[A. CALL TO ORDER] [00:00:11] >>> THE LIGHTS ARE TURNINGTURNING GREEN. A VERY GOOD MORNING TO YOU. I WOULD LIKE TO CALL THIS MEETING TO ORDER. LET'S ALL RISE FOR THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. >> I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION, UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL. >> WOULD YOU PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> THOSE IN THE AUDIENCE WHO HAVE SUBMITTED A WITNESS FORM WILL HAVE THREE MINUTES TO SPEAK. NO ACTION MAY BE TAKEN BY THE COURT AS WE ARE EXPECTED NOT TO RESPOND. ANY QUESTION ALSO BE TAKEN AS RHETORICAL. PLEASE KEEP ALL COMMENTS OF THE SPEAK SPEAKER AND LANGUAGE CIVIL AND RESPECTFUL OR YOU WILL FORFEIT THE REMAINDER OF YOUR TIME. IN THE SPIRIT OF RESPECT, PLEASE SILENCE YOUR CELL PHONES. THERE IS ENOUGH OF YOU IN HERE, HOPE WE DON'T HEAR ONE IN BETWEEN SPEAKERS. OKAY, GOOD. SO NOW WE MOVE ON TO THE PUBLIC COMMENTS PORTION. [I.3. Discussion and possible action on the termination of all contracts with Flock Safety. BECERRA] THANK YOU. I WILL TELL YOU, JUST SO YOU KNOW, MY INTEREST IN TERMINATING ALL FLOCK CONTRACTS AGENDA ITEM WILL NOT OPEN. I WILL NOT OPEN I- 3 BECAUSE I HAVE COMMITTED TO GIVING TIME FOR CONVERSATION. SO JUST KNOW THAT WILL NOT BE OPEN. I WILL NOT OPEN I- 3 ABOUT TERM -- TERMINATING ALL FLOCK CONTRACTS. I HAVE PROOF OF SUPPORTING ALL LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT. THAT IS NOT ABOUT THIS. COMMISSIONER SMITH? >> JUDGE, IN RESPONSE, I WOULD JUST SAY, I ASK THAT WE HAVE A LITTLE BIT OF TIME TO SIT BACK AND HEAR FROM THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY. I FULLY INTEND TO BRING THE PROGRAM BACK TO COURT, BUT I WILL PULL MY ITEM FOR THE DAY FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION. I DO THAT KNOWING THAT AT LEAST ONE OR TWO OF OUR COLLEAGUES ARE HOSTING A PUBLIC FORUM. I WANT TO GIVE THEM THE OPPORTUNITY TO HEAR FROM THEIR CONSTITUENTS BEFORE WE HEAR THIS CONSIDERATION. >> THAT'S RIGHT. WE WILL GIVE ONE MORE WEEK FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT TO TAKE PLACE. JUST REMEMBER, THE ARGUMENT I'VE HEARD IS NOTHING TO DO WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT. IT'S ABOUT OUTSIDE OF OUR [E. PUBLIC COMMENTS] COUNTY THAT THE CONCERN IS ABOUT. SO THANK YOU, COMMISSIONERS, FOR HELPING IN THAT CONVERSATION. NOW WE WILL GO TO PUBLIC COMMENTS. THE REASON I SAID THAT IS BECAUSE I HAVE A FEELING, WITHOUT LOOKING AT IT, THAT MANY WILL BE ADDRESSING THAT. SO I WANTED TO TELL PEOPLE AHEAD OF TIME. SO FIRST, WE HAVE NATHAN. IF YOU WOULD APPROACH THE PODIUM. YOU WILL HAVE THREE MINUTES TO SPEAK. >> GOOD MORNING. I AM NATHAN PINO, A CRIMINALOLOGIST AND PROFESSOR AT TEXAS STATE. I'M HERE TO SPEAK OUT AGAINST THE PURCHASE OF ADDITIONAL -- AND CANCELING THEM. THE USE OF FLOCK CAMERAS CONSTITUTES CIVIL VIOLATIONS. THIS ALLOWS ACCESS TO -- DIRECTLY TO ABUSES DISCOVERED BY WHISTLEBLOWERS. PEOPLE CAN BE TRACKED WITHOUT A WARRANT TO TARGET AND SURVEIL PROTEST MOVEMENTS, WOMEN BEING FORCED TO SEEK REPRODUCTIVE CARE IN OTHER STATES. ROMANTIC PARTNERS OF POLICE AND OTHER OFFICIALS AND POSSIBLY THOSE OF YOU HERE. THESE CAMERAS CAN BE USED TO ENGAGE IN BLACKMAIL AND EXTORTION. MEMBERS OF THE COUNTY MIGHT ABUSE THEIR POWER USING THESE KAMRAS AND THE COUNTY WILL LIKELY PROVIDE OVERSIGHT AND ACCOUNTABILITY. THEY MIGHT USE THE CAMERAS TO HELP THEMSELVES OR THE DEPARTMENTS TO ENGAGE IN [00:05:04] ASSET FORFEITURE AND ENGAGING IN ILLEGAL ARRESTS. CAMERAS WILL BE USED TO CURTAIL FREEDOM OF SPEECH MOVEMENT. RESEARCH ON THE EFFICACY OF CAMERAS TO REDUCE CRIME SHOULD BE QUESTIONED. CLAIMS OF A 70% CRIME REDUCTION CAME FROM A STUDY CONDUCTED BY FLOCK THEMSELVES. ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP REVEALS THERE ARE MANY PROBLEMS OF STUDIES OF THIS MIND, INCLUDING INTERPRETATION OF THE RESULTS. RESEARCH SHOWS THAT THEY ARE NOT EFFECTIVE IN REDUCING CRIME FOR NUMEROUS REASONS, BUT ONE WOULD BE CRIMINALS LEARN WHERE THE CAMERAS AND MOVE ELSEWHERE. TO PUT CAMERAS EVERYWHERE IN THE CURRENT AUTHORITARIAN POLITICAL CLIMATE IS VERY DANGEROUS. SO RESISTING THESE TECHNOLOGIES AND THEIR ABUSIVE USE IS CRUCIAL. THE DATA CAN ALSO BE HACKED OR SUBJECTED TO LEAKS. THE CAMERAS ALSO ADD TO THE ALREADY BLOATED LAW ENFORCEMENT BUDGET. SO JUST FUNDING CAPITAL IDEA OF $100,000 LEVEL TO EXPAND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND HELP RESIDENTS MAKE A LIVING WAGE. SO PLEASE TERMINATE THE USE OF THESE CAMERAS IN HAYES COUNTY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. >> THANK YOU, SIR. NEXT UP, SHANNON FITZPATRICK. THANK YOU FOR STAYING WITHIN THAT TIME LIMIT. >> THANK YOU, YOUR HONOR, AND THE COURT. I WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK ON THE BUDGET ITEM FOR THE PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE. I START OFF -- I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THIS COURT AND FORMER COMMISSIONER LONGSHELL FOR YOUR SUPPORT IN DEVELOPING THE PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE. IT'S BEEN A MASSIVE DIFFERENCE -- IT'S MADE A MASSIVE DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF SO MANY PEOPLE. IT IS HELPING TO KEEP PEOPLE OUT OF JAIL, KEEPING THEM -- GETTING THEM BACK ON A MORE PRODUCTIVE PATH IN OUR COMMUNITY. IT WAS A LONG PATH BUT WORTH IT TO SO MANY PEOPLE AND OUR COUNTY IS BETTER OFF, AS WELL. I AM DISPLAYED TO SEE THE COUNTY CONSIDERING A BUDGET FOR THIS OFFICE FAR SHORT OF THE $9 MILLION REQUESTED. PART OF IT IS EVICTION ASSISTANCE. I'VE SPENT A LOT OF TIMES OVER THE YEARS AS AN ATTORNEY HELPING PEOPLE IN LANDLORD/TENANT MATTERS. THE LAW IS WRITTEN TO BENEFIT LANDLORDS. THE RESULTS CAN BE DEVASTATING IF YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW THAT WORKS. THERE HAVE BEEN ALMOST 6,000 EVICTION CASES FILED OVER THE LAST FIVE YEARS. SO WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH THE PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE? AS A FORMER PROSECUTOR AND A DEFENSE ATTORNEY, I HAVE SEEN NUMEROUS SITUATIONS WHERE SOMEONE, POOR, OF COURSE, IS ARRESTED AND DOESN'T GET AN ATTORNEY FOR SEVERAL WEEKS OR MORE. IN THE MEANTIME, THE RENT IS DUE AND THE LANDLORD OR THE CORPORATION WHO OWNS THAT PERSON'S APARTMENT SAYS EVICT THEM. NOW, YOU HAVE SOMEBODY, POSSIBLY WITH A FAMILY, OUT ON THE STREET. IT IS DIFFICULT TO GET ANOTHER APARTMENT WHEN YOU ARE EVICTED FOR NON- PAYMENT ON YOUR PREVIOUS ONE. TRYING TO NAVIGATE THE COURT SYSTEM AT THE SAME TIME IS HARD. NOW THE LEGISLATURE HAS PASSED A BILL THAT WOULD ALLOW LAND LORDS TO EVICT SOME TENANTS WITHOUT EVEN A HEARING. THIS IS WHERE A PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE CAN HELP. STOP THE CORPORATIONS HAVE MAKING A DECISION SIMPLY BASED ON A RUBRIK. THE PDO CAN TRY TO GET THE INDIVIDUAL BACK ON A GOOD PATH AND GET THE LANDLORD THEIR MONEY. THIS SAVES THE COUNTY MONEY IN THE LONG RUN BY COP KEEP PEOPLE OUT OF JAIL AND IN THEIR JOBS. THE PROPOSED CONTRACT HAS A WEALTH OF BENEFITS TO THE RESIDENTS OF THIS COUNTY TO HELP INDIVIDUALS WHO NEED PROTECTIVE ORDERS TO NAVIGATE HOUSING ISSUES. THIS IS A GAME- CHANGING OPPORTUNITY FOR THE COUNTY. I HOPE YOU GIVE IT SUBSTANTIVE ATTENTION AND FULLY FUND THIS REQUEST. THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH. DOES YOUR TIMER WORK? NOT ONE HAS GONE OVER THE BEEP, BEEP, BEEP. WELL DONE. OKAY, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THAT, AS WELL. NEXT, WE HAVE ERIC MARTINEZ. >> HOWDY, COMMISSIONERS, AND JUDGE. I'M HERE TO URGE YOU TO REJECT THE PROPOSED AUTOMATED LICENSE READER CONTRACT AND PUT THOSE DOLLARS INTO SOLUTIONS THAT RESPECT OUR RIGHTS AND ACTUALLY MAKE THE COUNTY STRONGER. [00:10:02] LICENSE PLATE READERS DON'TDON'T SCAN SUSPECTED VEHICLES BUT EVERY VEHICLE THAT PASSES, INCLUDING VIDEO FOOTAGE, FOOTAGE FROM THE FRONT AND BACK OF THE VEHICLE. WITHOUT A WARRANT, WITHOUT CONSENT AND NO SAFEGUARDS. ONCE THAT INFORMATION EXISTS, IT'S VULNERABLE TO MISUSE, WHETHER YOU'RE CONCERNED ABOUT CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS, GOVERNMENT OVERREACH OR THE POSSIBILITY OF COSTLY LEGAL CHALLENGE, THIS IS THE WRONG DIRECTION FOR OUR COUNTY, BECAUSE THE DATA IS ULTIMATELY OWNED BY PETER TEAL. SAFETY COMES FROM A FAIR LEGALLEGAL SYSTEM AND GIVING PEOPLE THE TOOLS TO THRIVE, NOT FROM MASS SURVEILLANCE. THAT'S WHY WE URGE YOU TO FULLY FUND THE $9 MILLION REQUEST FOR THE PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE. FIRST APPEARANCE WILL MAKE SURE NO ONE FACES A JUDGE ALONE. EVICTION DEFENSE WILL HELP FAMILIES STAY IN THEIR HOMES AND AVOID HOMELESSNESS. THERE ARE BASIC PROTECTIONS THAT BENEFIT EVERYONE, ENSURING JUSTICE IS NOT DETERMINED BY THE SIZE OF SOMEBODY'S BANK ACCOUNT. BECAUSE WHEN WE STRENGTHEN SAFETY, WE STRENGEN DUE PROCESS IN THAT WAY. WE WOULD LIKE YOU TO APPROVE $100,000 FOR CAPITAL IDEA, A PROGRAM WITH A PROVEN TRACK RECORD. THAT'S AN INVESTMENT OUR LOCAL WORKFORCE, OUR TAX BASE FOR OUR LONG- TERM ECONOMIC HEALTH. FUNDING THESE PRIORITIES SUSPECT A PARTISAN CHOICE, IT'S COMMON SENSE. FOCUSING OUR RESOURCES ON THINGS THAT WORK, AND BUILDING A HAYES COUNTY WHERE PEOPLE ARE SAFE, SECURE, AND TREATED FAIRLY. THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. OKAY, NEXT UP WE HAVE MS. AMY CAMP. >> ALL RIGHT. >> IT'S OKAY. WE'VE GOT ALL DAY. TAKE YOUR TIME. >> SORRY. TECHNOLOGY, RIGHT? NOT ALWAYS PERFECT. OKAY, GOOD MORNING, JUDGE, AND COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. MY NAME IS AMY CAMP, I'M A RESIDENT OF SAN MARCOS. I'M HERE TO ASK Y'ALL TO WORK TOGETHER TO END TIES TO FLOCK SAFETY AND AUTOMATED LICENSE READERS. I UNDERSTAND THIS IS A COMPLEX ISSUE, AND I THINK THAT HAVING MORE COMMUNITY DISCUSSION AND EDUCATION IS THE BEST WAY FORWARD RIGHT NOW. RESPECTFULLY, I'M NOT CERTAIN THAT EVEN THOSE OF YOU ON HERE ARE AT A POINT WHERE YOU'RE WELL VERSED ENOUGH TO MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION ABOUT THIS ISSUE TODAY. I APPRECIATE BOTH THE JUDGE AND COMMISSIONER SMITH TABLING YOUR ITEMS. I FEEL LIKE RIGHT NOW, WHEN IT COMES TO THE TYPE OF SURVEILLANCE THAT ALPRS REPRESENT, WE'RE ON A SLOW- MOVING TRAIN TO A VERY DANGEROUS PLACE. WE STILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO JUMP OFF WITHOUT HURTING OURSELVES TOO BADLY. BUT WE'RE RUNNING OUT OF TIME AS OUR COUNTY AND CITIES GET MORE AMESHED IN THE USE OF THIS SURVEILLANCE AND GIVE UP MORE OF OUR RIGHTS TO PRIVATE COMPANIES WHO ARE UNACCOUNTABLE TO US AS RESIDENTS. I KEEP HEARING THESE ARGUMENTS THAT THESE CAMERAS ARE FINE, BECAUSE WE ALREADY GIVE OUR DATA BY USING APPS ON OUR PHONES. IT'S TRUE THAT MANY OF US SOMETIMES MAKE THE IMPERFECT CHOICE TO USE INSECURE APPS, BUT IT IS OUR CHOICE. NO ONE GETS TO CHOOSE WHETHER THEY'RE BEING TRACKED BY THESE CAMERAS. MAKING THE ARGUMENT THIS IS THE SAME AS A SMARTPHONE IS LIKE ARGUING HAVING A CAMERA WITH A DIRECT LINE TO EVERY LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY, INCLUDING FBI AND I.C.E. IN OUR HOMES WOULD BE OKAY BECAUSE WE ALREADY BRING OUR PHONES INTO OUR HOMES. I'M ALSO CONCERNED ABOUT THE EFFICACY OF THESE CAMERAS. I BELIEVE WE NEED AN OPPORTUNITY TO VIEW HARD, VERIFIABLE DATA ABOUT THEIR USE. I KEEP HEARING UP VERIABLE ANECDOTES HAVE DEFENDERS, BUT WHERE IS THE HARD DATA. THAT NEEDS TO END NOW. WE KNOW THAT IN THE PAST, LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES HERE, INCLUDING THE SAN MARCOS POLICE DEPARTMENT, HAVE NOT ALWAYS BEEN PERFECT USERS OF TECHNOLOGY, AND WE CAN SEE THAT IN THE CASE OF CYRUS GREEN AND OTHERS WHO ARE HERE TODAY. SO ANY WAY, I WOULD LIKE TO SAY WITH REGARDS TO FULLY FUNDING THE PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, I THINK THAT'S PART OF THIS QUESTION, RIGHT? LIKE, WHAT DOES PUBLIC [00:15:02] SAFETY REALLY MEAN, AND HOW CAN WE REIMAGINE IT TO WORK FOR ALL OF US? THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU. I DON'T KNOW, WE'RE GOING PRETTY GOOD. I HAVEN'T HEARD THAT BEEP, BEEP, BEEP YET. NATASHA, CAN YOU KEEP IT UP? NATASHA, THE LAST NAME IS EVE, IS THAT RIGHT? >> YES. >> AWESOME. >> HOPEFULLY, I CAN KEEP UNDER THE BEEP, BEEP, BEEP. >> THAT'S RIGHT. WE'RE DOING GOOD. >> ALL RIGHT. GOOD MORNING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. MY NAME IS NATASHA, AND I STAND HERE TODAY AS YOUR EVERYDAY AMERICAN, WIFE, AND MOTHER. AS A MOTHER, IT IS OUR NATURE TO TEACH OUR YOUNG AND PROTECT WHAT'S OURS. IF YOU THINK ABOUT IT, THOSE NATURAL INSTINCTS ARE ALSO IN YOU AND HUMANS IN GENERAL. I'M HERE TO AK AGAINST THE PRODUCTION AND USE OF THE CAMERAS. I'M ALL FOR PROTECTING THE PEOPLE BUT AT WHAT EXPENSE? IT IS MY FEAR THIS SYSTEM WILL NOT PROTECT US BUT WILL DO MORE DAMAGE. IT WAS PREVIOUSLY STATED THAT THE SYSTEM WILL LEAD TO MORE ARREST ARRESTS. ARREST DOES NOT EQUAL MORE SAFETY. THE FOCUS SHOULD BE ON PREVENTING CRIMES THAT LEAD TO ARREST. MY FEAR IS THAT IMPLEMENTING THE SYSTEM WILL SOLIDIFY THE DISTRUST IN THE GOVERNMENT AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES, OPENING DOORS FOR INDIVIDUALS TO BE HARASSED AND STEREOTYPED, ESPECIALLY IN THE BLACK AND BROWN COMMUNITIES. THE FOCUS SHOULD BE ON CREATING A BETTER COMMUNITY WHERE THERE IS NO NEED FOR CRIME, A MDZ A NEED FOR CRIME COMES FROM POVERTY, LACK OF RESOURCES AND MISUSE OF AUTHORITY. THIS SYSTEM IS NOT DESIGNED TO MONITOR CRIMINALS ALONE. THERE WILL BE THOUSANDS IF NOT MILLIONS WORTH OF PRIVATE DATA OF EVERYONE, PEOPLE LIKE ME AND YOU, EXPOSED AND TO WHO? WE HAVE SEEM TIME AND TIME AGAIN HOW THE GOVERNMENT AND OUR LOCAL AUTHORITIES CLAIM TO HELP PROTECT US, BUT UTILIZES RESOURCES THAT DO MORE DAMAGE TO THE COMMUNITY. THIS OPENS THE DOOR FOR US TO BE HARASSED AND OUR YOUNG TO BE VICTIMIZED BUT IN A LEGAL WAY. HOW CAN YOU ENSURE THIS INFORMATION WON'T END UP IN THE WRONG HANDS? THAT ANSWER CANNOT BE GUARANTEED. RTRC TRACKED 3,158 COMPROMISES IN 2024 ALONE, INCLUDING 2800 DATA BREACHES, 18 DATA EXPOSURES, AND 288 UNKNOWN COMPROMISES. MORE THAN 1. 7 BILLION PEOPLE HAD PERSONAL DATA COMPROMISED IN 2024 ALONE. PLEASE KEEP US SAFE, PROTECT OUR PRIVACY AND VOTE AGAINST THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THESE CAMERAS IN OUR COMMUNITY. >> SHAZAM. WELL DONE, NATASHA. NEXT UP, TRICIA MAYBERRY. DID I GET THAT RIGHT? IS TRICIA HERE? WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO SKIP TRICIA AND THEN GO TO MYLES MARTIN. PRESSURE IS ON, BEEP, BEEP, BEEP. >> GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS. MY NAME IS MYLES MARTIN, I'M A SOCIAL MEDIA ORGANIZER. TODAY, HOWEVER, I'M SPEAKING AS AN INDIVIDUAL WHO HAS PERSONALLY BEEN AFFECTED BY SYSTEMS MUCH LIKE THE ONES BEING PROPOSED. IN JUNE 2019, I WAS IN SAN ANTONIO WITH MY THEN GIRLFRIEND. WHEN I RETURNED HOME, I WAS PULLED OVER. I WAS TOLD TO EXIT MY VEHICLE. OFFICERS ASKED WHY DID I RUN FROM THEM LAST NIGHT? I ASSURED THEM I WAS IN SAN ANTONIO. MY PHONE WAS IN MY HAND. I WENT TO VIDEOS I HAD TAKEN THE NIGHT BEFORE. THEY DREW GUNS ON ME AND SAID DROP THE PHONE. THE DESCRIPTION THAT THEY WERE GIVEN WAS A BLUE -- A BLACK MAN IN A BLUE TOYOTA 4-RUNNER. DESPITE HAVING NO INVOLVEMENT, I WAS PULLED OUT OF MY CAR, ARRESTED AND CHARGED WITH EVADING IN A MOTOR VEHICLE AS A FELONY. AT THE TIME, THE ARRESTING OFFICER ASSURED ME THAT ONCE I PROVED MY WHEREABOUTS, THE CHARGES WOULD BE DROPPED. I PROVED MY WHEREABOUTS A T THAT VERY MOMENT. I SPENT THE NIGHT IN JAIL, BONDED OUT THE NEXT DAY FOR $600 AND PAID $400 TO GET MY VEHICLE OUT OF THE TOE YARD. YEARS LATERS, THOSE CHARGES WERE DISMISSED, BUT IN THOSE YEARS, I WAS LABELLED A FELON, TARGETED BY THE POLICE DEPARTMENT. THAT LABEL IMPACTED MY JOB OPPORTUNITIES, HOUSING, AND MY DAILY LIFE. LONG BEFORE I HAD THE CHANCE TO CLEAR MY NAME. NOT LONG AFTER I WAS ARRESTED FOR ANOTHER CRIME THAT I ENDED UP TAKEN TO TRIAL AND FOUND NOT GUILTY, THESE THINGS ALL STEM FROM THAT INITIAL STOP BASED ON MY VEHICLE DESCRIPTION. THE SHERIFF SAID CAMERAS WILL TAKE CRIMINALS OFF THE STREET, BUT THESE SYSTEMS JUST [00:20:03] AS EASILY CREATE THE VERY CRIMINALS THAT ARE BEING REMOVED. THROUGH FALSE SUSPICION, WRONGFUL ARREST, AND SOMETIMES RACIAL PROFILING. I URGE YOU TO VOTE AGAINST THIS PROPOSAL TO. THE SHERIFF'S COMMENT, I AGREE WHOLE HEARTEDLY. THIS COUNTY SHOULD BE RUN BY THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE HERE WHO CARE ENOUGH TO SPEAK OUT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. >> THANK YOU, SIR. NEXT UP, KAMA DAVIS. >> GOOD MORNING, Y'ALL. I'M GOING TO SET MY TIMER. CAN YOU HEAR ME OKAY? >> YES. JUST DROP IT DOWN A LITTLE LOWER. THE TOUGH PART IS WHEN PEOPLE COME UP AND YANK IT. SO IF PEOPLE ARE GENTLE WITH IT, WE'LL BE OKAY. >> MY NAME IS KAMA DAVIS, I'M AN ATTORNEY HERE. I AM A PATRIOT AND PROUD MESH. AMERICAN. I WANT TO THANK Y'ALL FOR ALL YOUR SERVICE. I AM HERE TO SPEAK AGAINST THE FLOCK SAFETY CAMERAS. PLEASE STOP USING THEM. FIRST OFF, I DO WANT TO SAY TO THE OFFICERS AND THE PEACE KEEPERS HERE HAVE DONE A WONDERFUL JOB OF SUPPORTING OUR FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS, OUR RIGHT TO PEACEABLY ASSEMBLE, AND I WOULD LIKE TO ASK THEM TO CONTINUE TO DO THAT. USING FLOCK CAMERAS, IF THAT WILL MAKE IT HARDER TO SUPPORT OUR RIGHTS. CAMERAS CAN TRACK EVERYONE, EVEN Y'ALL, THE COMMISSIONERS AND THE JUDGE, OKAY? SO THIS IS NOT SOMETHING TO BE TAKEN LIGHTLY. WE NEED TO THINK ALL THE WAY THROUGH. THE WOMAN THAT WAS HERE BEFORE ME SAID, THIS IS A SLOW- MOVING TRAIN TO A DANGEROUS PLACE. I LOVE THAT. THINK THAT THROUGH, PLEASE. THIS INFORMATION THAT'S GATHERED BY THE CAMERAS CAN BE SOLD. THAT'S VERY INVASIVE. I DON'T WANT MY INFORMATION SOLD TO ANYONE. I WANT TO SAY THAT OFFICERS ARE PERFECTLY CAPABLE OF FIGHTING CRIME WITH THE TOOLS THEY HAVE NOW. THEY DON'T NEED EXTRA HELP WITH FLOCK CAMERAS. IT'S ALSO WAY TOO EXPENSIVE. WE CAN USE THIS MONEY FOR THE PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE AND SOME OF THE OTHER POLICIES AND THINGS THAT MY -- THE PEOPLE BEFORE ME HAVE SAID. SO, BASICALLY, AGAIN, PLEASE CANCEL THE CONTRACT FOR THE AUTOMATIC LICENSE PLATE READERS, AND STOP USING THEM AS WE HAVE. THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH. NEXT UP, WE HAVE CYRUS GREY. >> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE, AND COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. MY NAME IS CYRUS, I'M HERE TODAY BECAUSE I CARE ABOUT HAYES COUNTY. I BELIEVE IN A VISION FOR OUR HOME WHERE SAFETY IS ROOTED IN TRUST, NOT CONSTANT SURVEILLANCE. RIGHT NOW, WE'RE BEING ASKED TO ACCEPT AN EXPANSION OF THESE CAMERAS THAT CAN CAPTURE AND STORE DATA ON EVERYONE, NOT JUST PEOPLE SUSPECTED OF DOING WRONG. THEY DON'T JUST WATCH CRIMINALS, THEY WATCH ALL OF US. AND HISTORY TELLS US THAT WHEN GOVERNMENT HAS THE POWER TO WATCH EVERYONE, THOSE POWERS ARE OFTEN ABUSED. ESPECIALLY AGAINST BLACK, BROWN, IMMIGRANT AND LOW- INCOME COMMUNITIES. WE'VE BEEN TOLD THESE CAMERAS WILL MAKE US SAFER. BUT SAFETY IS ABOUT PREVENTING HARM IN THE FIRST PLACE. SURVEILLANCE DOES NOT ADDRESS THE ROOT CAUSE OF CRIME. LACK OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING, MENTAL HEALTH CARE, YOUTH PROGRAMS, JOB OPPORTUNITIES AND COMMUNITY RESOURCES. INSTEAD OF INVESTING TAXPAYER DOLLARS IN A SYSTEM THAT MONITORS US, WE SHOULD BE FUNDING PEOPLE. WE NEED TO KEEP KIDS ENGAGED IN POSITIVE OPPORTUNITIES AND HELP OUR NEIGHBORS GET BACK ON THEIR FEET. THAT'S HOW YOU BUILD A TRULY SAFE COMMUNITY. THESE CAMERAS COLLECT DATA ON INNOCENT PEOPLE, STORED IN PRIVATE DATABASES AND SHARED WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES. SOMETIMES S EVEN WITH FEDERAL AGENCIES LIKE I.C.E. WE HAVE NO TRUE CONTROL HOW IT WILL BE USED NOW OR IN THE FUTURE. THE COUNTY SHOULD LEAD WITH VALUES, NOT FEAR, A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE FEEL WELCOME, NOT WATCHED. WHERE OUR BUDGET REFLECTS OUR PRIORITIES. HOUSING OVER HANDCUFFS, CARE OVER CAMERAS, AND PEOPLE OVER PROFIT. ESPECIALLY IN A TIME AND HISTORY IN PRESIDENTIAL LEADERSHIP AS THIS ONE. SYSTEMS LIKE THIS MAKE IT EASY FOR EVERYDAY PEOPLE TO BECOME HARASSED AND INCARCERATED. I KNOW FIRSTHAND. TODAY, I'M ASKING YOU TO REJECT ANY BUDGET DECISION THAT FUNDS THE EXPANSION OF FLOCK [00:25:01] SURVEILLANCE AND REDIRECT THOSE DOLLARS TOWARDS PROGRAMS THAT STRENGTHEN OUR COMMUNITY. LET'S CHOOSE INVESTMENT IN PEOPLE OVER INVESTMENT AND MASS INCARCERATION. LET'S CHOOSE SAFE COMMUNITIES OVER OPPRESSION AT ALL COSTS. THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU, SIR. NEXT UP, DEVONTAE EMERSON. >> GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS. MY NAME IS DEVONTAE EMERSON, THE DEVELOPMENTAL ORGANIZER, AND I STAND HERE TODAY AS SOMEONE WHO WAS ONCE CHARGED WITH CAPITAL MURDER FOR A CRIME I DID NOT COMMIT. A CHARGE THAT TOOK NEARLY SIX YEARS OF MY LIFE WHEN I WALKED OUT. I HAD NO HANDOUTS, NO ROAD MAP, NO GUIDANCE ON HOW TO PUT MY LIFE BACK TOGETHER. BUT I DID GET IT BACK TOGETHER IN THE YEAR AND FIVE MONTHS SINCE MY RELEASE. I'VE BUILT TWO COMPANIES, MD SOLUTIONS WHERE WE PROVIDE DEMOLITION, PERMITTING AND SERVICES ACROSS TEXAS. MORE IMPORTANTLY, WE HIRE AND TRAIN FORMALLY INCARCERATED PEOPLE, IMMIGRANTS AND ANYONE WHO NEEDS A SECOND CHANCE. I HAVE REVIEWED YOUR FY- 26 BUDGET RECOMMENDATIONS AND I DO NOT SUPPORT INCREASING THE LAW ENFORCEMENT BUDGET. I STAND FIRMLY AGAINST INSTALLING FLOCK CAMERAS IN HAYES COUNTY. THESE DO NOT ADDRESS THE ROOT CAUSE OF CRIME, THEY EXPAND THE SAME OVERPOLICING SYSTEM THAT ALREADY FAILED SO MANY. I KNOW FIRSTHAND THE DAMAGE THE SYSTEM CAN DO. WHEN WE INVEST MORE IN POLICING AND INCARCERATION WITHOUT INVESTING EQUALLY IN PREVENTION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS, WE KEEP PEOPLE TRAPPED IN THAT SAME CYCLE. EVERY DOLLAR WE PUT INTO REENTRY REDUCES RECIDIVISM, BUILDS OUR WORKFORCE AND KEEPS FAM IES TOGETHER. WITH THE RIGHT JOB TRAINING AND MENTORSHIP, WE CAN PREVENT CRIME FROM HAPPENING BEFORE IT EVEN STARTS. TURN WASTED POTENTIAL INTO REAL PROGRESS. IT'S NOT JUST GROW THE BUDGET FOR THE SAME SYSTEM THAT FAILED ME AND SO MANY OTHERS. LET'S GROW OPPORTUNITY, LET'S MAKE THIS A PLACE WHERE COMING HOME MEANS GETTING A REAL CHANCE TO SUCCEED. BECAUSE PUBLIC SAFETY ISN'T JUST ABOUT WHO YOU LOCK UP, IT'S ABOUT WHO YOU LIFT UP. THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU, SIR. AND OUR FINAL SPEAKER IN PERSON IS SAM. >> GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS. I COME BEFORE YOU THIS MORNING TO URGE YOU TO VOTE AGAINST THE EXPANSION OF FLOCK'S AUTOMATED LICENSE PLATE READERS. I SPECIFICALLY CALLED ON FLOCK'S AUTOMATED LICENSE PLATE READERS AND NOT THE COUNTY'S. AT THE END OF THE DAY, DESPITE WHAT THEY TELL YOU, THIS DATA IS THEIRS. THIS IS BIGGER THAN THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE. WE'RE TALKING ABOUT A COMPANY FUNDED BY PETER TEAL, WHO ALSO OWNS PALINTIR. IF YOU'RE UNFAMILIAR, JUST LISTEN TO THIS EXCERPT FROM A NEWS ARTICLE. THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION HAS TAPPED PALINTIR, THE DATA MINING FIRM, CO- FOUNDED BY BILLIONAIRE TECH INVESTOR PETER TEAL, TO COMPILE INFORMATION ON PEOPLE IN THE UNITED STATES FOR A MASTER DATABASE. CREATING AN EASY WAY TO CROSS REFERENCE DATA FROM TAX RECORDS, IMMIGRATION RECORDS AND MORE. PALINTIR ALSO HAS A $30 MILLION CONTRACT WITH I.C.E. TO PROVIDE ALMOST REALTIME VISIBILITY AS THE AGENCY SEEKS TO ARREST 3,000 PEOPLE A DAY. I KNOW THAT EACH OF YOU UNDERSTAND THAT WE ARE LIVING IN A NEW POLITICAL REALITY. IT'S WHY YOU TOOK THE TIME TO PASS A PRO- IMMIGRANT RESOLUTION, BECAUSE YOU UNDERSTAND THE TIMES THAT WE'RE LIVING IN. I BELIEVE EACH OF YOU CARE DEEPLY ABOUT OUR IMMIGRANT NEIGHBORS. WHAT WE ARE ASKING NOW IS FOR THOSE WORDS TO MEANINGFULLY TRANSLATE INTO POLICY. IF YOU STAND WITH IMMIGRANTS, YOU WILL STAND AGAINST THE EXPANSION OF A NATIONWIDE DATABASE THAT SEEKS TO TRACK AND HARM THEM. I ALSO WANT TO ADDRESS THE ARGUMENTS SIMILAR TO AMY THAT EVERY TIME YOU LEAVE YOUR HOUSE YOU'RE BEING SURVEILLED. THIS IS EXACTLY WHY WE'RE SPEAKING OUT. WE ARE AWARE THAT WE'RE LIVING UNDER A HYPER SURVEILLANCE STATE. AS PEOPLE WHO CONSISTENTLY STAND UP AND CHALLENGE THE STATUS QUO, WE HAVE MADE CHANGES TO OUR LIVES TO KEEP OURSELVES SAFE, BECAUSE YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT'S GOING TO BE CRIMINALIZED NEXT. NO ONE IS DENYING THAT WE ARE ALREADY DEEP IN A SURVEILLANCE STATE. BUT THIS IS HOW WE FIGHT BACK. WE FIGHT BACK BY BEING AMONGST THE LEADERS A [00:30:01] NATIONWIDE FIGHT TO TELL FLOCK NO, WE WILL NOT CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR DATABASE AND ANTI- IMMIGRANT AGENDA. I BELIEVE THAT THIS CLERICAL ERROR HAS PROVIDED YOU WITH A RARE OPPORTUNITY TO DO WHAT'S RIGHT. PLEASE TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT. THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. THAT CONCLUDES OUR IN- PERSON, AND NOW YOU HAVE THREE E-MAILS. SO IF YOU'LL START A TIMER AND READ THOSE. AND IF THERE IS ANY COMMENT, JUST SUMMARIZE BY THE NAMES AND READ IT ONCE. THANK YOU. >> EMAIL COMMENT FROM CHASE NORRIS. DEAR COMMISSIONERS, I'M WRITING A THANK YOU FOR YOUR WILLINGNESS TO EXPLORE PURCHASING THE LAND IN SAN MARCOS FOR PRESERVATION AS A PUBLIC PLAZA. THIS OFFERS A ONCE IN A GENERATION OPPORTUNITY TO CREATE A GATHERING PLACE THAT HONORS MEXICAN HISTORY AND CULTURE. THIS PLAZA COULD HOST PUBLIC ART AND COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS. WHILE ALSO SERVING AS A WELCOMING EVERYDAY SPACE FOR RESIDENTS AND VISITORS, STANDING AS A RECOGNITION OF THE PAST AND INVESTMENT IN THE FUTURE, ENRICHING OUR CIVIC LIFE, SUPPORTING DOWNTOWN VITALITY, AND PRESERVING HERITAGE. I APPRECIATE YOUR LEADERSHIP IN CONSIDERING THIS PARTNERSHIP AND HOPE YOU WILL MOVE FORWARD IN COLLABORATION WITH THE CITY AND LOCAL STAKE HOLDERS. YOU CAN ACTION COULD ENSURE THIS LANDMARK SITE BECOMES A PERMANENT SPACE FOR CULTURAL CONNECTION AND PUBLIC PRIDE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTY. CHASE NORRIS. EMAIL COMMENT FROM SHERRY BOYD. DEAR COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT, PLEASE TAKE ACTION NOW FOR THE ANIMAL SHELTER SYSTEM. HAYES COUNTY NEEDS AN ANIMAL SHELTER NOW. EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 2026, THE COMMISSIONERS COURT HAS BEEN DISCUSSING THE NEED FOR A COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER FOR MANY YEARS, SINCE AT LEAST 2002. CURRENT ANIMAL REGIONAL SHELTERS NUMBERS FROM AUGUST 4 TO 10 ARE 196 DOGS IN THE SHELTER, 187 CATS IN THE SHELTER, 42 DOGS IN FOSTER, AND 70 CATS IN FOSTER. WHEN AND WHERE WILL THE HAYES COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER BE CONSTRUCTED? THE CITY HAS ANNOUNCED THEY WILL BUILD ONE FOR KYLE CITY. THE CITY OF KYLE COUNCIL MEMBERS DISCUSSED A PARTNERSHIP WITH THE COUNTY AND WILL MOVE FORWARD FOR A MEMO OF UNDERSTANDING, FOR AN ANIMAL F1 CARE CENTER. THIS WOULD NOT BE A COUNTY WIDE REGIONAL ANIMAL CENTER. PLEASE TAKE ACTION TO CONSTRUCT A RESOURCE CENTER WITH ALL THE COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAMS BASED ON LIFE- SAVING BEST PRACTICES. IN MARCH 2002, COMMISSIONERS TAKING ACTION. THERE WAS A STUDY ON THE FEASIBILITY OF CREATING AN ANIMAL SHELTER. THE COURT APPROVED AN AGREEMENT WITH AUSTIN PETS ALIVE, AND A VETERINARIAN CLINIC. PLANS AND RECOMMENDATIONS WERE MADE. IN DECEMBER 2024, COMMISSIONERS APPROVED A PERSONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT. MULTIPLE STUDIES, PLANS AND OVER 1,000 SURVEYS HAVE BEEN CONDUCTED. STOP DELAYS, MOVE FORWARD NOW. THIS IS WHAT THE CONSTITUENTS, YOUR VOTERS AND COMMUNITY WANT AND HAVE REPEATEDLY SUGGESTED. WHERE WILL THE ANIMALS GO? AND LAST ONE FROM ILANA. GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND SERVICE YOU HAVE DEDICATED TO OUR COMMUNITIES. THIS IS REGARDING THE ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE TRACT OF LAND IN NORTHERN HAYES COUNTY. PREVIOUSLY I HAVE SPOKEN IN THE COURT IN PERSON, AS WELL AS WRITTEN EMAILS REGARDING THE DEVELOPMENT NEAR SH- 45 AND FH-1626. WE CONTINUE TO SPEAK OUT AND OPPOSE THIS DEVELOPMENT WITH THE CITY OF AUSTIN. WE RECOGNIZE THAT SIMPLY SAYING DON'T ALLOW THIS LAND TO BE DEVELOPED IS NOT A LONG- TERM SOLUTION, BUT PRESERVATION IS THE PERMANENT SOLUTION. ALMOST ALL OF THIS LAND LIES IN THE RECHARGE ZONE. IN THE LETTER I READ TO THE COURT ON APRIL 8, MY NEIGHBORS AND I HAVE ASKED THE COUNTY TO PARTNER WITH GOVERNING ENTITIES TO PURCHASE AND PRESERVE THIS [00:35:02] LAND IN ITS NATURAL STATE BECAUSE OF ITS IMPORTANCE IN MAINTAINING GROUND WATER QUALITY AND QUANTITY IN OUR AREA. THE CITY OF AUSTIN IS CURRENTLY EMPLOYING THE USE OF ADVISORY TASK FORCES TO REVIEW REQUESTS FOR ACQUISITION OF PARKLAND AS WELL AS WATER QUALITY AND PROTECTIVE LANDS FOR THEIR 2026 PROGRAM. THIS 500 ACRE TRACT OF LAND IS LISTED AS A POTENTIAL CONTRACT. MY REQUEST IS THAT THE COUNTY PARTNERS WITH THE CITY TO PRESERVE THIS LAND. THIS IS A PROJECT THAT CAN BE DELEGATED TO THE WE STAND ALONE PROJECT, WHICH WOULD GIVE THE COUNTY THE MEANS TO HELP PRESERVE THIS LAND. PLEASE CONSIDER GIVING A BOND SIMILAR TO THE 2020 PARKS BOND AND MOVE IT ON THE BALLOT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. BY ACQUIRING AND PRESERVE THING LAND, HAYES COUNTY CAN PROTECT IT FROM DEVELOPMENT THAT WOULD LEAD TO UNREPAIRABLE DAMAGE, AND RESIDENTS WHO RELY IT ON AS THE SOLE SOURCE OF DRINKING WATER. THANK YOU FOR YOUR [F.1. Presentation by the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce regarding the use of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for Education & Talent Pipeline Development Programs with San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District. INGALSBE] CONSIDERATION. >> THANK YOU. AND NOW I ASK THAT YOU PLEASE OPEN ITEM F-1. >> F- 1, PRESENTATION BY THE SAN MARCOS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE REGARDING THE USE OF THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT FOR EDUCATION AND TALENT PIPELINE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS WITH SAN MARCOS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT. >> GOOD MORNING, I'M PAIGE MICHELLE ON BEHALF OF THE AREA CHAMBER. WE ARE HERE TO SAY THANK YOU FOR AWARDING THE GRANT FUNDS THAT HAVE SUPPORTED AND EMPOWERED OUR EDUCATION PROGRAMS OVER THE PAST 12 MONTHS. IT'S BEEN -- THIS IS OUR SECOND ANNUAL REPORT. WE HAVE A POWER POINT. >> THAT'S SUCH A GOOD PICTURE. >> DON'T I LOOK GREAT? IN THE CHAMBER AND INDUSTRIES, THESE PROGRAMS ARE CALLED PIPELINE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES. AND I'M HERE WITH OUR INTERN, CASSIE GRAY, TEXAS STATE GRAD WHO HAS BEEN THE COORDINATOR OF THE PROGRAMS FOR US SINCE JANUARY, FOLLOWING LIZ, WHO DIRECTED THESE PROGRAMS IN 2024. YOU SHOULD ALSO HAVE IT ININ REPORT HOPEFULLY ON YOUR COMPUTERS. NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE. THESE ARE THE TITLES OF OUR KEY EDUCATION PROGRAMS. THERE ARE DESCRIPTIONS IN YOUR REPORTS ON THE ACTIVITY REPORTS. I WON'T READ ALL THOSE. NEXT SLIDE. THROUGH THESE PROGRAMS, 747 STUDENTS EXPERIENCED CAREER EXPLORATION OPPORTUNITIES THAT THEY WOULD NOT HAVE HAD OTHERWISE. WHILE 961 TIMES, LOCAL BUSINESSES OPEN THEIR DOORS, SHARE THEIR EXPERTISE, AND INSPIRED THESE FUTURE MEMBERS OF OUR FUTURE WORKFORCE. AND THESE NUMBERS ARE REALLY MORE THAN JUST STATISTICS. THESE ARE MOMENTS WHEN OUR LOCAL STUDENTS SAW POSSIBILITIES THAT THEY HAD NOT IMAGINED BEFORE. NEXT SLIDE. THEY SHOOK HANDS WITH BUSINESS OWNERS AND MANAGERS, AND ASKED SOME GREAT QUESTIONS. AND ALL OF THESE THINGS HELP THEM SEEK PATHWAYS TO CAREERS THAT WILL LIFT THEM UP RIGHT HERE IN SAN MARCOS. NEXT SLIDE. THIS IS WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT IN ITS PUREST FORM. THANKFULLY, IT'S HAPPENING RITE HERE IN HAYES COUNTY. THE CHAMBER IS DEDICATED TO FOSTERING THESE CONNECTIONS, AND OUR TOP GOAL IS TO PROMOTE A POSITIVE AND HIGH- IMPACT THINGS HAPPENING THIS SAN MARCOS CSIC. NEXT SLIDE. I HAVE A SHORT STORY TO SHARE. BUT FIRST, I WANT TO OPEN IT UP TO SEE IF THERE'S ANY QUESTIONS? >> NOT AT THIS TIME, THANK YOU. >> ALL RIGHT. LOOK AT THAT. >> OKAY, GREAT. CASSIE IS GOING TO DELIVER A LITTLE SOMETHING TO EACH OF YOU. QUICK STORY. IN THE YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM, IT HAD 15 HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN THE COHORT, AND THERE WAS A YOUNG FEMALE, A JUNIOR. WHEN THE PROGRAM BEGAN LAST FALL, SHE WAS THE QUITEST IN THE WHOLE GROUP. IN THE FIRST FEW SESSIONS SHE HARDLY SPOKE, SHE SAT IN THE BACK AND OBSERVED. BUT AS THE MONTHS WENT ON, THIS GROUP MEETS ONCE A MONTH. SHE EXPERIENCED SESSIONS ON SAN MARCOS HISTORY, LOCAL GOVERNMENT, HEALTH CARE, EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT, MANUFACTURING AND MORE, AND SOMETHING CLICKED. SHE WAS SO IMPRESSED BY ALL THESE THINGS GOING ON IN HER COMMUNITY. THINGS THAT SHE WAS LEARNING, AND SHE BEGAN TO OPEN [00:40:02] UP AND SHARE HER THOUGHTS. AND IN THE SECOND-TO- LAST SESSION, OUR CHAMBER INTERN ISSUED THEM A CHALLENGE. THEY HAVE A GRADUATION CEREMONY AT THE LAST SESSION, AND SHE ASKED THEM A CHALLENGE TO CREATE A FIVE- SLIDE PRESENTATION WHERE YOU'RE GOING TO GET UP AND TALK ABOUT AN INFLUENTIAL PERSON IN YOUR LIFE AND YOUR CAREER GOALS. IT'S CALLED THE RISING STAR AWARD. IT WAS A CHANCE TO WIN THE AWARD AND GIFT CARD, AND OUT OF 15 STUDENTS, ONLY THREE ACCEPTED THE CHALLENGE, AND ARIANNA WAS ONE OF THEM. SO AT THE GRADUATION SESSION, SHE STOOD UP BEFORE HER PEERS, AND WE HAD A BUNCH OF OTHER EDUCATORS IN THE ROOM, AND IT WAS REALLY HER FIRST TIME SPEAKING UP IN FRONT OF THIS WHOLE GROUP. SHE DELIVERED HER PRESENTATION WITH HEART AND SOUL AND THE STUDENTS VOTED, AND SHE EARNED THE MOST VOTES AND WON THE AWARD. SHE TOLD US THAT IT WAS THIS YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM THAT GAVE HER THE CONFIDENCE TO DO THIS. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT WILL STICK WITH HER HER WHOLE LIFE. SO SHE WENT FROM A QUIET OBSERVER TO AN AWARD WINNING PRESENTER, SOMETHING SHE CAN PUT ON HER RESUME AND FEEL GOOD ALL BECAUSE OF THE OPPORTUNITIES THAT THIS PROGRAM PROVIDES. SO THIS IS ONE OF THOSE PROGRAMS THAT'S GOOD TO GIVE STUDENTS OPPORTUNITIES, IT'S A POSITIVE THING. I THINK YOU ALL FOR PUTTING TOGETHER THE FUNDS TO FUND THIS PROGRAM FOR TWO YEARS. WE'RE GOING TO BE COMING TO THE END IN DECEMBER. SO THAT IS MY WHOLE REPORT, UNLESS THERE'S ANY OTHER QUESTIONS. WE THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO HEAR US TODAY. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. ANYTHING ELSE TO ADD? >> I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP IN FOSTERING THESE PROGRAMS AND HELPING OUR YOUNG STUDENTS GAIN THAT OPPORTUNITY FOR THIS ADDITIONAL TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE. THE REPORT SHOWS THAT THE PROGRAM HAS DONE WELL, AND I JUST REALLY APPRECIATE THE WORK THAT YOU HAVE DONE TO HELP THEM IN THEIR [F.2. Presentation by the Hays County Fire Marshal, Steve Seddig, regarding an annual update on his office. HAMMER] PROCESS. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. >> PLEASE OPEN F-2. >> F- 2 PRESENTATION BY THE HAYES COUNTY FIRE MARSHAL REGARDING THE ANNUAL UPDATE ON HIS OFFICE. >> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE, COMMISSIONERS. REAL QUICK, I WOULD LIKE TO PUT THIS ON THE OVERHEAD AS A PDF. >> SURE. THANK YOU, STEVE. >> SO I WOULD LIKE TO THANK MY WIFE FOR COMING, GINA, THANK YOU VERY MUCH. COMMISSIONER MORGAN, THANK YOU FOR PUTTING US ON THE AGENDA. AND AARON BOWER, HE'S OUR SENIOR FIRE INVESTIGATOR, IS HERE TO SUPPORT. THIS IS BASICALLY TALKING ABOUT WHAT OUR DEPARTMENT DOES. A LOT OF PEOPLE DON'T KNOW WHAT OUR DEPARTMENT DOES, SO THIS KIND OF BRINGS EVERYBODY -- LEVELS EVERYBODY UP ON WHAT IT IS WE DO, AND KIND OF WHY WE'RE LOOKING FOR FUNDS. RIGHT NOW, WE'RE STAFFED WITH ONE FIRE MARSHAL, MYSELF, AND TWO DEPUTY MARSHALS. OUR POPULATION, AS EVERYBODY KNOWS, IS AROUND 300,000 RIGHT NOW. WE'RE 680 SQUARE MILES. THE STAFFING SHORTAGES LIMIT OUR ANNUAL BUSINESS INSPECTION'S ABILITY, UNPERMITTED DEVELOPMENT ENFORCEMENT AND THE FIRE WISE PROGRAM, WHICH IS A MITIGATION PROGRAM. THE DATA SOURCES THAT I USED ARE BASICALLY OUR RECORDS FROM '21 THROUGH '25. I'VE ONLY BEEN HERE 17 MONTHS, SO I USE -- STAFF HELPED TO PUT THIS TOGETHER. THAT'S HOW WE PUT THIS DATA TOGETHER. NFT 1730 IS A STANDARD THAT APPLIES TO FIRE MARSHAL OFFICES, AND THEY ARE THE STANDARDS THAT WE APPLY. FIRE DEPARTMENTS HAVE A 1710, AND THAT'S LIKE FIRE, EMERGENCY OPERATIONS. HAYES COUNT Y IS OUR PERMIT [00:45:04] CITE WE USE. ALL THAT DATA CAN BE ACCESSED BY THE PUBLIC. OBVIOUSLY, THE GROWTH IS THERE. YOU CAN SEE THAT. THAT WAS '19 THROUGH '25. NEXT SLIDE. AGAIN, STAFF AND MYSELF, TWO DEAFTY FIRE TY DEPUTY FIRE MARSHALS. 1800 HOURS EACH, MINUS OUR VACATION, HOLIDAYS, TRAINING, SO FORTH, 1800 HOURS EACH. SO WE HAVE 5400 HOURS THAT WE CAN ACTUALLY DO THIS SERVICE. SINCE '21 THROUGH '25, PERMITS HAVE BEEN AVERAGING 756, OUR INSPECTIONS 367. THEY'RE GOING UP, BECAUSE WE ARE GROWING. 475 IN '24. OUR PLAN REVIEWS, AGAIN, THEIR' GOING UP, AS WELL. 378 IS OUR AVERAGE, AND THE INVESTIGATIONS, WHICH IS REALLY HARD TO PUT YOUR FINGER ON AS FAR AS TIME AND COMMITMENT, BUT WE'VE BEEN DOING AN AVERAGE OF 58 INVESTIGATIONS A YEAR. AND THEN CALLS FOR SERVICE IS ANOTHER LINE THAT WE'VE ADDED THROUGH THE USE OF OUR MDCS AND DISPATCHING IT, ACTUALLY IT TRACKS US FROM THE TIME WE PUT THE FIELD GOAL IN HERE TO GO TO AN INSPECTION OR DO SERVICE. SO THAT'S SOMETHING I'VE BEEN ABLE TO BRING ONLINE AND USE FOR OUR SERVICE. AND THEN WE DO HAVE A BACKLOG RIGHT NOW, BECAUSE OF OUR INABILITY TO DO ANNUAL INSPECTIONS. AND AS I SAID, I'VE ADDED DRIVE TIME TO ALL OF OUR INSPECTIONS SO THAT IT REPRESENTS WHAT IT TAKES US TO GET THERE. I'VE USED 30 MINUTES, BECAUSE I THINK IT'S A GOOD AVERAGE. NEXT SLIDE. THIS IS A PIE CHART SHOWING THE PERMITS ARE THE NUMBER ONE THING. PERMITS ARE NUMBER ONE, INSPECTIONS IS NEXT. I'M SORRY -- YEAH, PERMITS, INSPECTIONS IN THE ORANGE, AND PLAN REVIEWS. THE CALLS FOR SERVICE IS GETTING BIGGER, AND INVESTIGATION IS SMALL, BUT AGAIN, WE CAN'T PUT OUR FINGER ON HOW LONG IT TAKES US. NEXT SLIDE. THIS IS KIND OF THE PROGRESSION NUMBERS WISE. '21 THROUGH PRESENT. AND THIS WAS PUT TOGETHER IN MAY, SO SOME THINGS HAVE CHANGED. BUT THIS WAS PUT TOGETHER IN MAY. SO WE'VE ADDED UP BASICALLY A TIME FOR BOTTOM AND TOP- SIDED INSPECTIONS. SO ON THESE DIFFERENT ROLES THAT WE PERFORM IN OUR OFFICE, WE HAVE PUT A TIME LOW AND HIGH JUST TO HAVE AN AVERAGE TOTO INSPECTIONS. 1730 ENCOURAGES THAT. SO 2. 5, 4. 5 IS FOR INSPECTIONS. THE OTHER IS FOR THE PLAN REVIEWS, AND 8 TO 20 FOR INVESTIGATIONS. AND THEN THAT NEXT COLUMN, IF YOU LOOK AT ALL THOSE HOURS, THAT 3,558 IS THE BOTTOM DEPENDING ON THE SERVICE THAT WE'RE PERFORMING. THAT NEXT ONE IS A GRAPHIC OF THAT. SO OUR CAPACITY AGAIN IS BACK TO 54. OUR LOW SIDE IS THAT GREEN, WHICH IS THE 3558. AND THE HIGH SIDE IS THAT 7209. THIS GOES BACK TOTO AREA -- WE LOOKED AT SOME OF THE COUNTIES, STAFF LOOKED AT SOME OF THE COUNTIES AND HOW WE COMPARE. WE HAVE A HIGH POPULATION, A LOW FTE, WHICH IS A FULL- TIME EQUIVALENT OR BASICALLY A FULL- TIME SLOT COMPARED TO OUR PEERS. THAT NEXT ONE IS A GRAPHIC THAT KIND OF SHOWS UP. [00:50:02] I THINK KENDYL IS KIND OF AN ANOMALY. >> I WOULD AGREE. SO NEXT. SO THE STANDARD -- WHAT DOES THE STANDARD GIVE US? IT GIVES US THE PARAMETERS THAT WE CAN AT LEAST HAVE STATISTICALLY TO TRACK. 