY IS WELL PREPARED TO FACE ROUTINE AND EXTRAORDINARY EMERGENCIES. THE NEED FOR TIMELY AND WELL COORDINATED BETWEEN EMERGENCY RESPONDERS IS CRITICAL IN MINIMIZING PROPERTY DAMAGE AND SITTING LESSON BY ENHANCING THE COUNTY WILL BE BETTER EQUIPPED TO MANAGE EMERGENCY SITUATIONS QUICKLY AND EFFICIENTLY. WE ALSO WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE IMPORTANCE OF THESE CHANGES FOR IMPROVING THE WORK ENVIRONMENT FOR OUR COMMUNICATIONS PROFESSIONALS AND FIRST RESPONDERS. WITH UPDATED TOOLS AND PROCESSES THEY WILL BE ABLE TO PERFORM THEIR DUTIES WITH GREATER PRECISION, WITH REDUCED STRESS, WHICH CAN ULTIMATELY LEAD TO FASTER AND MORE EFFECTIVE SERVICES DURING CRITICAL INCIDENTS.

ADDITIONALLY, THE INTEGRATION OF BEST PRACTICE-BASED POLICIES AND PROCEDURES WILL ENABLE THE CECC TO EMPLEVIDENCE-BASED APPROACHES THAT IMPROVE DECISION-MAKING , RESPONSE TIMES AND THE OVERALL QUALITY OF EMERGENCY SERVICES. IT IS A MEASURE THAT WILL UNDOUBTEDLY REDUCE INEFFICIENCIES THAT WILL PROMOTE CONSISTENCY IN OPERATIONS, AND ENHANCE THE ABILITY TO MANAGE ANY INCIDENT, LARGE OR SMALL WITH CONFIDENCE AND EXPERTISE. THE ADVISORY BOARD APPRECIATES THE COUNTY COMMITMENT TO MAINTAINING AND APPROVING EMERGENCY RESPONSE SYSTEMS AND WE FULLY SUPPORT THE PROPOSED CHANGES. THE BOARD IS CONFIDENT THE CHANGES TO THE CECC BENEFIT THE HAYS COUNTY COMMUNITY AND WE URGE YOU TO PROCEED WITH IMPLEMENTATION .

THE SAFETY AND WELL-BEING OF RESIDENTS SHOULD BE A TOP PRIORITY AND APARTMENTS TO THE CECC OPERATIONS WILL MAKE A MEANINGFUL DIFFERENCE IN ENSURING THAT WE WILL MEET THE GROWING DEMANDS OF THE COMMUNITY SO ON BEHALF OF THE CECC, THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND CONSIDERATION.

>> TODAY, I THINK EVERYONE IS JUST PREPARED TO TALK ABOUT THE EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS OFFICERS AND HOLDING OFF ON ANY 911 CUSTODIAN POSITION. I DO BELIEVE IN CHIEF BAILEY IS HERE

[04:20:01]

AND CAN CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG. I THINK INSTEAD OF FOUR EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION OFFICERS, WE'RE ACTUALLY GOING TO DISCUSS FIVE.

>> CHIEF BAILEY, ANYTHING TO ADD? THANK YOU, SIR. YOUR

PROXIMITY WAS IDEAL. >> THANK YOU, JUDGE. THANK YOU COMMISSIONERS. FIRST, I'D JUST LIKE TO SAY THANK YOU TO CHIEF COLLARD AND TO THE ENTIRE ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR WORKING WITH US OVER THE PAST MONTH TO SIX WEEKS. I'D LIKE TO SAY THAT THE HAYS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE IS ABSOLUTELY COMMITTED TO BEING A GOOD PARTNER IN PROVIDING DISPATCH SERVICES TO ALL OF OUR FIRST RESPONDER EMERGENCY SERVICES. WE HAVE A PLAN. IT'S A LOFTY PLAN, BUT THE FIRST STEP IN BEING A GOOD PARTNER IS TO ASK THE COURT TODAY FOR FIVE EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION OFFICERS. I'D LIKE TO STATE PUBLICLY THAT IT IS MY INTENT TO PRIORITIZE FOUR OF THOSE ECO'S ONCE THEY COMPLETE THEIR TRAINING AND EVALUATION PERIODS TO BE PRIORITIZED FOR FIRE AND EMS DISPATCHING. I'M HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS IF THERE ARE ANY.

>> WHAT I'D LIKE TO DO IS ADD A LITTLE CONTRIBUTION THAT WHAT THE CHIEF JUST SAID IS ABSOLUTELY RIGHT. I GET TO, AS COMMISSIONER INGALSBE POINTED OUT, I GET TO BE THE CHAIR. I'M SO GRATEFUL THAT OUR SHERIFF HAS DONE NOTHING BUT AN UNDERSTANDING JOB IN PICKING YOU AND ALL THE ENERGY YOU'VE PUT FORTH. THE SINCERITY COMES THROUGH IN WHAT THEY'RE SAYING.

IT IS REAL. ALL THE FIRE CHIEFS ARE HERE TALKING ABOUT BEING IN FULL SUPPORT AND AGREEING WITH THIS. I JUST WANT YOU GUYS TO UNDERSTAND, VIEWING PUBLIC, THAT THIS WAS A CHASM BETWEEN THESE IDEAS AND HOW QUICKLY YOU'VE DECIDED TO WORK TOGETHER. IT IS A MAGNIFICENT, BREATH OF FRESH AIR. AND IT'S A GIFT TO SEE YOUR WILLINGNESS TO SERVE OUR COMMUNITIES IN THE WAY YOU ARE.

I JUST WANT TO SAY, AS SOMEONE WATCHING AND IN THESE SPACES, I AM MOST GRATEFUL. AND I AM PUBLICLY GIVING YOU GUYS ALL PRAISE. THANK YOU. COMMISSIONERS INGALSBE, ANYTHING TO ADD?

>> NOPE. I APPRECIATE THE COOPERATION AND STEPHANIE, YOUR WORK ON THIS, TOO, IS REALLY APPRECIATED.

>> ABSOLUTELY. I'M GOING TO SHIFT OVER, CHIEF, TO OUR BUDGET

OFFICER. >> YES. I JUST WANT TO POINT OUT IN THE BACKUP THE FISCAL IMPACT WILL BE UPDATED FOR THE BUDGET AMENDMENT TO REFLECT 172-0504. THE FUNDS NEEDED FOR ADDING FIVE

POSITIONS. >> PERFECT. YOU GOT IT. SO THE MOTION IS FOR FIVE POSITIONS. JUST TO BE CLEAR WHAT WE'RE VOTING ON WHEN THE PUBLIC SEES IT.

>> LET'S GO TO K8 AND THEN WE'RE GOING TO GO TO, I GOT YOU ALL IN ORDER, GUYS. I'M GOING TO GO AHEAD AND GO TO K1 AND THEN WE'RE GOING TO GO TO JUDGE 3 AND 4. K8. LET'S HAVE THAT DISCUSSION. COMMISSIONER, WOULD YOU LIKE TO KICK US OFF?

>> I THOUGHT WE VOTED ON THAT. >> WE VOTED ON THAT. WE'RE DONE

[K.1. Discussion and possible action to accept the Fiscal Year 2024 Hays County Annual Comprehensive Financial Report as audited by ABIP, PC Certified Public Accountants. INGALSBE/VILLARREAL-ALONZO]

ON THAT. THANK YOU. >> NOW LET'S GO AHEAD AND OPEN K1 FOR OUR AUDITOR. THANK YOU ALL FOR BEING PATIENT.

>> DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO ACCEPT THE FISCAL YEAR 2024 HAYS COUNTY ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT AS AUDITED BY ABIP, PC CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS.

>> SECOND. >> ALL RIGHT. ALL YOURS.

>> HELLO. >> NEVER SEEN SO MANY HAPPY BADGES AND SHIELDS. THANK YOU, GUYS.

>> THIS ITEM IS TO PRESENT THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS THAT WE HAVE PREPARED. THE COUNTY IS PREPARED TO HAVE ANNUAL AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS THAT WE REPORT TO OUR BONDHOLDERS AND TO CITIZENS. AND THOSE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS HAVE BEEN COMPILED BY MY OFFICE. THEY'VE NOW BEEN AUDITED BY THE FIRM ABIP. AND WE HAVE THE AUDIT PARTNER, MICHAEL DELTORO AND THE AUDIT SENIOR MANAGER WHO ARE HERE TO PRESENT THE RESULTS TO THE

COMMISSIONERS' COURT. >> OKAY. THANK YOU, JUDGE. THANK

[04:25:02]

YOU COMMISSIONERS FOR HAVING ME HERE TODAY. I WANT TO THANK THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE AND THE % TREASURER'S OFFICE AND TAX OFFICE AND ALL THE OFFICES THAT HELPED US GET HERE TODAY AND A SPECIAL THANKS TO VICKIE FOR HER EXCELLENCE AND SERVICE TO THE COUNTY. GOT TO WORK FOR HER A NUMBER OF YEARS AND MAKES OUR JOB EASIER HAVING HER HERE ALL YEAR. SO, BRIEFLY, I'LL JUST GO OVER THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT. IT'S A BIG BOUND BOOK.

YOU'VE HAVE EXCERPTS PROVIDED FOR YOU TODAY. INCLUDED IN THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT ARE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORTS. ALSO SOME INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING AND COMPLIANCE AND OTHER MATTERS. IN ACCORDANCE WITH GOVERNMENT AUDITING STANDARDS. FINALLY A COMPLIANCE REPORT FOR EACH MAJOR FEDERAL PROGRAM AND STATE PROGRAM. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE UNIFORMED GUIDANCE AND STATE SINGLE AUDIT CIRCULAR. STARTING FIRST WITH OUR INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT. BASICALLY IT EXPLAINS WHAT WE'RE ENGAGED TO DO. AUDIT THE GOVERNMENTAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2024. WE PERFORM THIS AUDIT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE STANDARDS REQUIRED. THAT'S THE GENERALLY ACCEPTED AUDITING STANDARDS OF THE UNITED STATES AS WELL AS THE GOVERNMENT STANDARDS. THE PURPOSE IS TO PERFORM AN OPINION OVER THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS PRESENTED IN FRONT OF YOU TODAY. OUR INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT OPINION IS AN UNMODIFIED OPINION. BASICALLY STATES WE HAVE NO MODIFYING STATEMENTS X IT'S THE HIGHEST OPINION YOU CAN GET FROM AN INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTING FIRM. IN THE FIELD, WE CALL IT A CLEAN OPINION. IT'S A GOOD OPINION. NEXT IS THE INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING AND COMPLIANCE IN OTHER MATTERS IN ACCORDANCE WITH AUDITING STANDARDS. WE'RE REQUIRED TO DO THAT BECAUSE YOU RECEIVE A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF FEDERAL FUNDINGS. IT REQUIRES US AUDITORS TO CONSIDER INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING AND COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS MATERIAL TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. WE HAD NO MATERIAL WEAKNESSES OR DEFICIENCIES IN THE INTERNAL CONTROLS OR NONCOMPLIANCE DURING OUR REVIEW. SO A CLEAN AUDIT. LASTLY IS OUR COMPLIANCE REPORT FOR EACH MAJOR FEDERAL PROGRAM. AN INTERNALCONTROL OVER COMPLIANCE REQUIRED BY THE UNIFORM GUIDANCE AND STATE OF TEXAS SINGLE AUDIT CIRCULAR. THIS IS REQUIRED BECAUSE THE COUNTY RECEIVES SIGNIFICANT FUNDS FROM THE FEDERAL AND STATE GOVERNMENTS. IT'S REQUIRED BECAUSE YOU ALL RECEIVE OVER $750,000 ANNUALLY. WE DID REVIEW TWO PROGRAMS AS REQUIRED BY OUR STANDARDS. WE REVIEWED THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT, THE ARPAA FUND ON THE FEDERAL SIDE AND ALSO THE FEDERAL HIGHWAY PLANNING, CONSTRUCTING GRANTS, WHICH IS SPLIT BETWEEN FEDERAL AND STATE. WE HAD UNMODIFIED OPINIONS ON THOSE STATEMENTS AND PROGRAMS AS WELL. WE DIDN'T HAVE ANY INTERNAL CONTROL WEAKNESSES OR NONCOMPLIANCE RELATED TO THE COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR THOSE MAJOR PROGRAMS. QUICKLY, JUST SOME FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR. I'LL COVER THE GENERAL FUND. THE MAIN OPERATING FUND. TOTAL ASSETS WAS $89 MILLION. ABOUT 94% OF THAT IS CURRENT ASSETS, SUCH AS CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENCE, WHICH MADE UP $77 MILLION. AND RECEIVABLES OF $7.2 MILLION. TOTAL FUND BALANCE FOR THE GENERAL FUND WAS $7.3 MILLION. AN INCREASE OF ABOUT $3 MILLION. A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF THAT $70 MILLION IS IN UNASSIGNED. $59.9MILLION.

THAT'S 4.5, 5 MONTHS OPERATING RECEIVE. IT'S A VERY HEALTHY FUND BALANCE FOR THE GENERAL FUND. CHANGES IN FUND BALANCE.

REVENUES FOR THE YEAR WAS $144 MILLION. A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF THAT IS FROM TAXES, SUCH AS SALES AND MAKES UP 83% OR ROUGHLY $110 MILLION OF THAT $144. EXPENDITURES WAS PRIMARILY IN THE LAW ENFORCEMENT CORRECTION SLASH CORRECTIONS FUNCTION OF THE GOVERNMENT AND JUDICIAL BRANCHES OF THE GOVERNMENT. EXPENDITURES TOTALED $146 MILLION. WE DID HAVE SOME OTHER FINANCES SOURCES. SOME LEASES WE WERE REQUIRED TO TRACK. OF $6 MILLION. THE OVERALL INCREASE WAS $3.3 MILLION. FINALLY, SOME DISCLOSURES IN THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT. THERE'S SOME SIGNIFICANT DISCLOSURES AS WELL AS SOME STATISTICAL REPORTS THAT ARE IMPORTANT. LONG TERM DEBT FOR THE COUNTY WAS $517.5 MILLION. THAT'S A DECREASE OF $25 MILLION. THAT'S JUST REQUIRED BY YOUR BOND PAYMENT

[04:30:05]

SCHEDULES. THE STATISTICALS ARE SOME TRENDS AND ANALYSIS ON THE PROPERTY TAXES, WHICH IS A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF THE COUNTY'S OPERATING REVENUES. OUR TAX RATE DID DECREASE FROM THE PRIOR FISCAL YEAR FROM 31 CENTS TO 30.7 CENTS PER HUNDRED DOLLAR EVALUATION. THE ASSESSED VALUE INCREASED 20%. WE'RE STILL ABLE TO BRING IN HISTORICALLY 98% COLLECTION ON OUR TAX LEVY. WE DIDN'T HAVE ANY NEW ACCOUNTING POLICIES WE HAD TO ADOPT THIS YEAR. NEXT YEAR WE'LL HAVE A NEW ACCOUNTING POLICY TO OVERCOMPENSATE ABSENCES REQUIRED TO BE ADOPTED. FINALLY WE HAVE A LETTER OF CONDUCT WE'RE REQUIRED TO COMMUNICATE TO THE COMMISSIONERS' COURT. BASICALLY STATES IF WE HAD ANY ISSUES WITH THE AUDIT. ANY DISAGREEMENTS OR DIFFICULTIES IN PERFORMING OR MATERIAL WEAKNESSES OR MATERIAL MISSTATEMENTS AND WE DIDN'T HAVE ANY OF THOSE. WE HAD FIVE JOURNAL ENTRIES. GIVEN THE SIZE OF THE COUNTY, FIVE JOURNAL ENTRIES MEANS THE FINANCIAL INFORMATIONS YOU GET, YOU CAN RELY ON THAT INFORMATION. WITH THAT, I'LL TAKE ANY QUESTIONS YOU HAVE OVER ANYTHING I COVERED OR THE AUDIT PROCESS OR ANYTHING IN THE ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT.

>> COMMISSIONERS? >> I APPRECIATE THE REPORT.

THANK YOU SO MUCH. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO WAS INVOLVED. THANK

YOU ALL. GREAT WORK. >> YES, THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU FOR PUTTING THIS TOGETHER. IT'S A LOT TO PUT

TOGETHER. >> AS ALWAYS, I'M ALWAYS IMPRESSED WITH OUR AUDITORS' OFFICE AND WHAT YOU ALL DO.

GREAT JOB. >> THANK YOU. I WILL GET THIS PRINTED TO YOU AND POSTED ON THE WEBSITE. I'M WAITING ON TWO STATISTICAL DATA FROM ONE OF OUR DEPARTMENTS. THEY SHOULD HAVE IT

TO ME BY TOMORROW. >> YOU'RE GOING TO POST IT ON

THE WEBSITE? >> YES.

>> PERFECT. >> WELL, THERE YOU GO. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. AND SORRY WE TOOK SO LONG.

>> OKAY. >> DO WE NEED TO VOTE? PLEASE CALL THE ROLL.

[K.3. Discussion and possible action to change the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) classification for identified positions effective April 1, 2025. BECERRA/MILLER]

JENNIFER, I HAVEN'T LOST SIGHT OF YOU. YOU'RE AFTER THIS ONE.

LET'S OPEN K3 AND THEN OPEN K4. >> K3. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO CHANGE THE FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT CLASSIFICATION FOR IDENTIFIED POSITIONS EFFECTIVE APRIL 1, 2025.

>> ALL RIGHT. HOME STRETCH. >> GOOD MORNING. SHERRY MILLER, HR DIRECTOR. SO, LAST YEAR, WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE, ONE OF THE TASKS THE COMMITTEE TOOK ON WERE ANALYZING THE FLSA FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT CLASSIFICATION OF POSITIONS IN THE COUNTY. WHETHER THE POSITION IS ELIGIBLE TO ACCRUE OVERTIME OR NOT IS ONE OF THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE FSLA. THERE WERE A HANDFUL OF POSITIONS THAT COMPENSATION COMMITTEE MEMBERS FELT NEEDED TO BE REVIEWED. AND THEN WE DID REACH OUT TO DEPARTMENT HEADS AND ELECTED OFFICIALS AND ASKED FOR INPUT FROM EACH OF THE DEPARTMENTS, IF THEY HAD POSITIONS THAT THEY FELT MIGHT BE MISCLASSIFIED. SO THE LIST THAT YOU HAVE INDICATES THE REVIEW RECOMMENDATION FROM THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE. THERE ARE TWO POSITIONS THAT THE COMMITTEE INITIALLY FELT PROBABLY MET THE EXEMPT CRITERIA. WHICH IS NOT BLACK AND WHITE. SO WHEN YOU ANALYZE FEDERAL REGULATIONS TO THIS DEGREE, IT'S OFTEN TIMES AN INTERPRETATION OF THE DUTIES THAT ARE BEING PERFORMED. BUT IN THE TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT, THERE ARE TWO POSITIONS THAT WE WOULD LIKE TO HOLD OFF ON AND REMAIN CLASSIFIED AS NONEXEMPT.

JUST GIVEN THE NEW DIRECTOR AND NOT THAT THEIR JOBS ARE GOING TO CHANGE, BUT WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WHEN WE CHANGE A POSITION FROM NONEXEMPT TO EXEMPT THAT THAT CHANGE IS DEFINITE. AND THAT WE'VE ANALYZED THEIR DUTIES CORRECTLY. AND THEN THERE'S A THIRD POSITION IN THE COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE THAT THE CHIEF DEPUTY CLERK LEVEL THAT WE WOULD LIKE TO HOLD OFF AND LET THAT POSITION REMAIN NONEXEMPT FOR THE SAME REASON. TO ANALYZE

[04:35:04]

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE AND SCOPE AND BREATH OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES. THEN THE LAST POSITION THAT IS OF CONCERN ARE OUR COURT REPORTERS IN THE COUNTY COURT AT LAW OFFICE. WE HAVE TALKED WITH AND WORKED WITH JUDGE HALL ON THIS PARTICULAR ANALYSIS. THE COURT REPORTERS ARE OBVIOUSLY CERTIFIED. SO THERE'S AN EDUCATIONAL COMPONENT THERE. BUT NOT TO THE DEGREE THAT THE FLSA INDICATES THAT YOU COULD BE EXEMPT BASED ON A PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION. SO, THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE, THOUGH, DID FEEL LIKE THE COURT REPORTERS MET THE EXEMPT ANALYSIS. HR, MYSELF, MR. RIGGS, WE HAVE CONDUCTED SOME ADDITIONAL ANALYSIS AND REALLY DUG INTO THE FLSA TO MAKE SURE THAT THAT CALL WOULD BE ACCURATE. AND I DO NOT THINK THE COURT REPORTERS WOULD BE APPROPRIATE AS EXEMPT. NOW, JUDGE HALL PROBABLY HAS OTHER COMMENTS OR THOUGHTS ABOUT THAT.

ULTIMATELY, THE DECISION TO CLASSIFY AND PAY SOMEONE OVERTIME OR CLASSIFY THEM AS EXEMPT AND NOT ALLOW THEM TO BE ACCRUED OVERTIME OR PAID OVERTIME IS, IT'S A MANAGEMENT DECISION. IT'S AN EXECUTIVE DECISION. IT'S ULTIMATELY YOUR DECISION. THE RISK OF MISCLASSIFYING A POSITION OR AN EMPLOYEE AS EXEMPT, WHERE THEY DON'T ACCRUE OVERTIME, WOULD BE, SHOULD DOL AUDIT AND THE COUNTY HAS, TO MY UNDERSTANDING, EXPERIENCED A DOL AUDIT. IT WAS BEFORE MY TIME. I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE SCOPE OF THAT AUDIT WAS OR WHAT THE OVERCOME WAS, BUT THEY COULD COME AT ANY TIME. WE WOULD HAVE TO BE PREPARED TO DEFEND ANY CLASSIFICATION OF ANY OF THE POSITIONS. SO I WANT YOU TO KNOW THE FULL TRANSPARENT STORY OF THE ANALYSIS AND THE THOUGHTS BEHIND BOTH THE RECOMMENDATION FROM THE COMMITTEE AND FROM MYSELF. AND THEN FROM JUDGE HALL.

>> SO JUST TO RECAP, THE COMMITTEES SUPPORT YOUR SUPPORT AND THEN WE'LL LET JUDGE HALL TALK. RECAP THE SUPPORT. DID

THEY SUPPORT IT? >> FOR THE COURT REPORTERS, THE COMMITTEE DID SUPPORT THE POSITIONS TO CHANGE TO EXEMPT.

>> AND THEN YOU'RE SAYING CAUTION.

>> I'M SAYING, I WOULD SAY NO. >> OKAY. THANK YOU.

>> YOU'RE WELCOME. O CF1 CF2 O >> YES, PERFECT. JUDGE HALL.

OU'RE BROUGHT UP. LET'S HEAR WHAT YOUR ANGLE IS.

>> FOR THE RECORD, JIMMIE HALL. ADMINISTRATIVE JUDGE FOR THE COUNTY COURT OF LAW. ANALYZING THE ISSUE. YOU START WITH THE PURPOSE OF THE STATUTE. THE PURPOSE OF THE STATUTE WITH RESPECT TO EXEMPT VERSUS NONEXEMPT IS TO PROTECT THE EMPLOYEES. THAT YOU DON'T WANT EMPLOYERS CLASSING SOMEONE EXEMPT AND MAKING THEM WORK 60 HOURS A WEEK AND ONLY GET PAID FOR 40. THAT'S NOT THE CASE HERE. THIS CASE IS WHERE THE COURT REPORTERS ARE REQUESTING TO BE TREATED EXEMPT. IF YOU LOOK AT WHAT OTHER COUNTIES DO, BEAR COUNTY, TRAVIS COUNTY, THOSE ARE OUR COMPETITORS FOR OUR COURT REPORTERS. THEY TREAT THEIRS AS EXEMPT. SO, THEY HAVE DONE THEIR OWN ANALYSIS. THOSE TWO COUNTIES AND I RESPECT THEIR WORK AS WELL AS I THINK MISS MILLER POINTED OUT TO US IN THE MATERIALS TO THE COUNTY THAT IF ON THE ISSUE OF THE COURT REPORTERS, IF THE JUDGES DISAGREE, THEN PUT IT IN THE FILE. BUT IT'S THE JUDGE'S DECISION. AND OUR COMMUNICATION WITH THE OFFICE OF COURT ADMINISTRATION RECENTLY IS UNDER CHAPTER 52 OF THE CODE THAT ADDRESSES THE ISSUES OF COURT REPORTERS, IT'S THE DECISION OF THE JUDGES. WHETHER IT'S A DISTRICT COURT OR COUNTY COURT.

HAYS COUNTY DISTRICT COURT COURT REPORTERS ARE EXEMPT. SO, IT'S A DECISION OF THE JUDGES TO MAKE THAT DECISION. IT'S OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO MANAGE OUR COURT REPORTERS AND AS OUR EMPLOYEES, TO MAKE SURE THAT WE PROTECT THEM AND WHEN THEY COME TO US AND SAY WE WANT TO BE EXEMPT, AND THE OTHER COUNTIES AND THE OCA SAYS THEY CAN BE EXEMPT, THAT'S WHAT I THINK THEY SHOULD BE. I DID MY OWN LEGAL RESEARCH AND FOUND A COURT

[04:40:03]

CASE THAT IS NOT COURT REPORTERS, BUT IT'S PARALLEL IN THE SENSE IT WAS PILOTS WORKING FOR A REGIONAL AIRLINE. YOU DON'T HAVE TO HAVE A COLLEGE DEGREE BUT HAVE TO DO ALL THE TRAINING AND GET CERTIFIED AND HAVE TO KEEP UP YOUR CERTIFICATION. SO IT'S IMPORTANT WORK. IT'S PARALLEL.

THAT WAS NOT AN OPINION FROM AN AGENCY.

>> I'LL RECAP WHAT YOU JUST SAID. IN SUMMARY, WHAT YOU'VE ALL SAID. SO, THE COURT REPORTERS ARE REQUESTING IT. THE COMMITTEE IS RECOMMENDING IT. LEGALLY, IT IS YOUR UNDERSTANDING THAT THE JUDGES HAVE THE DISCRETION TO DO IT AND YOU WANT TO DO IT. AND THE DISTRICT JUDGES HAVE ALREADY DONE IT. SO YOU'RE WANTING TO DO IT AT A COUNTY COURT OF LAW SO IT'S A MATCH. THE OTHER PIECE THE HR DIRECTOR IS SUGGESTING NOT TO. AM I CAPTURING THAT RIGHT?

>> CORRECT. AS WELL AS THE OTHER COUNTIES IN THE AREA.

>> AND OF COURSE THE OTHER COUNTIES IN THE AREA.

COMMISSIONER INGALSBE. >> I APPRECIATE THAT. AS I LOOK AT THE ASTERISK ON THE BACKUP THAT SHERRY SENT, IT SAID BASED ON DOL OPINIONS AS WELL AS TACK AND HAYS COUNTY CIVIL ATTORNEY INPUT AND HR ANALYSIS, THIS POSITION SHALL REMAIN NONEXEMPT.

IS THAT FOR THE COURT REPORTERS? I MEAN, THERE ARE OTHER OPINIONS. I JUST WANT TO MAKE THAT CLEAR. I UNDERSTAND IT'S STILL OUR DECISION, JUDGE, BUT THERE ARE OTHERS NOT JUST THE

HR. >> YES, THANK YOU. IT WENT RIGHT OVER MY HEAD. THERE IS A DEPARTMENT OF LABOR OPINION SPECIFICALLY ON COURT REPORTERS. AS TO WHETHER THEY SHOULD BE CONSIDERED EXEMPT OR NONEXEMPT. THE DOL OPINION SAYS THEY SHOULD BE NONEXEMPT. THEY DO NOT MEET THE CRITERIA FOR EXEMPTION. AND THEN THE TACK LANGUAGE WAS FROM, SO WE HAD TACK COME IN AND SCHOOL US A LITTLE BIT ON FSLA FROM THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE.

THAT'S NOT SOMETHING THE COMMITTEE MEMBERS ARE EDUCATED ON OR HAVE WORKED WITH. PART OF THE MATERIAL THAT THEY BROUGHT DOES INDICATE WHAT JUDGE HALL SAID. IS THAT SHOULD THE JUDGE WANT TO CLASSIFY THE COURT REPORTERS AS EXEMPT, PROVIDE THEM THE DOL LETTER, PROVIDE THEM YOUR ANALYSIS. IF THEY STILL WANT TO RECORD THEM AS EXEMPT, THEN DOCUMENT THAT IN YOUR RECORDS. I APOLOGIZE. I DID FORGET ABOUT THE DOL LETTER.

TUCKER HELPED ME IN MY ANALYSIS AS WELL. AND IN HIS LEGAL REVIEW, HE INDICATED IN SUPPORT. IF I'M NOT SPEAKING RIGHT. THAT THE POSITIONS WOULD REMAIN, THE COURT REPORTERS WOULD REMAIN

NONEXEMPT. >> WHILE YOU'RE THINKING, VICKIE WANTED TO SAY SOMETHING AND I CAUGHT IT TOO LATE. ALL

COVERED? >> YES. I JUST WANTED TO CLARIFY THAT THE DISTRICT COURT REPORTERS ARE ACTUALLY CLASSIFIED AS APPOINTED OFFICIALS. THEY ARE APPOINTED BY THE DISTRICT JUDGES AND THEY HAVE AN APPOINTMENT EVERY TWO YEARS AND OFFICIAL SALARY ORDERS WE PAY. THE DON'T GET ANY BENEFITS OF AN EXEMPT EMPLOYEE AS FAR AS ACCRUED LEAVE IS CONCERNED. SO IT WOULD BE A LITTLE DIFFERENT CLASSIFICATION FOR THE COUNTY COURT OF LAW COURT REPORTERS.

>> MAY I ADDRESS THAT POINT? >> SURE.

>> I TALKED TO OUR NEW PARALEGAL TALKED ABOUT THAT ISSUE AND WHETHER YOU GET BENEFITS. THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN DISTRICT AND COUNTY COURT OF LAW, THERE'S NONE. OCA SAYS WE APPOINT THEM, DISTRICT COURT APPOINT THEMES. OFFICE OF COURT ADMINISTRATION.