1730 HAS BEEN AROUND FOR -- IT WAS PUT INTO USE IN '19, SO THEY DEVELOPED IT FROM '16 TO '19. BUT THIS GIVES US NUMBERS TO SAY OKAY, HOW MANY CAN ONE FULL- TIME EQUIVALENT DO, HOW MANY INSPECTIONS, HOW MANY INVESTIGATIONS? AND THEN THOSE NUMBERS ARE IN THERE. AND THEN THAT NEXT COLUMN, THAT'S WHERE WE LAND RIGHT NOW WITH OUR STAFF. SO YOU CAN SEE THAT THE BOTTOM, THE TOTAL NEED IS 2. 68, AND 4. 36 IS WHAT WE COUNTED WITH THAT DATA FROM UP TO MAY. THAT'S WHERE WE LANDED. WE'RE NOT GETTING THOSE ANNUALS DONE. WE ARE -- COMMUNITY RISK REDUCTION, WE ARE GROWING COUNTY, AND A LARGE JURISDICTION. OPERATIONAL CHALLENGES. THE ISSUES ARE, WE'VE NOD T BEEN ABLE TO DO THOSE ANNUAL INSPECTIONS. WE'RE GETTING THE BUILDINGS BUILT, BUT WE JUST CAN'T GET BACK OUT THERE TO DO AN ANNUAL INSPECTION. WE'RE NOT ABLE TO GET OUT AND DO ANY OF THE UNPERMITTED DEVELOPMENT ENFORCEMENT. WE ARE AWARE SOME OF IT IS GOING ON FROM TIME TO TIME. WE'RE NOTIFIED, BUT IT'S DIFFICULT TO GO OUT. FIRE WISE, IT'S AN IMPORTANT PROGRAM FOR THE MITIGATION OF THE WILDLAND STUFF. WE WEREN'T ABLE TO DO A LOT OF THAT IN '24, AND IT'S BEEN LITTLE OR NONE IN '25. OUR REVIEWS, ESPECIALLY WITH THE LAST CASE THAT WE WORKED, A LOT OF THAT'S HAD TO GO TO THE WAYSIDE, BUT NOW WE HAVE A NEW PERSON IN THAT POSITION. SO THAT'S PICKED BACK UP, AND THEN VIOLATIONS ARE GOING UP, OBVIOUSLY. SO THE IMPACT IS INCREASED FIRE RISK AND THEN THE NONCOMPLIANCE. NEXT SLIDE. AGAIN, WE'RE THREE FULL-TIME EQUIVALENTS RIGHT NOW. WE'RE PROPOSING TO ADD ANOTHER PLANNED REVIEWER, NOT AN INVESTIGATOR, AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. RIGHT NOW, THAT WOULD BE 5 FTES IF WE WENT THAT ROUTE. THAT WOULD PUT US AT 9,000 HOURS THAT WE'RE AVAILABLE TO WORK OUR SERVICES. YOU CAN SEE THE COLUMN, THE TAIL NEXT TO THE DATA THERE. BASICALLY, A BREAKOUT OF HOW WE WOULD MANAGE THOSE AREAS, YOU KNOW, THE WORKLOAD FOR EACH POSITION. JUSTIFICATION IS NEXT. AGAIN, THAT WORKLOAD BOTTOM WAS 3,000 AND 7,000. THAT EXCEEDS THE 5400 HOURS THAT WE HAVE AVAILABLE RIGHT NOW. AND LIKE I SAID, WE HAVE ADDED THE DRIVING DEMAND ON TOP OF THAT. THAT DRIVING DEMAND ALONE PUTS US AT ABOUT FIVE WEEKS OF JUST DRIVING. IF YOU TAKE OUR NUMBERS RIGHT NOW, WE'RE ALMOST FIVE WEEKS IN THE CAR JUST GETTING TO AN INSPECTION. SO PRETTY PROFOUND. NFK 1730 SAYS THE FIVE FTES WILL BE MEETING, SLIGHTLY EXCEEDING IT WITH THOSE NUMBERS FROM MAY. OF COURSE, THE GROWTH. WE ARE UNDERSTAFFED COMPARED TO PEER COUNTIES. AND THEN WE DO SELECT SOME REVENUE. THE AVERAGE FOR FIVE YEARS IS 68-ISH. RIGHT NOW, WE'RE ON TRACK WITH PERMITS AND INSPECTION FEES, WE'RE AND 100,000. BACKLOG AND MITIGATION. SO IF WE HAD THE STAFF, WE COULD WORK THESE BACKLOGS. [00:55:04] THAT IS KIND OF HOW WE'LL BREAK IT OUT IN THE HOURS IT WOULD STAKE. IF WE WERE FULL STAFFED, THAT'S HOW WE WOULD APPROACH IT. NEXT ONE IS VALIDATION. THAT'S THE WEBSITE WE USE FOR ALL OF OUR PERMITTING, SITE, BUILDING, ALARMS, ANYTHING TO DO WITH PERMITS. IT ALSO IS OUR SITE THAT'S USED FOR THE SELECTION AND IT CAN BE ACCESSED THERE. RIGHT NOW, EVENTUALLY WE ARE TO BE MORE LIKE OUR PEERS WOULD BE STAND ALONE, THE BENEFITS OF THAT WOULD BE A CLEAR BUDGET, ALLOCATION OF FOCUS ON THE COMMUNITY RISK REDUCTION AND FIRE PREVENTION ALONE. NOT THAT WE DON'T SUPPORT EMERGENCY SERVICES, AND IF IT WAS TO OCCUR, WE DO PARALLEL A LOT OF SERVICE NEEDS, SO TO BRING A BUILDING BACK UP THAT'S BEEN AFFECTED BY SOME SORT OF NATURAL DISASTER OR SOMETHING, WE WOULD BE DEFINITELY PART OF THAT, PART AND PARCEL WITH EMERGENCY SERVICES AND WE WOULD ALIGN WITH PEERS MORE SO. RISK OF CURRENT STAFFING RIGHT NOW, WE'RE -- WE CAN'T GET OUT TO THOSE. NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE. WE'RE GETTING THE PERMITS BUT GETTING OUT TO DO THE PERMITS, THAT'S NOT -- ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE RIGHT NOW. UP AND WE -- AS I SAID, THE STANDARD IS NEW, BUT WE ARE BELOW IF WE RUN OUR NUMBERS, WE'RE WELL BELOW WHAT THEY WOULD RECOMMEND. THE DELAYS, THE STRAINS, THEYS ON THE PLAN REVIEWS AND OUR SERVICE AVAILABILITIES, AND THE MINIMAL TO DO THE FIRE WISE, WHICH ITSELF IS APPROPRIATE SERVICE. AND THEN OF COURSE, THERE'S PUBLIC TRUST AS FAR AS, YOU KNOW, GETTING -- TAKING CARE OF THESE BUSINESSES, TAKING CARE OF THESE DEVELOPERS, HELPING THEM GET THEIR PROJECTS DONE, ET CETERA. AGAIN, IF HE COULD STAFF UP, HE WOULD BE ABLE TO GET THE ANNUAL INSPECTION IT IS WE HAD THAT FULL YEAR OF GETTING SOMEBODY ON BOARD AND GETTING THOSE -- THAT SLOT FILLED, GET CLOSER TO THE 1730 WITH WHAT WE HAVE RIGHT NOW AS FAR AS THE STANDARD. GET THAT BACKLOG, MORE TIMELY SERVICE, AND THEN SOME SCALEABILITY, SOMEBODY IS SICK, HE WOULD HAVE THE ABILITY TO MAINTAIN SERVICES. SO AS I SAID, THE NEXT ONE. WE ARE FIRE AND A LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY, SO WE HAVE BOTH OF THOSE RESPONSIBILITIES AND FUNCTIONS. BUT THIS PERSON WOULD JUST BE FOR THAT. AND THEN SOME ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT TO HELP US AS FAR AS GETTING PERMITS IN, HELPING OUR CUSTOMERS COME OUT OF THE GROUND WITH THEIR PROJECTS, AND THEN FINISH THAT STUFF. I DON'T KNOW THE FRINGE BENEFIT SIDE OF IT. I USED OUR NUMBERS WE HAVE AS FAR AS FOR THOSE POSITIONS, AND THE SPAN, 59 TO 66, 38 TO 39. I GUESS FRINGE BENEFITS IS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF 20% OR 30%. THEN AGAIN, THE BACKLOG, WE'LL BE ABLE TO CLEAR WITH THAT FULL STAFF. WE COULD GET BETTER STATISTICS ON OUR COUNTY. BY HAVING THE STAFF THAT WE NEED TO. RIGHT NOW IT'S DIFFICULT TO GET STATS. SO NEXT, CONCLUSION. THREE FTES IS INSUFFICIENT. WE DO HAVE A GOOD CADRE OF THE ESDS THAT HELP US WHEN IT REALLY -- WHEN WE [01:00:09] HAVE NO OTHER OPTION, BUT IT'S NOT AS EFFICIENT. SO THE SOLUTION WE HAVE RIGHT NOW WE DISCUSSED IN MAY WAS TWO FTES TO ENHANCE SAFETY, COMPLIANCE AND EFFICIENCY. >> WE ARE DEALING WITH THESE VERY QUESTIONS FOR EVERY SINGLE DEPARTMENT DURING THE BUDGET PROCESS. SO WE ARE THE BODY THAT HELPS SHAPE THOSE DECISIONS. SO THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THAT INFORMATION. COMMISSIONERS? >> OKAY, SO THE MAIN REASON WHY I WANTED TO PRESENT WAS I UNDERSTAND THE BUDGET WORKS AND HOW THINGS SHOULD HAVE BEEN PRESENTED IN A BUDGET WORKSHOP, BUT UNDERSTANDING THE BACK GROUND BETWEEN HOW THE FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE CAME TO BE CURRENTLY VERSUS HOW IT USED TO BE. I HAVE BEEN MEETING WITH PEOPLE LEFT AND RIGHT AND THEY ARE HAVING INCREASED DELAYS THIS THE PERMITTING PROCESS. THEY HAD AN INVESTIGATION FROM A FIRE PERSPECTIVE, AND JUST UNDERSTANDING THE DATA THAT CAME ALONG WITH ALL OF IT. WHETHER OR NOT WE STAFF IT IS BESIDES MY PURPOSE. IT WAS FOR EVERYONE TO UNDERSTAND IN 2016, I BELIEVE -- I WAS TRYING TO ASK HIM WHEN EXACTLY THE FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE WENT UNDER EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT. I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE WAS SOME IN AND OUT, SO A LOT OF ATTRITION WHEN IT COMES TO THE FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE. STEVE HAS DONE A GREAT JOB IN TERMS OF WHAT HE'S PRESENTED, SO HAVING THE AUTONOMY OF BEING ABLE TO CHECK IN, BECAUSE THE PEOPLE THAT REPORT TO STEVE, HE CAN'T SEE THEIR TIME SHEETS. SO THEY'RE SUBMITTING THEM WITHOUT HIM HAVING THAT GENERAL OVERSIGHT LIKE HE SHOULD FROM HIS DEPARTMENT. I DON'T KNOW IF THAT IS MOVING THE DEPARTMENT, OR JUST GETTING HIM THAT ABILITY TO TAKE THAT LEADERSHIP ROLE. BUT MY MAIN PURPOSE WAS UNDERSTANDING YEAH, THEY'RE OVERWORKED, THEY'RE WORKING A LOT OF HOURS. THEIR COMP TIME IS ES S ES S ES A -- IS ASTRONOMICAL. SO JUST GIVING HIM THE ABILITY TO EDUCATE ALL THE COMMISSIONERS AND YOU ON WHAT THEY'RE CURRENTLY DEALING WITH, AND SEEING WHAT THE DELUSION IS TO GET THAT. THAT WAS THE PURPOSE OF WHAT I WANTED TO PRESENT. >> BEAUTIFUL. THANK YOU SO MUCH. COMMISSIONER SMITH? >> I WOULD JUST -- WE'VE HAD CONVERSATIONS OVER THE LAST YEAR OVER WHAT THE NEED IN YOUR OFFICE >> I WILL TELL YOU THAT THE CONVERSATIONS THAT -- I GENERALLY DON'T CALL YOU UNLESS SOMETHING IS BEHIND. >> YES, SIR. >> IT'S BECAUSE OF THE BURDEN ON THOSE CLEARANCES AND PLAN REVIEWS THAT I GENERALLY HAVE TO REACH OUT TO YOUR OFFICE. I WILL TELL YOU THAT, AGAIN, WHILE LOOKING AT SOME OF YOUR NUMBERS, ONE SLIDE YOU SPECIFICALLY SAID THAT VIOLATIONS WERE UP, BUT YOUR NUMBERS ARE DOWN FOR THIS YEAR, IF YOU LOOK AT IT. AND SO THROUGH MAY, IF THOSE CARRY OUT FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR, THEY WOULD BE DOWN FOR THE YEAR. SO I WOULD JUST SAY THAT WHILE YOU SPEND -- I KNOW YOU HAVE TO PRIORITIZE YOUR EMPLOYEE TIME TO THE NTH DEGREE BECAUSE OF ALL YOUR DEMANDS. I WOULD CONTINUE TO ASK AND ENCOURAGE YOU TO LOOK AT HOW WE COULD GO ABOUT IMPROVING EFFICIENCIES IN THAT SYSTEM ALONG WITH THE ADDITIONAL PERSONNEL. I THINK YOU HAVE ONE IN THIS YEAR'S BUDGET, AND HOW WE COULD BETTER IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY WITH WHAT WE HAVE. I SAY THAT, THE SPECIFIC EXAMPLE THAT I'M TALKING ABOUT IS LOOKING AT A -- MUCH LIKE WE DO ON OUR LIST FOR ENGINEERS, RIGHT? IF Y'ALL LOOKED AT THIRD PARTY FIRE AND INSPECTION, POSSIBLY NOT FILE INSPECTIONS BUT PLAN REVIEW, AND SETTING UP A PROCESS, WHETHER THAT'S THREE FIRMS OR 300 FIRMS, THAT YOU HAVE PREQUALIFIED THAT HAVE THE CERTIFICATIONS THAT ARE NEEDED, THAT SOMEONE COULD GO OUT AND GET THAT THIRD PARTY REVIEWED, UNDER OUR, YOU KNOW, WE WOULD STILL HAVE TIME TO SIGN OFF. BUT THEY WOULD STILL HAVE TO MAINTAIN THE SAME STANDARDS THAT WE HAVE IN PLACE. IF YOU CAN CERTIFY THIRD PARTIES TO DO THAT, THEN I THINK THAT WOULD TAKE A TREMENDOUS BURDEN OFF OF YOUR DEPARTMENT. JUST IN SHEER HOURS. AND NOBODY LIKES TO DO PLAN REVIEW, AND YOU GUYS SAY THIS JOKINGLY, AND YOUR PREDECESSOR AND I WOULD JOKE ABOUT THIS, IT'S A -- NO ONE WANTS TO GO OUT AND DO A FIRE INSPECTION, BECAUSE THAT MEANS SOMETHING BAD HAPPENED. BUT IT'S MORE FUN TO DO A FIRE INSPECTION THAN A PLAN REVIEW, RIGHT? AND SO I SAY THAT, IT GIVES YOU MORE TIME, IF WE LOOK AT SOME EFFICIENCIES AND THE THINGS THAT YOU'RE DOING RIGHT NOW, SPECIFICALLY ON INITIAL [01:05:03] PLAN REVIEW, ON INITIAL INSPECTION. I STILL THINK WE NEED FINAL WALK THROUGH AND FINAL INSPECTION AND SOMEONE FROM THE COUNTY NEEDS TO DO THAT TO ENSURE IT'S DONE CORRECTLY. BUT I ALSO THINK THAT THERE'S SOME THINGS THAT WE CAN DO AND LOOK AT TO MAYBE IMPROVE SOME EFFICIENCIES IN THERE TO HELP YOU WITH THOSE -- WITH THOSE OVERBURDENS UNTIL WE CAN SOLVE THE STAFFING PROBLEM. >> SURE. WE ARE RIGHT NOW USING THIRD PARTY. IT'S MORE LOOSELY APPROVED, IT'S NOT CERTIFIED, PER SE. BUT WE ARE USING THIRD PARTY FOR SITES AND PROJECTS OVER 10,000 SQUARE FEET. SO THAT IS PART OF OUR PROCESS RIGHT NOW FOR THE BUILDING AND FIRE SPRINKLER, FIRE ALARM SYSTEM. SO THAT IS ONE OF OUR TOOLS. FOR GOOD REASON TOO, WE'RE NOT FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERS OR ARCHITECTS. SO WE GET THOSE THIRD PARTY REVIEWS, AND THEN WE JUST MAKE SURE WHATEVER IS COMING OUT OF THE GROUND IS WHAT THEY TURNED IN FOR THE PLANS. THAT'S KIND OF OUR ROLE AS A MIDDLEMAN. >> I WOULD SAY FORMALIZING THAT PROCESS, YOU KNOW, YOU SAY IT'S A LOOSE PROCESS RIGHT NOW. FORMALIZING THAT PROCESS, AND THEN HAVING AN UNDERSTANDING BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT, AGAIN, I DO THINK A THIRD PARTY REVIEW PROCESS, WE DISCUSSED IT HERE A HANDFUL OF TIMES, IT WOULD IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY WHILE GETTING THOSE PROJECTS WE NEED ON THE GROUND AND DONE CORRECTLY. >> THANK YOU. IN THE SPIRIT OF EFFICIENCY, I WILL SPEAK FOR OUR DIRECTOR, MIKE JONES. I WOULD BET THAT THERE IS SOMETHING THAT WOULD ALLOW YOU THE OPPORTUNITY TO SEE THOSE TIME SHEETS THAT YOU'RE NOT SEEING AT THIS MOMENT. I THINK IT -- I HAVE OUR AUDITOR NODDING YES, AS WELL. I THINK -- I'M NOT MAKING ANY JABS, STEVE, I PROMISE, BUT IT'S AN OPPORTUNITY TO CONTINUE THE EFFICIENCY ANGLES. I THINK WHAT YOU HAVE DONE IS AWESOME. VERY MUCH APPRECIATED. I'VE BEEN ON SITE TO THE THINGS THAT YOU DO, AND I AM -- I FEEL THE LOAD, THE URGENCY, THE RESPONSIBILITY AND THE CAPACITY OF YOUR SPACE. WITH HIGH RESPECT AND APPRECIATION OF WHAT YOU'RE DOING, I SAY THAT. I WILL ADD ON THAT EFFICIENCY PIECE TO, AS WE MOVE THROUGH THIS BUDGET PROCESS, TO CONSIDER STAFFING, AND YOU HAVE MADE A GREAT ARGUMENT FOR IT, IT'S IMPORTANT THAT YOU TOUCH THESE LITTLE THINGS. I KNOW IT'S YES, AND, BUT TO JUST GIVE YOU WHAT YOU FEEL YOU NEED, BECAUSE WE VALUE AND MIKE GREATLY. AND SO WHATEVER WE CAN DO TO HELP YOU GUYS, I'M ALWAYS GOING TO DO TO SUPPORT. SO THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRESENTATION. >> THANK YOU, STEVE, FOR THE PRESENTATION. IT WAS GOOD TO SEE THE NUMBERS. I KNOW WE HAVE HAD SOME COMMUNICATION ABOUT PERMITS AND EVERYTHING, SO I AGREE WITH MY COLLEAGUES ABOUT STRENGTHENING THE EFFICIENCIES IN THE OFFICE, AND AS WE GO THROUGH BUDGET, WORKSHOPS, WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE BETTER SUPPORT AND BE A BETTER PARTNER FOR YOU IN THAT REGARD. SO I DO APPRECIATE ALL THE WORK THAT YOU'RE DOING. >> YEAH, STEVE, THANKS A LOT FOR THE UPDATE. I APPRECIATE IT ALSO. AND I REALLY DID APPRECIATE THE TIME THAT WE WENT OUT AND WENT WITH YOU ON SITE TO LOOK AT AN APARTMENT COMPLEX THAT IS BEING BUILT AND THE STEPS THAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE AND YOUR OFFICE TO ACCOMPLISH WHAT YOU NEED TO DO. I'M CERTAINLY OPEN TO LOOKING AT GIVING YOU THE, YOU KNOW, THE OFFICE THAT YOU NEEDNEED AS FAR SEPARATION. I THINK, YOU KNOW, IT'S TIME TO POSSIBLY LOOK AT THAT. AND I JUST -- WE MAY NOT WANT TO DISCUSS THIS RIGHT NOW, MAYBE DURING THE BUDGET WORKSHOP, BUT I GUESS I JUST WANT TO BETTER UNDERSTAND, BECAUSE I SEE THAT THERE IS MOVEMENT FROM THE OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES TO OUR -- TO THE FIRE MARSHALS. IS THAT A NEW PERSON THAT YOU WOULD HAVE, OR IS THAT JUST -- OKAY. >> IN THE RECOMMENDED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026, THERE ARE CURRENTLY TWO POSITIONS, ONE SENIOR DEPUTY FIRE MARSHAL AND ONE DEPUTY FIRE MARSHAL. THOSE POSITIONS WERE FULLY FUNDED OUT OF THE FIRE MARSHAL FUND, AND IT IS NOT SUSTAINING TO FULL- TIME EMPLOYEES. SO WHAT YOU SEE IN THE BUDGET IS [01:10:02] THE MOVEMENT OF HALF OF ONE OF THE FIRE MARSHAL SALARIES. >> SO IT'S NO ADDITIONAL STAFFING, IT'S THE NEED FOR GENERAL FUND TO PICK UP THE COST OF THAT. >> OKAY. SO I'M CERTAINLY OPEN TO -- THERE'S -- AND THE TWO POSITIONS THAT ARE THE FULL- TIME POSITIONS, IN FY-25, BOTH HAVE IES OF CLOSE TO THREE MONTHS. SO I KNOW THAT'S PROBABLY DIFFICULT AND AFFECTING THEIR ABILITY TO MOVE THINGS FORWARD. THEY ALSO HAVE A POOL OF FIVE CURRENT EMPLOYEES THAT ARE IN THE FIRE INVESTIGATOR POOL FUNDS THAT THEY CAN ACTUALLY USE AS WELL, SOME SPECIAL OPERATION POSITIONS. >> WE'LL TALK MORE DURING THE BUDGET. [F.3. Presentation by Orlando Gallegos, new Area Engineer with TxDOT. BECERRA] THANK YOU, STEVE. APPRECIATE IT. >> THANK YOU, STEVE. >> PLEASE OPEN F-3. >> PRESENTATION BY ORLANDO NEW AREA ENGINEER WITH TEX DOT. >> THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE. I APPRECIATE IT. THIS IS THE MOST EFFICIENT WAY TO GET YOU OUROUR DOT REPRESENTATIVE IN THE SPACE WHERE EVERYONE CAN SEE HIM, MEET HIM, AND WE COULD EXCHANGE INFORMATION. >> ABSOLUTELY. GOOD MORNING, EVERYONE. MY NAME IS ORLANDO, AND I'M HONORED TO SERVE WITH THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION. IN THE OFFICE, WE COVER THESE COUNTIES IN ITS ENTIRETY. I JUST WANTED TO EXPRESS TO YOU TODAY THAT, TO ME, TRANSPORTATION IS MORE THAN JUST ROADS AND BRIDGES, IT'S ONE OF MY PRIORITIES TO MAKE SURE THAT WE PROVIDE THE PUBLIC THE MEANS TO GET TO THEIR DESTINATIONS SAFELY, THAT WE PROVIDE BUSINESSES WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE SUCCESSFUL BY ALLOWING CUSTOMERS TO GET TO THEM, AND OF COURSE, BY WORKING WITH THE DEVELOPMENT THAT WE SEE IN OUR COMMUNITIES. WITHOUT COMPROMISING SAFETY IN THE PROCESS. SO I KNOW THAT MY PREDECESSORS HAVE BUILT A GREAT RELATIONSHIP, A TRUE PARTNERSHIP WITH HAYS COUNTY. YOU CAN EXPECT OPEN COMMUNICATION FROM MYSELF AND THE REST OF MY TEAM. I HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET SOME OF YOU ONE ON ONE, AND I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO MEETING THE NEXT TO YOU TO DISCUSS PRIORITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES TO CONTINUE IMPROVING OUR TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM. >> WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR PREDECESSOR? >> MY PREDECESSOR HAS BEEN PROMOTED TO DIRECTOR OF CONSTRUCTION, SO HE'S STILL SERVICING THE AUSTIN DISTRICT, JUST IN A DIFFERENT CAPACITY. >> NOTHING NEGATIVE, NOTHING HAPPENED. COMMISSIONER ENGLESBY? >> IT WAS NICE MEETING YOU, AND YEAH, WE DO VALUE OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH TEX DOT. WE'VE BEEN ABLE TO ACCOMPLISH MANY PROJECTS, SO I LOOK FORWARD TO CONTINUING TO WORK WITH YOU. SO I LOOK FORWARD TO MORE PROGRESS. >> WELCOME TO HAYES COUNTY. WILLIE WAS GREAT, BUT I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU AND BUILDING THAT RELATIONSHIP. >> THANK YOU. >> I DO BELIEVE WE HAVE A MEETING SET, SO I WILL BE CHATTING WITH YOU ONE ON ONE VERY SHORTLY. BUT YES, I'VE ONLY BEEN HERE FOR ABOUT EIGHT MONTHS NOW, AND WILLIE WAS DEFINITELY A GREAT GUY. GREAT FOR HIM, SAD FOR US. BUT I'M EXCITED TO HAVE YOU. >> COMMISSIONER SMITH? >> WELL, THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME YESTERDAY. IT WAS GREAT JUST BEING ABLE TO SIT DOWN AND SPEND TIME WITH YOU AND TALK ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THE PROJECTS AND PARTNERSHIP WITH THE COUNTY. I JOKE THAT, YOU KNOW, WHEN WE GOT WILLIE, WE WENT FROM A 92 TAURUS TO A BRAND NEW F-250. SO I KNOW YOU'RE UP FOR ITIT I APPRECIATE -- I'VE SPOKEN TO EACH OF MY MUNICIPALITIES IN MY PRECINCT, AND I KNOW THEY'RE LOOKING FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU. THEY SAY NOTHING BUT GOOD THINGS, BELIEVE IT OR NOT, A LOT OF THEM DO DUE DILIGENCE AND KNOW WHERE YOU CAME FROM AND THE PROJECTS YOU WORKED ON. [01:15:04] >> THANK YOU. BEAUTIFUL. THAT'S IT. THANK YOU VERY MUCH [G.6. Approve and confirm the appointment of John Roppolo as a regular full-time Deputy Constable and Michael Markowicz as Deputy Reserve in the the Hays County Constable Pct 1 Office, effective date August 12, 2025. INGALSBE/PETERSON] FOR TAKING THE TIME TO COME IN. >> THANK YOU. >> NOW WE'RE GOING TO GO STRAIGHT TO G-6. >> G-6, APPROVE AND CONFIRM THE APPOINTMENT OF JOHN RAPOLO, EFFECTIVE DATE AUGUST 12, 2025. >> CONSTABLE, I WAS JUST CONFIRMING THAT YOU WERE HERE. SO THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE. WE HAVE A MOTION AND WE COULD HEAR THE INTRO FIRST, AND THEN VOTE OR DO YOU WANT US TO VOTE AND THEN THE INTRO? >> WHATEVER. >> DO THE INTRO AND THEN WE VOTE. >> THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU, JUDGE, COMMISSIONER ENGLESBY, THANK YOU AGAIN. WE'RE HERE TODAY TO PRESENT YOU ALL AND THE COMMUNITY WITH TWO OF OUR GREAT OFFICERS THAT WOULD LIKE TO JOIN OUR OFFICE AND THE