AND WITH RESPECT TO BENEFITS, SIMPLY BECAUSE A COURT REPORTER IS APPOINTED, DOESN'T MEAN THEY'RE APPOINTED LIKE THEY DON'T GET BENEFITS. YEAH, THEY'RE AN OFFICER OF THE COURT, BUT THEY STILL GET, THEY ACCRUE PTO JUST LIKE ANY OTHER EMPLOYEE. THE FACT THAT THEY'RE APPOINTED DOESN'T CHANGE ANYTHING OTHER THAN HOW THE DECISION TO EMPLOY SOMEONE IS MADE. IT'S NOT MADE, IT'S MADE BY THE JUDGES THEMSELVES. SO THE DISTRICT COURT REPORTERS SHOULD GET ACCRUED VACATION AND SICK LEAVE JUST LIKE ANY OTHER EMPLOYEE AS WELL AS THE COURT

[04:45:02]

REPORTERS IN THE COUNTY COURTS AT LAW.

>> OKAY. THANK YOU, SIR. COMMISSIONER, WHERE ARE YOU ON

THAT? >> I'M OKAY RIGHT NOW.

>> COMMISSIONER COHEN. >> I'M MORE INCLINED TO KEEP IT AS NONEXEMPT BASED ON THE ENTITIES THAT ADVISE SO. AND HR.

THAT'S WHERE I'M AT. >> AWESOME. COMMISSIONER HAMMER.

>> NO COMMENT. >> COMMISSIONER SMITH.

>> I'M GOOD. I TEND TO AGREE WITH COMMISSIONER INGALSBE.

LOOKING AT THE OVERALL, AT THE OVERALL, I DO THINK IT WAS HIGH TIME WE REVIEW SOME OF THESE. PROBABLY WELL PAST TIME ON A COUPLE OF THESE POSITIONS. BUT I TEND TO PUT TRUST IN TACK AND

OUR COUNSEL HERE. >> I WILL SAY IT'S A TRICKY THING BECAUSE I'M ALWAYS OF THE BELIEF TO LEAN IN AND SUPPORT THE PROFESSIONALS AND ELECTED OFFICIALS AND THEIR SPOTS. BUT I UNDERSTAND YOUR TACK COMMENT BECAUSE THEY'RE AN ASSOCIATION CHARGED WITH EDGE INDICATING US ON PARTS. THAT'S IMPORTANT. BUT WE ALSO CREATED A COMMITTEE TO RECOMMEND TO US. THEY RECOMMENDED IT. AND THE DISTRICT COURTS THAT I'VE LEARNED SO MUCH FROM VICKIE ON, THAT ALSO SAYS WELL, IF A DISTRICT COURT IS DOING IT, THE COUNTY COURTS SHOULD BE A MATCH. AND SO THAT'S WHY I'M THINKING WE SHOULD DO IT ALSO. AND THEY'RE REQUESTING THE EXEMPTION. SO AS SHERRY SAID, DOCUMENT YOUR STEPS AND GRANT THEM THAT EXEMPTION BECAUSE WHAT I HEARD FROM THE JUDGE, IT IS AT THEIR DISCRETION. SO I FIND IT, OF COURSE THE OTHER COUNTIES ARE DOING IT. THE COOL KIDS ARE DOING IT, YOU GOT TO DO IT, TOO. I MIGHT BE A 4-1 VOTE BUT I'LL SUPPORT THE JUDGE BECAUSE I SUPPORT THOSE IN OFFICE. AND I APPRECIATE AND RESPECT THEIR SKILL SET. AND I'M NOT GOING TO ARGUE ON THAT ONE. IF THERE'S NOTHING ELSE, PLEASE CALL THE

ROLL. >> DO WE HAVE A MOTION?

>> I WAS GOING TO SAY. >> HOW IS IT WRITTEN? IS THAT

NOT CLEAR ENOUGH? >> I DIDN'T HEAR A MOTION.

>> WELL, IT WAS JUST AS IT WAS READ.

>> IT'S JUST DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION.

>> I THINK AT A MINIMUM, IF THERE'S A MOTION THAT IS IN AGREEMENT WITH THE LIST AND BACKUP, AT LEAST THAT LIST NEEDS TO BE MENTIONED. THE WAY THE ITEM IS WORDED IT SAID CHANGE THE CLASSIFICATION FOR IDENTIFIED POSITIONS BUT THE ITEM DOESN'T SAY WHAT POSITIONS ARE IDENTIFIED TO BE FAIR.

EITHER ONE, LIST THEM OR TWO, REFERENCE THEM WOULD BE MY RECOMMENDATION, TO MAKE IT CLEAR.

>> SO THERE ARE SOME, THOUGH, THAT I GET, LET ME SEE. THERE'S THE COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE. WE WANT TO CONDUCT ADDITIONAL REVIEW ON THE CHIEF DEPUTY CLERK. CORRECT? THERE WOULD BE NO ACTION ON THAT ONE. AND THE DEPARTMENT SUPERINTENDENT AND THE PLANNING OPERATIONS SUPERINTENDENT AND THE COURT REPORTERS, POSSIBLY.

>> SO WHAT SHOULD WE DO ON THAT, COMMISSIONER? WHAT'S THE

CLEANEST ROUTE FOR THE MOTION? >> I GUESS AS JORDAN STATED, WE PROBABLY NEED TO LIST EVERYONE THAT WE WANT TO APPROVE. IS THAT

CORRECT, JORDAN? >> I THINK THAT WOULD BE CLEANEST. SOME SAYS THE RECOMMENDATION IS TO CHANGE TO EXEMPT. SOME SAYS CONDUCT ADDITIONAL REVIEW. FOR WHATEVER POSITIONS THE COURT IS DESIRING AND AGREEING TO CHANGE TO EXEMPT, I WOULD RECOMMEND LISTING THOSE SPECIFIC POSITIONS

TO MAKE IT ABUNDANTLY CLEAR. >> LET'S START WITH A LISTING, IF YOU DON'T MIND MAKING THE ITEMS THAT ARE WISHED TO BE

EXEMPT AS A MOTION. >> I'LL MAKE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE CHANGES TO THE FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT CLASSIFICATION FOR IDENTIFIED POSITIONS EFFECTIVE APRIL 1, 2025, AS THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE ACCOUNTS PAYABLE, COUNTY CLERK, COUNTY COURT AT LAW, AOT PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR, COUNTY COURT AT LAW MENTAL HEALTH, COURT COORDINATOR, DISTRICT CLERK ASSISTANT, DISTRICT CLERK JP COURT ADMINISTRATOR.

>> NOT THAT ONE. >> THE RECOMMENDATION IS TO

REMAIN NONEXEMPT. >> LET ME MARK THAT OUT. I'M SO SORRY. I DID MARK THEM OUT. THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE, BUDGET AND OPERATIONS MANAGER, TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT BUDGET

[04:50:04]

AND OPERATIONS MANAGER AND THE TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT FIELD

OPERATIONS FIELD SUPERINTENDENT. >> SO THAT IS TO MAKE THAT LIST

EXEMPT, CORRECT? >> THAT IS CORRECT.

>> SECOND. >> JUST A CLARIFICATION. ON THE MENTAL HEALTH COURT, IT'S THE COURT MENTAL HEALTH COURT

COORDINATOR. >> SO THAT CLARIFICATION IS FOR THE MENTAL HEALTH COURT ADMINISTRATOR, NOT THE MENTAL

HEALTH. >> IT'S THE ADMINISTRATOR.

>> I THINK WE STAND WITH A MOTION AND A SECOND. PLEASE CALL THE ROLL.

>> NOW WHAT IF WE MAKE A MOTION. ON THE ONES. COME BACK TO THE REST? I HATE TO LEAVE YOU OUT WITH AN UNDECIDED MOTION, THOUGH, JUDGE HALL. WHAT IF WE SINGLE THAT ONE OUT?

>> I CAN COME BACK. >> YOU'D RATHER COME BACK OR

CALL A VOTE? >> I'D RATHER COME BACK.

[K.4. Discussion and possible action to authorize an amendment to the Jury Payment Donation Form to include the Hays County Mental Health Court. SMITH/BROWN]

>> AND WE'LL LEAVE THE REST UNTOUCHED. THANK YOU, JUDGE.

OKAY. SO NOW, LET'S GO TO, DID WE DO K4 YET?

>> K4. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE AN AMENDMENT TO THE JURY PAYMENT DONATION FORM TO INCLUDE THE HAYS COUNTY

MENTAL HEALTH COURT. >> SO MOVED.

>> SECOND. >> ANY OTHER QUESTIONS OR

COMMENTS? >> I DO WANT TO MAKE ONE CLARIFICATION, JUDGE. THANK YOU, AND I APPRECIATE THE MENTAL HEALTH COURT BRINGING THIS FORWARD AS A POSSIBILITY. I DO WANT TO BE VERY FORWARD AND ASK OUR OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNSEL AND JORDAN TO GIVE A STATEMENT. WHEN THIS WAS FIRST BROUGHT UP, IT WAS FOR SPECIFICALLY FOR GRADUATION EXPENSES TO BE USED FOR THE EXPENSES RELATED TO GRADUATION. AND I SAID I PROBABLY WOULDN'T SUPPORT IT IF THAT WAS THE CASE. WE'RE STRUGGLING. NOT NECESSARILY STRUGGLING BUT WE'RE IN THE PROCESS OF IDENTIFYING FUNDS TO CONTINUE THE ACTUAL SERVICES PROVIDED. AND WE'RE LOOKING AT WHAT CONTRACTORS WE CURRENTLY HAVE AND NOSE WE'RE GOING TO KEEP. IF WE CAN PUT THIS MONEY TOWARDS ACTUAL SERVICES PROVIDED, I FELT MORE COMFORTABLE WITH THAT. THAT WAS THE CHANGE. I THANK JUDGE BROWN FOR AGREEING TO THAT AND ALLOWING ME TO MAKE THAT CHANGE TO BRING IT FORTH. THERE IS CLARIFICATION I KNOW JORDAN

WANTED TO SHARE AS WELL. >> SURE. I WAS INVOLVED IN SOME CONVERSATIONS WITH JUDGE BROWN REGARDING THIS REQUEST AND COMMISSIONER SMITH AND I WILL BE HONEST WITH YOU. THERE WAS A DIFFERENCE OF LEGAL OPINION ON THE ABILITY TO DO THIS. I THINK ONE LEGAL OPINION HELD BY JUDGE BROWN AND PROBABLY OTHERS, BUT I KNOW FOR SURE JUDGE BROWN, IS THAT ADDING THE MENTAL HEALTH COURT TO THE JUROR PAYMENT DONATION FORM IS PERMISSIBLE UNDER SECTION 6100.3 OF THE TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE. I WILL SAY THE MAJORITY OF OUR OFFICE IS OF THE OPINION THAT IS NOT PERMISSIBLE OPTION TO ADD THE JUROR DONATION FORM. THERE IS AN AG OPINION BACK FROM 2015 THAT DOES ALIGN WITH JUDGE BROWN'S OPINION. I WOULD SAY IT'S, IN MY OPINION, IT'S A GRAY LEGAL AREA. THE WAY THE CODE IS ACTUALLY WORDED. SO. I'VE BEEN INVOLVED IN THOSE DISCUSSIONS WITH JUDGE BROWN AS WELL AS COMMISSIONER SMITH. I JUST WANTED TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT IT SEEMS TO BE A LEGAL GRAY AREA. THERE'S A DIFFERENCE OF OPINION AS TO WHETHER IT'S LEGALLY PER MISSABLE TO ADD IT OR NOT. I'M HAPPY TO ANSWER ANYMORE QUESTIONS THE COURT MAY HAVE IF

YOU HAVE ANY. >> OKAY, THANK YOU. JUDGE HALL,

WOULD YOU LIKE TO CONTRIBUTE? >> I AGREE WITH JUDGE BROWN.

IT'S NOT A LEGAL GRAY AREA. I CAN'T REMEMBER THE LATIN TERM FROM LAW SCHOOL. WHEN YOU HAVE A PHRASE INCLUDING, THAT MEANS INCLUDE, NOT EXCLUDE. IF YOU INCLUDE X, Y AND Z, YOU HAVE NOT EXCLUDED THE REST OF THE ALPHABET.

ANY OTHER PROGRAM, INCLUDING AND IT REFERS TO SOMETHING IN ARTICLE 56.8205. THEY SAID YOU CAN BRING THIS IN BUT IT DIDN'T

[04:55:01]

EXCLUDE EVERYTHING ELSE. AND WE ARE PRESENTLY, THE CHECKOFF BOX IS FOR THE VETERANS' TREATMENT COURT. I FULLY SUPPORT THAT.

WHEN I DID MY DRIVER'S LICENSE RENEWAL, GUESS WHAT I CHECKED OFF? VETERANS' TREATMENT COURT. I THINK THE MENTAL HEALTH COURT SHOULD HAVE THE SAME BENEFIT. WHEN WE GET TO DWI DRUG COURT GOING, I WANT TO ASK FOR THE SAME THING. I DON'T THINK IT'S A GRAY AREA. THIS IS FIRST YEAR OF LAW SCHOOL STUFF. SORRY, BUT I DON'T WANT TO SPEND TIMES ARGUING THINGS UNNECESSARILY.

>> TO THE POINT THAT JORDAN MADE, I NEVER FINISHED FIRST YEAR OF LAW SCHOOL, BUT I DID THINK THIS WAS A GOOD IDEA. I DID KIND OF STRUGGLE ON HOW WHETHER OR NOT I THOUGHT IT WAS A THOUSAND PERCENT KOSHER. I DO THINK IT'S PERMISSIBLE AND THE OVERALL FUNDING THE MENTAL HEALTH COURT WOULD GET IS MINIMAL. I DON'T THINK THE COST ASSOCIATED WOULD BE GREAT AT

ALL. >> OKAY. SO, ANYTHING ELSE

COMMISSIONERS OR A MOTION? >> SURE. LET ME LOOK HERE. I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT AS IT'S WRITTEN. I MOVE THAT WE AMEND THE JURY PAYMENT DONATION FORM TO INCLUDE THE HAYS COUNTY

MENTAL HEALTH COURT. >> SO MOVED.

>> SECOND. PLEASE CALL THE ROLL.

[K.2. Discussion and possible action to adopt precinct boundary changes in precincts identified that are encroaching the 5,000 maximum of registered voters. BECERRA/DOINOFF]

>> PLEASE OPEN K2 FOLLOWED BY K5.

>> K2. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO ADOPT PRECINCT BOUNDARY CHANGES IN PRECINCTS IDENTIFIED THAT ARE ENCROACHING THE 5,000 MAXIMUM OF REGISTERED VOTERS.

>> SO MOVED. >> SECOND.

>> HI, AGAIN. >> THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE.

>> I'VE GOT A CONSENT ITEM, TOO. I HAVE TO WAIT AROUND.

JENNIFER, THE HAYS COUNTY ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR. I HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH KILLIAN AND MY TEAM TO IDENTIFY THE PRECINCTS THAT WE NEED YOU TO REVIEW IN ORDER TO STAY COMPLIANT WITH VOTER REGISTRATION LAW. OF THOSE PRECINCTS WE LOOKED AT, WE DID CREATE SOME NEW PRECINCTS AS WELL AS REALIGNING SOME PRECINCTS TO CREATE THOSE NEW PRECINCTS. AND ONE PRECINCT FIX THAT WE HAD TO DO FOR JP JURISDICTION LINE. WHICH CREATED ANOTHER NEW PRECINCT. WE HAVE A TOTAL OF FIVE NEW PRECINCTS COMING. AND I PROVIDED TO YOU A PRESENTATION AND MADE KILLIAN STAY IN CASE YOU HAD QUESTIONS. KILLIAN COMPLETED HIS FIRST SMALL REDITRICTING AND IT WAS GREAT. WE WORKED REALLY WELL TOGETHER. I APPRECIATE HIM FOR THAT. THAT WOULD TAKE US FROM 87 TO 92 PRECINCTS. WE'RE GROWING STEADILY. FIVE NEW PRECINCTS ADDED ON THE SUMMARY PAGE. 0 PRECINCTS WERE REMOVED. AGAIN, WE DID REALIGN SOME PRECINCTS. AND THE REST OF THAT SUMMARY PAGE SPEAKS FOR ITSELF. I'M NOT GOING TO GO THROUGH THAT, UNLESS YOU NEED ME TO. IF YOU TURN TO THE NEXT PAGE, CHANGES TO THE VOTING DISTRICTS 115. WE CREATED 109 BY SPLITTING 115. AND KILLIAN DESCRIBED DOWN THERE, DO YOU WANT ME TO GO THROUGH THE BOUNDARY LINES? OKAY. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, STOP ME. VOTING DISTRICTS 316 AND 340 WERE COMBINED RIGHT THERE BECAUSE KILLIAN AND I DID PROVIDE FUTURE GROWTH COMING IN THATAREA. WE THOUGHT IT WOULD BE A GOOD IDEA TO GO AHEAD AND REALIGN THAT A LITTLE BIT TO ALLOW FOR THAT GROWTH. 128 AND 136 WERE COMBINED. AND 435 AND 424 WERE COMBINED. AND 218 WAS SPLIT INTO A NEW PRECINCT. 221. 448 AND 452 WERE COMBINED.

>> 448 AND 452 WERE COMBINED? OR SPLIT?

>> MOVED THE BOUNDARY. WE REALIGNED THAT ONE.

>> AND FORGIVE ME BUT THAT'S JUST TO THE EAST OF DRIFTING

[05:00:03]

SPRINGS? >> YES. OKAY. AND 446 AND 457 WERE SPLIT TO CREATE THE NEW 457. 147 AND 125 WERE SPLIT ALSO TO CREATE A NEW PRECINCT. AND THEN THERE WERE SEVERAL CHANGES TO, ON THE LAST PAGE, 228, 237, 227 AND 254. AND OF THOSE REALIGNMENTS, THERE WAS ADDITIONAL PRECINCT CREATED FOR

137. >> COMMISSIONERS, ANY COMMENTS? I'VE SAT THROUGH SOME OF THESE AND IT'S GREAT WORK. SOME FOLKS STATUTORY THEIR HEADS WONDERING WHAT AND WHY. IT'S THAT 5,000

THRESHOLD PER PRECINCT. >> YES.

>> AS WE GROW, YOU HAVE TO MAKE ADJUSTMENTS.

>> WHEN YOU REALIGN, YOU GOT TO MAKE SURE YOU DON'T CROSS THE DISTRICTS OF CONCERN. ALL OF THAT.

>> TRIANGULATION. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. WE HAVE A MOTION TO ACCEPT

THESE. >> I WANT TO SAY SOMETHING FOR THE RECORD FOR THE VIEWING PUBLIC. AGAIN, THESE DON'T TAKE AFFECT UNTIL AFTER THIS NOVEMBER ELECTION. SO YOU WON'T RECEIVE A NEW CARD. NOTHING WILL TAKE PLACE UNTIL AFTER THAT. AND THIS ALSO GIVES US TIME TO DO A LITTLE OUTREACH TO THOSE VOTERS.

>> PERFECT. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

[K.5. Discussion and possible action to execute a contract amendment with Tyler Technologies for server migration services. BECERRA/ROBINSON/MCGILL]

>> K5, PLEASE. >> K5. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT AMENDMENT WITH TYLER TECHNOLOGIES FOR SERVER MIGRATION SERVICES.

>> MOTION. >> SECOND.

>> THANK YOU. >> YES, MA'AM.

>> HI, THIS IS STEPHANIE ROBINSON. THIS IS A CONTRACT AMENDMENT FOR FY26. I WANT TO BE SURE WE ALL KNOW THAT. WE HAVE TO GET ON A SCHEDULE AND HAVE TO HAVE A CONTRACT IN ORDER TO GET ON A SCHEDULE. THAT'S WHAT THIS IS FOR.

>> EVEN THOUGH THE WORK WON'T BE DONE RIGHT NOW, IT'S STILL PART OF THE COMMITMENT. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR CLARIFYING.

PLEASE CALL THE ROLL.

[M.4. Discussion and possible action related to proposed bills in the 89th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature and to consider adoption of resolution(s) regarding proposed bills. The Court may opt to withdraw to Executive Session during this item to consult with legal counsel pursuant to Texas Government Code 551.071. SMITH]

. >> OKAY. NOW I GET TO CHERRY

PICK MISCELLANEOUS? >> CAN WE OPEN M4 AT SOME POINT?

>> THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT I WAS GOING TO DO.

>> DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION RELATED TO PROPOSED BILLS IN THE 89TH REGULAR SESSION OF THE TEXAS LEGISLATURE AND TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS REGARDING PROPOSED BILLS. THE COURT MAY OPT TO WITHDRAW TO EXECUTIVE SESSION DURING THIS ITEM TO CONSULT WITH LEGAL COUNSEL PURSUANT TO TEXAS

GOVERNMENT CODE 551.071. >> SO MOVED.

>> SECOND. >> OKAY. COMMISSIONER.

>> JUDGE, THANK YOU. I'VE BEEN WORKING WITH REPRESENTATIVE AARON AND I WANT TO THANK JORDAN FOR HELPING DRAFT THIS RESOLUTION VERY QUICKLY. WE'VE SPOKEN TO THE DISTRICT JUDGES.

JUDGE WALDRIP IS ALSO AVAILABLE HERE TO MAKE ANY COMMENTS. JUDGE STEEL AND BOYER HAVE SEEN THE LANGUAGE OF THIS RESOLUTION AND ARE SUPPORTIVE. WE'VE TALKED MANY TIMES ABOUT HAVING SOLELY HAYS COUNTY DISTRICT JUDGES. AND I'D LIKE FOR THE RESOLUTION TO BE READ, JUDGE, IF THAT'S OKAY. BECAUSE IT DESCRIBES HOW THAT'S DONE AND SO I THINK IT'LL BE CLEARER IF WE READ THE

RESOLUTION. >> MOST DEFINITELY. ROXANNE,

WILL YOU READ THAT? >> ONE QUESTION. IS THAT THE VERSION I SENT YOU LIKE 15 MINUTES AGO?

>> YES. >> JUST WANTED TO MAKE SURE. I MADE ONE QUICK CHANGE. I WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT WAS THE RIGHT

ONE. >> THIS IS AN EXTRA COPY. I HAVE

THEIRS. >> RESOLUTION OF THE HAYS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT SUPPORTING THE REDISTRICTING AND CREATION OF DISTRICT COURTS. WHEREAS THE HAYS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT GENERALLY SUPPORTS EFFORTS OF THE MULTICOUNTY DISTRICT COURTS SERVING HAYS COUNTY IN ORDER TO ENSURE EFFICIENCIES ARE GAINED BY EXISTING JUDICIAL RESOURCES AND WHEREAS THE HAYS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT IS SUPPORTIVE OF THE REDISTRICTING EFFORTS PROVIDED THOSE EFFORTS ALIGN WITH THE TERMS OF THE DISTRICT JUDGES CURRENTLY SERVING THE MULTICOUNTY DISTRICT COURTS SERVING HAYS COUNTY AND WHEREAS THE HAYS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT SUPPORTS THE CREATION OF NEW, ADDITIONAL DISTRICT COURTS SERVING SOLELY HAYS COUNTY IN AN EFFORT TO PROVIDE AID WATER JUDICIAL RESOURCES FOR HAYS COUNTY. AND FURTHER, IT IS UNDERSTOOD THAT THE ADULT COMMUNITY SUPERVISION AND CORRECTIONS DEPARTMENT FOR HAYS COUNTY BEING OPERATED AS A TRICOUNTY DEPARTMENT INCLUDING CALDWELL, HAYS AND COMO COUNTIES SHALL REMAIN IN TACT AS PROVIDED BY THE TEXAS CODE. NOW,

[05:05:02]

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THE HAYS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT SUPPORTS THE REDISTRICTING EFFORTS OF THE MULTICOUNTY DISTRICT COURTS SERVING HAYS COUNTY. PROVIDED THOSE EFFORTS ALIGN WITH THE TERMS OF THE DISTRICT JUDGES CURRENTLY SERVING THE MULTICOUNTY DISTRICT COURTS SERVING HAYS COUNTY AND SUPPORT THE CREATION OF DISTRICT COURTS SERVING SOLELY HAYS COUNTY. ADOPTED AND ORDERED THE 25TH DAY OF MARCH, 2025.

>> OKAY. AND JUDGE, THE HOUSE BILL THAT REPRESENTATIVE SEENER IS PROPOSING IS BEHIND THE RESOLUTION. I DON'T KNOW IF THERE ARE ANY QUESTIONS. IF THERE'S ANYTHING YOU'D LIKE TO SAY.

>> THIS HAS GONE ON LONGER THAN WE WOULD HAVE LIKED ON ITEMS.

>> THAT'S QUITE ALL RIGHT. THANK YOU JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. AS ONE OF THE DISTRICT JUDGES WITHIN THE REGION, IT'S A 27 COUNTY REGION I PRESIDE OVER AND SO I SPIN A LOT OF PLATES IN THAT REGARD. ONE OF THE RESPONSIBILITIES IS TO LOOK AT THE DOCKETING SYSTEMS ACROSS THE BOARD WITHOUT REGARD TO PERSONALITIES, WITHOUT REGARD TO JUDGES AND A LOT OF DIFFERENT FACTORS. IT'S WHAT IS THE OBJECTIVE OUTLAYS FOR THE SYSTEMS INVOLVED. TO CREATE EFFICIENCIES IN THOSE SYSTEMS. SO THAT THE COURT RESOURCES THAT ALREADY EXIST CAN BEST UTILIZE THE EXISTING SPACE AND PERSONNEL AND JUDICIAL TIME WITHOUT UNNECESSARILY SAYING GIVE US ANOTHER JUDGE. THEN YOU'VE GOT TO HIRE ADDITIONAL PERSONNEL, CREATE A NEW OFFICE. LIKELY BUILD A NEW COURTROOM ET CETERA. YOU REALLY HAVEN'T SOLVED, YOU'RE PUTTING A BAND-AID ON A BLISTER AS OPPOSED TO REMOVING A THORN. I'M LOOKING AT IT FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF REMOVING THORNS IF THERE ARE SOME. WITH DOING THAT, STARTING FROM MANY, MANY YEARS AGO, I WAS GOING TO SAY BEFORE I WAS BORN. THAT WOULDN'T BE TRUE. THIS STARTS OVER IN COLORADO COUNTY IN COLUMBUS AND COMES WESTWARD ALONG I-10. AND SO THERE ARE OVERLAPPING GEOGRAPHICAL JURISDICTIONS WITH OTHER OVERLAPS IN SUBJECT MATTER JURISDICTION. DIFFERENT METHODS OF ADMINISTRATION THAT CREATE HUGE INEFFICIENCIES. AND SO THAT'S MY GOAL IS TO HELP REMOVE THOSE INEFFICIENT THORNS, IF YOU WILL. AND SO I'VE BEEN WORKING WITH EVERYBODY FROM OCA, THE OFFICE OF COURT ADMINISTRATION TO LOOK AT MULTIPLE DIFFERENT POSSIBILITIES AND OPTIONS TO HELP ELIMINATE SOME OF THESE INEFFICIENCIES THAT RUN FROM COLUMBUS TO

DRIPPING SPRINGS. >> IN SIMPLE SPEAK, THE IDEA IS

TO? >> WELL, BASICALLY THE NUMBERS OF THE COURT, THE NEED FOR COURTS WILL SUPPORT, AS WE SPEAK, ANOTHER DISTRICT COURT. A SEPARATE DISTRICT COURT. BY DOING THAT, THERE ARE TWO COURTS THAT CURRENTLY TRAVEL BACK AND FORTH ALL BASICALLY FROM SAGENE TO HOUSTON, ALMOST.

INEFFICIENTLY. SO WE'LL SHRINK IT DOWN. BY CONSOLIDATING, WE INCREASE THE JUDICIAL TIME PER COUNTY.

>> BEAUTIFUL. >> AND SO BY DOING SO, THEN WE'RE GAINING EFFICIENCIES. THAT'S WHAT WE'RE HOPING TO DO. ULTIMATELY, AS TIME GOES ON, WE'LL HAVE TO ADD JUDICIAL RESOURCES, BUT MY POINT IS LET'S BE AS EFFICIENT AS POSSIBLE BEFORE WE HAVE TO GO SPEND MONEY.

>> LOVE IT. BEAUTIFUL. >> THAT'S THE GOAL.

>> THANK YOU FOR STICKING AROUND TO EXPLAIN THAT.

>> OKAY. YOU BET. I'M JUST HERE TO BE A RESOURCE AND ANSWER

QUESTIONS. >> I THINK THE FIRST STEP THAT HAPPENS, JUDGE, IS THAT ONE OF THE JUDGES CURRENTLY HAS THREE COUNTIES THAT HE REPRESENTS. IT'LL BE ONLY TWO COUNTIES,

[05:10:01]

WHICH WOULD BE HAYS AND COMAL, I BELIEVE.

>> ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT JUDGE STEEL?

>> I AM. SO THAT WILL HAPPEN, I BELIEVE IN 2027 MAYBE. THEN IN 2029, ONCE JUDGE BOYAR IS NO LONGER IN OFFICE, THEN WE WILL GET A NEW DISTRICT JUDGE REPRESENTING SOLELY HAYS COUNTY.

SO IT'S A FEW YEARS DOWN THE ROAD.

>> IT'S A STAGGERED APPROACH AS THE RESOLUTION READS TO RESPECT.

TO ALLOW THOSE TERMS TO BASICALLY EXPIRE OR OTHERWISE ADJUST, REALIGN, REDISTRICT THEIR GEOGRAPHIC JURISDICTION

WITH THEIR CONSENT. >> WHAT A MAGNIFICENT WAY TO INCORPORATE ELECTION CYCLES AND THE PEOPLE IN THOSE OFFICES.

GOOD JOB AND THANK YOU. ANYTHING ELSE?

>> I DON'T BELIEVE SO, JUDGE. >> COMMISSIONERS? CLARIFICATION. WHILE THIS BILL IS OUT THERE, WHATEVER CHANGES ARE MADE WILL PROBABLY BE INCLUDED IN THE OCA BILL.

>> CORRECT. 4137 IS PROBABLY JUST A PLACE HOLDER. IF IT IN AND OF ITSELF TO GO FORWARD, IT WOULD REQUIRE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE. IT'S SUBSTANTIALLY DIFFERENT THAN THE RESOLUTION.