COMMUNITY. I HAVE JOHN RAPOLO, THAT IS NO STRANGER TO THE COMMUNITY. THAT WANTS TO JOIN THE CONSTABLES OFFICE, AND I THINK HE HAS THE RIGHT CREDENTIALS FOR THE JOB, AND WITH THE BLESSING OF THE COURT'S APPROVAL, IT WOULD BE VERY NICE. ALSO TO MY LEFT, I'VE GOT MICHAEL MARCOWIZ. HE IS AN IMPLANTER FROM NEW YORK CITY. HE IS REALLY NO STRANGER TO HAYES COUNTY. HE'S BEEN HERE FOR A WHILE AND HE'S VERY MUCH INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY. JUST TO START WITH JOHN, HE GREW UP IN MERLIN, TEXAS. HE HAS HIS WIFE HERE, AND HE'S BEEN MARRIED TO HER FOR 32 YEARS, DEBBIE, WHICH IS RIGHT HERE. HE HAS HIS TWO SONS THAT ARE HERE, JOSEPH AND JONATHAN. AND BOTH ARE GRADUATES FROM SAN MARCOS HIGH SCHOOL. JOHN STARTED HIS CAREER HERE IN THE COUNTY WITH THE CRIMINAL DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE. HE HAS DONE A GREAT JOB OVER THERE, AND HAS TRANSACTIONED OVER TO THE CONSTABLES OFFICE. HIS EXPERIENCE GOES WAY BEYOND LAW ENFORCEMENT WITH HIS TRAINING THAT HE HAS ACCUMULATED FOR HIMSELF AND THE COUNTY. OVER 5,000 HOURS FOR US. AS A PEACE OFFICER LICENSE, HE IS A MASTER PEACE OFFICER, BASIC INSTRUCTOR PROFICIENCY, TELECOMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR, RECOGNIZED IN A LOT OF DIFFERENT AWARDS BEING INVOLVED WITH THE COUNTY THAT HE'S DONE. SEXUAL ASSAULT, FAMILY VIOLENCE INVESTIGATOR. I CAN GO ON AND ON. I THINK THAT JOHN IS A GOOD CHOICE FOR OUR COMMUNITY. >> WE WILL BE WELL SERVED WITH JOHN. THANK YOU FOR NEGOTIATING THAT CONVERSATION. ONE DOWN, ONE TO GO. >> NOW GOING TO MICHAEL. MICHAEL WAS RAISED AND EDUCATED IN NEW YORK CITY. ROCHESTER, I'M SORRY. GRADUATING WITH A BACHELOR'S DEGREE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER. HE BEGAN HIS LAW ENFORCEMENT CAREER IN 1993. AS A SAN ANTONIO POLICE OFFICER, BEAR COUNTY, WORKING PATROL AT THE NORTHEAST AND WEST OF SAN ANTONIO. HE MOVED TO SAN MARCOS IN 2022 WITH HIS WIFE, HIS FOUR DOGS, AND HAS VOLUNTEERED IN MANY, MANY ORGANIZATIONS WHILE HE'S BEEN HERE. OH, YEAH, SECRET SERVICE, WE HAVE TO GIVE HIM THAT. THANK YOU, MICHAEL. [01:20:02] MICHAEL WAS WITH THE SECRET SERVICE FOR A VERY, VERY LONG TIME. HE RETIRED IN 2019, MOVED BACK TO HOUSTON, TEXAS AND WROTE A PUBLISHING BOOK FOR CHILDREN. ALSO WORKED IN A COMPLIANCE FOR MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL DOING THE ASTROS WORLD SERIES. THAT'S GREAT, MICHAEL. IN 2022, HE WAS INVOLVED IN ABOUT FIVE DIFFERENT ORGANIZATIONS THAT IS HERE IN THE COUNTY. WE WELCOME MICHAEL. HE'S DEFINITELY GOING TO BE AN ASSET TO OUR COMMUNITY. >> BEAUTIFUL, WONDERFUL. >> WELL, THANK YOU ALL. AND I WELCOME Y'ALL TO THE PRECINCT, AND I GUESS YOU'RE GOING TO TAKE THE OATH. BUT WELCOME, AND THANK YOU. >> IF THERE'S NOTHING ELSE, WE WILL CALL THE ROLL. >> >> IT'S ALL GOOD. NOW YOU HAVE OFFICIALLY BEEN LOOPED IN, AND SO NOW COMMISSIONER, WILL YOU DO THE HONORS OF DOING THE PINNING, I BELIEVE IS THAT THE ROAD MAP? >> THANK YOU. >> PERFECT. >> I GUESS WE CAN HAVE THEM COME BACK OR -- OKAY. >> COME ON UP. >> CONGRATULATIONS. [G. CONSENT ITEMS] [01:25:48] >> OKAY, LET'S OPEN THE SLATE OF CONSENT, MINUS 13, OF COURSE. TALL >> G- 1, APPROVE PAYMENT TO COUNTY INVORSS. G- 2, APPROVE JUROR DISBURSEMENT. G- 3, AUTHORIZE ADDITIONAL DISBURSEMENT IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $500,000 THE HEALTH CARE CLAIMS ACCOUNT. G-4, PAYMENT OF AUGUST 15TH, 2025, PAYROLL DISBURSEMENT IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $4,500,000, WITHHOLDINGS, DEDUCTIONS AND BENEFITS ON THE WEBSITE. G- 35, RATE OF THE AUDITOR'S RATE QUARTERLY REPORT. G- 7, APPROVE UTILITY PERMITS. G- 8, AUTHORIZE THE APPOINTMENT OF MORGAN HAMMER, REPLACING COMMISSIONER DEBBIE GONZALEZ. G- 9, AUTHORIZE THE COMMISSIONER PRECINCT ONE OFFICE TO PURCHASE A CAMERA AND LENS IN THE AMOUNT OF $848. G- 10, APPROVE OUT OF STATE TRAVEL FOR SHERIFF'S OFFICE EMPLOYEE TO ATTEND THE INITIAL LAW ENFORCEMENT RESPONSE TO SUICIDE BOMBING, ON OCTOBER 27 THROUGH 30TH, 2025, IN NEW MEXICO. G- 11, AUTHORIZE THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE TO ADD A $45 MONTHLY CELL PHONE ALLOWANCE FOR A DEPUTY POSITION, EFFECTIVE AUGUST 16TH, 2025, AND AMEND THE BUDGET ACCORDINGLY. G- 12, AUTHORIZE THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE TO PURCHASE LAW ENFORCEMENT EQUIPMENT VALUED AT $7,116.83. G- 14, APPROVE THE REAPPOINTMENT OF SILVA GARZA TO POSITION ONE OF THE BOARD OF DRIFTWOOD ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND MUNICIPAL MANAGEMENT DISTRICT, A FOUR- YEAR TERM ENDING JUNE 1, 2029. G- 15, APPROVE PAYMENT OF $16,000 TO TYLER TECHNOLOGIES FOR THE COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE ISSUED AS REQUIRED FOR THE PURCHASING POLICY. G- 16, AMEND THE COUNTY CLERK'S RECORDS MANAGEMENT AND ARCHIVE FUND AND FOR ADDITIONAL DRAFT EXPENSES RELATE -- >> G-17, AUTHORIZE -- FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $250,000. G- 18, AUTHORIZE EXECUTION OF CONTRACT AMENDMENT TO THE COUNTY COURT MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALTY COURT PROGRAMS. >> SO MOVED. >> SECOND. >> COMMISSIONERS, ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENT? >> JUDGE, ON NUMBER 14, I JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU TO MR. GARZA FOR AGREEING TO BE REAPPOINTED TO THAT BOARD. I APPRECIATE YOUR SERVICE. >> ALL RIGHT. >> I JUST WANT TO SAY I'M EXTREMELY EXCITED TO BE A PART OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TEAM. AND I APPRECIATE DEBBIE. >> NOW IT'S YOU AND ME. THE NEXT WAVE. HERE COMES THE HANDOFF. PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. [I.1. Discussion and possible action to authorize the execution of a Contract between Hays County and Baylor University for Master of Social Work (MSW) Intern. INGALSBE/COHEN/BROWN] >> PLEASE OPEN I-1. >> SO MOVED. >> SECOND. >> JUDGE, I THINK IT'S JUST A GREAT PROGRAM TO HAVE TO GIVE INDIVIDUALS ADDITIONAL TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE FOR THEIR CAREERS. SO IT'S WONDERFUL THAT [01:30:02] WE'RE PARTNERING WITH BAYLOR UNIVERSITY. E ROLL. [I.2. Discussion and possible action to create the Hays County Salary Grievance Committee for the remainder of the fiscal year Pursuant to Chapter 152 of the Local Government Code. BECERRA] >> I- 2, PLEASE. >> I- 2, DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACTION TO CREATE THE COUNTY COUNTY÷÷ GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE FISCAL YEAR. >> SO MOVED. >> SECOND. >> A LITTLE CONFUSION ABOUT THIS ITEM, BUT I'M TRYING TO TELL YOU AS MUCH AS I CAN. IT'S A REQUIREMENT OF OURS TO DO DURING THE BUDGET PROCESS SO THAT WHEN SOMEONE WANTS TO -- DID YOU WANT TO ADD ANYTHING? >> YES, SORRY. I KNOW YOU'LL DO THIS EVERY YEAR, BUT THERE ARE TWO OPTIONS THAT YOU GET TO CHOOSE FROM. IN REGARDS TO THE COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE. SO OPTION ONE IS WHAT WE TYPICALLY CALL OUR ELECTED OFFICIAL OPTION. OPTION TWO IS ALL MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC. WE ALWAYS TYPICALLY DRAW EXTRA NAMES, JUST IN CASE TO MAKE SURE WE CAN GET PEOPLE HERE IF A MEETING IS REQUIRED. SO, I THINK YOU'LL NEED TO DECIDE WHICH OPTION YOU WANT TO DO. >> I THINK OPTION ONE IS GOOD, BECAUSE THE ELECTED OFFICIALS ARE MORE LIKELY TO BE ON THE SCENE, SO THAT PUTS US AT A LOWER PERCENTAGE OF PULLING PEOPLE FROM THEIR LIVES TO BE PART OF THIS. I THINK THAT'S MOST USEFUL. >> IN THE PAST WE HAVE DONE BOTH. I'M FINE WITH OPTION ONE. HOWEVER, IN THE PAST, WE HAVE HAD THE STATUTORY MEMBERS OF THAT CONVENTION, THE ELECTED OFFICIALS OPTION GRIEVE THEIR SALARY. SO WE COULD DON'T THAT. SO DO WE HAVE TO MAKE THAT DECISION TODAY OR CAN WE MAKE IT ONCE WE KNOW THERE IS A GRIEVANCE? DOES THAT MAKE SENSE? >> YES, COMMISSIONER. SO THE BENEFIT OF DOING IT TODAY IS MAINLY FOR SCHEDULING PURPOSES. IT LETS US GET A STEP AHEAD, SO THE CLERK'S OFFICE IS NOT SCRAMBLING AT THE LAST MINUTE. SO THE ELECTED OFFICIAL OFFICE CONSISTS OF THE CRIMINAL DISTRICT ATTORNEY AND ADDITIONAL MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO CONSTITUTE THE COMMITTEE. AND THEN THE PUBLIC OPTION IS ALL MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC. SO COMMISSIONER SMITH'S REPORT, SIT VERY WEIRD, BUT IF ONE OF THE ELECTED THAT IS PART OF THE COUNTY, THAT THEY ARE ALLOWED TO SIT AND VOTE ON THEIR OWN SALARY. >> I'VE SEEN IT, BECAUSE I PRESIDE OVER IT. >> CAN WE PICK ENOUGH NAMES SO WE DON'T MAKE THAT DETERMINATION OF WHETHER WE GO WITH OPTION ONE OR TWO, BUT PICK ENOUGH NAMES TO HAVE IN THAT? >> YES, I THINK YOU'LL ALWAYS PICK NAMES FOR SCHEDULING PURPOSES. THE ONLY MAIN FACTOR IS NOT WHICH OPTION WE'RE GOING WITH, BUT WHETHER WE NEED TO REACH OUT TO THE ELECTEDS, KNOWING THAT YOU ALL ARE VERY BUSY. >> ALL RIGHTY. SO MY HOPE IS THAT WE CAN VOTE ON THAT TODAY. >> THAT'S FINE. >> I THINK THE CLERK'S OFFICE IS PREPARED FOR NAMES TO DRAW FROM. >> IN THE PAST, WE HAVE DONE BUCKETS. SO LET'S PICK NAMES SO THAT WE CAN PUT IT ALL INTO THE VOTE. >> I WOULD RECOMMEND -- I THINK WE -- DID WE DO 20 LAST YEAR? >> I THINK WE DID 30 TO FILL OUT OUR LIST OF NINE LAST YEAR. >> BETWEEN 20 AND 30, AND IF YOU'RE GOING THE ELECTED ROUTE, THAT'S LESS MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC. >> SO IT WILL BE ELECTED, AND THEN SUPPORTED BY COMMUNITY. SO HOW MANY NAMES SHOULD I DRAW? >> SAY 25. >> IF IT WAS 25, THAT JUST LEAVES THEM ALL. >> PROBABLY 40 TO 50. >> I'LL DO IT. SO WE'RE GOING TO PICK 25 FROM THIS CONTAINER THAT OUR COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE HAS JUST HANDED ME. I HAVE GIVEN IT A LITTLE SHAKEUP. AND NOW IT WILL BE RANDOMLY PICKED. AND HERE WE GO. HERE'S MY FIRST PASS. WE'LL START THIS THING. I'M ALL ABOUT TIME EFFICIENCY. SO HERE WE ARE. BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE. FIRST ONE IS MORA WOOD. SECOND ONE IS GREGORIO REYES. [01:35:04] THIRD ONE IS SKYLER SMITH. FOURTH ONE IS CHERYL MONOVERA. AND THIS IS ALL BEING RECORDED. FIFTH ONE IS CHRISTINE LECLAIRE. SIXTH, RAUL CASTILLO. SEVEN, RICKY POE. EIGHT, NICOLE JASS. NINE, MARK TARIVIA. SOUNDS ITALIAN, I DON'T KNOW. TEN, AARON SHARPE. 11, DARREN BIDDLE. 12, JOSE MARTINEZ. 13, GLORIA RAMIREZ. 14, LINDSEY RHODES. 15, ROBERT BICKET. 16, NICHOLAS NOELLE PADILLA. AND THIS IS 17. MELISSA BROWNE. 18, EDDIE TOMPKIN. 19, DAVID GARCIA. 20, PATRINA PARKAY. 21, STEPHANIE DYIE. 22, BILLI DANIELS. 23, ADAM MILLER. 24, ISAAC HOLLOWAY. AND 25 IS WHAT WE DECIDED TO STOP ON, IS CHRISTINE ARONANDEZ. CLEAR, GOOD, STRAIGHTFORWARD, ALL DONE. SO THE MOTION IS TO ACCEPT OPTION ONE IS THE ELECTED OFFICIALS SUPPORTED BY A DRAW OF THOSE NAMES IN ORDER. AND IF NEEDED, IF AN ELECTED OFFICIAL HAS A GRIEVANCE, WE SHALL CALL UPON THIS BODY. CALL THE ROLL. >> OKAY. NOW WE HAVE AGREED TABLING I-3. [I.4. Discussion and possible action to authorize the execution of an agreement between Axon Enterprises, Inc. and Hays County for Axon Justice Software and storage, in the amount $570,477.60 for five years and one month and amend the budget accordingly. BECERRA/HIGGINS] AND WE ARE GOING TO GO NOW TO I-4. >> I- 4, DISCUSSION POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN EXXON ENTERPRISES, INK. IN THE AMOUNT OF $575,477. 60 FOR FIVE YEARS. >> SO MOVED. >> SECOND. >> ALL RIGHT. WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND. AND I SEE OUR ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY COMING ON UP. SO IF YOU'LL PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME AND TITLE. >> GREG COX, THE CRIMINAL FIRST ASSISTANT FOR THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE. THIS REQUEST IS TO ALLOW US TO DO A CONTRACT WITH EXXON JUSTICE, SO THAT WE HAVE AN UNDERLYING STORAGE MEETING FOR THE TECH SHARE PROSECUTOR SYSTEM THAT IS LAUNCHING IN ABOUT THREE WEEKS. ALMOST ALL OF OUR LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES ARE USING EXXON AS THEIR SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR UPLOADING ALL THE BODY CAMS AND CAMERAS, EVERYTHING LIKE THAT. HAVING THIS AS OUR STORAGE MEDIUM PROVIDES US TWO HUGE BENEFITS. EVERYTHING WILL PUSH FROM THEIR SYSTEM INTO OUR SYSTEM SEAMLESSLY. THERE WOULD BE AN API DEVELOPED THAT JUST LITERALLY PUSHES IT OVER. THERE'S NO MANUAL UPLOADING OF ALL THESE VIDEO. THE OTHER BENEFIT IS IT'S UNLIMITED STORAGE. WE WILL NOT BE COMING BACK TO YOU IN A YEAR OR TWO YEARS ASKING YOU TO SPEND SEVERAL HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR ADDITIONAL SERVER SPACE. THIS WILL TAKE CARE OF OUR STORAGE NEEDS FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE. [01:40:01] >> FOR $500,000, I MEAN, $480,561, I SURE THE HECK HOPE SO. I GAVE YOU A HEADS UP. I ABSOLUTELY -- I KNOW THIS IS MY ITEM, BUT SHARE WITH THE PUBLIC PROCESS AND YES, THIS IS THE BEST ROUTE. ALTHOUGH, GREG DID A GREAT JOB OF TELLING US WHY IT IS A GREAT CHOICE, BECAUSE I'VE SEEN AND HEARD ALL THE VARIATIONS OF AGENCIES COMMUNICATING SEAMLESSLY. I THINK THAT IS OF HIGHEST VALUE. SO GOOD JOB FOR THAT, GREG. BUT CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT MORE ABOUT HOW WE ARE SETTLING ON THESE PEOPLE SPECIFICALLY? >> SO ORIGINALLY, WE BROUGHT AN ITEM AND AUTHORIZED THROUGH TECH SHARE. BUT WITH THAT, THE D.A. 'S OFFICE WOULD ALSO HAVE TO HAVE EMPLOYEES WHO WOULD HAVE TO GO THROUGH ALL OF THE INFORMATION AND REDACT ALL OF THE EVIDENCE THE STUFF THAT THEY NEED. WITH SWITCHING OVER TO THIS STORAGE, IT'S BUILT INTO THEIR STORAGE AND WILL ALLOW MORE OF AN EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT PROCESS FOR THEIR EMPLOYEES TO BE ABLE TO PULL THE INFORMATION THAT THEY NEED IN ORDER TO BE SUCCESSFUL. THIS IS UNDER THE CONTRACT THAT WE CURRENTLY ARE UTILIZING, AND SO IT'S UNDER A CO- OP, AND ALL OF THE IS ARE DOTTED AND TSTS CROSSED. >> WHAT SHE HAS SAID IN LAYMAN'S TERMS, IT IS COMPETITIVELY PRICED BECAUSE THE FISCAL STEWARD IN ME SAYS HOLY SMOKES, $500,000 FOR SOFTWARE, ARE YOU SURE THAT'S -- THAT'S THE PROCESS THAT RUNS THROUGH MY MIND, AND I HAVE GOTTEN CALLS ABOUT IT, AS WELL. SO I WANTED TO MAKE SURE I ASKED THE QUESTIONS TO GET THOSE DETAILS TO SAY YES, COMPETITIVELY IT IS SET UP, AND YES, USEFUL AS A BRAND, BECAUSE IT IS CROSS POLLINATING INFORMATION. AND THEN YOU HAVE ADDED A REALLY GOOD PIECE, WHICH WAS THE REDACTING. CAN YOU EXPAND MORE ON THE VALUE OF THAT? >> I'M GOING TO LET GREG TAKE THAT. >> BEFORE I EVEN GET TO THERE, I WANT TO EXPLAIN A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE NEED FOR THE SYSTEM. SO UNDER BOTH THE CONSTITUTION AND THE MORTON ACT, THE SECTION THAT PROVIDES DISCOVERY TO THE DEFENSE, WE NOW HAVE TO PROVIDE COPIES OF EVERYTHING. THE WAY WE HAVE BEEN DOING IT, AND THE WHOLE REASON WE WENT AFTER TECH SHARE WAS WE'VE BEEN GETTING IT IN AND UPLOADING IT INTO A SYSTEM AND THEN EMAILING IT TO THE DEFENSE ATTORNEY. WE DON'T KNOW IF THEY GET THE EMAILS, WE DON'T KNOW IF THEY'RE ABLE TO OPEN THEM. A LOT OF TIMES THEY COME BACK TO US SAYING THEY CAN'T ACCESS IT. AND SOME OF THE INFORMATION IS ALREADY UPLOADED BY THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES. WE SEND LINKS, BUT THOSE LINKS EXPIRE AFTER A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF TIME. WE HAVE TO GO THROUGH A WHOLE PROCESS OF GETTING THE LINK REISSUED. SO THIS GIVES US A DISCOVERY PLATFORM WHERE WE PUT EVERYTHING IN THERE, WE CAN SEE IT, WE CLICK TURN IT ON, AND THE DEFENSE ATTORNEY LOGS IN THROUGH THEIR OWN PORTAL AND THEY CAN SEE EVERYTHING, AS WELL. THE PROBLEM WAS, THE STORM SYSTEM FOR TECH SHARE WAS VERY LABOR INTENSIVE, MEANING WE WOULD HAVE TO PULL EVERYTHING OUT OF AXON, AND WE WERE GOING TO SPEND HUNDREDS OF HOURS PER CASE DOING THAT MANUAL PROCESS. AXON JUSTICE AND TECH SHARE ALREADY WORK TOGETHER IN COUNTIES ACROSS TEXAS. THEY HAVE DEVELOPED THE LINKS TO WHERE IF WE'RE USING AXON JUSTICE AS OUR STORAGE SYSTEM, IT GETS UPLOADED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT AND COMES OVER TO US AND AUTOMATICALLY IN OUR SYSTEM SO WE CAN PROVIDE FULL AND COMPLETE DISCOVERY AND MEET ALL OF OUR STATUTORY AND LEGAL OBLIGATIONS FOR DISCOVERY. THE REDACTION PIECE IS, MANY TIMES ON A BODY CAM OR IN- CAR CAMERA, POLICE HAVE CONVERSATIONS WITH A SUSPECT. AND THEY MAY TALK ABOUT THAT PERSON'S CRIMINAL HISTORY, THEIR MENTAL HEALTH STATUS, DIFFERENT THINGS THAT WE ARE NOT ALLOWED TO USE AS EVIDENCE AT TRIAL. WE HAVE TO DO REDACTIONS OF THESE VIDEOS BEFORE WE CAN PLAY THOSE VIDEOS IN COURT. THE OLD PROCESS WAS EXTREMELY TIME -- >> I CAN IMAGINE WHAT A NIGHTMARE. >> WE WERE HAVING TO TAKE THOSE VIDEOS, CONVERT THEM INTO A DIFFERENT FORMAT, PULL THESE SOFTWARE PROGRAMS OFF THE INTERNET, TRY TO DO IT THAT WAY. HALF THE TIME IT WOULD FAIL. WE WOULD END UP WITH A DISASTER IN COURT. THIS WILL ALLOW US TO DO THAT, THE TOOLS ARE BUILT INTO THE SYSTEM. THE OTHER FANTASTIC THING ABOUT THIS THAT IS GOING TO SAVE [01:45:02] THE COUNTY A HUGE AMOUNT OF MONEY, THERE IS VOICE RECOGNITION SOFTWARE BUILT INTO THIS. WE CAN TRANSCRIBE VIDEOS AUTOMATICALLY AND WILL NO LONGER HAVE TO PAY COURT REPORTERS THOUSANDS TO TRANSCRIBE. >> THAT IS MAGNIFICENT. I WANT TO ASK YOU ONE MORE PIECE. IF IT'S OKAY IF YOU HAVEN'T, BUT IF YOU HAVE I WANT TO HEAR IT. WHAT CAN YOU EXTRAPOLATE POTENTIAL HOURS TO DOLLARS SAVED BY TAKING THIS STEP IN THIS INVESTMENT? >> I DON'T KNOW THAT I CAN DO A DIRECT HOURS OR DOLLARS, BUT I DO KNOW THAT WE PROBABLY WOULD HAVE ASKED FOR THREE ADDITIONAL LEGAL ASSISTANTS FOR OUR DISCOVERY TEAM IF WE DID NOT GET THIS SOFTWARE. SO THIS SOFTWARE CAUSED US TO PULL BACK ON WHAT WE WERE GOING TO ASK FOR IN THE WAY OF PERSONNEL. >> IN SUMMARY, THE EFFICIENCY COMPARISON. SO THREE EMPLOYEES COVERED WITH THIS TECHNOLOGY, AND OUR PDO IS STILL SITTING IN YOUR OFFICE. NOT TO MENTION, EXPEDIENCY AND PROCESS. MAN, THIS ONE OF THOSE ITEMS, OF COURSE I LEND MY NAME TO IT. BUT UNDERSTANDING MORE AND SHARING WITH THE PUBLIC MORE OF THESE DETAILS MAKES ME FEEL ALL THE MORE PROUD OF THIS WORK THAT YOU GUYS ARE BRINGING FORTH, GREG. THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> IT SOUNDS GREAT. >> FULLY SUPPORT IT. >> THANK YOU FOR COMING UP AND EXPLAINING THE SOFTWARE. FULLY SUPPORT IT. >> KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. >> RIGHT ON, SKIPPY. THANK YOU, SIR. PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. [I.5. Discussion and possible action to authorize the execution of an Agreement between Hays County and LexisNexis to obtain LexisNexis+ Software for the Law Librarian and for Law Library patrons with a monthly commitment of $749.83. BECERRA/HIGGINS/HUNT] >> NOW LET'S MOVE ON TO I-5. >> I- 5, DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN HAYES COUNTY AND LEXISNEXIS TO OBTAIN SOFTWARE FOR THE LAW LIBRARY, WITH A MONTHLY COMMITMENT OF $749.83. >> SO MOVED. >> THANK YOU. ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO ADD? I DON'T THINK SO. STRAIGHTFORWARD. VERY WELL DONE. PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. [L.1. Discussion related to the Hays County inmate population, to include current population counts and costs. BECERRA] >> CAN YOU BELIEVE IT? WE ARE ON TRACK, VICKIE, MOVING NICELY. PLEASE OPEN L-1. >> L- 1, DISCUSSION RELATED TO THE HAYES COUNTY INMATE POPULATION TO INCLUDE CURRENT POPULATION COUNTS AND COSTS. >> THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE SENDS MY OFFICE A WEEKLY INMATE REPORT, AND OUR JAIL CAPACITIES -- OUR MAXIMUM CAPACITY IS STILL 410 INMATES. JAIL STANDARDS RECOMMENDS HOLDING 10% OF THAT CAPACITY OPEN, WHICH LOWERS OUR CAPACITY TO 368. THE DAILY AVERAGE WAS 569, HOWEVER, AND PEAK WAS 578. THE ESTIMATED COST FOR OUTCOURSING INMATES THIS WEEK IS $132,715. THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF OUTSOURCED MALES CONTINUES TO BE 201, AND THEY ARE ALL IN PASCAL COUNTY. AND WE HAVE APPROXIMATELY TEN MINUTES [L.