BUT IT'S A BILL THAT REPRESENTATIVE SEENER FILED, MUCH LIKE SENATOR CAMPBELL FILED A BILL. THOSE ARE BASICALLY PLACE HOLDERS. THEY WOULD ULTIMATELY BE PRESENTED TO THE LEGISLATURE TO THE WHOLE VIA THE BILL TYPICALLY CARRIED CURRENTLY IN THE HOUSE BY REPRESENTATIVE LEECH AND BY SENATOR HUGHES.

>> WE'LL VOTE TO ACCEPT THIS. PLEASE CALL THE ROLL.

CALLED ]

>> THAT IS A VERY BIG DEAL TO US. THANK YOU, SIR.

>> WELL DONE. >> ALL RIGHT.

>> ARE WE ABLE TO SIGN THIS COPY, JUDGE?

>> WE CAN SIGN THAT COPY, SURE. IF YOU WANT TO CIRCULATE THAT.

AND COMMISSIONER COHEN. OUT OF K SECTION, ANYTHING? BESIDES CONSENT. I DON'T WANT TO PLUCK CONSENT.

>> NO, I'M GOOD. >> FOR WHICH ONE?

>> ANYTHING YOU WANT ME TO OPEN BESIDES CONSENT?

>> THAT'S FINE. I WOULD CLARIFY ON THE K SECTION, THERE'S SEVERAL RESOLUTIONS WE'LL LOOK AT UNDER HAMMER. IT WAS A TECHNICAL ERROR. I SUBMITTED THEM AND ASKED COMMISSIONER HAMMER TO COSPONSOR THEM WITH ME. SHE MAY SAY HEY, CAN YOU

EXPLAIN THESE FOR ME? >> I DON'T NEED EXPLANATION. I

GOT IT. >> SHE'S BEEN STUDYING UP. I JUST DIDN'T WANT TO THROW HER UNDER THE BUS.

>> YES. I WOULD LIKE TO OPEN THOSE, IF WE COULD. WELL, NO.

>> I WANT TO CATCH THE PEOPLE THAT ARE HERE IS MY AIM.

[K.17. Discussion and possible action to authorize the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the County of Hays and the Hays County Law Enforcement Association (HCLEA) related to clarifying Section 7.01 of the Hays County Sheriff's Office Civil Service Rules regarding the definition of disciplinary action. INGALSBE]

>> LET'S DO K17. THAT'S MY AIM. MY AIM IS TO GET THE COURTROOM CLEARED. AND AS EFFICIENTLY AS POSSIBLE.

>> K17. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTION OF A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF HAYS AND THE HAYS COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT ASSOCIATION RELATED TO CLARIFYING SECTION 7.01 OF THE HAYS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE CIVIL SERVICE RULES REGARDING THE DEFINITION OF DISCIPLINARY ACTION.

>> OKAY, JORDAN. >> I CAN ELABORATE ON THIS A BIT. PER THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT THAT INCORPORATES THE HAYS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE CIVIL RULES, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE RULES, THERE ARE CERTAIN PROCEDURES AS DETAILED FOR YOU IN WHICH WAYS THAT IF THERE IS A ROLE THAT NEEDS A CLARIFICATION PIECE THAT IT WASN'T CLEAR ON WHAT IT WAS SAYING VERSUS A RULE CHANGE, AMENDMENT, ET CETERA. SO, THIS ITEM IN FRONT OF YOU IS REGARDING THE FIRST SCENARIO WHERE SOMETHING WASN'T CLEAR. ONE SECTION DIDN'T LINE UP WITH ANOTHER AND IT NEEDS TO BE CLARIFIED. WHEN THAT HAPPENS,

[05:15:05]

PER THE CONTRACT, WE CAN ENTER INTO AN MOU TO CLARIFY THAT ROLE TO MAKE IT CLEARER FOR EVERYBODY. THAT'S WHAT'S HERE.

AND BACK UP AND I'LL GO OVER THE RULE IN A SECOND. BACK UP YOU CAN SEE WHERE THE HCLA HAS ALREADY APPROVED THIS CLARIFICATION. THE CONTRACT DOESN'T REQUIRE THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE TO APPROVE IT, HE DID SIGN SAYING HEY, THIS IS GOOD.

I'M IN LINE WITH THIS, TOO. I WANTED TO POINT THAT OUT. THE CLARIFICATION POINT IN FRONT OF YOU IS IN REGARDS TO SECTION 7.01 OF THE RULES DEFINING DISCIPLINARY ACTION. LONG STORY SHORT, THE LANGUAGE IN 7.01, SECTION 7.01. EXCUSE ME. THE WAY, WHAT WASN'T CLEAR IS THAT IT WAS, IT LOOKED LIKE OR IT WAS UNCLEAR ON WHETHER A HEARING REPRIMAND. A WRITTEN REPRIMAND IS CLEARLY DISCIPLINE, IT'S NOT APPEALABLE TO THE COMMISSION AND NOT TRULY FITTING FOR THE LAUDER FILL HEARING SETTING. IT WAS NOT THE PARTY'S INTENT FOR A WRITTEN REPRIMAND TO BE INCLUDED IN THE LAUDER MILL HEARING. I'M HAPPY TO ELABORATE. WE NEED TO CLARIFY A SMALL PIECE STATING THAT YEAH, NO. IT WAS NOT THE PARTY'S INTENT FOR A WRITTEN REPRIMAND TO BE SUBJECT TO A LAUDER MILL MEETING. THEY HAVE ALREADY AGREED WITH THAT. I AGREE WITH THAT. AND FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH, THE SHERIFF ALSO AGREES WITH THAT. THIS MOU WOULD BE CLARIFYING THAT PIECE.

>> OKAY. PLEASE CALL THE ROLL.

[Items I.2. - I.6.]

>> ANYTHING ELSE? >> JUDGE, IF WE COULD MOVE UP ITEMS, LET'S SEE, I2, 3, 4, 5 AND 6.

>> THAT'S THE KIND OF STUFF I WANT TO HIT. IF YOU PLEASE OPEN ALMOST ALL OF I. 2 THROUGH 6 IS WHAT YOU'RE AFTER?

>> YES. >> LET'S DO THAT.

>> I2, DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO APPROVE THE SELECTION OF PAPE DAWSON ENGINEERS INC. TO PROVIDE DESIGN PHASE SERVICES FOR THE LEAH AVENUE PROJECT FROM COUNTY ROAD 269 TO COTTONWOOD PARKWAY IN PRECINCT ONE AND AUTHORIZE STAFF AND COUNSEL TO NEGOTIATE A CONTRACT.

I-4, DISCUSSION OF AMERICAN STRUCTURE .8 TO DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE DRIPPING SPRINGS SOUTHWEST CONNECTION PROJECT FROM U.S. 290 TWO THE INTERSECTION OF RM 12 AND FM 115, PRECINCT THREE, SIX AND FOUR. I-5, DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACTION TO APPROVE THE SELECTION OF HDR IN TO PROVIDE RIGHT AWAY SERVICES FOR THE DRIPPING SPRINGS SOUTHWEST CONNECTION PROJECT FROM U.S. 290 INTERSECTION OF RM 12 AND FM 150 IN PRECINCTS THREE AND FOUR AND AUTHORIZED STAFF AND COUNSEL TO NEGOTIATE A CONTRACT AND START SIX, DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACTION TO IMPROVE WSP AND ASSOCIATES INC.

TO PROVIDE RIGHT AWAY SERVICES TO THE OLD ROAD FROM RM 12 TO RM 237 AND AUTHORIZED STAFF AND COUNSEL TO NEGOTIATE A CONTRACT.

>> PRETTY STRAIGHTFORWARD. CALL THE ROLE.

>> COMMISSIONER SMITH? COMMISSIONER:? COMMISSIONER

[Items K.22. & K.23.]

>> WE ARE GOING K 22 THROUGH K 23 .

>> DISCUSSION OF SELECTION TO IMPROVE THE EXECUTION OF A RESOLUTION REGARDING SENATE BILL 2360 REGARDING DAYS TRINITY GROUND WATER AND ENABLING LEGISLATION FILED IN THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE TEXAS LEGISLATURE. K 23, DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACTION TO APPROVE THE EXECUTION OF A RESOLUTION INVOLVING 7361 INVOLVING GROUNDWATER DISTRIBUTIONS FILED

[05:20:01]

IN THE EIGHTH TEXAS LEGISLATURE.

>> SECOND . >> THANK YOU. SOMEONE WANTS TO SPEAK. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE. MR. RICK BROWN.

BECAUSE OF THE WAY WE SIGNED UP, I WILL GIVE YOU THREE MINUTES

EACH. >> GOOD AFTERNOON AND THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALLOWING THE PEOPLE TO COME AND TALK TO YOU. JUDGE, YOU SET A COUPLE OF THINGS THIS MORNING THAT REALLY STRUCK MY HEART. YOU SAID, ONE, EVEN PEOPLE WHO DISAGREE , LET'S COME TOGETHER, LET'S TALK. WHAT A GREAT FORUM IT IS TO DO THAT.

YES, EVERYONE IS GONE AND IT IS JUST ME AND YOU AND THAT IS FINE. I LIKE THAT, TOO. SECONDLY, YOU SAID IT IS A TIME FOR EVERYONE TO WORK TOGETHER, NOT APART. AND AGAIN, WHAT A GREAT FORM IT IS FOR PEOPLE TO GET TOGETHER AND DISCUSS THEIR OPINIONS, CHALLENGES, HOPES AND DREAMS, THOUGHTS AND IDEAS IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT. I AM HERE TODAY WAITING VERY PATIENTLY AND GLAD TO DO IT. WHO AM I? MY NAME IS RICK BROWN, I AM THE GENERAL MANAGER OF WATER SUPPLY INFORMATION. I HAVE BEEN EMPLOYED WITH THEM FOR THE LAST FIVE YEARS AND I WANTED TO SPEAK, MY BOARD AND WANTED ME TO SPEAK ON THESE TWO RESOLUTIONS AND IT IS IMPORTANT TO ALSO NOTE THAT I WAS ALSO THE GENERAL MANAGER OF GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT FOR 10 YEARS SO I AM NOT JUST ONE SIDE OR THE OTHER SIDE. I HAVE LITERALLY WORKED IN BOTH CAMPS FOR MANY YEARS. LET'S CALL IT 15 YEARS. I KNOW WATER. ALMOST AS MUCH AS THE EXPERTS. I AM NOT AN EXPERT BUT I HAVE BEEN INVOLVED. A GEOLOGIST FOR EXXON , GROUNDWATER FOR 20 YEARS AS A GEOLOGIST. MY WHOLE FAMILY, MY WIFE PROBABLY SICK OF ME AND I WILL TALK ABOUT WATER BUT WATER, THOSE ARE FINDING WORDS AND I AM NOT HERE TO FIGHT . I AM HERE TO TALK. I WANTED TO THANK THE COMMISSIONER, I WANTED TO SAY CONGRATULATIONS AND I KNOW YOU ARE NEW TO THE POSITION AND YOU HAVE THESE RESOLUTIONS IN QUICK ORDER . I'M A LITTLE CONFUSED BECAUSE YOUR STATEMENT, COMMISSIONER SMITH, IT SOUNDS LIKE MAYBE THAT THESE ARE YOURS. I AM A LITTLE CONFUSED ON THAT ONE. SO, I AM JUST GOING TO GO TO IT. IT DOES NOT SUPPORT SP 2660 NOR DO WE SUPPORT SP 2661. WE DO SUPPORT REPRESENTATIVE CARRIE ISAACS HOUSE BILL 2812 WHICH ALLOWS PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY WELLS TO PROVIDE WATER TO ITS CUSTOMERS. TRINITY GROUNDWATER MAINTAINS A MILLION-DOLLAR YEARLY CHECK IN ACCOUNT BALANCE SO IT IS DIFFICULT FOR US, FOR ME TO COMPREHEND .

>> DON'T WORRY, YOU HAVE THREE MORE MINUTES. YOU SOMEHOW YOU WANT. I AM GIVING YOU SIX MINUTES.

>> THANK YOU, SIR . I'M NOT SURE WHY THEY WOULD NEED ANY MORE MONEY KNOWING THEIR BUDGET IS 500 MILLION THOUSAND DOLLARS PLUS. SO, YOU HAVE TO UNDERSTAND, THEY ARE BRINGING IN PLENTY OF MONEY. THEY MAY NOT SPEND THEIR ENTIRE BUDGET AND THAT IS A WHOLE OTHER SUBJECT. HAYS TRINITY REGULATES COMMERCIAL, NOT NONRESIDENTIAL GROUNDWATER WELLS WHILE THE UNREGULATED MAJORITY OF NONRESIDENTIAL WELLS GOES FREE MEANING IT HAS ROUGHLY 100 PERMITS FOR NONRESIDENTIAL FOLKS LIKE US . THAT MEANS THE TENS OF THOUSANDS OF OTHER WELLS THAT ARE OUT THERE GO UNREGULATED. AND SO, THEIR AUTHORITY CAPTURES THOSE PERMIT HOLDERS AND PROVIDING THEM ADDITIONAL AUTHORITY TO PENALIZE, IF YOU WILL, BECAUSE THAT IS WHAT THESE ARE AND PRODUCTION FEES, YOU ARE REALLY REGULATING THE MINOR GROUP OF WELL OWNERS , BUSINESSES , NONEXEMPT FOLKS .

PROVIDING FULL CHAPTER 36 AND ALLOWING FOR PRODUCTION FEES CAPABILITIES TO HAYS TRINITY IS ONLY A FUNDING MECHANISM AND NOT CONSERVATION. NO LEGISLATION WILL AND THE DROUGHT AND MAKE IT

[05:25:02]

RAIN AGAIN. IT HAS BEEN A LONG DAY AND I AM REALLY HUNGRY AND I AM SHAKING JUST STANDING IN FRONT OF YOU. I DO APPRECIATE THE WAY THAT PEOPLE CAN COME TOGETHER AND TALK ABOUT THE ISSUES. I WILL REALLY WOULD'VE RATHER HAVE BEEN THE BIGGEST PERMIT HOLDER THAT THEY HAVE INSTEAD OF WRITING A RESOLUTION TO GIVE MORE POWER TO THEM, MORE FUNDING BY PENALIZING US , I WOULD HAVE RATHER A CONVERSATION ONE-ON-ONE OR GROUPS COMING TOGETHER RATHER THAN PUTTING THIS OUT FOR APPROVAL. I AM ALWAYS AVAILABLE AT 2:00 IN THE MORNING. I HEARD A LOT OF THAT THIS MORNING. COME AND TALK TO US. I WILL DRIVE OUT HERE. I LIVE IN AUSTIN BUT I WILL DRIVE OUT HERE ANYTIME YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT WATER. HOW WE CAN WORK TOGETHER . THERE HAS TO BE A REASONABLE SOLUTION TO THE WATER PROBLEM. WE FEEL THAT WE ARE GREAT STEWARDS OF THE WATER AND IT IS UNFORTUNATE BECAUSE WE GET 1 MILLION GALLONS A DAY FROM THE GROUNDWATER. FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS, HAYS TRINITY HAS PUT US IN A 40% CURTAILMENT. YOU KNOW AND WE ALL KNOW THAT THERE ARE NO TREES LEFT, HERE. IT IS ALL HOUSES. PEOPLE ARE MOVING HERE ANY RATE THAT IS INCREDIBLE. YES, WE DON'T WANT TO DRAIN THE OFFERING . THAT IS NOT OUR POINT. IT IS REASONABLE GOVERNMENT OF THE TRINITY . I GET EXCITED ABOUT WATER, I LOVE IT, I WANT TO TALK ABOUT IT. I KNOW I HAVE 30 SECONDS LEFT OR THREE. THANK YOU VERY MUCH .

>> HERE IS MY CARD AND I WILL GET IT TO YOU OR YOU COULD WALK UP TO IT IF YOU LIKE BECAUSE I AM ALWAYS AVAILABLE TO YOU AS WELL SO THANK YOU VERY MUCH. WHY DON'T WE START WITH COMMISSIONER SMITH. IT IS YOUR ITEM .

>> SHE SAID SHE WANTED TO TAKE IT, I WILL BE MORE THAN HAPPY

TO. >> FROM THE INVESTOR AND WATER , WITH ALL DUE RESPECT, I HAVE MY OWN PRECINCT THAT HAS ITS INVESTOR OWNED WATER SUPPLY COMPANY AND THIS IS WHERE MY HEART LIES WITHIN THIS RESOLUTION. IF YOU KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE CONCERT -- CONSERVATION DISTRICT , IT WASN'T REALLY CREATED TO BRING IN REVENUE. I UNDERSTAND THE BANK ACCOUNT BUT I AM TALK SPECIFICALLY ABOUT REVENUE AND WHAT THAT LOOKS LIKE. THE ONLY HAVE A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF PERMITS AND THAT WE WOULD EVENTUALLY DWINDLE SO THIS IS MAKING THE CHAPTER 36. USUALLY, WHEN DISTRICTS ARE FORMED NOW, THEY ALREADY ADOPT CHAPTER 36. THAT IS SOMETHING THEY DO. THIS WOULD BE GIVING THEM THE JURISDICTION TO ADOPT THAT LIKE MOST AVENUE IN TEXAS. WE HAVE A HUGE WATER PROBLEM IN WIMBERLEY AND THAT IS WHERE MY HEART IS, AND THIS PROBLEM AND GIVING THEM ADDITIONAL FUNDING TO BE ABLE TO MANAGE THAT PROBLEM IS OF

EXTREME IMPORTANCE. >> I WANT TO CLARIFY SOMETHING, THE RESOLUTION , THE LEGISLATION INITIALLY, WE HAD OUTREACH , I BELIEVE THE WHOLE COURT HAD OUTREACH. I KNOW AND I HAVE SPOKEN WITH BOTH THE GROUNDWATER DISTRICT RELATED TO PERMIT HOLDERS AND ONE OF THE CONCERNS I HAD LAST SESSION, WE LOOKED AT DRAFT LEGISLATION AT THAT POINT AND PASSED A RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR THAT LEGISLATION TO KNOW IF YOU CAN REMEMBER THAT BUT WHENEVER THE LEGISLATION WAS INTRODUCED, THE LEGISLATION WOULD BE VERY DIFFERENT THAN WHAT WE HAD ENDORSED IN A DRAFT FORM SO I WAS VERY ADAMANT THAT IF I WANTED TO LOOK AT OR BE SUPPORTIVE OF ANYTHING AT THIS TIME, I WANTED TO SEE THE ACTUAL LEGISLATION IS INTRODUCED AND I WOULDN'T SUPPORT ANYTHING UNTIL AFTER IT HAD BEEN MADE PUBLIC FOR ALL OF US TO SEE. THE ONE THING I WOULD SAY IS THAT THE COMMISSIONER, HAMMER TOUCHED ON THIS. THE WAY THAT THE GROUNDWATER DISTRICT IS CURRENTLY FUNDED IS THROUGH THE WELL COMMITTEE AND SO IN A CERTAIN SENSE, WE ARE CUTTING OUR NOSE OFF TO SPITE OUR FACE BECAUSE THE ONLY WAY THEY CAN PROTECT THE RESOURCE IS BY IMPACTING RESOURCES. MORE WELLS, IT IS THE FUNDING MECHANISM AND REALLY, I DON'T WANT TO SEE ANY MORE WEALTH. IT IS KIND OF AN OXYMORON TOMORROW. WHAT I WOULD SAY THAT I WAS VERY ADAMANT GIVEN HOW I FELT LIKE , I WILL SAY MISLED BUT I'LL LIKE THE LEGISLATION THAT WE SAW FOR OUR LAST ACTION WAS LEGISLATION THAT WAS INTRODUCED , THAT THERE HAD TO BE EXCEPTIONS IN THIS , THE STANDARD EXTENSIONS FOR RESIDENTIAL , FOR INDIVIDUAL RESIDENTIAL WATER WELLS AND FOR AGRICULTURE WHICH WAS

[05:30:03]

ANTICIPATED AT THE ONSET OF THE GROUNDWATER DISTRICT AND THAT IS INCLUDING THIS SO I WOULD SUPPORT THIS AND AGAIN, IT IS VERY CLEAR AS WELL THAT THEY MAY NOT IMPOSE ANY TAXES OR ANYTHING ELSE THIS IS SIMPLY OFF OF THE PRODUCTION OFF OF THE COMMERCIAL

WEALTH. >> THE IDEAS TO SUPPORT THE RESOLUTION THAT WILL CHARGE THEM MORE. HOW MUCH MORE DOES THAT

EQUATE TO? >> RIGHT NOW, IT IS NOTHING SO IT WOULD BE $0.38 . I BELIEVE UNDER THE LEGISLATION AS INTRODUCED, I BELIEVE IT IS $0.38 PER THOUSAND GALLONS.

>> IN 1 MILLION GALLONS, HOW MUCH IS THAT? YOUR HANDY-DANDY

CALCULATOR. >> WHICH IS ANTICIPATED WOULD GO

TO THE RATE FARES . >> FROM THE RATEPAYERS PERSPECTIVE, WE ARE LOOKING AT A HOUSEHOLD OF THREE, TWO DOLLARS A MONTH. LOOKING FOR A HEAVY USER, FIVE DOLLARS A MONTH. FOR OUR WATER TO BE REGULATED IN AN AREA THAT HAS A SIGNIFICANT

PROBLEM. >> IT WOULD COST THE GROUNDWATER DISTRICT AT 1 MILLION GALLONS A DAY OR PART MAY, FOR THIS INDIVIDUAL USER ACT 1 MILLION GALLONS A DAY WOULD BE $380 A DAY FOR 1 MILLION GALLONS OF WATER.

>> SO 300 AND CAN BE PASSED ON?

>> 340, I BELIEVE. BUT USING THEM AS AN EXAMPLE , HOW MANY ACTUAL USERS DO YOU HAVE? IN YOUR SYSTEM. 4100? 4200? HOW

MANY METERED USERS DO YOU HAVE? >> WE HAVE 4700 ACCOUNTS.

>> SO 4700 ACCOUNTS AND THAT WOULD BE , I WOULD ASSUME, THOSE ARE BILLED ACCOUNTS? SO, $380 DIVIDED BY $4700 -- DIVIDED BY 47 WOULD BE ROUGHLY $0.08 A DAY.

>> 380÷30 DIVIDED BY THE, YEAH. COMMISSIONERS, WHAT DO YOU THINK

ON THIS SITE? >> I AM SUPPORTIVE OF BOTH. 2660 AND 2661. I FEEL THE SAME, JUDGE, WE HAVE A RIGHT TO SUPPORT OUR COLLEAGUES. AND THEY KNOW BEST THEIR AREAS AND

FIXING. -- PRECINCTS . >> ON THAT ONE OR THE OTHER ONE?

>> WE OPENED BETWEEN 22 AND 23? SO LET'S GET GOING .

>> OKAY . AND, AGAIN, IN MY AREA, WE HAVE A SIGNIFICANT PROBLEM. WHEN THE CONSERVATION DISTRICT IS STILL GOING, WAS CREATED, AFTER TRIPPING OUT, GOING OVER INTO GREEN , SORRY, WENT OVER INTO ROSE, IT WASN'T CREATED TO BE SUSTAINABLE . SO WE ARE TRYING TO MAKE IT SUSTAINABLE SO THEY CAN GET A HOLD OF THE INVESTOR OWNED WATER SUPPLY THAT I HAVE IN MY PRECINCT SO THIS OTHER ONE THAT IS 2661 IS BASICALLY JUST TAKING THE OVERPUMPING VIOLATIONS FROM THE $10,000 PER DAY VIOLATION TO $25,000 PER DAY . REALLY JUST TO KICK IT IN BECAUSE THEY ARE CONSISTENTLY OVERPUMPING AND IT IS A HUGE ISSUE AND NOT ONLY OF THE OVERPUMPING, THEY DEVELOPED. IT IS NOT NECESSARILY ALL OF THEIR FAULT, THEY TOOK OVER A WATER SYSTEM THAT WAS VERY OUTDATED THAT THEY SHOULD HAVE UPDATED AND WE ARE IN A SITUATION WHERE WE HAVE LEAKS THE TIME. WE ARE OVERPUMPING IN JACOB'S WELL IS WHAT IS DETERMINING WHERE IF WE HAVE WATER OR NOT AND IT IS DRY SO THAT IS THE MEASURE THAT WE USE AND THAT THEY ADOPTED AND THEY AGREED WITH AND WE NEED TO GET

CONTROL OVER IT. 100%. >> THE OTHER THING I WOULD CLARIFY AS WELL AS, WHEN WE DISCUSSED THIS IN COURT BEFORE, YOU TRULY ON THE WATER HOWEVER, THAT WATER MOVES AND IT IS NOT A STATIONARY OBJECT. SO WHAT WE HAVE SEEN ESPECIALLY IN THE WIMBERLEY VALLEY IS A TRIBE OF JACOB'S WELL, ITSELF. ONE OF

[05:35:06]

THE THINGS TO FURTHER CLARIFY COMMISSIONER HAMMER'S POINT IS THAT THAT SYSTEM IN PARTICULAR , I THINK THEIR LOSS RATE IS OVER 35% . SO ONCE THEY PULL THAT WATER OUT OF THE GROUND, THEY HAVE NOT DONE A GOOD JOB , WHATSOEVER, OF MANAGING THAT RESOURCE. AND SO, I THINK IF YOU WOULD AGREE THAT WE WERE LOOKING AT THIS FROM A DOLLAR STANDPOINT AT $0.35 OUT OF EVERY DOLLAR THAT YOU THREW AWAY AND YOU ARE TAKING MONEY FROM ALL OF YOUR NEIGHBORS, I THINK IT WOULD BE A PROBLEM. SO I SUPPORT THIS LEGISLATION AS WELL. STAFF ANYONE ELSE? PLEASE CALL THE

ROLE. >> YES.

>> COMMISSIONER HAMMER ? COMMISSIONER INGALSBE ? COMMISSIONER SMITH? JUDGE BECERRA ?

[I.1. Hold a public hearing with possible action to establish a No Dumping zone on Old County Road 118. COHEN/MOCZYGEMBA]

>> I ONE. HOLDING A PUBLIC HEARING TO ESTABLISH A NOTE

DUMPING ZONE ON COUNTY 118 . >> IS GOING TO BE ON APRIL 8TH IS THE HEARING . WE ALREADY DID THE NOTICE FOR PUBLIC HEARING ON

THE PREVIOUS MEETING . >> I WAS GOING BY THE NOTE THAT WAS HANDED TO ME BUT I ACTUALLY READ IT NOW AND I SAY I'M OPENING THIS FOR PUBLIC HEARING. ANYONE WISHING TO SPEAK FOR OR AGAINST THIS AGENDA ITEM PLEASE APPROACH THE PODIUM. I SEE NO

MOVEMENT. NOW WE GO ON. >> THE MOTION TO ESTABLISH A

NOTE DUMPING ZONE. >> COMMISSIONER HAMMER?

[I.7. Discussion and possible action to accept fiscal surety for street and drainage improvements in the amount of $452,800.70 for the Caliterra Subdivision, Phase 3, Section 10 (Bond No.800192089). SMITH/MOCZYGEMBA]

COMMISSIONER INGALSBE? COMMISSIONER SMITH? COMMISSIONER COHEN? JUDGE BECERRA? POSSIBLE ACTION TO DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $452,800 AND 72 IS AN FOR PHASE 3, SECTION 10.

>> SUBMIT. >> SECOND .

[I.8. Discussion and possible action to consider the release of the maintenance bond #PB03016800900 in the amount of $401,852.15, release the revegetation bond #PB030168000899 in the amount of $36,288.00 for Sunset Oaks subdivision, Section 1, Phase 2, and the acceptance of roads and surface drainage improvements into the County Road Maintenance System. INGALSBE/MOCZYGEMBA]

>> PLEASE CALL THE ROLE . COMMISSIONER INGALSBE ? COMMISSIONER SMITH? COMMISSIONER COHEN? JUDGE BECERRA? DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACTION TO DISCUSS THE RELEASE OF THE MAINTENANCE PHONE NUMBER PBC 016800960 IN THE AMOUNT OF $401,852 AND $.15 . REVEGETATION BOND NUMBER PB ZERO 30168000899 IN THE AMOUNT OF 36,200 $88. FOR THE SUNSET OAKS DIVISION, SECTION 1 PHASE 2 AND THE ACCEPTANCE OF ROADS AND SERVICE DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS AND TO THE COUNTY ROAD MAINTENANCE SYSTEM.

>> SECOND. >> PLEASE CALL THE ROLE .

[J.1. PLN-2433-PC; Hold a Public Hearing regarding Castro's Addition, Lot 1, Replat. INGALSBE/PACHECO]

>> COMMISSIONER SMITH? COMMISSIONER COHEN? COMMISSIONER HAMMER? COMMISSIONER INGALSBE? JUDGE BECERRA?

>> HOLDS A PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING CASTRO'S ADDITIONAL

ONE REPLANT. >> I AM OPENING THIS AGENDA ITEM FOR A PUBLIC HEARING? THOSE WISHING TO SPEAK FOR OR AGAINST THE ITEM, PLEASE APPROACH THE PODIUM. I CLOSE THE PUBLIC

HEARING. >> GOOD AFTERNOON. THE ADDITION REPLANT IS A THREE LOT DIVISION ACROSS THREE POINT 638 ACRES.

THIS IS A LONG LANE IN PRECINCT 1. FOR THIS SUBDIVISION, WATER WILL BE ACCOMPLISHED BY THE GOFORTH WATER SUPPLY CORPORATION AND WASTEWATER WILL BE -- AT THIS TIME, STAFF IS RECOMMENDATION IS A DISAPPROVAL AND DUE TO DEFICIENCIES OF THE DOCUMENT AND ONCE WE RECEIVE THE DOCUMENT, THEY WILL REVIEW IT AND BRING IT BACK TO COURT FOR RATIFICATION.

>> JUDGE, I WILL MAKE A MOTION TO DISAPPROVE.

>> COMMISSIONER:? COMMISSIONER HAMMER? COMMISSIONER INGLESBY

[J.2. PLN-2632-NP; Ratify approval for the Laurel Hills Final Plat. SMITH/PACHECO]

THREE ? JUDGE BECERRA? PLL DASH 36 , RATIFY APPROVAL FOR THE LAUREL HILLS FINAL PLAT. SECOND.