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] BEFORE THE 11:00 WORKSHOP. YES, SIR? >> CAN WE OPEN -- I'M SORRY, I SHOULD HAVE MENTIONED THIS, CAN WE OPEN L- 4 ONE SECOND. >> I THINK WE CAN OPEN IT, BUT IT'S WRITTEN -- HERE'S MY CONCERN FOR THAT. >> I THINK WE HAVE THE SAME CONCERN. >> OKAY. I WAS EVEN MARKING IT UP ASKING FOR IT TO BE DELETED, BECAUSE IT DOES -- IT IS WRITTEN IN A WAY THAT SAYS 89TH REGULAR SESSION, AND SO YOU WOULD HAVE TO ADDRESS THAT. >> THAT'S WHAT I WAS GOING TO SAY. THE ONLY THING I WAS GOING TO ASK IS IF OUR -- IF THE NEXT AGENDA, WE CAN CHANGE THAT -- >> YOU SAID AGENDER? >> I'M FROM TEXAS. THE WORD WASH HAS AN R IN IT. CAN WE HAVE THAT CHANGED TO THETHE 89TH SESSION OF THE TEXAS LEGISLATURE. THAT WAY WE CAN INCORPORATEINCORPORATE HOWEVER MANY SPECIAL SESSIONS. >> I WAS GOING TO ASK FOR IT TO BE DELETED BECAUSE IT WAS OBSOLETE IN MY MIND. I WILL ASK THAT YOU DELETE NUMBER THREE. OKAY. SO WE WILL NOT MAKE A RUN [01:50:03] FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION. SO WHAT WE WILL DO IS TAKE A RECESS, AND I ASK THAT OUR SOFTWARE PEOPLE PLEASE CREATE AA MESSAGE DURING THE RECESS SCREEN FOR THOSE CHIMING IN THAT SAY, IF YOU DON'T MIND, IF IT'S NOT TOO MUCH WORK, I'M TALKING TO YOU, CAMERA PERSON, WORKSHOP AT 11:00 A.M. THAT WAY PEOPLE THAT LOG ON KNOW WHAT'S COMING, AND THEY'RE NOT WONDERING IF THEY MISSED IT. I WOULD BE MOST GRATEFUL FOR THAT. UNTIL >> ALL RIGHT, IF I AM NOT MISTAKEN, WE ARE ON TIME. HELLO, [J.1. 11 :00 a.m. - Budget Workshop regarding the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. Possible action may follow. BECERRA/DORSETT] WONDERFUL COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND ELECTED OFFICIALS WHO ARE HERE. WE ARE STEPPING INTO OUR CUSTOMARY WORKSHOP. I WILL TAKE THIS MOMENT FOR THOSE OF YOU WATCHING . WE HAD TWO AGENDA ITEMS RELATING TO THE FLOCK CONTRACT. THERE WAS A LITTLE BIT OF CONFUSION. I TRIED MY VERY BEST. HAD I SEEN MORE CLEARLY WHAT TOOK PLACE, I WOULD HAVE ADDRESSED IT SOONER. I WILL SAY THAT SINCE WE TABLED THOSE AGENDA ITEMS, MY PHONE HAS BEEN BLOWING UP. HEY, I WROTE IN AND MY COMMENTS WERE NOT BEING READ. THE BIGGEST AND MOST IMPORTANT THING FOR ME, I HAVE MADE IT VERY CLEAR , IS THAT EVERYONE HAS AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE HEARD. THESE AGENDA ITEMS WILL BE COMING BACK NEXT WEEK. I HAVE ASKED THE COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE TO NOT ONLY REPLY TO THE EMAILS. SOME OF THESE WERE NOT OPENED BECAUSE THE AGENDA ITEMS WERE TABLED. YOUR VOICE MATTERS. WHETHER YOU ARE FOR SOMETHING OR AGAINST SOMETHING, YOUR VOICE MATTERS. YOUR COMMENTS WILL BE READY NEXT WEEK. THERE IS NO ADDITIONAL ACTION REQUIRED ON YOUR PART. WE WILL GRAB THOSE EMAILED COMMENTS AND ADD THEM TO NEXT WEEK. I HAVE ASKED THE COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE TO MAKE SURE THEY COINCIDE WITH THE AGENDA ITEMS, THAT THEY WILL BE READ NEXT WEEK. WE WANT TO ENSURE THAT THE EFFORT AND ENERGY YOU TOOK TO HAVE YOUR COMMENTS RECORDED IN THE COURT OF RECORD DON'T GO TO WASTE. THANK YOU AND I HOPE THAT WORKS. PLEASE OPEN OUR WORKSHOP, J1. >> J1, 11:00 A.M., BUDGET WORKSHOP REGARDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2026 BUDGET. POSSIBLE ACTION MAY FOLLOW. >> IS THAT A MOTION REQUIRED? WHAT DO YOU THINK? SO MOVED. >> SECOND. >> IT IS SAFE. I HAVE A COUPLE OF PEOPLE SIGNED UP TO SPEAK ON THIS ITEM. THEN WE WILL GO OVER TO OUR BUDGET OFFICE. WE HAVE ELISA GARCA AT THE TOP OF THE STACK. IT SAYS BUDGET WORKSHOP. IF IT IS HANDED TO ME, I WILL INTERPRET IT. YOU ARE ON. COME ON DOWN, YOU ARE THE NEXT CONTESTANT ON THE PRICE IS RIGHT. >> ARE YOU SURE YOU GOT THE RIGHT ONE? >> I DID. IT WORKED OUT. >> GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS. NEIGHBORS ACROSS HAYS COUNTY REGARDLESS OF POLITICS APPRECIATE THE SUPPORT TO STRENGTHEN THE LEGAL SYSTEM. WE HAVE SEEN THE BENEFITS OF PROGRAMS LIKE THE MENTAL HEALTH COURT, THE PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, AND OTHER EFFORTS THAT HAVE GIVEN EVERY RESIDENT A FAIR SHOT. THESE INVESTMENTS WORK AND THEY UNITE OUR COMMUNITY. THAT IS WHY IT IS THE TIME TO FULLY FUND THE PUBLIC DEFENDERS PROPOSALS , NOT A PHASED APPROACH THAT RISKS BEING INSTALLED. THE MOMENT WE ARE IN CALLS FOR A STRONG, DECISIVE STANCE, NOT HALF MEASURES. LET'S EXTEND THAT TO OTHER CORE NEEDS, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, REENTRY SERVICES, AND STRONGER SOCIAL SERVICE FUNDING. THESE ARE FAMILIES THAT NEED TO BE STABLE AND OUR UNITY NEEDS TO THRIVE. YOU CAN ALL MAKE A CLEAR STATEMENT OF SHARED VALUES AND INVEST FULLY IN WHAT WE KNOW WORKS AND SAVE SOME MONEY. THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH. NEXT, WE HAVE JUAN MIGUEL ARRODONDO. >> I AM NOT HERE ON THE HAVE OF THE SAN MARCO CS I.D. -- IST. I HAVE LIVED LIFE PUBLICLY AND AM NO STRANGER TO THE CRIMINAL [01:55:07] JUSTICE SYSTEM HERE IN HAYS COUNTY. I AM A RECOVERING ALCOHOLIC AND DRUG ADDICT . I AM SO GRATEFUL THAT I HAD THE RESOURCES TO NOT ONLY NAVIGATE THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM, TO HAVE A SUPPORT SYSTEM THAT SUPPORTED ME GOING TO TREATMET NOT ONCE BUT TWICE. IT DOESN'T ESCAPE ME THAT THAT IS A PRIVILEGE AND LUXURY THAT MANY OF OUR NEIGHBORS DO NOT HAVE. I AM HERE TONIGHT OR I GUESS THIS AFTERNOON OR THIS MORNING, EXCUSE ME, TO SPEAK IN SUPPORT OF THE PUBLIC DEFENDERS OFFICE. I ENCOURAGE YOU TO WORK DILIGENTLY TO FIND THE RESOURCES TO FULLY FUND THE PROGRAM AS PROPOSED. AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL FOR MORE THAN 10 YEARS , I AM NO STRANGER TO THE DIFFICULT TASK OF PRIORITIZING INITIATIVES IN YOUR YEARLY BUDGET PROCESS. I AM ALSO NO STRANGER TO UNDERSTANDING THAT THERE IS ALWAYS MONEY IF THERE IS THE POLITICAL WILL AND THE VOTES TO MAKE IT HAPPEN. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR TIME AND FOR YOUR SERVICE TO HAYS COUNTY. >> WELL SAID. THANK YOU SO MUCH. NEXT, WE HAVE NATALIE. IT IS A LITTLE BIT PUT TOGETHER, SO I MIGHT PUT A TYPEWRITER OVER THERE. I AM JUST KIDDING. NATALIE, PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME SO THE VIEWING PUBLIC CAN HEAR HOW I SHOULD HAVE SAID IT. >> I AM THE IMMIGRANT EQUITY DIRECTOR AND I'M HERE TO URGE THIS COURT TO MAKE A BOLD AND COMPASSIONATE INVESTMENT IN TRUE PUBLIC SAFETY BY FUNDING THE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES THAT KEEP PEOPLE HEALTHY, HOUSED, AND SUPPORTED. WE KNOW THAT PUBLIC SAFETY IS ABOUT PREVENTNG HARM IN THE FIRST PLACE. THAT MEANS MEETING PEOPLE'S NEEDS BEFORE THEY REACH A CRISIS POINT. I'M CALLING FOR A PUBLIC DEFENDERS OFFICE WHERE PEOPLE FACE CHARGES WITHOUT ADEQUATE DEFENSE , THEN JUSTICE IS OUT OF REACH. WE NEED TO BUILD TRUST IN OUR LEGAL SYSTEM. COMMISSIONERS, THIS IS NOT JUST A BUDGET; IT IS A MORAL DOCUMENT, WE PUT WHAT WE VALUE. I URGE YOU TO VALUE FAIRNESS, STABILITY, DIGNITY, AND OPPORTUNITY. LET'S INVEST IN THE PEOPLE OF OUR COUNTY, BECAUSE THAT IS HOW WE CREATE REAL PUBLIC SAFETY. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH. WELL SAID. NEXT, WE HAVE CYRUS GRAY. >> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE BECERRA AND COMMISSIONERS. MY NAME IS CYRUS GRAY, FORMERLY WRONGFULLY INCARCERATED HERE IN HAYS COUNTY . I'M A PUBLISHED AUTHOR WITH A MEMOIR THAT IS SCHEDULED TO BE PRESERVED IN THE SAN MARCO'S LIBRARY. I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR INCLUDING THE COMMUNITY IN THESE BUDGET DISCUSSIONS. THAT IS VERY IMPORTANT. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER INGALSBE. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER COHEN. THANK YOU, HONORABLE JUDGE BECERRA. THANK YOU COMMISSIONER HAMMER AND COMMISSIONER SMITH. I AM HERE TO URGE AND SUPPORT YOU IN THIS BUDGET CYCLE TO INVEST IN SOME RESOURCES AND PROGRAMS THAT BUILD EQUITABLE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITIES. I CARE ABOUT HAYS COUNTY AND I AM INTERESTED IN BUILDING A HEALTHY, TRUSTING, THRIVING HAYS COUNTY TOGETHER. WE CAN MAKE A DIFFEENCE PUSHING MONEY TOWARDS LIFE-CHANGING PROGRAMS LIKE OUR PUBLIC DEFENDERS OFFICE, MENTAL HEALTH CARE, YOUTH ENGAGEMENT, EQUITABLE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, AND HOUSING SUPPORT. THESE R INVESTMENTS TO PREVENT HARM BEFORE IT HAPPENS AND CREATE THE KIND'S ABILITY AND OPPORTUNITY THAT MAKES COMMUNITIES TRULY SAFE. REAL SAFETY IS BUILT ON OPPORTUNITIES, SAFETY, AND TRUST. OUR FAITH IN THESE SYSTEMS HAS FALLEN AND IT MAKES IT CLEAR THAT INVESTING MILLIONS INTO THESE SYSTEMS RATHER THAN IN COMMUNITY IS INVESTING IN A CELL -- FALSE SENSE OF CONTROL AND POWER, NOT CARE. I WOULD LOVE TO BRING IN SOME FORMER MEMBERS OF THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE WOULD LOVE TO MEET YOU AND SUPPORT THIS. I HAVE HAD LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCES WITH EVERYDAY MEMBERS IN THIS COMMUNITY FROM THE YOUTH TO OUR BEAUTIFUL ELDERLY, INCLUDING LEADERS LIKE YOU, COMMISSIONER COHEN AND JUDGE BECERRA. OUR COMMUNITY NEEDS HOUSING STABILITY, EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES, A FULLY FUNCTIONING PUBLIC DEFENDERS OFFICE, YOUTH ENGAGEMENT AND MENTORSHIP THAT SUPPORTS US AS A WHOLE. I'M ASKING YOU TO CHOOSE TO INVEST IN SYSTEMS AND INSTITUTIONS THAT LIFT PEOPLE UP, AS MY GOOD FRIEND AND BUSINESS PARTNER DEVONTE STATED. THANK YOU FOR [02:00:02] ALL OF YOUR HARD WORK AND THANK YOU FOR GIVING ME A SAFE SPACE IN THIS COMMUNITY TO SPEAK AND BUILD TRUST. TOGETHER, WE WILL ALWAYS ACHIEVE MORE. THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU SIR VERY MUCH. THERE ARE TWO MORE. DEVONTE EMERSON FOLLOWED BY ERIC MARTINEZ. THEN WE WILL GO TO VICKIE. HELLO AGAIN. >> GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS. >> AND JUDGE. >> AND JUDGE. >> I AM JUST KIDDING. >> WHEN I SPOKE EARLIER, I SHARED HOW I WAS WRONGFULLY CHARGED HERE IN HAYS COUNTY AND HOW I BUILT MY LIFE AFTER NEARLY 6 YEARS LOST. WHILE I WAS BUILDING MY BUSINESS, I WAS ON AN ANKLE MONITOR DRIVING 600 MILES A WEEK FROM SAN MARCO'S BACK TO DALLAS. I SHOWED UP TO THE COURT DATES, NEVER KNOWING IF THE NEXT ONE WOULD SEND ME BACK TO A CELL. I CARRIED ALL OF IT EVERY SINGLE DAY. I THINK BEING HERE BECAUSE -- I GOT HERE BECAUSE I REFUSED TO QUIT. THAT EVERYONE HAS THAT KIND OF STRENGTH. MANY PEOPLE COME TO NOTHING WITH NO HOPE, NO PATH FORWARD. WHEN THERE IS NO HOPE, IT IS EASY TO GIVE UP. THAT IS WHY I AM ASKING YOU TO SHIFT FUNDING TOWARDS PREVENTION, REENTRY, AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS. THESE PROGRAMS GIVE PEOPLE HOPE. THE TIME WHEN HOPE IS AT AN ALL-TIME LOW, THAT IS PRICELESS. THEY PROVIDE HOUSING, JOB TRAINING, MENTAL HEALTH CARE, AND MENTORSHIP, THE TOOLS THAT KEEP PEOPLE OUT OF THE SYSTEM, I WAS ONCE ASKED WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR THE COMMUNITY. IN A MUCH DIFFERENT SETTING, AND A MUCH MORE HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT. MY ANSWER TODAY IS I AM BUILDING AND I'M HELPING HEALING. I EVEN WROTE A BOOK WHILE I WAS INCARCERATED CALLED MAKE IT MAKES SENSE, ANTICIPATING OPPORTUNITIES TO GIVE PEOPLE A BLUEPRINT AFTER INCARCERATION OR ANY OTHER HARDSHIPS THEY FACE IN LIFE. SPENDING MORE ON POLICING AND INCARCERATION OR CAMERAS WOULD NOT CREATE SAFETY ; IT WOULD ONLY EXPAND THE SYSTEM THAT HAS FAILED US SO MANY TIMES. REAL SAFETY COMES FROM INVESTING IN PEOPLE BEFORE THEY FALL THROUGH THE CRACKS. IF I COULD DO ALL OF THIS WITH A MONITOR ON MY ANKLE, ON TOP OF DRIVING SIX-UNDER MILES EVERY WEEK, IMAGINE WHAT PEOPLE COULD DO IF THIS COUNTY TOOK THE WEIGHT OFF THEIR BACKS AND GAVE THEM HOPE INSTEAD. DON'T FORGET, PUBLIC SAFETY IS AND JUST ABOUT WHO YOU LOCKUP; IT IS ABOUT WHO YOU LIFT UP. THANK YOU. >> I COULD NOT HAVE SAID THAT ANY BETTER. THANK YOU. SORRY, I SHOULDN'T BE GETTING COMMENTS AFTER EACH PERSON. IT IS A WORKSHOP, SO I AM FEELING A LITTLE BIT MORE LIBERATED TO SPEAK A LITTLE MORE DIFFERENTLY. I AM GRATEFUL FOR YOUR TIME. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMENTS. ERIC, YOU ARE THE LAST ONE. >> I WANT TO EXPRESS MY SUPPORT FOR A CAPITAL IDEA AT THE $100,000 LEVEL, SUPPORTING PEOPLE TO GIVE THEM DIGNIFIED JOBS SO THEY CAN EARN A LIVING AND SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY AND THEMSELVES. IN OUR COUNTRY, JUSTICE IS SUPPOSED TO BE BLIND . TOO OFTEN, IT TILTS HEAVILY TOWARDS THOSE WHO CANNOT AFFORD TO DEFEND THEMSELVES. WHEN WEALTH DETERMINES WHETHER SOMEONE HAS A SKILLED ATTORNEY OR IS FORCED TO NAVIGATE THE SYSTEM THEMSELVES, WE ARE NOT TALKING ABOUT EQUAL JUSTICE UNDER THE LAW. WE ARE TALKING ABOUT A TWO-TIERED SYSTEM. THE PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE ENSURES THAT EVERY PERSON REGARDLESS OF INCOME IF THE LEGAL DEFENSE THAT THEY DESERVE. THAT MEANS COUNSEL AT THE EARLIEST POSSIBLE STAGE THROUGH FIRST APPEARANCE, ROBUST AND HOLISTIC SUPPORT THAT ADDRESSES THE ROOT CAUSES OF CONTACT WITH THE LEGAL SYSTEM. FULLY FUNDING THE OFFICE, INCLUDING LEGAL DEFENSE AND IMMIGRATION SUPPORT ALONG WITH OTHER LEGAL SERVICES IS A COMMITMENT TO FAIRNESS. AT FIRST APPEARANCE ALONE, COUNSEL CANNOT PREVENT PEOPLE FROM SITTING IN JAILS FOR DAYS OR WEEKS BECAUSE THEY CANNOT AFFORD BOND, ALLOWING THEM TO KEEP THEIR JOBS, THEIR HOUSING, AND THEIR FAMILIES INTACT. IMMIGRATION COUNSEL PROTECTS DUE PROCESS FOR OUR NEIGHBORS. THESE ARE NOT LUXURIES. THEY ARE THE FOUNDATIONS OF A FAIR AND FUNCTIONING PROTECTS THE RIGHTS FOR ALL, NOT JUST A PRIVILEGED FEW. WE UNDERFUND THE PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, WE TIP THE SCALES IN FAVOR OF WEALTH AND AGAINST JUSTICE. TO SAFETY STARTS WITH EQUAL JUSTICE. TRUE JUSTICE STARTS WITH A FULLY FUNDED PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE. >> AS YOU MAKE YOUR WAY UP TO THE PODIUM, VICKIE, I WANTED TO ADDRESS NOT ONLY THIS WEEK, LAST WEEK'S COMMENTS. YOU HAVE SHED SOME INTERESTING LIGHT THAT I THINK THE PUBLIC SHOULD HEAR ABOUT HOW YOU ARE HEARING ALL [02:05:06] THIS WITH ME. EQUAL JUSTICE AND FAIR REPRESENTATION. I AM A VISUALS KIND OF GUY. I SEE IT AS POWER AND THE MONEY WE ARE USING TO GO AFTER SOMEONE. WE SHOULD ALSO USE THAT TO DEFEND SOMEONE. I GET THAT. IT IS HARD TO DISAGREE WITH THAT. BUT THERE ARE SOME PIECES IN THAT EQUATION THAT MAY NOT EQUATE TO DOLLARS FOR DOLLARS. COULD YOU HUMOR US FOR A MOMENT IN THAT THOUGHT PROCESS? >> VICKIE DORSETT, BUDGET OFFICE. WITHIN OUR GENERAL FUND , WE HAVE FUNDS THAT ARE SET ASIDE IN THE COURTS SYSTEM FOR COURT APPOINTED ATTORNEYS. IF YOU WANT TO COMPARE APPLES TO APPLES, WE WOULD HAVE TO PULL OUT ALL OF THE SPECIFIC , DIRECT COST THAT THE COUNTY BUDGET AND OUR GENERAL FUND FOR PRETRIAL SERVICES , INDIGENT DEFENSE , FOR MAGISTRATES AND , FOR ALL OF THE THINGS THAT ARE INVOLVED IN THE PUBLIC DEFENSE. ALL OF OUR EXPENSES ARE CATEGORIZED BY FUNCTION. I TOUCHED ON THAT A LITTLE BIT LAST WEEK. FOR A COUNTY, A JUDICIAL FUNCTION COULD ALSO BE A CLERK'S OFFICE. THERE ARE A LOT OF MOVING PARTS THAT REQUIRE FOLLOWING THE CASE, HEARING A CASE, MAKING JUDGMENTS ON CASES. IN ORDER TO EFFECTIVELY PULL THAT APART , WE WOULD NEED TO DISSECT MULTIPLE DEPARTMENTS , INDIVIDUAL LINE ITEM BUDGETS, TO COMPARE THOSE. >> IN SUMMARY, COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, THESE INDIVIDUALS ARE DEDICATED TO THIS TYPE OF ADMINISTRATION. AND THEN THE TREASURER'S OFFICE IS DEDICATED TO COLLECTIONS, ET CETERA. THAT IS WHAT SHE IS EXPLAINING. INFINITELY WOVEN TOGETHER ARE ALL OF THESE DOLLARS SPENT IN OUR JUDICIAL SYSTEM. ALTHOUGH I SUPPORT EVERYTHING SAID IN SPIRIT, I DID THINK IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE GET THE RIGHT LOOKING GLASS. I THINK YOU ARE SHEDDING A LIGHT IN A WAY THAT I FIND VERY USEFL . IT IS NOT AS EASY AS IT SOUNDS. IT IS WAY MORE COMPLEX. IS NOT JUST A PEN STROKE AND NOW WE KNOW EXACTLY WHERE WE ARE AT. I SAY THAT BECAUSE I AM A KEY PART OF THIS GOVERNMENT THAT IS CHARGED WITH THE JUDICIAL AND THE CARE OF OUR COMMUNITY. I WANT TO MAKE SURE PEOPLE HAVE AN UNDERSTANDING THAT ALTHOUGH THE TASK IS WHOLESOME, IT IS A LITTLE CUMBERSOME . IT IS WORTHY OF GETTING THE ACTUAL ANSWER TO, BUT IT WILL TAKE A FINER, GRANULATED APPROACH IN THIS. I DON'T KNOW THAT WE CAN DO IT IN SUCH A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. >> I AM WORKING ON A PRESENTATION WITH SOME CHARTS AND GRAPHS. I WILL SHOW UP TO COURT NEXT WEEK TO BETTER DEFINE THE JUDICIAL COST VERSUS THE LAW-ENFORCEMENT COST SO WE CAN LOOK AT IT MORE GRANULARLY TO MAKE SURE WE ARE ENCOMPASSING ALL OF THE EXPENSES THAT WE ARE STATUTORILY REQUIRED TO BUDGET. I ALSO WANT TO MENTION THAT I DID HAVE A CONVERSATION WITH THE PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE . THAT WAS YESTERDAY. I DID NOT RECEIVE THEIR BUDGET PROPOSAL UNTIL LAST TUESDAY AFTER OUR FIRST BUDGET WORKSHOP. SO I HAD NOT SEEN THE FULL ASKED. -- ASK . I HAD QUESTIONS. FULL DISCLOSURE : WE ARE WORKING THROUGH THOSE. THERE WERE CONTRACTS THAT THEY HAD IN TEXAS. >> NEIGHBORHOOD DEFENDER SERVICES. >> WHERE WE WERE ABLE TO SHARE SOME OF THE MANAGING OFFICIALS COSTS . THOSE ARE FULLY SHIFTING 100% TO HAYS COUNTY, WHICH AFFECTS THE OTHER BUDGET AREAS. [02:10:12] I'M HOPING THEY PROVIDE THOSE TO ME BY THIS FRIDAY. SOME OF THOSE PROGRAMS THAT THEY HAVE PROPOSED TO BUILD OUT WILL ACTUALLY COST ADDITIONAL FUNDS IN SOME OF THESE DEPARTMENTS. THEY ARE FULLY AWARE OF THAT. THEY ARE LOOKING AT A MORE PHASED-IN APPROACH SO THAT WE CAN HOLISTICALLY PLAN FOR THIS EXPANSION OF THE PDO OFFICE, MAKING SURE WE ARE PROVIDING THE STAFF AND RESOURCES WITHIN THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE OR IN MAGISTRATION THOSE OFFICES. >> THAT IS SO PERFECT. I KNOW THAT THE WHOLE COURT FEELS THIS. WE ALL FEEL THIS WAY . WE ARE SO GRATEFUL FOR YOUR DEDICATION TO THIS ENTIRE PROCESS AND THIS ENTIRE COUNTY. PEOPLE DON'T KNOW THIS AND I'M JUST GOING TO SAY IT. SHE RETIRED, FOLKS, AND SHE CAME BACK TO HELP US. SHE IS NOT SUPPOSED TO BE HERE AND SHE IS BAILING US OUT AS A COMMISSIONERS COURT ON THIS. SHE IS PASSIONATELY PURSUING THIS EFFORT FOR US IN THE MOST COMPLETE WAY POSSIBLE AND STILL BURNING 18 HOURS A DAY DOING IT WHILE RETIRED. THAT IS A VERY BIG DEAL. I AM SO GRATEFUL. THANK YOU FOR DOING THAT. THAT IS AN ADDITIONAL HEAVY LIFT THRUST UPON YOU. I WILL SAY THAT YOU ARE EXCEPTIONALLY QUALIFIED TO DO THIS. REACHING INTO EACH DEPARTMENT TO EXTRAPOLATE WHAT THE NEIGHBORHOOD DEFENDER SERVICES BUDGETARY SERVICE ASK ENCOMPASSES IS ALSO IMPORTANT. OTHERWISE, WE ARE MAKING HALF STRIDE RESPONSES THAT ARE NOT GOOD FISCAL STEWARD DECISIONS. WE HAVE TO TAKE STEPS THAT ARE COMPLETELY ANALYZED , IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION -- WHICH I BELIEVE THIS COURT IS THERE , BUT WE HAVE TO COUNT ALL THE RIPPLES. THAT IS WHAT YOU ARE HELPING US DO. I AM SO GRATEFUL TO YOU FOR DOING THAT. >> THANK YOU. >> COMMISSIONER INGALSBE, WE WILL START THIS WAY. ANYTHING TO DISCUSS SO FAR BEFORE SHE GOES INTO SOMETHING ELSE? >> I JUST WANTED TO ASK BECAUSE I KNOW THAT THE DEFENDER SERVICES IS NOT ON THE LIST. WE ARE TALKING ABOUT THEM. YOU MENTIONED SOMETHING ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS WE HAD HAD WITH FINANCIAL HEALTH . I KNOW THAT YOU ARE HERE. CAN SOMEONE JUST HELP