>> MR. PACHECO . >> THANK YOU, JUDGE. THANK YOU COMMISSIONERS. THE WORD HILLS FINAL PLOT, THIS IS A DIVISION ACROSS 6.27 ACRES ALONG SIGNAL HILL VIEW IN THE CITY OF AUSTIN

[05:40:02]

AND PRECINCT 4. WATER FOR THIS DIVISION IS ACHIEVED BY INDIVIDUAL PRIVATE WELLS AND WASTEWATER BY INDIVIDUAL ON-SITE SEWAGE FACILITIES. STAFF HAS REVIEWED THE PLAT AND HAS APPROVED THE PLAT DOCUMENT . TODAY, WE ARE SEEKING RATIFICATION FOR COMMISSIONER COURT MINUTES.

>> MOVE FOR APPROVAL. >> COMMISSIONER HAMMER.

COMMISSIONER INGLESBY. COMMISSIONER SMITH? COMMISSIONER

COHEN? JUDGE BECERRA? >>> IFB 2025, TURNERSVILLE ROAD

[K.11. Discussion and possible action to award and execute a contract for IFB 2025-B07 Turnersville Road @ Unnamed Creek 87 - Low Water Crossing between Hays County and Austin Underground, Inc. in the amount of $1,187,796.90, and amend the budget accordingly. COHEN/MOCZYGEMBA]

AT UNNAMED CREEK 87 LOW WATER CROSSING BETWEEN HAYS COUNTY AND AUSTIN UNDERGROUND INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF 1,187,000 DOLLARS AND

AMEND THE BUDGET ACCORDINGLY. >> WE HAVE A MOTION IN THE SECOND AND ANY ADDITIONAL COMMENTS.

[K.16. Discussion and possible action to authorize the execution of Amendment #1 to the Hays County Sheriff's Office Civil Service Rules related to Section 3.07.1 - Employee Eligibility List. INGALSBE]

COMMISSIONER INGLESBY, COMMISSIONER SMITH , COMMISSIONER HAMMER, JUDGE FACET OF?

>>> DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION .

>> SO MOVED. >> SECOND.

>> I SORT OF REFERENCED THIS PROCESS ON A PREVIOUS ITEM REGARDING RULES. UNDER CBA IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULES, IF THERE IS A RULE CHANGE, ADDITION, DELETION, AMENDMENT, ET CETERA, SOMETHING MORE THAN A CLARIFICATION PIECE, THERE IS A DIFFERENT PROCESS BY WHICH RULES CAN BE AMENDED. IN SHORT, THAT PROCESS IS THE HELA AGAIN AND COUNTY HAVE TO AGREE THE CHANGE IS NECESSARY. THEN IN THAT CASE THE CHANGE ALSO GOES BEFORE THE COMMISSION TO GET THEIR OPINION ON THE RULE CHANGE MATTER. IF YOU WILL LOOK, THERE IS AN AMENDMENT THAT'S ALREADY BEEN AGREED TO FROM HCL EA AS WELL AS COMMISSION'S OPINION ON THE MATTER. IT'S A LITTLE BIT OF A DIFFERENT PROCESS OF THE MLU THAT WE TALKED ABOUT. 3.07.1 OF THE RULES REGARDS EMPLOYEE ELIGIBILITY LIST. EXCUSE ME. IN SHORT, THE WAY THE RULES CURRENTLY READ IS THAT THERE ARE SOME CERTAIN SPECIFICATIONS PUT IN PLACE FOR MILITARY VETERANS IN REGARDS TO THEIR INITIAL APPLICATION WITH THE SHERIFFS OFFICE. AND BASICALLY IF YOU HAVE MILITARY EXPERIENCE, IT AUTOMATICALLY PUTS YOU AT THE TOP OF THE ELIGIBILITY LIST TO BE HIRED. THAT WAS NOT THE INTENT. THE INTENT WAS MILITARY SERVICE SHOULD SOMEONE HAVE IT BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN REGARDS TO PROMOTIONS BUT NOT INITIAL EMPLOYMENT, MAKING THEM JUMP THE LIST. BACK UP YOU WILL SEE WHAT FIRST AMENDMENT AND STRIKING THROUGH LANGUAGE, HCLA, EVEN THOUGH THE SHERIFF DOESN'T HAVE TO AGREE, HE HAS SAID THIS IS A GREAT CHANGE. YOU WILL SEE THAT IN BACK UP. YOU WILL SEE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION'S OPINION SAYING THEY AGREE WITH THE CHANGE. HAPPY TO ANSWER MORE DETAILED QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT HAVE BUT THAT IS THE OVERALL GIST OF AMENDMENT NUMBER ONE TO

THE RULE. >> PERFECT. GREAT MOTION. VERY WELL EXPLAINED. PLEASE CALL ROLE.

>> COMMISSIONER SMITH. >> YES.

>> YES. >> YES.

>> YES. >> COMMISSIONER INGALSBE IS THIS

THE LIST YOU CREATED? >> I DID.

>> WHO WANTS TO OPEN THE OTHER? >> THE CHIEF IS HERE.

>> I WASN'T GOING TO OPEN 18 BECAUSE I HAD A WONDERFL

[K.19. Discussion and possible action to establish jail cost sharing with municipalities. BECERRA]

MEETING. >> IT'S GOING TO BE PULLED

THEN. >> IT IS NOT READY. I WILL OPEN 19 THOUGH. THAT'S FINE WITH ME. K19.

>> K19, DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO SUSTAIN JAIL COST

SHARING WITH MUNICIPALITIES. >> SO MOVED.

>> SECOND. >> THANK YOU. SO THE REASON FOR THIS ITEM IS BECAUSE I ALSO HAD A WONDERFUL MEETING WITH OUR SHERIFF AND HIS CHIEF AND CAPTAINS. IT IS MY INTENT TO HAVE A COST SHARING DIMINISHING THE BURDEN OF ALL THAT EXPENSE

[05:45:02]

ON OUR COUNTY ALONE. SO I WANT TO, IN A PEACEFUL MANNER, GET THE SUPPORT OF THE COURT FOR ME TO APPROACH OUR MUNICIPALITIES THAT HAVE THEIR OWN CHIEFS BASICALLY TO BRING PEOPLE INTO OUR COUNTY JAIL TO START THE DIALOGUE SO WE CAN GET SOME CONTRIBUTIONS. SOMEONE WANT TO JOIN ME?

>> I WILL JOIN YOU UNLESS DEBBY WANTS TO JOIN.

>> WELL, YOU CAN GO AHEAD. YOU HAVE OFFERED SO THAT'S FINE WILL

. >> PERFECT. THANK YOU. I

APPRECIATE THAT. >> THIS IS SOMETHING WE HAVE

TALKED ABOUT. >> A LOT OF TIME.

>> I KNOW WE BROUGHT IT UP IN COURT THREE OR FOUR TIMES SINCE I HAVE BEEN ON THE COURT. IF THERE IS A WAY IT CAN HAPPEN IN EQUITABLE FASHION AND HAVE BUY IN FROM OUR PARTNERS, I KNOW AT THIS POINT, I FEEL LIKE, I WILL% USE OUR STATE PARTNERS AS AN EXAMPLE, UNDER PREVIOUS LEGISLATIVE SESSION THERE WAS A LAW PASSED THAT IF WE HELD A STATE INMATE WHO HAS ALREADY

GONE THROUGH THE PROCESS. >> 45 DAYS.

>> THEN WE CAN GET COMPENSATION FOR THAT AND DISCUSSIONS AT THE COUNCIL OF URBAN COUNTIES, TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES. BUT THERE HASN'T BEEN, AS OF A FEW WEEKS AGO, THEY HADN'T IDENTIFIED A SINGLE COUNTY THAT HAD GOTTEN A PAYMENT OUT OF THE PROGRAM. THE STATE CONTINUES TO REMAIN UNPAID TO US FOR THE FACILITIES. SO IF WE CAN ON THE FRONT END GET SOME ASSISTANCE FROM LOCAL PARTNERS, I WOULD BE SUPPORTIVE IF IT WAS DONE

CORRECTLY. >> MOST DEFINITELY. THIS IS A CARROT, NOT A STICK RELATIONSHIP THAT MUST BE EXECUTED WITH APPRECIATION AND PARTNERSHIP. I WAS REINFORCED ABOUT THAT BY OUR SHERIFFS OFFICE. THEY GAVE ME THEIR HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF HOW THEY HAD SEEN SOMETHING. I DON'T REMEMBER THE YEAR, AS FAR BACK AS 2019. I DON'T KNOW, SOMETIME BACK WHERE THEY WERE TOSSING IT AROUND. OF COURSE I READ ALL THE STATUTE STUFF AHEAD OF TIME BUT THEY ALSO CITED IT. WE WERE IN AGREENCE OF HOW, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, AND WHY. IT'S ABOUT TIME AND LIKE YOU SAID, WE HAVE TALKED ABOUT IT LONG ENOUGH. IT'S NOT A GOTCHA, NOT AN ANYTHING EXCEPT FOR LET'S WORK TOGETHER ON THIS. IF WE WORK TOGETHER AS PARTNERS, WE WILL BE BETTER OFF. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT. COMMISSIONER HAMMER AND I WILL REPRESENT THE COURT IN THE COMMUNICATIONS AND THEY'LL REPORT BACK TO YOU.

PLEASE CALL THE ROLL.

ON THAT ONE. I THINK WE ARE DONE WITH THE LIST YOU GAVE ME, COMMISSIONER. WE CAN START, IF THERE IS NOTHING ELSE TO GO BACK THROUGH THE CASE FROM THE TOP, WHATEVER IS LEFT. I THINK WE ARE

AT K1. >> WE HAVE OPENED K1.

[K.6. Discussion and possible action to authorize the execution of a License Agreement between Hays County and San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance. HAMMER]

>> WE DID K1. K4. >> YES. K6 SHOULD BE NEXT.

>> DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE EXECUTION OF A LICENSE AGREEMENT BETWEEN HAYES COUNTY AND SAN MARCOS

GREEN BELT ALLIANCE. >> SECOND.

>> SO MOVE. >> GREEN BELT ALLIANCE HAS DONE ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE THINGS FOR SAN MARCOS. THIS IS HELPING WITH STORING SOME EQUIPMENT AND GIVING THEM A PLACE TO CONTINUE THAT WORK. THEY DO IT ON 100% VOLUNTEER STATUS FOR SAN MARCOS.

IT'S BEEN A GREAT PARTNERSHIP. TAMMY, CAN YOU SPEAK ON A LITTLE

BIT OF IT? >> DIRECTOR OF COUNTY WIDE OPERATIONS. THEY ARE STORING THEIR EQUIPMENT AT LIMESTONE LINK WHICH IS ONE OF THE PROPERTIES WE HAVE ACQUIRED FOR OUR TRAIL SYSTEM. THEY HAVE BUILT AND ARE GOING TO MAINTAIN THE TRAIL FOR US. IT CONNECTS TO THE RING TAIL RIDGE, TRAIL SYSTEM ACROSS 12 INTO THE CITY'S TRAIL SYSTEM. SO THAT'S GOING TO BE OPENING HERE SHORTLY. IT'S BEEN OPEN, BUT IT'S GOING TO OFFICIALLY OPEN SOON. THEY HAVE BUILT AND MAINTAINED THAT TRAIL SYSTEM. SO THIS WILL JUST GIVE THEM A PLACE TO KEEP THAT EQUIPMENT AND KEEP THAT TRAIL UP AND RUNNING FOR

US. >> WONDERFUL IDEA. THANK YOU SO MUCH. WE TALKED ABOUT IT IN THE PAST. I AM GLAD YOU HAVE TAKEN

THE ACTION. >> APRIL 9 IS THE OPENING OF THE TRAIL. I SENT A CALENDAR INVITE AT 3:00 P.M.

>> APRIL 9 AT 3:00. >> ANYONE THAT WANTS TO COME.

[05:50:02]

>> I WILL BE THERE. LOVE IT. THANK YOU MISS CRUMLEY. PLEASE

[K.9. Discussion and possible action to award RFQ 2025-Q06 Legal Services for Hays County Sheriff's Office - Civil Service Commission to the Law Offices of Ryan Henry, PLLC and authorize staff and the District Attorney Civil Division to negotiate a contract. INGALSBE/HIPOLITO]

CALL THE ROLL. >>

>> JUST KEEP GOING DOWN THE LIST. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO AWARD RFQ2025-Q06 LEGAL SERVICES FOR HAYS COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION TO LAW OFFICES OF RYAN HENNY PLLC AND AUTHORIZE STAFF AND DISTRICT ATTORNEY CIVIL DIVISION TO NEGOTIATE A CONTRACT.

>> SO MOVE. >> SECOND.

>> PLEASE CALL ROLL.

[K.10. Discussion and possible action to award RFP 2025-P02 Countywide Janitorial Services to American Facility Services, Inc. and authorize staff and the District Attorney Civil Division to negotiate a contract. BECERRA/T.CRUMLEY]

>> K10. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO AWARD RFP2025-P02 COUNTY WIDE JANITORIAL SERVICES TO AMERICAN FACILITY SERVICES INC. AND AUTHORIZE STAFF AND DISTRICT ATTORNEY CIVIL DIVISION

TO NEGOTIATE A CONTRACT. >> SO MOVED.

>> SECOND. >> PLEASE CALL ROLL.

[K.12. Discussion and possible action to authorize Constable Precinct 4 to obtain a credit card for an amount not to exceed $2,000.00 from the County depository Bank. SMITH/HUNT/GRAHAM]

>> K12. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE CONSTABLE PRECINCT FOUR TO OBTAIN A CREDIT CARD FOR AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $2,000 FROM THE COUNTY DEPOSITORY BANK.

>> SO MOVE. >> SECOND.

>> I KEEP SEEING THESE POP UP. CAN WE DO SOMETHING TO MAKE THOSE UNIVERSAL SO IF WE GIVE IT TO ONE CONSTABLE, WE GIVE TO ALL OF THEM INSTEAD OF COMING BACK ONE BY ONE. I THINK THAT WILL BE

A GOOD UNIVERSAL APPROACH. >> I AM REVIEWING THE CREDIT LIMIT BECAUSE WE ONLY HAVE SO MUCH CREDIT LIMIT. I WILL BRING AN ITEM BACK TO REDUCE CARD LIMITS. THEY'RE NOT UTILIZING THEM. THEN REACH TO THE DEPARTMENT HEAD THAT DO NOT HAVE A CURRENT CREDIT CARD TO SEE IF THEY HAVE ONE. SOME DO NOT WANT

THE RESPONSIBILITY. >> I UNDERSTAND. THANK YOU SO MUCH. WE ARE ALREADY PREEMPTING THAT EFFORT.

>> I AM MAKING NOTES S THAT A 3:00 P.M. RIBBON CUTTING? GOT

[K.13. Discussion and possible action to modify the civilian step plan and salary administration policy effective April 1, 2025. BECERRA/DORSETT]

IT. THAT'S WHAT YOU TEXTED AND I APPRECIATE IT.

>> K13, DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO MODIFY CIVILIAN STEP PLAN AND SALARY ADMINISTRATION POLICY EFFECTIVE APRIL 1, 2025.

>> SO MOVED. >> SECOND.

>> VICKY IS HANDING OUT SOME USEFUL DOCUMENTS. IF YOU PASS THE STACK, I WILL PASS THE REST. THANK YOU, MA'AM .

>> GOOD AFTERNOON. VICKY DORSETT. LAST FEBRUARY 2024, COURT AUTHORIZED FUNDING TO IMPLEMENT SALARY STEP PLAN FOR THE COUNTY, CIVILIAN STEP PLAN. AT THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE, THE STEP PLAN WAS BUILT WITH 15 STEPS AND THERE WERE CERTAIN HOLD PATTERNS BUILT IN TO THE STEP PLAN.

MAINLY AN EFFORT TO LIMIT THE IMPACT AND TO KEEP THE GRADES WITHIN THE MINIMUM AND THE MAXIMUM IN THE MARKET. SO AFTER IMPLEMENTATION, THE DEPARTMENT HEADS AND ELECTED OFFICIALS WERE ALLOWED TO PLACE WITHIN THE STEP WITHIN THE GRADE DEPENDENT ON EITHER YEARS OF SERVICE OR YEARS IN THE POSITION. WHAT WE FOUND DURING ACTUALLY IMPLEMENTING THIS AND PAYING THIS IS THERE ARE SOME POSITIONS THAT ARE IN HOLDING PATTERNS THAT HAVE BEEN WITH THE COUNTY FOR TEN PLUS YEARS. BECAUSE OF WHERE THEIR DEPARTMENT HEAD OR ELECTED PLACED THEM, THEY WILL NOT MOVE FOR A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS. SO WHAT WE ARE RECOMMENDING IS TO REMOVE THAT BAND OFF OF THE TOP OF THE STEP PLAN AS CIVILIAN AND JUST LET THE EMPLOYEES MOVE 3% ON THEIR ANNIVERSARY DATE. WE DO WANT TO MAKE THIS EFFECTIVE APRIL 1. SO THERE WILL BE NO BACK PAY FOR ANYONE THAT'S HAD AN ANNIVERSARY BUT WE WANT TO AT LEAST RECOGNIZE THAT THEIR YEARS OF SERVICE WILL GET THEM AN INCREASE THIS YEAR. THE THEY WILL START MOVING ON THEIR

ANNIVERSARY DATE. >> BEAUTIFUL. THAT IS SUCH A WONDERFUL CATCH. I HAVE WAS REALLY GRATEFUL TO SEE THIS.

>> SO THERE IS A COST OBVIOUSLY. IT WILL COST APPROXIMATELY

[05:55:05]

$250,000 TO IMPLEMENT THIS. >> APRIL 1.

>> EFFECTIVE APRIL 1. SO WE CAN USE ATTRITION DOLLARS FROM SALARY ADJUSTMENT LINE ITEM. I WOULD CAUTION THE COURT THAT THERE ARE SOME MID YEAR REQUESTS COMING IN FOR ADDING PERSONNEL THAT'S GOING TO IMPACT FY26 BUDGET. WE HAVE ALREADY UTILIZED ABOUT 350,000 IN SALARY ATTRITION DOLLARS THIS YEAR THUS FAR. SO JUST KEEPING THAT IN MIND AS YOU MOVE FORWARD, THAT THIS ALSO WILL BE ADDED IN IMPACTING FY26 BUDGET IF YOU

CHOOSE TO APPROVE TODAY. >> BEAUTIFUL.

>> ANOTHER ITEM WE WANTED TO TALK ABOUT WAS ACTUALLY THE MOVEMENT OF POSITIONS THAT HAVE PROGRESSION PLANS. I DID PROVIDE YOU THE COMPENSATION, SALARY DMINISTRATION POLICY. WHAT WE WOULD LIKE TO ADD IS HIGHLIGHTED IN YELLOW. THERE ARE SOME POSITIONS WITHIN OUR SALARY STRUCTURE THAT HAVE PROGRESSION PLANS. AT THE REQUEST OF THE DEPARTMENTS AND ELECTED OFFICIALS, THEY WOULD LIKE FOR THOSE POSITIONS ON THE YEAR THAT THEY PROGRESS TO NOT RECEIVE THEIR 3% STEP. THEY'RE GOING TO PROMOTE, IN MOST CASES AT LEAST, TWO GRADES. SO ON THOSE YEARS OF PROMOTION, THEY WOULD NOT RECEIVE BOTH A PROMOTION AND

STEP. >> OKAY. ANY OTHER QUESTIONS?

>> I DON'T WANT TO BE DISRESPECTFUL TO ANYONE, YOU KNOW, THAT DIDN'T GET THIS BENEFIT.

>> THIS IS A FAIRLY NEW PLAN. AND SO MOST EMPLOYEES RECEIVED PLACEMENT LAST SPRING. THEN IN OCTOBER, THERE WERE EMPLOYEES THAT WERE CAUGHT UP, IF THEY WERE PLACED IN BETWEEN A STEP OR IF THEY HAD MET THEIR YEARS OF SERVICE, THEY WERE CAUGHT UP IN OCTOBER. SO THERE ARE SOME EMPLOYEES THAT MAYBE SHOULD HAVE MOVED IN JANUARY THAT WILL JUST NOW MOVE. THE IMPACT TO GO BACK TO OCTOBER 1 WOULD BE AT LEAST TWICE.

>> SO THESE ARE INEVITABLE WHEN YOU DO A SYSTEM RESET. BUT I AM GLAD YOU ARE CATCHING THEM IN A RECOMMENDED ROAD MAP THAT'S NOT

A BIG BLACK EYE. >> I THINK IT WILL BE MORE EQUITABLE. THE HOLD PATTERNS START AT YEAR FIVE. THEY'RE TWO YEAR HOLD PATTERNS. IT'S SET TEN WHICH IS -- SORRY, YES, 14 YEARS WITH THE COUNTY. THERE IS ACTUALLY THREE YEAR HOLD PATTERNS. THREE YEARS IS A LONG TIME FOR SOMEONE TO WAIT FOR A 3% INCREASE. SO IT WILL THEN LIMIT THOSE FOR 15 YEARS OR MORE. YOU WILL CAP OUT SOONER. BUT THE IDEA IS THE WHOLE MARKET WILL MOVE EVERY THREE TO FOUR YEARS. THE COURT CAN ALWAYS GIVE ADDITIONAL MERIT OR THEY CAN DO ONE TIME PAYMENTS TO THOSE THAT ARE MAXED OUT, WHICH WE HAVE DONE IN THE PAST AS WELL.

>> I LIKE THE IDEA THAT HOLDING SOMEONE STILL FOR THREE YEARS, NOT INCORPORATING THE 3% STANDARD OF LIVING, INFLATION, COST OF LIVING COST IS LITERALLY STAY HERE WHILE WE CUT YOUR PAY.

THAT'S NOT A GOOD MESSAGE. THANK YOU FOR CHECKING THAT.

GOOD JOB. ANY OTHER QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? DOES A MOTION NEED TO

BE ARTICULATED STARTING APRIL 1. >> APRIL 1, YES, SIR. I WILL ADD

THAT TO MY MOTION. >> PLEASE.

>> I WILL MAKE A MOTION, JUDGE, ON ITEM WITH THE SALARY ADMINISTRATION POLICY CHANGES. ITEM 13 TO ADD POLICY ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES AND MAKE EFFECTIVE DATE OF APRIL 1, 2025.

>> SECOND. PLEASE CALL ROLL. >>

[K.15. Discussion and possible action to approve the 2018/2019 replacement leased vehicle schedule for various County departments and amend the budget accordingly. BECERRA/DORSETT]

>> YES. THANK YOU, VICKY. >> NEXT AGENDA ITEM. K15.

DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO APPROVE 2018/2019 REPLACEMENT LEASED VEHICLE SCHEDULE FOR VARIOUS COUNTY DEPARTMENTS AND

AMEND BUDGET ACCORDINGLY. >> SO MOVED.

>> SECOND. >> VICKY.

[06:00:02]

>> BACK IN 2018, THE COURT BEGAN THE LEASED VEHICLE PROGRAM WITH ENTERPRISE. WE HAVE APPROXIMATELY 35 TO 40 VEHICLES THAT ARE READY. WE'RE ON A MONTH TO MONTH LEASE. WE ARE READY TO TURN THOSE OVER. THE COURT DID AUTHORIZE MASTER LEASE AGREEMENT WITH D & M LEASING IN 2023 WHICH WE HAVE BEEN PLEASED WITH THEIR SERVICE AND THEIR ABILITY TO FIND THE VEHICLES FOR US. WHAT WE ARE RECOMMENDING IS TO ALLOW TO GET THESE VEHICLES TURNED OVER AND REPLACED WITH NEW VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE ARE PATROL UNITS. DURING THE BUDGET PROCESS, THE COURT AUTHORIZED ABOUT 430,000 FOR THIS LEASE REPLACEMENT PROGRAM. MOST OF THAT'S GOING TO GO TO LAW ENFORCEMENT OUTFIT EQUIPMENT AS LEASES WILL PRETTY MUCH BALANCE EACH OTHER OUT WITH THE NEW LEASES. SOME DEPARTMENTS MAY NEED ADDITIONAL LEASE MONEY FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR. BUT THE MAJORITY OF IT WILL BE LAW ENFORCEMENT EQUIPMENT. WE WON'T HAVE ENOUGH TO FULLY OUTFIT ALL OF THESE VEHICLES. SO WE WOULD LIKE TO AT LEAST GET THEM REPLACED KNOWING WE'LL HAVE TO BUDGET IN FY26 TO OUTFIT THE

REMAINING VEHICLES. >> SOUNDS GOOD. ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? WHEN SHE COMES BACK FOR PARTS, WE KNOW WHAT'S GOING

ON. >> THANK YOU, VICKY. WE HAVE BEEN PART OF THE PROGRAM FOR A WHILE BEFORE WE WERE ABLE TO IMPLEMENT IT FULLY. I KNOW IT IS HARD TO KEEP UP WITH. I KNOW OUR FOLKS APPRECIATE IT BECAUSE IT GIVES THEM AT LEAST SOME CONTINUITY AND UNDERSTANDING OF WHEN THE VEHICLES CAN BE REPLACED THAT WE DIDN'T HAVE IN THE PAST. I KNOW THEY'RE VERY

THANKFUL. >> THANK YOU.

>> PLEASE CALL ROLL. >>

[K.20. Discussion and possible action to approve the execution of a Resolution regarding Senate Bill 937 regarding bidding or procurement requirements for improvement projects in public improvement districts filed in the 89th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature. HAMMER]

>> YES. I THINK WE ARE ON 21. >> 20.

>> K20. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO APPROVE HE IS CAUTION OF A RESOLUTION REGARDING SENATE BILL 937 REGARDING BIDDING AND PROCUREMENT, OR PROCUREMENT, REQUIREMENTS FOR IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS IN PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS FILED IN THE 89TH REGULAR SESSION OF THE TEXAS LEGISLATURE.

>> SO MOVED. >> SECOND.

>> ALL RIGHT. WHO WOULD LIKE TO START EXPLAINING?

>> I MEAN, IT'S JUST BASICALLY WHAT THE CITIES CURRENTLY HAVE IN TERMS. IT'S GIVING US SAME AUTHORITY. IF WE ARE DOING A PIT IN THE COUNTY WE SHOULD HAVE SAME AUTHORITY AS THE CITY.

>> IT'S CLEAN UP LEGISLATION THAT BRINGS ESTABLISHMENT CLAUSES AND ESTABLISHES PID AT THE COUNTY LEVEL IN LINE TO EXACTLY MATCH THAT OF A CITY. THE REASONING BEHIND THAT IS IF YOU LOOK AT SOME OF THE DEVELOPMENTS THAT ARE LOOKING AT PIDS AND THOSE, IT DOESN'T PUT THE CITY OR COUNTY AT A DISADVANTAGE WHEN TRYING TO NEGOTIATE WHO TO GO WITH OR WHAT

TO DO. >> YOU ARE BYPASSING COMPETITIVE BID WITH THIS RESOLUTION, RIGHT? I MEAN, THAT'S WHAT YOU ARE DOING. WELL, IT'S WHAT THE STATUTE SAYS.

>> BYPASSING COMPETITIVE BID. YOU ARE RAISING MY ATTENDANCE.

>> MY BACKGROUND, WHEN I SAW IT WAS SOMETHING TO EXEMPT, IT JUST SEEMED LIKE IT WAS GOING TO EXEMPT THEM FROM HAVING TO DO COMPETITIVE BIDS WHICH THUS I FEEL IS A RISK OF NOT VERY GOOD OVERSIGHT AND ALL THE USUAL RULES THAT WOULD APPLY IN PROCUREMENT POLICIES. SO JUST FOR ME BECAUSE OF THAT BACKGROUND, I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SUPPORT THE RESOLUTION.

>> I CAN UNDERSTAND THAT. I WOULD TELL YOU LOOKING AT THE LEGISLATION ITSELF, I KNOW CALDWELL COUNTY HAS RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT. ONE OF THE THINGS I WOULD SAY IS WHENEVER THESE ARE FORMED, THAT PARTNERSHIP THAT YOU HAVE WITH THE ENTITY THAT'S PUTTING IT TOGETHER, IT DOES GIVE THEM MORE CONTROL IN SELECTING WHO THEY HAVE TO WORK WITH AND HOW FINANCING WORKS.

THAT'S A VERY FAIR OBSERVATION. BUT IT DOES AGAIN, BECAUSE WE DON'T HAVE THAT AT A COUNTY LEVEL, IT SOMEWHAT INCENTIVIZES THEM TO GO WITH THE CITY BECAUSE THEY HAVE THE ABILITY WITH THE CITY. IT WOULD GIVE US THE SAME PROCUREMENT MEANS AS CITIES

CURRENTLY ENJOY. >> THAT WOULDN'T ACTUALLY COME TO THE COURT, RIGHT? IT'S THEM DOING THAT.

[06:05:01]

>> RIGHT, CORRECT. >> I JUST WANTED TO MAKE SURE.

>> IT WOULD NEVER COME TO US. IT WOULD BE THEM.

>> PLEASE CALL ROLL. >>

[K.21. Discussion and possible action to approve the execution of a Resolution regarding Senate Bill 1669 regarding storm water regulations filed in the 89th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature. HAMMER]

>> YES. >> NO.

>> YES. >> YES.

>> YES. >> PLEASE OPEN K21.

>> K21, DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO APPROVE EXECUTION OF A RESOLUTION REGARDING SENATE BILL 1669 REGARDING STORM WATER REGULATIONS FILED IN THE 89TH REGULAR SESSION OF THE TEXAS

LEGISLATURE. >> SO MOVED.

>> SECOND. >> THIS IS JUST A MEASURE, ADDITIONAL MEASURE WE CAN DO FOR LARGE DEVELOPMENTS TO BE SURE THEY'RE CLEANING UP THEIR WATER THAT GOES IN THE STORM WATER THAT THEN TURNS INTO OUR DRINKING WATER. JUST LIKE ONE OF THE THINGS WE CAN DO THAT TRAVIS, BARE, HARRIS COUNTY WERE GRANTED THE AUTHORITY IN 1999. SO IT IS GIVING THAT AUTHORITY.

>> ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? PLEASE CALL ROLL.

>> SPONSORED BY SENATOR. >> YES.

>> YES. >> YES.

[M.1. Discussion related to the Hays County inmate population, to include current population counts and costs. BECERRA]

>> YES. DOES THAT CONCLUDE OUR K?

>> YES. >> IF I AM NOT MISTAKEN, I WILL ASK YOU TO OPEN THE SHERIFFS REPORT FOR ME WHICH IS M1.