US UNDERSTAND , ARE THOSE RELATIONSHIPS GOING TO BE ABLE TO BE REESTABLISHED ? ARE WE GOING TO GET THAT FINANCIAL PARTICIPATION FOR THOSE POSITIONS? WHERE ARE WE ON THAT? >> LET ME JUST CLARIFY. THERE WEREN'T RELATIONSHIPS WITH THIS COUNTY. THEY JUST HAD OTHER CONTRACTS WITHIN TEXAS THAT ALLOWED FOR ALLOCATING THOSE MANAGING POSITIONS AMONGST THOSE CONTRACTS. WITH THOSE CONTRACTS NOT BEING RENEWED OR EXTENDED, HAYS COUNTY WILL TAKE ON 100% OF THOSE MANAGING POSITION COSTS. >> ARE WE NOT ABLE TO EXTEND THOSE CONTRACTS ? CAN YOU EXPLAIN WHAT IS GOING ON? >> I AM THE MANAGING DIRECTOR FOR NEIGHBORHOOD DEFENDER SERVICE OF TEXAS. WHAT IS GOING ON IS, WHEN WE STARTED IN HAYS COUNTY, WE HAD OTHER TEXAS PROGRAMS, WORKING ON THE BORDER. AFTER WE STARTED HAYS COUNTY, WE GOT ANOTHER TEXAS PROGRAM DOING THE DEFENSE WORK IN HARRIS COUNTY. BOTH OF THOSE PROGRAMS ARE ENDING. THE HARRIS COUNTY PROGRAM AND DID A MONTH AND A HALF AGO. THE OPERATION LONE STAR PROGRAM IS ENDING COMING UP SHORTLY. WHAT IS HAPPENING IS THAT WHEN WE HAVE GOTTEN ADDITIONAL TEXAS PROGRAMS, WE HAVE EXPANDED OUR MANAGERIAL STAFF TO BE ABLE TO INCORPORATE SERVICES FOR THAT. NOW THAT WE ARE LOSING THOSE PROGRAMS, WE ARE SHRINKING MANAGERIAL STAFF. OVERALL, THE MONEY THAT HAYS COUNTY IS PAYING FOR MANAGERS IS NOT BEING VERY IMPACTED BECAUSE WE SHRINK AS OUR CAPACITY SHRINKS. AS FAR AS IF THE RELATIONSHIPS WILL BE REESTABLISHED , THOSE TWO PROGRAMS WERE VERY UNIQUE IN THEIR NATURE. THE HARRIS COUNTY EVICTION DEFENSE PROGRAM WAS ORIGINALLY FOR A YEAR AND A HALF. IT WAS EXTENDED FOR ANOTHER SIX MONTHS. THEY USED [02:15:01] ARPA FUNDS TO ADDRESS COVID SPECIFIC ISSUES. AS THE MONEY IS RUNNING OUT, AS THIS COUNTY ROAD NOSE, -- AS THIS COUNTY WELL KNOWS, HARRIS COUNTY IS OPTING NOT TO CONTINUE THAT. HARRIS COUNTY HAS BEEN CONSIDERING WHAT TO DO WITH OPERATION LONE STAR. THE DEFENSE OF OPERATION LONE STAR IS GREATLY SHIFTING AS POLITICAL WINDS HAVE CHANGED. THE ARREST NUMBERS HAPPENING ALONG THE BORDER HAVE DRASTICALLY REDUCED. I CAN GIVE YOU GENERALLY EXAMPLES FROM OUR OFFICE. IN THE PAST, WE HAVE GOTTEN THOUSANDS OF CASES A YEAR. THIS YEAR, BETWEEN JANUARY AND I THINK ABOUT JUNE, WE HAD GOTTEN 20 CASES BECAUSE THE ARRESTS WERE NOT BEING MADE. THAT HAS MADE THE ENTIRE DEFENSE FUNCTION HAVE TO SHIFT. SO THERE ARE CURRENTLY TWO PUBLIC DEFENDER OFFICES THAT DO OPERATION LONE STAR MANAGED BY A MANAGED ASSIGNED COUNSEL. THEY ARE FIXED TO SHIFT TO A FIXED COUNSEL SYSTEM THAT CAN BE RESPONSIVE TO THOSE NEEDS AND NOT HAVE FULLY STAFFED PUBLIC DEFENDER OFFICES. OUR OFFICE IS WINDING DOWN AT THE END OF THIS MONTH. MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT THE OTHER PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE HAS PROVIDED A WIND DOWN CONTRACT. THEY WILL BE ENDING, AS WELL. THAT HAS BEEN BECAUSE OF A SHIFT IN THE WAY THAT ARRESTS ARE BEING MADE ON THE BORDER. THERE ARE NOT AS MANY ARRESTS. I THINK THAT THE ENFORCEMENT OF IMMIGRATION HAS SHIFTED LARGELY IN THE COUNTRY. WE HAVE BEEN HEARING A LOT OF STATISTICS ABOUT THAT TODAY. THAT IS NOT GOING TO BE RESURRECTED EITHER. I KNOW THAT EVERYBODY IS AWARE THAT FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES IN THE PUBLIC DEFENSE WORLD ARE FEW AND FAR BETWEEN RIGHT NOW. RIGHT NOW, WE DON'T HAVE ANY RFPS ON OUR RADAR. IN RESPONSE TO LOSING THOSE PROGRAMS, WE ARE CUTTING SOME MANAGERS HAVE ONLY BEEN TOLD THEY ARE GOING TO BE LAID OFF. IS NOT JUST THAT HAYS COUNTY WILL NOW BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING ALL OF THIS EXTRA MANAGERIAL COST WITH A SHRUNKEN DOWN PROGRAM. WE ALSO HAVE FEWER MANAGERIAL NEEDS THAT FEWER OF US CAN HANDLE. >> FOR THOSE FOLLOWING ALONG WORD BY WORD AND VERY CLOSELY, SHE SAID RFP. THOSE ARE REQUESTS FOR PROPOSAL , WHICH ARE THE GOVERNMENTAL WAY FOR US TO FIND COMPETITIVE WAYS TO USE TAXPAYER DOLLARS. I DON'T WANT TO LOSE ANYONE. YOU ARE SAYING GREAT THINGS. THAT IS ALL. COMMISSIONER? >> THANK YOU FOR THE EXPLANATION. I REALLY APPRECIATE IT. WE WERE EXCITED WHEN WE ESTABLISHED THE PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE. WE WANTED TO TAKE THE HOLISTIC APPROACH. THAT WAS OF GREAT INTEREST TO ALL OF US. WE KNOW THAT THERE ARE THOSE OTHER NEEDS, NOT JUST THE FENCE NEEDS, WHICH IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. BUT OTHER SERVICES THAT THESE INDIVIDUALS NEED. SO THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. I KNOW WE HAVE PROVIDE A PROPOSAL. WE ARE SUPPOSED TO SPEAK TO YOU NEXT WEEK ABOUT IT. WE SUBMITTED A PROPOSAL THAT ENCOMPASSES THE MORE HOLISTIC APPROACH AND PROVIDES ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR THE COMMUNITY. IT WOULD ALSO EXPAND OUR CURRENT PROGRAM TO HAVE A BIGGER FOOTPRINT. FROM THE BEGINNING, THE GOAL WAS TO GET BIGGER SO THAT WE HAVE A GOOD BALANCE BETWEEN PUBLIC DEFENSE AND THE LOCAL BAR. WE HAVE SOME IMMEDIATE STAFFING NEEDS THAT WE HAVE IDENTIFIED THAT WE HAVE INCLUDED IN THAT. I KNOW THAT YOU HAVE BEEN HEARING A LOT ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF THAT, AS WELL. NDS STANDS READY TO DO WHATEVER THE COUNTY NEEDS. WE ARE READY TO IDENTIFY WHERE SOME OF THE PITFALLS ARE AND WHERE MOVE -- MORE ROBUST FUNDING COULD HELP BUILD OUT ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR THE COUNTY. I HAVE SPOKEN WITH SEVERAL OF YOU AND YOU WOULD AGREE THAT OUR ENTRY INTO HAYS COUNTY HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL. WE HAVE UPHELD THE PROMISES THAT WE HAVE MADE . WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO CONTINUING TO DO SO. THANK YOU. >> WELL SAID. WELL DONE. VICKIE, BACK TO YOU. >> CAN WE FINISH THAT CONVERSATION? >> THAT IS WHAT WE ARE GOING TO DO. >> I WANTED TO MAKE SURE WE WERE NOT MOVING ON. >> WHAT PIECE WERE YOU SPECIFICALLY LOOKING FOR ELABORATION ON? >> IF WE WERE GOING TO GO DOWN THE LINE, BEFORE WE MOVE OFF OF [02:20:04] THIS TOPIC, I HAVE A COUPLE OF COMMENTS. I DID NOT WANT TO JUMP THE LINE. >> I UNDERSTAND. IS THAT EQUITY IN PUBLIC DEFENDER ENERGY CONVERSATION THAT WE STARTED, IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO SAY ON THAT PART? OTHERWISE, I WILL RUN THROUGH THE REST OF THE COURT. >> NO, OTHER THAN YOU AND I ARE SCHEDULED TO MEET AGAIN ON FRIDAY TO GO OVER SOME POTENTIAL REVISIONS TO THE PROPOSED BUDGET. >> PERFECT. >> IN PREPARATION FOR THE COURT TO MAKE A DECISION NEXT WEEK. >> I LOVE IT AND APPRECIATE IT. IF YOU REACH OUT TO MY OFFICE, I WOULD LOVE TO BE A FLY ON THE WALL TO WATCH THE ISSUES UNFOLD AND GET A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING. COMMISSIONER COHEN, ANYTHING ELSE ON THIS SPECIFIC ITEM? >> VICKIE, YOU SAID FOR US TO FULLY FUND THE PDO, IT WOULD INCREASE OUR TAX RATE . HOW MUCH WOULD IT INCREASE THE TAX? >> SO THE FULL BUDGET REQUEST WAS JUST SHY OF $10 MILLION. WE HAVE CURRENTLY BUDGETED A LITTLE OVER $2.2 MILLION, WHICH IS THEIR CURRENT CONTRACTED RATE TOO LITTLE OVER $1.8 MILLION OF THAT IS NOW IN THE GENERAL FUND. AS YOU ARE AWARE, THIS STARTED WITH ARPA FUNDS. AS THOSE DOLLARS HAVE BEEN TOLD, THERE IS NO FUNDING ABLE TO FULLY COMMIT TO THIS PROGRAM ANY LONGER. KNOWING THAT THE COURT WAS IN FAVOR OF CONTINUING WITH THE PDO, I MOVED THE CURRENT CONTRACT BALANCE INTO OUR GENERAL FUND. IF WE WERE TO INCREASE THEIR BUDGET TO THE FULL ASK, THAT WOULD BE AN ADDITIONAL TWO SINCE ON YOUR TAX RATE. -- $0.02 ON YOUR TAX RATE. SO THERE WOULD BE ROAD MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS AND GENERAL FUND OPERATIONS. IT WOULD BE ADDING ANOTHER TWO CENTS TO YOUR GENERAL FUND ANNUAL RATE IN ORDER TO FULLY FUND THE PROGRAMS. AND WE WOULD STILL NEED TO -- I THINK WE WOULD WANT TIME TO WORK THROUGH HOW THIS WOULD IMPACT OTHER OFFICES. THEY COULD POTENTIALLY COST MORE TO ADD STAFF TO SOME OF THOSE OTHER OFFICES THAT WE HAVE IDENTIFIED. >> THAT IS MY OTHER CONCERN. ON TOP OF THE ASK , I AM A LITTLE UNEASY NOT SEEING A TRUE PLAN OF INSTITUTING SOME OF THESE PROGRAMS. I FEEL LIKE THERE IS NOT ENOUGH OVERSIGHT INTERNALLY YET TO MONITOR HOW THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THESE PROGRAMS -- I REALLY WANT THIS COUNTY TO MOVE TOWARDS A FULL CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM, ENCOMPASSING IMMIGRATION, REHOUSING, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT , ALL OF THOSE PROGRAMS. WE NEED THEM. THE PDO OFFICE IS A SMALL PIECE OF THAT. PRETRIAL IS A SMALL PIECE OF THAT. EVERYONE IS WORKING IN THE SILOS AND NOBODY IS BRINGING IT ALL IN AND CREATING A PLAN FOR US. I THINK IT IS GOING TO BE CHALLENGING TO IDENTIFY WHAT WE SHOULD FUND OUT OF THE PDO . HOW LONG IS IT GOING TO TAKE? WHAT ARE THE STAFFING REQUIREMENTS? WE DON'T KNOW ALL OF THAT YET. NOT YET. THE KIND OF GOES BACK TO THAT POSITION ABOUT THE DIRECTOR OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE TRYING TO HELP US DEVELOP THAT PROGRAM AND IMPLEMENT THESE THINGS AS WE MOVE FORWARD WITH THE COUNTY. YOU KNOW, THAT IS KIND OF WHERE I AM WITH ALL OF THIS. THERE IS JUST SO MUCH IN THE SERVICES. HOW DO WE MOVE FORWARD AS A COUNTY AND STILL CONSIDER THE TAX RATE MOVING FORWARD? WE ALREADY HAVE THE ROAD BOND. HOW DO WE DO THIS , RIGHT? THAT IS WHAT I'M STRUGGLING WITH THAT WHOLE IMPLEMENTATION OF THAT. >> SO THE COURT COULD SET ASIDE FUNDS TO BE DISTRIBUTED AT A LATER DATE. SETTING ASIDE FUNDS IN YOUR BUDGET DOESN'T NECESSARILY MEAN A CHANGE TO THE NDS CONTRACT AT THIS TIME. IT JUST MEANS THAT WHEN WE WORK THROUGH THE BUDGETS, THE PROGRAMS, THE INITIATIVES, THERE WILL BE FUNDING TO ADDRESS THESE SERVICES, WHETHER IT BE NDS OR WHATEVER THE COURT WOULD DECIDE TO GO WITH. PUTTING, I GUESS, THE MAIN GOAL WOULD BE [02:25:10] IDENTIFYING THE FUNDING THAT WE WANT TO BE AVAILABLE FOR THESE EFFORTS AND ENSURING THAT WE HAVE MONEY IN THE BUDGET TO COVER THAT. >> COMMISSIONER HAMMER. >> TO WELL MY COLLEAGUE, OF COURSE WE WANT TO PUT MONEY INTO THINGS THAT WILL HELP OUR COMMUNITY MEMBERS. I THINK EVERYONE AT THE END OF THE DAY TRULY CARES ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE AND THEY WANT THEM TO SUCCEED AND TO HAVE THOSE RESOURCES TO DO THOSE THINGS. WE HAVE A FINITE AMOUNT OF MONEY. WITHOUT TANGIBLES LIKE COMMISSIONER COHEN WAS SAYING, WITHOUT SEEING A LITTLE OVER $2 MILLION TO ALMOST $10 MILLION, WE ARE SAYING NO TO PEOPLE FOR $5000 FOR SALARY INCREASES IN CERTAIN DEPARTMENTS. THAT IS A HUGE ASK. WE HAVE A LIMITED AMOUNT OF TIME. I WANT TO FIGURE OUT WHAT SET ASIDE FUNDS WE COULD USE FOR POTENTIAL FUTURE CONTRACTS HERE OR NEGOTIATIONS OR FOR EVENTUALLY LOOKING AT OTHER OPTIONS. I DO WANT PEOPLE FOR PEOPLE TO HAVE THE ABILITY WHEN THEY GET ARRESTED TO HAVE DUE PROCESS AND TO HAVE SOMEONE THERE DEFENDING THEM. THAT IS KEY. JUST MAKING SURE WE ARE DOING IT IN THE BEST WAY POSSIBLE, I DON'T THINK ANYONE COULD LOOK AT THAT BUDGET DIFFERENCE AND SAY, THAT MAKES ALL THE SENSE IN THE WORLD. THAT IS PRETTY ASTRONOMICAL. LET'S TAKE A LITTLE BIT DEEPER. LIKE I SAID, LET'S HAVE SOME TANGIBLES. WE NEED A PLAN. WE NEED SOMETHING TO SHOW SOME TYPE OF EFFORT. I WILL MEET WITH YOU AND WE WILL GO OVER IT. >> AS I MENTIONED EARLIER IN OUR COURT 'S OPERATING BUDGETS, WE BUDGET FOR COURT APPOINTED ATTORNEYS. AND ALL THINGS RELATED TO INDIGENT DEFENSE. IN AN EXPANDED PDO BUDGET , YOU WOULD THEORETICALLY SEE THOSE COSTS SHRINK. SOME OF THAT COULD BE ABSORBED WITHIN THOSE OPERATING BUDGETS. AS YOU BEEF UP YOUR PDO OFFICE, THOSE COSTS SHOULD GO DOWN. WITH THAT BE IMMEDIATE ? I DON'T KNOW WHAT IMMEDIATE EFFECT THAT WOULD HAVE. ALSO AGAIN, WE WOULD BE LOOKING AT POTENTIAL STAFFING ISSUES WITH OTHER DEPARTMENTS THAT WE WOULD NEED TO CONSIDER, AS WELL. THE COURT IS SCHEDULED TO VOTE ON A PROPOSED BUDGET NEXT WEEK. WE WILL HAVE A BUDGET WORKSHOP AND THEN WE WILL HAVE THE PUBLIC HEARING. THE COURT WILL VOTE ON A PROPOSED BUDGET AND MAKE ANY FINAL CHANGES AND A PROPOSED TAX RATE. AT THAT TIME, THE COURT MAY NOT GO UP ON THAT PROPOSED TAX RATE PRIOR TO THE SEPTEMBER 16 FINAL ADOPTION OF THE BUDGET. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE LOOK AT THIS PROGRAM HOLISTICALLY WITH ALL THE OTHER ASKS. THE COURT WILL TYPICALLY NOT MAKE ANY DECISIONS DURING BUDGET WORKSHOPS. THE DECISIONS WILL BE MADE DURING THE FINAL PUBLIC HEARING I WILL BE DOCUMENTING ALL THE REQUESTS THAT HAVE COME IN. I WILL BRING THAT BACK TO THE COURT NEXT WEEK ON THE 19TH SO THAT WE CAN GO THROUGH ALL OF THOSE ITEMS TOGETHER. THEN YOU CAN MAKE A DETERMINATION OF WHAT CHANGES YOU WANT TO MAKE TO THE ALREADY BALANCED BUDGET , WHERE YOU WANT THE TAX RATE TO BE SET AT BEFORE YOU ACTUALLY VOTE NEXT WEEK. >> ONE MORE QUESTION. YOU SAID THERE SHOULD BE SOME SHIFTING IN VARIOUS DIFFERENT DEPARTMENTS. DO YOU HAVE OR CAN YOU GET AN ESTIMATED NET OF WHAT THAT WOULD BE, LET'S SAY, A YEAR OUT? >> I CAN LOOK AT THOSE BASED ON THE NUMBERS THAT NDS IS PROPOSING WITH THEIR FULL, HOLISTIC APPROACH, WHICH IS DOUBLING THEIR CRIMINAL CASELOAD. I CAN DEFINITELY LOOK AT THAT AND APPLY AN AVERAGE TO GET AN IDEA OF WHAT COSTS COULD COME DOWN . HOWEVER, LOOKING AT OUR CASELOAD AND THE EXPENSES AND THE ACTUAL COURTS TO DATE, THERE HASN'T BEEN A HUGE SAVINGS IN THOSE COSTS SINCE WE HAVE BROUGHT NDS ON. THEN AGAIN, WE ALSO HAVE A NEW DISTRICT ATTORNEY. SO THERE WERE A LOT MORE CASES BEING TRIED. THERE ARE A LOT OF VARIABLES THAT NEED TO BE CONSIDERED. >> OKAY. I WILL GET WITH YOU. THANK YOU. >> COMMISSIONER SMITH, WE HAVE A OT OF CATCHING UP TO DO. [02:30:03] >> I THINK IT IS ROUNDLY ACCEPTED THAT THE COURT AS A WHOLE SUPPORTS THE PDO . MY CONCERN IS TWOFOLD LOOKING AT THE PROPOSAL WE GOT LAST WEEK. WHAT IS OUR AVERAGE -- FOR AN EMPLOYEE AROUND THE COUNTRY? >> IT IS 23.7 FOR RETIREMENT. WE HAVE PAID OVER $12,000 ANNUALLY FOR INSURANCE BENEFITS. IT IS UPWARDS OF 45%. >> AS WE LOOK AT THAT PROPOSAL, I THINK ONE OF THE THINGS WITH HER -- >> 47. >> 47%. >> I DID ADDRESS THAT WITH NDS. THEY MADE A COMMENT THAT THEY ARE LOOKING AT THEIR FRINGE BENEFIT RATES IN ORDER TO TRY TO GET THAT DOWN. >> MY BIGGEST CONCERN IS THAT WHILE WE HAVE ALL BEEN SUPPORTIVE OF THE PDO AS AN ESTABLISHMENT, I TEND TO AGREE WITH COMMISSIONER COHEN THAT WE HAVE A MATRIX WITHIN THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE AND THE LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE THERE WHERE THEY CAN LOOK AT , AND NO OFFENSE TO NDS, THEY KNOW WHAT KIND OF JOB THEY ARE DOING. THEY KNOW IF THEY ARE PROVIDING A GOOD PROSECUTORIAL STAFF. RIGHT NOW, I HAVE A REAL CONCERN AS TO WHETHER OR NOT PEOPLE USING THE PDO ARE GETTING THE BEST REPRESENTATION THAT THEY CAN. I SAY THAT BECAUSE IT HASN'T BEEN BROUGHT TO ME. IT HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO ME BY MULTIPLE SOURCES AND I HAVE A CONCERN ABOUT THAT. I UNDERSTAND IF WE PUT MORE FOCUS ON THOSE AREAS THAT THEY ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON, IF THERE IS ADDITIONAL NEED. WE ALWAYS WANTED TO INCREASE THE PERCENTAGE OF CASES THAT WERE TRIED WHERE WE HAD THE PDO OR A PDO REPRESENTATIVE AS THEIR ATTORNEY. WE DON'T HAVE A MATRIX. WE ARE NOT USING ONE WHATSOEVER TO TRULY EVALUATE WHAT KIND OF REPRESENTATION AND WHAT THOSE OUTCOMES HAVE BEEN. I KNOW THERE ARE A LOT OF FACTORS WE WOULD HAVE TO LOOK AT RELATIVE TO THAT. BUT I CAN TELL YOU THAT , NUMBER ONE, WE HAVE HAD THE SAME BUDGET PROCESS FOR YEARS. WE HAVE SOME OF THE FOLKS IN THIS ROOM TALK TO ME ABOUT THE EXPANSION OF THE PDO PRIOR TO OUR BUDGET CYCLE STARTING. I WAS FRANKLY SHOCKED WHENEVER HE ASKED FOR A BUDGET PROPOSAL OR AN ESTIMATED BUDGET FOR THE YEAR AND I GOT A PROPOSAL . IN THE DOCUMENTATION RELATED TO IT, IT ALL SOUNDS VERY GOOD. THERE IS 1 NO SPECIFIC TO THAT PROPOSAL. I HAVE SOME REAL CONCERNS ABOUT THAT. RIGHT NOW, I DON'T KNOW IF WE HAVE WHAT WE NEED THERE. LOOKING AT EXPANDING IT WITHOUT REAL DELIVERABLES AND KNOWING OTHER THAN HERE ARE THESE FOUR POSITIONS . WHAT WILL THAT POSITION DO? IF WE ARE ONLY PAYING FOR HALF OF THAT POSITION OR A QUARTER OF THAT POSITION, WHAT HAPPENS WITH THAT POSITION? DO WE NEED FIVE PART-TIME POSITIONS OR ONE FULL TIME POSITION? THOSE ARE QUESTIONS IN A VERY TECHNICAL SENSE THAT I WOULD WANT TO SEE AND I WANT ANSWERS TO WHENEVER WE HAVE THAT MEETING ON FRIDAY. >> I WILL SAY DURING BUDGET, I WILL MEET WITH DEPARTMENTS AND GET TO HAVE THOSE IN-DEPTH DETAILED TYPES OF QUESTIONS REGARDING OPERATING COSTS. I AM NOT ALWAYS INVOLVED IN CONTRACT NEGOTIATION'S. NDS WAS STRUCTURED THROUGH A FORMAL RFP PROCESS. WE HAVE TWO PROVIDERS WHO RESPONDED. THEY WERE SELECTED. THEIR CONTRACT WAS BUILT WITH RENEWALS . THEY WERE FUNDED THROUGH OUR ARPA PROGRAM. WE PROBABLY NEEDED TO REVISIT THEIR CONTRACT ANYWAYS. WE WERE NO LONGER ABLE TO FUND IT THROUGH THE ARPA FUNDS. NOT ONLY DO WE NEED TO LOOK AT POTENTIAL EXPANSION OF THE CONTRACT BUT POTENTIAL REVISIONS OF THE CONTRACT. IT IS NOT REALLY A MATTER OF NDS IN PARTICULAR, BUT WHAT THINGS LOOK LIKE FOR THE FY26 BUDGET. >> STEPHANIE? >> STEPHANIE, PURCHASING AGENT. I DO WANT TO REMIND THE COURT THAT HER STATUTE, WE ARE ONLY [02:35:04] AROUND LOUD -- ALLOWED TO RAISE THEIR CONTRACT FOR 25%. WE BROUGHT IT IN 2023 TO RAISE IT FOR THEIR YEARLY RENT. THE YEARLY AMOUNT LEFT TO RAISE THIS WOULD ONLY BE $2.6 MILLION. SO IF WE ARE ASKING FOR ADDITIONAL FUNDS, WE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO DO IT UNDER THIS CONTRACT. >> SO A NEW CONTRACT CONVERSATION NO MATTER WHAT. THANK YOU BOTH VERY MUCH FOR THAT. >> IT SOUNDS LIKE POTENTIALLY A NEW REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS IS NEEDED. >> UNFORTUNATELY AND FORTUNATELY, IT SEEMS LIKE IT HAS TO BE RESUBMITTED FOR THE PUBLIC TO REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL. OKAY, GOOD. NOW I WILL DO MY PART AS THE CHAIR AND TRY TO GET US ON TRACK. WE ARE WAY BEHIND NOW. THIS IS SO IMPORTANT, BUT WE ARE RUNNING SO BEHIND AND WE ARE RUNNING LOTS OF CALENDARS BASED ON THIS ROADMAP. I WILL DO OUR BEST TO NUDGE US ON TIME. WE WILL BEGIN WITH THREE MINUTES FOR CAPITAL IDEA. JUST KIDDING, YOU CAN TAKE A FEW MORE. GIVE THEM FIVE. I AM JUST KIDDING. >> WE WERE UNDER THE IMPRESSION OF 15. PLEASE BEAR WITH US. MORNING, JUDGE. GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS. I AM JEFF THOMPSON. I HAVE WITH ME TODAY THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF CAPITAL IDEA AND ALSO OUR ORGANIZER HERE IN HAYS COUNTY FOR CENTRAL TEXAS INTERFACE, WHICH STARTED CAPITAL IDEA A NUMBER OF YEARS AGO. WE SO MUCH APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT FOR CAPITAL IDEA IN THE PAST. TODAY, WE ARE HERE TO UPDATE YOU ABOUT THE GREAT WORK WE HAVE BEEN DOING AND TO ASK FOR CONTINUED AND POSSIBLY INCREASED FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR OUR PROGRAM AS WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT. I WANT TO THANK COMMISSIONER HAMMER FOR THE SUGGESTION THAT WE MAKE THIS PRESENTATION AND FOR MS. DORSETT TO SET THAT UP DURING THIS BUDGET MEETING. ALICEA, SHE HAS A POWERPOINT PRESENTATION FOR YOU. THANK YOU. >> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. I KNOW WE ARE RUNNING ON A TIGHT SCHEDULE. BUT WE DID WANT TO SPEND A LITTLE BIT OF TIME REFRESHING YOU ABOUT OUR MISSION AND WHERE WE ARE CURRENTLY IN SERVING THE RESIDENTS OF HAYS COUNTY. IN THIS SLIDE BEFORE, IF YOU JUST GO BACK ONE, I WANTED TO POINT OUT THAT THESE ARE ALUMNI STUDENTS. I WANTED TO POINT OUT TO THESE ARE. ON THE LEFT, WE HAVE JASON, A 2017 ALUMNI. HE GRADUATED WITH AN ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN CYBERSECURITY. HE HAS MOVED TOWARDS HIS MASTERS DEGREE. ALYSSA ALSO GRADUATED IN 2024 IN NETWORK ADMINISTRATION WITH A SPECIALIZATION IN CYBERSECURITY. ON THE FAR RIGHT, MICHAEL GRADUATED IN 2025 WITH NETWORK ADMINISTRATION WITH A SPECIALIZATION IN CYBERSECURITY. THANK YOU. JUST RECAPPING OUR MISSION, REFRESHING YOU ON THAT, WE ARE HERE TO LIFT WORKING ADULTS OUT OF POVERTY AND INTO LIVING WAGE EARNERS THROUGH EDUCATION AND CAREER ADVANCEMENT. WE ARE WORKING BOTH WITH EMPLOYERS LOCALLY AND WITH HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS . WE SEND STUDENTS TO BOTH OF THOSE ENTITIES. THE MOST RECENT STATISTICS IN 2024 ARE THAT WE HAVE JOB GROWTH THAT IS EXPECTED TO MORE THAN DOUBLE THE NATIONAL RATE THROUGH 2028. THE AVERAGE COST OF LIVING FOR A SINGLE ADULT HERE IN THE CENTRAL TEXAS AREA IS $26 AN HOUR. BY 2036 , CENTRAL TEXAS IS EXPECTED TO HAVE ONE OF THE HIGHEST UNMET NEEDS AT 56,000. WE ARE HERE TO CONNECT TUA IMPORTANT NEEDS -- TO MACK -- TWO IMPORTANT NEEDS. WE HAVE A PROVEN APPROACH AND MODEL THAT IS REPLICATED THROUGHOUT THE STATE THROW SISTER PROGRAMS WE HELP FROM START TO HIRING. WE ARE GUIDING LOW-INCOME ADULTS IN COLLEGE TO HIGH ENDING CAREERS. THEY ARE UNDERSTANDING WORKING THROUGH VERY COMPLICATE SYSTEMS OF HIGHER EDUCATION. WE ARE VERY ROOTED IN REGIONAL NEEDS, ALIGNING TO THE EMPLOYER DEMAND HERE IN CENTRAL TEXAS AND HAVING ONGOING CONVERSTIONS ABOUT WHAT THOSE ARE. WE SUPPORT OUR STUDENTS EVERY STEP OF THE WAY, ESPECIALLY WITH WRAPAROUND SUPPORT, TO REMOVE COMMON BARRIERS LIKE CHILDCARE , [02:40:03] TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING, AND EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE. WE ARE POWERED BY A PARTNERSHIP . WE CAN'T DO WHAT WE DO WITHOUT OUR WONDERFUL PARTNERS THROUGHOUT THE REGION. WE SPONSOR OVER 30 DIFFERENT CAREER TRACKS. THESE ARE HIGH DEMAND JOBS WITH GOOD SALARIES AND GROWTH POTENTIAL. IT IS A STARTING POINT FOR THEM AS THEY CONTINUE TO GROW IN THEIR CAREER. THE MAJORITY OF STUDENTS WE HAVE ARE IN HEALTHCARE. 80% OF STUDENTS ARE IN HEALTHCARE. WE ALSO SUPPORT STUDENTS IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING, APPLIED TECHNOLOGY, AND OTHER FIELDS. I TALKED A LITTLE BIT ABOUT OUR WRAPAROUND SUPPORT. THIS TAKES A LITTLE BIT DEEPER INTO THAT. NUMBER ONE IS TUITION AND SUPPORT. IT IS A BIG, COMMON BARRIER FOR STUDENTS ENABLE -- IN ORDER TO HAVE THE SUPPORT WE NEED FOR SCHOOL. WE DO PROVIDE A RESOURCE. WE ALSO PROVIDE CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE IF THEY NEED IT. WE HAVE WONDERFUL CAREER NAVIGATORS PROVIDE GUIDANCE AND ASSISTANCE, PROVIDING THEM WITH THE DIFFERENT RESOURCES AVAILABLE IN THE COMMUNITY. IF THE RESOURCE DOESN'T EXIST, WE SUPPORT THEM WITH THAT. WHEN THEY GRADUATE, THE FINAL GOAL IS CAREER PLACEMENT. WE HAVE A TEAM THAT HELPS TO PLACE STUDENTS ONCE THEY HAVE GRADUATED AND BEEN LICENSED. A QUICK SNAPSHOT OF OUR PARTNERS AND STAKEHOLDERS, WE CANNOT DO THIS WITHOUT THE SUPPORT OF COMMUNITY. CENTRAL TEXAS INTERFACE HAS BEEN OUR PARTNER SINCE THE BEGINNING. AUSTIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE, VARIOUS EMPLOYERS, ESPECIALLY ST. DAVID'S HEALTHCARE. PUBLIC THE FUNDERS , THE STATE OF TEXAS GIVES AN ACTUAL MATCHING GRANT. WE HAVE THE CITY OF AUSTIN, TRAVIS COUNTY, AND MANY OTHERS. THEN WE HAVE PRIVATE FUNDERS, AS WELL. BACK TO THE NUMBERS, WHICH I KNOW IS WHAT EVERYONE LOOKS TO SEE. IS OUR PARTICIPANTS AGAIN. IS OUR HEALTHCARE PARTICIPANTS. FOR CURRENT FISCAL YEAR IMPACT, WE HAVE OVER 950 ACTIVE STUDENTS. WE ARE GROWING IN THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS THAT WE ARE SUPPORTING. WE HAVE AN 85% ANNUAL PERSISTENT RATE , WHICH MEANS THAT STUDENTS ARE CONTINUING FROM YEAR TO YEAR TO COMPLETE THEIR EDUCATION. WE HAVE 125 WHO HAVE BEEN PLACED IN EMPLOYMENT THIS YEAR. THEIR AVERAGE STARTING WAGE IS $33 AN HOUR. I AM LOOKING AT HAYS COUNTY PARTICIPANTS SPECIFICALLY. WE HAVE 100 FOR CURRENT ACTIVE STUDENTS. OF THOSE, 86% ARE PURSUING HEALTHCARE CAREERS, 11% I.T., AND 4% IN THE TRADES AND AUTHOR. THIS FISCAL YEAR, WE ACCEPTED 41 NEW HAYS COUNTY STUDENTS TO DATE. THIS REFLECTS A 32% INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF HAYS COUNTY STUDENTS WE ACCEPT IT COMPARED TO PRIOR YEAR. WE HAVE 15 TOTAL HAYS COUNTY GRADUATES, FIVE GRADUATING MOST RECENTLY IN AUGUST WITH DEGREES IN RADIOLOGY, AND NURSING, AND OTHER FIELDS. THE AVERAGE STARTING SALARY IS $36 AN HOUR FOR ONE OF THE EMPLOYEES. THERE ARE TWO CIRCLES ON THAT BECAUSE THOSE ARE HAYS COUNTY GRADUATES. IN THE MIDDLE, YOU HAVE SOMEONE WHO GRADUATED AS A REGISTERED NURSE. ON THE LEFT, YOU HAVE SOMEONE WHO GRADUATED AS A DENTAL HYGIENIST AND STARTED HER JOB AT $58 AN HOUR. JUST A SNAPSHOT OF THE IMPACT, BIG RESULTS, REAL RETURNS ON INVESTMENTS PAID OFF FOR INDIVIDUALS AND EMPLOYERS OF CENTRAL TEXAS. THE INVESTMENT YOU MAKE IN CAPITAL IDEA IS FULLY RECOUPED. THESE STUDIES ARE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS. THERE IS A 699% RATE OF RETURN OVER 20 YEARS, WHICH MEANS EVERY DOLLAR INVESTED RETURNS ALMOST 7 DOLLARS TO THE COMMUNITY OVER 20 YEARS. IN TERMS OF ECONOMIC VALUE, FOR EVERYONE WHO COMPLETES, TEXAS TAXPAYERS ARE EXPECTED TO GAIN $63,000 OVER 20 YEARS ADJUSTED TO TODAY'S DOLLARS. >> IS THIS IN GENERAL OR CAPITAL IDEA SPECIFICALLY? >> CAPITAL IDEA SPECIFICALLY. THAT IS IT FOR ME. I AM HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT HAVE. >> SINCE THIS IS PART OF MY LANE AND I HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO ALWAYS HAVE IT IN THE BACK OF MIND , THE ALTERNATIVE IS HAVING THEM IN OUR JUDICIAL SYSTEM. YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THOSE NUMBERS. IT IS A DOUBLY BENEFICIAL INVESTMENT TO HAVE THEM INVESTED AND MOVING ALONG IN MEANINGFUL WAYS. WELL DONE. COMMISSIONERS, ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS BEFORE WE GO TO THE NEXT ONE? [02:45:02] >> WHENEVER WE FIRST STARTED WITH CAPITAL IDEA, IT WAS FY 2020 . AS YOU ALL WELL KNOW BECAUSE YOU HAVE BEEN THROUGH THIS PROCESS, EVERY YEAR SINCE THEN WE LOOK AT THE VERY LAST THING AS OUR SOCIAL SERVICES PARTICIPATION AT THE VERY END OF OUR BUDGET PROCESS. THAT YEAR, WITH THE SUPPORT OF COMMISSIONER INGALSBE, I THINK I REMEMBER THE TWO OF US ADDING CAPITAL IDEA. OUT OF ARPA FUNDS, WE WERE ABLE TO STEP UP AND DO SOME ADDITIONAL FUNDING. I AM EXCITED THAT Y'ALL ARE BACK. I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE POSSIBILITIES OF EXPANSION ARE. I WILL TELL YOU THAT I'M VERY INTERESTED IN MAINTAINING THE CURRENT RATE, WHICH WE WERE ABLE TO EXPAND TO UNDER ARPA, WHICH WE WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO OTHERWISE. >> IN OTHER WORDS, IF WE STAY THE SAME , IT WOULD BE A PLUS BECAUSE OUR FUNDING WAS DIMINISHED. >> CORRECT. THERE IS $55,000 INVESTED THROUGH GENERAL CAPITAL AND THEN MONEY THROUGH ARPA FUNDS, WHICH ENDS AT THE END OF THIS FISCAL YEAR. $55,000 IS IN THE BUDGET RIGHT NOW. >> ANYTHING ELSE TO ADD? >> NOT A WHOLE LOT. WHERE AM I? >> YOU HIT THE POWER OFF BUTTON. >> I DID NOT REMEMBER TO TURN IT ON. FOR THE ARPA FUNDING, IF WE COULD CONTINUE IN THAT TRAJECTORY, THAT WOULD BE WONDERFUL. WHAT YOU DO IS AMAZING. I DO WISH OPPORTUNITIES EXISTED FOR, LIKE, MY OWN MOTHER. SHE WOULD HAVE LOVED TO HAVE PARTICIPATED IN SOMETHING LIKE WHAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY DOING. >> SHE CAN STILL COME. >> SHE LIVES IN COLORADO. I JUST HAVE A QUESTION. I LOOKED THROUGH YOUR OPERATING BUDGETS AND SO YOUR SALARY AND BENEFITS AS ALMOST $3 MILLION FOR 28 STAFF MEMBERS. >> A LOT OF THOSE OUR PROGRAMMING STAFF MEMBERS. THEY ARE CAREER NAVIGATORS, CHILDCARE GUIDANCE, MANAGEMENT, AS WELL AS OUR CAREER PLACEMENT AND OUTREACH. WE DO A LOT OF GRASSROOTS OUTREACH. >> THAT IS ROUGHLY $106,000 PER EMPLOYEE? >> THAT IS A GOOD QUESTION FROM AN AVERAGE STANDPOINT. I CAN GET THE NUMBER BACK TO YOU. >> I JUST DID ROUGH MATH. I WAS JUST WONDERING, WE HAVE A LOT IN TERMS OF EDUCATION. WHAT DOES THAT LOOK LIKE FROM A STAFF STANDPOINT? >> YES, THERE ARE BACHELOR DEGREES AMONG INDIVIDUALS. I THINK WE HEARD THAT THE AVERAGE RETENTION RATE IS 1 TO 2 YEARS THESE DAYS, BUT AT CAPITAL IDEA, WE HAVE STAFF WHO HAVE BEEN HERE FOR 25 YEARS. WE ALSO PROVIDE REALLY GREAT BENEFITS TO OUR STAFF, WHICH I THINK IS A BIG PART OF THAT. WHEELING INTO OUR MISSION A LITTLE BIT OF GIVING PEOPLE LIVING WAGE JOBS. WE GIVE GOOD SALARIES AS WELL AS BENEFITS. WE PROVIDE HEALTHCARE OPPORTUNITIES, PAID TIME OFF, AS WELL AS CARE FOR DEPENDENTS. I THINK THAT IF YOU LOOK AT OUR FINANCIAL AUDIT , YOU WILL SEE THAT MOST NONPROFITS, YOU WANT TO BE UNDER 25% FOR ADMINISTRATIVE FENCES. I BELIEVE WE ARE AT 15% TO 20%. AND THEN WE HAVE MONEY GOING TO THE GRANT ASPECTS OF OUR WORK. >> COMMISSIONER COHEN? >> THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR PRESENTATION AND ALL THE WORK YOU DO TO SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY. BASED ON THE INFORMATION FROM THE LAST TOPIC, YOU KNOW ABOUT THE PDO OFFICE AND WHAT WE ARE ABLE TO DO WITH THAT, IT MEANS ME TOWARDS WHAT OTHER AREAS CAN WE HELP SUPPORT. MAYBE YOU HAVE ONE OF THESE PROGRAMS THAT I WOULD BE IN FAVOR OF INCREASING. I AM NOT SURE ABOUT THE WHOLE 100,000, THAT I WOULD BE IN FAVOR OF POSSIBLY LOOKING AT INCREASING THAT A LITTLE BIT. TO HELP YOU ALL CONTINUE TO DO THAT WORK. >>THANK YOU. THANK YOU. >> COMMISSIONER INGALSBE? >> JUDGE, THANK YOU. I REALLY BELIEVE THAT THIS IS BEEN A WONDERFUL PARTNERSHIP TOO WE HAVE SEEN GREAT SUCCESSES THAT YOU HAVE HAD. I FEEL THE SAME WAY AS MY COLLEAGUES HAVE MENTIONED. I THINK WE ARE MAKING A BIG IMPACT WITH A LITTLE BIT OF FUNDING. I AM CERTAINLY SUPPORTIVE OF LOOKING AT AN INCREASE. >> THANK YOU. >> WE APPRECIATE YOU GUYS BEING HERE. NOW SCRAM. BEADED. JUST KIDDING. [02:50:04] >> I WOULD LIKE TO SAY ONE THING THAT I FIND, IN LOOKING AT OUR SOCIAL SERVICES PROGRAMS THAT WE HAVE FUNDS IN THE PAST, ONE OF THE TOPICS OF CONVERSATION WE HAVE HAD OVER THE PAST YEAR HAS BEEN HOW WE HAVE CLEARLY DEFINED GOALS AND IDENTIFIABLE OBJECTIVES. THE ONE THING I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN IMPRESSED WITH 'S THERE IS A DIRECT DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR. FOR $6000, IT IS GOING SMOOTHLY. >> $5000-$6000. >> WE HAVE A DIRECT CORRELATION OF HOW MANY PEOPLE THAT IS GOING TO HELP HIM A WHAT IS GOING TO GET DONE. FOR ME, I MIGHT BE SIMPLE, BUT THERE IS A DIRECT OVERSIGHT CORRELATION WITH THAT. I CAN SEE THE TRUE BENEFIT FROM IT, ESPECIALLY LOOKING AT THOSE GRADUATION RATES. THAT IS DIFFERENT THAN A LOT OF OUR SOCIAL SERVICES. >> IN OTHER WORDS, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. WE APPRECIATE THE ARTICULATION IN NUMBERS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONCISE PRESENTATION. YOU GUYS HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY. >> THANK YOU. >> NEXT, WE WILL GO TO OUR TAX OFFICE. IT IS YOUR TURN. >> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. MY NAME IS JENNIFER ESCOBAR AND I AM THE TAX ASSESSOR/COLLECTOR. I APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY TO TALK ABOUT THE TAX OFFICE BUDGET TODAY. I'M ASKING FOR YOUR SUPPORT TO RE-GRADE 2 POSITIONS, OUR PROPERTY TAX SUPERVISOR AND OUR MOTOR TAX SUPERVISOR. WE WANT TO CHANGE THEIR TITLES TO MANAGERS. WHEN I TOOK OFFICE, I FOUND THE SUPERVISORS WERE PAID AT THE SAME LEVEL OF THE SPECIALIST WHO WORK DIRECTLY UNDER THEM. UPON SPEAKING TO HR, THEY REVIEWED AND CONFIRMED THAT COMPENSATION POLICY CALLS FOR AT LEAST A TWO GRADE DIFFERENCE FROM THEIR DIRECT REPORTS. THEIR DUTIES DO IN FACT FALL IN LINE WITH MANAGER LEVEL ROLES. THE COST FOR THIS CHANGE IS ROUGHLY $18,000 INCLUDING BENEFITS. I AM NOT HERE ASKING FOR NEW MONEY TODAY. I AM REQUESTING THE USE OF FUNDS FROM OUR SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE AND LICENSING BUDGET. OUR OFFICE WILL BE LOOKING FOR NEW TAXES SOON. A BUDGETED HIGH FOR THE NEW SOFTWARE BASED ON INITIAL DEADLINES. AS WE CONTINUE TO DEMO DIFFERENT PRODUCTS, I'M EXPECTING COMPETITIVE BIDS TO COME IN MUCH LOWER. WE WILL HAVE ENOUGH TO COVER BOTH. IF YOU ALLOW THIS REQUEST, IT WILL FIX A PAY IMBALANCE, MATCH TITLES TO WORK BEING DONE, AND RECOGNIZE THE LEADERSHIP THESE EMPLOYEES ABSOLUTELY DESERVE. THANK YOU FOR LISTENING. THANK YOU FOR CONSIDERING MY REQUEST. >> I LOVE IT. THAT WAS AN AMAZING AMOUNT OF TIME YOU ALLOCATED. I AM SO GRATEFUL. COMMISSIONER, DO YOU WANT TO SPEAK? >> JENNIFER, THANK YOU FOR THE PRESENTATION. WE WILL GET WITH OUR HR DIRECTOR. >> I'M JUST TRYING TO LEARN HOW TO DO THIS. >> WE WILL DO IS WE HEAR YOUR PRESENTATION AND THEN I HAVE A GLARING SCHEDULE TIMESTAMP ON ME HERE TO TRY TO KEEP THE CADENCE, BUT YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY CONTRIBUTING POSITIVELY TO. THANK YOU. WE WILL HEAR EVERYONE'S PRESENTATIONS. SHE HAS BEEN DOING THIS FOR SO MANY YEARS. SHE HAS A GOOD READ ON THIS. SHE MAKES NOTES ON THE GENERAL TEMPERATURE OF THE COURT. WE WILL ARTICULATE EACH ONE SPECIFICALLY IN OUR LAST PUBLIC WORKSHOP, WHICH WILL BE NEXT WEEK, TO SAY YES, WE ARE DOING THIS OR NO, WE ARE NOT. HEARING WHAT YOU SAID AND THE WAY YOU PRESENTED IT IS CRITICAL TO MAKING THAT DETERMINATION. >> THANK YOU. THERE ARE SOME OTHER THINGS WE WANT TO DO. IT WILL BE JUST AS QUICK. >> JUDGE BECERRA, COMMISSIONERS COUR, THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK ABOUT THE CONTINUING NEEDS OF THE TAX OFFICE. WE RECOGNIZE THE CHALLENGE THE COURT HAS WHAT IT COMES TO ALLOCATING COUNTY FUNDS. WE APPRECIATE WHAT VICKIE DORSETT IS FACED WITH WHEN CONSIDERING REQUESTS FROM VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS. THE COMMISSIONERS COURT HAS BEEN GENEROUS WITH RECOGNIZING THE NEEDS OF THE TAX OFFICE AND PROVIDING US WITH MUCH NEEDED FUNDS TO CONTINUE GROWING AS HAYS COUNTY GROWS. THERE WAS A TIME DURING THE COVID PANDEMIC THAT THE THOUGHT WAS THE PUBLIC WOULD BEGIN TO UTILIZE OPTIONS MORE TO RENEW AUTO REGISTRATIONS AND PAY PROPERTY TAXES. UNFORTUNATELY, THAT HAS NOT BEEN THE CASE. THERE ARE TRANSACTIONS IN BOTH AREAS THAT REQUIRE IN-PERSON VISIT . THESE TRANSACTIONS SEEM TO BE MORE FREQUENT IN NATURE THAN ORIGINALLY ASSUMED. WE DON'T HAVE TO TELL THIS GROUP DETAILS ABOUT CUSTOMER DISSATISFACTION WITH WAIT TIMES IN OUR OFFICE DURING PEAK HOURS. WE KNOW TAXPAYERS REACH OUT REGULARLY TO ALL OF YOU. THE COMMISSIONERS [02:55:04] COURT HAS BEEN VERY PROACTIVE WITH PROVIDING THE TAX OFFICE WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO EMPLOY ADDITIONAL STAFF. WITH THIS BUDGET CYCLE, WE REQUEST ONE ADDITIONAL CLERK TO ASSESS THE INCREASE IN DEALER TRANSACTIONS SINCE THE PROCESS CHANGED IN JULY. WE WANT THIS PERSON TO HELP LEAD IN WEB . UNFORTUNATELY, THESE POSITIONS WERE NOT ALLOCATED IN THE BUDGET AS WE HOPES. WE ARE FOCUSING OUR CURRENT EFFORTS ON BUILDING OUR BACK OFFICE OR SPECIALIST STAFF TO TAKE SOME OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES AWAY FROM THE COUNTER STAFF AND LEAVE THEM MORE AVAILABLE FOR WALK-IN TRAFFIC. CURRENTLY, WHETHER IT IS DIRECT ASSISTANCE WITH IN-PERSON TRANSACTIONS, ONLINE TRANSACTIONS, OR POSTING MAIL, EVERYTHING MUST IN SOME WAY BE ALLOCATED TO THE STAFF WE ALREADY HAVE. OUR MESSAGES THIS. THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU HAVE GIVEN US IN THE PAST. AS LONG AS HAYS COUNTY CONTINUES TO GROW, WE WILL CONTINUE TO REQUEST ADDITIONAL STAFFING. FUNCTION THE TAX OFFICE PROVIDES TO THE COUNTY TOUCHES EVERY ASPECT OF OUR GOVERNMENT AS WELL AS ALMOST ALL OF OUR HAYS COUNTY CITIZENS. PLEASE CONTINUE TO HELP US TO PROVIDE SERVICE FOR OUR CITIZENS TO THE BEST OF OUR ABILITIES. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION. >> THANK YOU FOR CONCISE MESSAGING. DON'T WALK AWAY YET. I HAVE TO GIVE IT TO THE COURT MEMBERS IN CASE THEY HAVE ANY CLARIFYING MESSAGES SPECIFIC TO THIS. ANYTHING TO ADD? IS EVERYONE GOOD? >> I THINK WHAT SHE DID IN TERMS OF FINDING FUNDING FROM ANOTHER PART OF YOUR DEPARTMENT WAS GREAT. I THINK PEOPLE SHOULD HAVE THE AUTONOMY TO HAVE A BUDGET AND YOU GET TO REALLOCATE IT HOW YOU WANT. >> I FEEL THE SAME WAY. COMMISSIONER SMITH? >> I CANNOT SPEAK TO ALL THE OTHER OFFICES. I CAN TELL YOU THAT THE ONLY CONCERN THAT I HAVE WITH YOUR OFFICE, AND IT IS NOT EVEN THE VOLUME OF ASSISTANCE THAT YOU ALL GIVE TO THE AVERAGE PERSON WALKING IN OFF THE STREET , DURING TAX SEASON LAST YEAR, BECAUSE I PULLED THE NUMBERS, THERE WAS ONE DAY AND Y'ALL'S OFFICE, AND HOW MANY DIRECT CONTACTS YOU HAVE IN THE COUNTY STAFF? >> WE HAVE 10 DIRECT. THREE OF THOSE ARE LEADS, SO SEVEN REAL CLERKS. IN KYLE, WE HAVE SEVEN. TWO OF THOSE ARE LEADS. IN DRIPPING SPRINGS, WE HAVE THREE. IN WEMBLEY, WE HAVE TWO. >> ONE DAY IN DRIPPING SPRINGS, THAT STAFF SERVICED 280 SOMETHING INDIVIDUALS IN ONE DAY. >> HOLY SMOKES. >> JUST IN SAN MARCOS AND KYLE, WE HAVE OVER 100,000 PEOPLE WALK INTO OUR DOORS. >> IN DRIPPING SPRINGS, THEY ARE SERVICING THROUGH TWO WINDOWS. >> AMAZING. YOU GUYS ARE DOING MAGNIFICENT WORK. WE GENUINELY APPRECIATE YOU. HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY. >> CAN WE LET , STEPHANIE WANTED TO ADDRESS SOMETHING. >> I DID NOT GET A MESSAGE. >> STEPHANIE, PURCHASING AGENT. I AM WORKING WITH THE TAX OFFICE TO PROCURE THEM NEW TAX SOFTWARE. I UNDERSTAND WHAT JENNIFER IS SAYING. I WANT YOU ALL TO KNOW THAT WE DO NOT KNOW WHAT THOSE COSTS ARE GOING TO BE. I JUST WANT YOU ALL TO HAVE THAT INFORMATION, AS IT COULD COME UP -- >> A LITTLE HIGHER THAN EXPECTED, AS WELL. GREAT CLARIFICATION. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY. NEXT UP IS OUR CONSTABLE'S OFFICE. CONSTABLE PETERSON, YOU ARE UP. I AM PUSHING. >> THANK YOU, JUDGE. >> READY FOR YOU, SIR. >> JUDGE, WE'VE GOT A LITTLE PRESENTATION THAT WE WANT TO DO IN REFERENCE TO WHAT THE CONSTABLE'S OFFICE DOES ON A DAILY BASIS. I WILL GO AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE. I KNOW WE HAVE OTHERS WHO WANT TO COME UP AND SPEAK ON THEIR BUDGET WORKSHOP, ALSO. THE FIRST PAGE THAT YOU WILL SEE IS GOING TO BE THE VALUES AND SUBMISSION OF HAYS COUNTY CONSTABLE PRECINCT 1. I BELIEVE THAT IS SOMETHING THAT BASICALLY PRETTY MUCH SEE ON YOUR OWN. WE [03:00:02] ARE COMMITTED TO THE COUNTY ON SERVING CIVIL PROCESS PAPERWORK, AND OTHER THINGS THAT OCCUR IN THE COUNTY. WE ARE WORKING WITH OTHER AGENCIES. GO TO THE NEXT ONE. YOU HAVE TO GO BACK. THERE YOU GO. THANK YOU. AS YOU CAN SEE, HAYS COUNTY ESTABLISHED THE ESTIMATED 2025 POPULATION AS ABOUT 3303 WITH A GROWTH RATE OF 3.9% IN THE PAST YEAR ACCORDING TO THE MOST RECENT UNITED STATES CENSUS. HAYS COUNTY IS THE 19TH LARGEST COUNTY IN TEXAS , WITH A POPULATION THAT WE ARE SEEING TODAY HAVING A GROWTH OF 91.8% SINCE THAT TIME. SAN MARCOS HAS A 2025 POPULATION OF 73.803 PERCENT. SAN MARCOS IS CURRENTLY GROWING AT THE RATE OF 1.54 PERCENT. THE ANNUAL POPULATION INCREASED BY 8.2%. THE REASON I PUT THIS ON THERE IS BECAUSE OF THE PROCESS PAPERWORK THAT WE SERVE WITH ALL THE OFFICERS THAT WE HAVE GETTING IN AND OUT OF THEIR VEHICLES, DOING THEIR MANDATORY 3 TO 4 TIMES A DAY. WE CAN GO TO THE NEXT ONE. THE SERVICES PROVIDED TO THE COMMUNITY FOR PRECINCT ONE OF THE CONSTABLE'S OFFICE IS CIVIL PROCESS AS NUMBER ONE. IT IS MANDATED THAT THE SERVICES , INCLUDING THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S PAPERWORK, PROTECTIVE ORDERS, NOTICES, SUMMONS, AND ALL OTHER ORDERS ISSUED BY ANY COURT . THE CONSTABLE'S OFFICE WORKED WITH ALL THE COURTS. WE WORKED WITH ALL THE LAW-ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES. WE'VE GOT THE COUNTY CLERK THAT WE WORK WITH. WE HAVE INSURANCE OFFICES THAT WE WORK WITH BUT WE ARE MANDATED TO WORK SPECIFICALLY WITH THE JPS. WE ALSO HAVE OUR COUNTY COURT OF LAW OFFICE THAT WE HAVE TO WORK WITH ALSO. OUR THREE COUNTY JUDGES, WHICH WE HAVE JUDGE HALL HERE TODAY SUPPORTING THE CONSTABLE'S OFFICE AND ALSO SUPPORTING THE COUNTY COURT OF LAW OFFICE, TOO. OF COURSE, WE RESPOND TO 911 CALLS , ASSIST OTHER AGENCIES, WORK ACCIDENTS, ENFORCE TRAFFIC LAWS, AND PATROL AS NEEDED. WE ARE BOUND TO OUR CIVIL PROCESS, BUT WE ARE ALSO BOUND TO OTHER LAW-ENFORCEMENT WORKING THESE IF WE RUN UP ON SOMETHING . WANT TO BE CAPABLE AND TRAINED TO DO IT. COUNTY INVOLVEMENT, BACK-TO-SCHOOL EVENTS, FIELD ESCORTS, OUR SCHOOLS, OUR ASSISTANCE TO LIVING PRESENTATIONS, COMMUNITY PARADES, FUNDRAISERS , WE ARE INVOLVED. IT IS JUST NOT OUR JOB TO DO CIVIL PROCESS. LET ME GO TO THE NEXT ONE. CIVIL PROCESS IS BASICALLY STARTING FROM 2024 FROM AUGUST 1 UNTIL AUGUST 8 OF THIS MONTH. YOU CAN SEE WE DID A PIE. WE CAN SEE THE PERCENTAGE OF PRECINCT 1 SERVES A LOT OF PAPERWORK. YOU CAN SEE THE OTHER CONSTABLES, TOO, AS YOU LOOK AT THE PIE CHART. >> SORRY FOR INTERRUPTING, BUT YOU HAVE HISTORICALLY BEEN IN THAT PATTERN FOR ALL EIGHT YEARS I HAVE BEEN HERE. YOU GUYS ARE NUMBER ONE IN SERVING PAPER. >> THANK YOU, JUDGE. I WOULD LIKE TO REQUEST THE FOLLOWING ON THESE TOPICS, JUDGE AND [03:05:01] COMMISSIONERS FOR OUR RECOMMENDED BUDGET. I WILL LET THE CHIEF TALK A LITTLE BIT ABOUT IT. PRIOR TO THAT, I KNOW THAT I HAVE THE JUDGES HERE. A B HE WANTS TO TALK A LITTLE BIT ABOUT SOME OF THE THINGS THAT THE COURTS ARE PROBABLY NEEDING. JUDGE? >> NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE. >> HELLO. WITH RESPECT TO THE NEED FOR A BAILIFF IN OUR COURTS, EACH YEAR OR A COUPLE OF TIMES A YEAR, I GO TO THE JUDICIAL CONFERENCES AND THEY HAVE A BREAKOUT SESSION FOR THE OFFICE OF COURT ADMINISTRATION, SECURITY DIVISION. THEY OFTEN TIMES, PROBABLY EVERY TIME I HAVE SEEN, HAVE VIDEOS OF WHAT HAPPENS IN COURTROOMS WHEN THINGS GO WRONG. IT IS SCARY. WE ARE TALKING ABOUT PEOPLE HAVING GUNS, PHYSICALLY ATTACKING, AS WELL AS NOT JUST THE JUDGE BUT HAVING A DEFENSE ATTORNEY SHOT, HAVING THE DA SHOT, THOSE BAD INCIDENTS THAT OCCUR. THE RECOMMENDATION IS TWO BAILIFF SPUR COURTROOM. ONE IS THERE TO PROTECT THE JUDGE . I THANK HIM IMMENSELY FOR THAT. I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD BE AT RISK, I GUESS I AM. TWO, PROTECTTHE REST OF THE PARTICIPANTS. TWO SETS OF EYES NEED TO BE ONE GOING TOWARDS THE AUDIENCE AND THE OTHER GOING TOWARDS THE JUDGE. THAT IS WHY WE ARE RECOMMENDING AN ADDITIONAL THREE AND A MINIMUM TWO. I THOUGHT THE DAYS WHERE WE DON'T HAVE CRIMINAL COURT, THAT IS NOT A BIG PROBLEM. WELL, IT IS. SOME OF THOSE VIDEOS WE SAW WERE CIVIL CASES, WHETHER IT IS FAMILY LAW OR YESTERDAY I HAD AN EVICTION APPEAL. ONE OF THE ATTORNEYS CAME INTO THE COURTROOM AND TOLD MY BAILIFF, BE CAREFUL. THE LANDLORD AND TENANT HAVE BEEN AT WAR FOR QUITE A BIT OF TIME, INCLUDING 16 CALLS OUT TO LAW-ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES TO COME OUT TO THEIR HOUSE. FORTUNATELY, NOTHING HAPPENED IN MY COURTROOM. WE DO HAVE THOSE RISKS EVERY DAY, UNFORTUNATELY. I AM HERE TO SUPPORT ALONG WITH MY FELLOW JUDGES AND CONSTABLE PETERSON'S REQUEST FOR THREE MORE BAILIFFS SO WE HAVE TWO IN EACH COURTROOM. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND NO LESS THAN TWO . MAYBE WE CAN ROTATE THINGS AROUND. WE REALLY NEED THAT TYPE OF SUPPORT IN THOSE SITUATIONS IN WHICH NOT JUST THE JUDGES ARE PUT AT RISK, BUT THE REST OF THE COURT STAFF, THE PARTICIPANTS, AND THE PEOPLE IN THE AUDIENCE. ANY QUESTIONS? >> I THINK THERE IS A LOT UNTOLD, NOT UNDERSTOOD IN THIS SPACE AS A SITTING JUDGE MYSELF. I DO A SPRINKLING OF JUDICIAL, WHICH IS VIRTUALLY NOTHING COMPARED TO WHAT YOU GUYS DO. STILL THERE IS SO MUCH THAT GOES INTO PROTECTING A COURTROOM. I WILL NEVER FORGET, CONSTABLE, YOU AND YOUR TEAM, AND YOU WERE THERE TOO, CHIEF, WHEN YOU GUYS WERE FIRST ELECTED, YOU GUYS STOOD ALONG THAT WALL. YOU SAID, HOW DO YOU WANT TO RUN YOUR COURT, JUDGE? THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CONSTABLE'S OFFICE, I NEVER UNDERSTOOD IT TO BE SO IMPORTANT AS IT WAS MADE TO ME THAT DAY. WHO KNEW THAT DAY, THAT CONVERSATION, THE SEEDS OF THAT CONVERSATION WOULD BEAR FRUIT TODAY? MY KNOWLEDGE GREW BECAUSE OF YOUR PROFESSIONALISM. >> THANK YOU, JUDGE. >> ANYTHING ELSE, COMMISSIONERS, ON THIS PART FROM CONSTABLE PETERSON? >> I WAS GOING TO ASK, THE COUNTY COURT OF LAW, THE THREE COURTS RUN SIMULTANEOUSLY? >> MANY DAYS, YES. WET THIS MORNING, YES. THURSDAYS, YES. >> OUT OF 5 DAYS, HOW MANY? >> WELL, PROBABLY FOUR MORNINGS AND THREE AFTERNOONS. >> GREAT QUESTION, COMMISSIONER INGALSBE. WHAT ELSE? >> BELIEVE FOUR AFTERNOONS ONCE JUDGE BROWN IN COURTROOM THREE IS OCCUPIED BY THE CITY OF SAN MARCOS ON WEDNESDAY AFTERNOONS. THAT WILL BE OPEN TO JUDGE BROWN GOING FORWARD. >> THANK YOU. [03:10:04] >> I AM REALLY GRATEFUL FOR THAT QUESTION, COMMISSIONER. WE DO HAVE TO SEE THE DOLLARS STRETCHING. IS THERE, CONSTABLE, SCHEDULING CAPACITY ? SOMEBODY ALLUDED TO THE NOTION THAT IF YOU SCHEDULED ACCORDINGLY, WE COULD STRETCH IT FURTHER? >> YES. AS JUDGE HALL WAS SAYING, THERE ARE BUSY DAYS AND THERE MIGHT BE LIGHT DAYS. ON THE OTHER HAND , WHEN COURT IS GOING ON AND YOU HAVE TWO BAILIFFS AND ONE HAS TO MAKE AN ARREST AND ONE STAYS IN, IT DEPENDS ON WHETHER IT IS GOING TO BE A FAMILY VIOLENCE, A DIVORCE PROCEEDING, WHERE YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE AN EXTRA DEPUTY. THAT EXTRA DEPUTY, IF YOU DON'T HAVE THAT AS A BAILIFF, THEN YOU HAVE TO CALL ON THE OFFICE FOR A PATROL DEPUTY FOR CIVIL PROCESS TO COME IN. >> SORRY, BUT THEY MIGHT NOT GET THERE IN TIME. >> THAT IS TRUE. TIME IS VERY IMPORTANT IN OUR BUSINESS. >> THANK YOU, CONSTABLE, FOR ANSWERING THAT QUESTION SO COMPLETELY. COMMISSIONER COHEN? >> I AM GOOD. >> COMMISSIONERS ON THE SIDE? >> ONE GENERAL QUESTION FOR YOU, NOT RELATED TO YOUR SPECIFIC REQUEST. AS CONSTABLES , THE YEAR BEFORE LAST, WE DID OUR SALARY SURVEY AND WE INCLUDED ELECTED OFFICIALS IN THAT. IN THE PAST, WE HAVE RECEIVED GRIEVANCES FROM THE CONSTABLES. DO YOU ANTICIPATE THAT YOU WILL GRIEVE NOW THAT YOU HAVE A SCHEDULE THIS YEAR? I AM JUST ASKING. >> YES AND NO. >> MAYBE. >> IT IS SO MAYBE. WHEN YOU TAKE THIS JOB AS A LAW-ENFORCEMENT OFFICER, YOU HAVE YOUR FAMILY TO FEED. YOU HAVE YOUR BILLS TO PAY. THERE IS ALWAYS AN OPENING FOR SALARIES TO BE OPEN. THAT IS IN ANY LAW-ENFORCEMENT AGENCY OR ADMINISTRATIVE. I WILL LEAVE IT AT THAT. AS THE POPULATION GROWS, THE BAG OF POTATO CHIPS , YOU KNOW, IT SEEMS TO SHRINK A LITTLE BIT MORE. THERE IS ALWAYS A NEED. >> THAT IS NOT WHAT I ASKED, CONSTABLE. >> YOU DID A GOOD JOB. >> WHY NOT? YES. >> THANK YOU, CONSTABLE. THANK YOU, CHIEF. >> THE CHIEF HAS ONE MORE THING WE HAVE TO GO OVER REGARDING SOME EQUIPMENT. >> THE CLERK IS ALREADY NIPPING AT THE HEELS. JUST KIDDING. >> THESE ARE REALLY IMPORTANT. >> I AM JUST DOING MY JOB OF NUDGING THE MEETING ALONG. >> HE IS PULLING UP THAT POWERPOINT. THAT ONE RIGHT THERE. WE WANTED TO DISCUSS , WE REQUESTED ANOTHER CIVIL DEPUTY ON TOP OF THE BAILIFFS, AS WELL. AS YOU CAN SEE, OUR WORKLOAD HAS BASICALLY DOUBLED SINCE THE LAST TIME WE WERE HERE IN FRONT OF YOU AND 2023. THESE NUMBERS THAT YOU SEE TODAY WEREN'T 100% ACCURATE. THAT IS BECAUSE THE SYSTEM HAS GONE DOWN TIMES IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS. THESE NUMBERS SHOULD BE MORE THAN WHAT YOU ARE ACTUALLY SEEING. WHEN WE SAY WE ARE MAKING -- WE ARE RECEIVING 4000 CITATIONS, WE ARE ACTUALLY MAKING AROUND 8000 TO 9000 CONTACTS OR KNOCKING ON DOORS OR GETTING IN AND OUT OF THE VEHICLES FOR EACH PAPER. EACH PAPER IS 3 TO 4 ATTEMPTS. TOTAL GOES UP TO WRITE AROUND 9000. AS YOU CAN SEE, THE PAPERS HAVE DOUBLED. WE ARE ASKING FOR MORE RELIEF AND AN ADDITIONAL DEPUTY AND THE ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT THAT GOES ALONG WITH IT. ONE OTHER ITEM WE WANTED TO CHARGE ON WAS OUR JUSTICE ADMINISTRATOR , RAISING THAT UP TO AT LEAST A 118. I BELIEVE THERE ARE SOME STUDIES GOING ON RIGHT NOW. WE HAVEN'T BEEN TOLD WHERE THAT IS THAT YET. >> THAT THAT IS 118, NOT $118,000. THAT IS A PAY GRADE. WE WILL GET TEXTS AND CALLS. >> AND THE ASSOCIATED PAY THAT GO WITH THE YEARS OF SERVICES. WE WOULD ALSO LIKE TO DISCUSS [03:15:07] THE FACT THAT THE RECOMMENDATION CAME BACK FOR US TO RECEIVE DURANGO'S. THOSE ARE A LITTLE BIT SMALLER VEHICLES. WE DO HAVE SOME TALLER DEPUTIES WHO HAVE A HARD TIME GETTING IN AND OUT OF THE FORD EXPLORER OR THE SMALL DURANGOS. WE ARE ASKING FOR THE TAHOES OR THE F-150S. >> SO THE TALLER ONES GET THE TAHOES AND THE SMALLER ONES GET RESERVED FOR THE DURANGOS. >> THAT IS A SAFETY SITUATION, NO DOUBT ABOUT IT. >> IF YOU HAVE TO GET OUT OF A SITUATION AND YOU ARE REALLY TALL -- >> A LOT OF PEOPLE DID NOT LIKE WHEN WE MANDATED SEATBELTS BECAUSE YOU HAD TO JUMP OUT QUICK. I HEARD THOSE ARGUMENTS. A LOT OF POLICE OFFICERS DON'T LIKE THE SEATBELT RULE BECAUSE THEY CANNOT JUMP OUT OF THE CAR AS FAST AS YOU NEED TO. >> YOU ADAPT. >> WE WANTED TO DISCUSS THE BULLETPROOF VESTS FOR THE NEW DEPUTY THAT JUST GOT SWORN IN TODAY. I DON'T BELIEVE THAT WAS ACCOUNTED FOR WHEN WE ASKED FOR THAT. I TAKE THAT BACK. HE IS ACTUALLY FILLING A SPOT IN THE EXISTING OPENING. WE JUST NEED A NEW VEST FOR THE NEW DEPUTY. >> VERY GOOD. >> LET'S SEE, REPLACEMENT OF THE TCIC COMPUTER. THAT COMPUTER IS SO OLD, I.T. JUST INFORMED US TWO WEEKS AGO THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO UPLOAD ANY NEW UPDATES TO IT. THAT DOES NEED TO BE REPLACED. >> IS THAT WINDOWS 95 YOU ARE RUNNING? >> PROBABLY. >> IT WELL SAID DIAL-UP IS GOING TO BE DISCONTINUED. >> YES. THAT ONE WE DO NEED. >> IS THAT TYPICAL? I UNDERSTAND THE CLEARANCE TO GET ON IT. THAT IS A TYPICAL COMPUTER BE ON THE SOFTWARE, RIGHT? >> CORRECT. BUT IT IS A STANDALONE SYSTEM. >> I AM FAMILIAR. >> THE OTHER ONE WAS A NEW RUGGED TOUGHBOOK FOR THE NEW MOTOR OFFICER. WHEN WE SUBMITTED THE REQUEST FOR THE ADDITIONAL FOUR COMPUTERS THAT YOU GRANTED US A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO, APPARENTLY IT GOT LOST IN TRANSLATION. THEY SEPARATED THE NEW DEPUTY AND THOSE COMPUTERS . THE NEW DEPUTY GOT LEFT OFF OUT OF THAT EQUIPMENT. >> THESE ARE THE MORE RUGGED IPADS THAT CAN BE TOSSED AROUND >> THAT WOULD INCLUDE THE STAND, LICENSES, AND ALL OF THAT TO GO ALONG WITH IT. IT JUST GOT LOST WITH OUR PREVIOUS BUDGET PERSON. >> YOU GOT IT. >> WE DO NEED THAT. ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT FOR THE 2023 TAHOES. AGAIN, WE ASKED FOR THESE ITEMS. I KNOW IT IS REALLY CLOSE TO BUDGET. I AM THROWING IT IN. >> WHAT IS THE EQUIPMENT FOR THE VIEWING PUBLIC? >> EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT FOR THOSE 2023 TAHOES. >> THEY ARE BEAUTIFUL, BY THE WAY. >> THANK YOU. I GOT YOU. I GOT YOU. AND THEN, OF COURSE, WE LOOKED AT THE BUDGET RECOMMENDATION . IT LOOKS LIKE WE RECEIVED OR POSSIBLY WILL BE RECEIVING THE $2500 APIECE. THAT IS FOR A LOWER GRADE LIDAR AND RADAR SYSTEM. WE ARE REQUESTING TOP-OF-THE-LINE, WHICH IS THE 2775. >> THAT IS FOR CAPTURING THE SPEED OF THE CARS MOVING. >> CORRECT . >> I DON'T WANT TO BE CRITICAL, BUT I SEE HOW MUCH OF YOUR PIE CHART IS USED FOR BANDWIDTH AND SERVING PAPERS. IS THIS AN INTENT TO SERVE ALL YOUR CARS WITH THAT? OR IS IT NARROWED DOWN TO SOME TYPE OF UNITS? >> TWO UNITS FOR THE MOTOR UNITS. AND THEN THE SAME THING WITH THE ADDITIONAL RADAR THAT WE WERE GOING TO RECEIVE. WE WOULD REQUEST 4000 $1100 VERSUS $3325 THAT WAS ALLOCATED BY THE RECOMMENDED BUDGET. >> AS LONG AS IT WASN'T AN ALL THE UNITS THING, THAT IS [03:20:03] PERFECT. COMMISSIONER INGALSBE, THIS IS YOUR PRECINCT. >> WE HAVE ONE MORE ITEM. >> JUDGE, COMMISSIONERS, WE HAVE 16 DEPUTIES. OUR TRAINING , IT GOES UP. EVERY YEAR, I KNOW WE REQUESTED $12,000. I THINK WE GOT AN $11,000. WHEN WE GO TO THESE TRAINING SCHOOLS AM A THE HOTEL SOME OF THESE GUYS EAT LIGHT , BUT PAYING FOR THE TRAINING, IT DOES NOT , IT INCREASES. WE ARE ASKING FOR $16,000 INSTEAD OF WHAT WE GOT, WHICH WAS $11,000. IT WOULD BE GOOD IF WE GOT THE $16,000 FOR THE TRAINING FOR 16 DEPUTIES. THEY WOULD ACTUALLY SWALLOW THAT UP IF YOU LOOK AT IT AS $1000 A DEPUTY. THE SCHOOLS THAT THEY GO TO FOR CONTINUOUS EDUCATION, THE EXPENSES HAVE GOTTEN VERY, VERY, VERY HIGH. >> THANK YOU. I WILL SAY ALSO THAT THE PROPOSED -- GOTCHA. COMMISSIONER? >> I DON'T REALLY HAVE MANY QUESTIONS RIGHT NOW. >> WE WILL DO IT NEXT WEEK. THANK YOU SO MUCH. WE ARE MOST GRATEFUL. WE APPRECIATE YOUR EFFICIENCY AND YOUR LIST OF ASKS. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. >> OKAY, YOU ARE UP. HE HAS ERODED YOUR TIME DOWN TO FOUR MINUTES. I AM GLAD TO GET MY HUMOR. >> I DO. I AM VERY PLEASED TO BE HERE. I AM THE HAYS COUNTY CLERK IN MY SEVENTH YEAR OF SERVICE. I AM VERY PLEASED TO BE HERE AND TO SEE THE JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS, MY COLLEAGUES. I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OVER THE YEARS . WE ARE VERY PROUD OF THE CHANGES AND IMPROVEMENTS WE HAVE MADE IN OUR OFFICE. WE COULD NOT HAVE DONE THEM WITHOUT YOU. THANK YOU FOR THAT. I AM HERE TODAY BECAUSE OUR BUDGET REQUEST FELL THROUGH THE CRACKS. WE WERE A LITTLE BIT SURPRISED WHEN WE SAW THE RECOMMENDED BUDGET, THAT THEY WERE TOTALLY MISSING. THOSE THINGS HAPPEN. WE HAD BEEN WORKING WITH JONATHAN, THE BUDGET OFFICER, WAY BACK IN THE EARLY SPRING. AND WITH ERIC, OUR GREAT NEW HR DIRECTOR, TO COME UP WITH A STAFFING PLAN THAT MAKES SOME CORRECTIONS, THINGS THAT BRING US IN LINE WITH GOOD HR POLICY AND WITH ERIC'S VISION OF WHAT WE NEED. THEY ARE BASICALLY CORRECTIONS. I THINK MY STAFF WILL PULL UP SOME CHARTS. WE HAVE HANDED OUT A HARD COPY TO YOU. I WANT TO RUN THROUGH QUICKLY . I WILL TRY TO MATCH JENNIFER ESCOBAR IN EFFICIENCY, BUT I WANT TO BE CLEAR AS TO WHAT THESE ARE. CAN WE SEE THE OTHER TABLE, PLEASE? YES, THAT ONE. CAN YOU PUT THAT UP SO WE CAN SEE THE WHOLE THING? >> DON'T GET NERVOUS. THAT IS YOUR BOSS UP THERE. MOUSE IS. >> I WILL TRY TO GO THROUGH THEM. THESE ARE CORRECTIONS. WHAT THEY DO IS THEY CORRECT FOR THE COMPRESSIONS THAT JENNIFER ALLUDED TO, WHERE YOU DON'T WANT TO HAVE YOUR EMPLOYEE SALARIES TOO CLOSE TO THE MANAGERS. THEY BRING US IN LINE WITH THE BENCHMARKED DATA FROM THE PANEL OF COUNTIES, PER ERIC. THEY ALSO ALIGNED POSITIONS, THE DUTIES OF POSITIONS THAT ARE WITH THEIR GRADES IN PLACES WHERE THEY WERE A LITTLE OUT OF LINE. IT PROBABLY OCCURRED OVER TIME. LET ME JUST RUN THROUGH WHAT THEY ARE. MY ASSISTANT, AND THAT IS CYNTHIA , WHO HAS BEEN A VALUABLE ASSET IN MY OFFICE, SHE IS THE ASSISTANT OR THE DEPUTY CLERK FOR MY OFFICE. WE WANT TO BRING HER IN LINE WITH MARKET TOO AND ALSO TO RELIEVE THE COMPRESSION IN THE TABLE. THAT IS THE REASON FOR THAT REQUEST. THAT GRADE WAS SUGGESTED BY ERIC. SIMILARLY, OUR DIVISION DIRECTORS, YOU ALL KNOW ROXANNE. AND ROB IS THE HEAD OF OUR COURTS DIVISION. THIS IS STRICTLY TO BRING THEM IN LINE WITH BENCHMARKED DATA AND TO RELIEVE COMPRESSION ON THE TABLE. OUR PROBATE ATTORNEY , WE CAME TO YOU A YEAR AND A HALF AGO TO REQUEST A PROBATE AUDITOR. I APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT IN THAT. AT THE TIME, WE DID NOT KNOW MUCH ABOUT THE JOB AND WHAT IT WOULD ENTAIL. WE WERE LUCKY TO GET RON. HE HAS MOVED ON. WE HAVE MORE INPUT FROM OCA. THIS IS AN AREA OF [03:25:07] VULNERABILITY IN THE COUNTY . BUT WE DID FIND THAT IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO HAVE AN ATTORNEY IN THAT ROLE TO BE CREDIBLE WITH THE COURTS AND FOR THE ATTORNEYS WORKING ON THE CASES. WE ARE ASKING FOR AN ATTORNEY ONE , SOMEONE WHO HAS THAT CREDENTIAL AND SOME KNOWLEDGE. >> OCA IS THE OFFICE OF COURT ADMINISTRATION. >> WE RECEIVED AN AUDIT FOR THEM THAT IDENTIFIED SOME THINGS WE NEEDED TO CORRECT. THEY KEEP AN EYE ON US AND HELP US SET POLICIES. WE ARE LOOKING TO KEEP UP AND DO WHAT WE NEED TO DO IN THAT AREA. I KNOW THAT OUR TA HAD WANTED TO BE INVOLVED IN DECISIONS ABOUT ATTORNEYS. I DID TALK WITH HIM. IT IS A MATTER OF WORKING WITH HIS OFFICE TO TRY TO FIGURE OUT HOW WE CAN BE SURE THAT THE DUTIES PERFORMED BY THIS PERSON IN THEIR ROLE IS WHAT IS IN LINE WITH HIS ABILITIES AND CONCERNS. THE NEXT TWO FINANCIAL SPECIALIST , THIS IS WHERE THE BUDGET OFFICER ADVISED US AND OTHERS THAT OUR PEOPLE WERE GRADED A LITTLE TOO LOW FOR THE DUTIES THEY HANDLE. THEY HANDLE TENS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN OUR OFFICE. THEY HAVE ACCESS TO OUR BANK ACCOUNTS AND THINGS LIKE THAT. THERE ARE TWO THINGS ABOUT THIS. ONE IS THAT THEY WERE CONSIDERED TO BE GRADED A LITTLE TOO LOW FOR THE RESPONSIBILITY THAT THEY CARRY AND THE KIND OF QUALIFICATIONS THAT THEY NEED TO. WE ARE ASKING TO BOOST IT JUST A LITTLE BIT. ALSO, WE WANT TO GIVE BOTH OF OUR FINANCIAL SPECIALIST THE SAME GRADE, BECAUSE THEY DO THE SAME WORK. THE BACK EACH OTHER UP. THEY BOTH HAVE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES, BUT WOULDN'T ONE IS OUT OF TOWN OR SICK, THEY FILL IN FOR EACH OTHER. THEY BOTH NEED TO KNOW ALL OF IT. WE ARE ASKING THAT THEY BOTH BE GIVEN THE SAME GRADE. THE NEXT FOUR REALLY RELATE, THIS IS A CASE WHERE I THINK THEY HAVE OVER THE YEARS, THERE HAS BEEN A MISCONCEPTION THAT THE PEOPLE WHO FILL THESE ROLES IN OUR OFFICE, A PREVIOUSLY CALLED DEPUTY CLERKS, WERE ENTRY LEVEL CLERICAL POSITIONS. I THINK YOU HAVE PROBABLY SEEN FROM THE REPORTS WE HAVE MADE TO THE COURT ABOUT WHAT WE DO AT THIS REQUIRES PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT ENTRY LEVEL . REQUIRES PEOPLE WITH KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS AND ABILITY. THEY COVER A LOT OF TASKS. THEY HAVE TO KNOW AN ENORMOUS AMOUNT OF INFORMATION AND DIFFERENT RECORDS . THEY NEED TO BE CERTIFIED ANNUALLY TO DO THINGS LIKE PATERNITY, AND ON THE COURTSIDE, AND THE -- THEY NEED TO GET TRAINING AND COURT PROBATE. WE ARE ASKING TO RECOGNIZE THAT THIS IS A LITTLE BIT MORE OF A JOB. THIS IS AN ISSUE STATEWIDE. EVERY SINGLE COUNTY IS DEALING WITH THIS, ESPECIALLY THE LARGER ONES. MOST OF THE COUNTIES ARE CHANGING THE TITLES FOR THOSE ROLES TO RECOGNIZE THE REAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE POSITION. WE ARE ASKING JUST THE BOOST THAT THOSE FRONTLINE WORKERS , TO RECOGNIZE THAT THEY NEED TO HAVE SOME ABILITY AND SOME SKILLS WHEN THEY COME INTO THE POSITION. AND THEN TO CREATE , TO RELIEVE THE COMPRESSION TO GIVE THEIR SUPERVISORS A LITTLE BIT OF A BUMP, AS WELL. THAT IS A QUICK SUMMARY. AS YOU DO KNOW, YOU RAISE A LOT OF THE MONEY WE USE IN OUR OFFICE TO FUND OUR POSITIONS. FOR THE STAFF POSITIONS, I WILL LEAVE IT TO VICKIE TO FIGURE OUT HOW AND WHERE THAT SHOULD GO. AND WE WOULD BE, IF I AM CORRECT, WE WOULD BE ABLE TO FUND ABOUT $222,000 OF THE TOTAL COST OUT OF OUR RECORDS MANAGEMENT . I KNOW THERE IS SOME OTHER TWEAKING TO BE DONE WITH THE BUDGET. THAT WOULD LEAVE ABOUT $207,000 TO COME OUT OF THE GENERAL FUND. WE WOULD BE FUNDING THE MAJORITY OF IT THROUGH OUR RECORDS MANAGEMENT FUNDS. I HOPE THAT IS A QUICK ENOUGH SUMMARY. >> I COULD NOT HAVE DONE IT BETTER MYSELF. I AM SO GRATEFUL. YOU WERE MOST PERFECT FOR THE SUMMARY. I WILL SAY TWO THINGS. I AM MOST GRATEFUL FOR YOU NOT ONLY GIVING OUR NEW DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES THE CREDIT , BUT THAT HE HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH WHAT WE HAVE DONE BEFORE. HE HAS FRESH EYES. HE WAS ABLE TO WALK IN AND PROVIDE UPDATED PERSPECTIVES ON WHAT WE KNEW WOULD BE NEEDED. >> I WANT TO EXPRESS MY APPRECIATION. I AM REALLY GRATEFUL FOR THE SUPPORT AND HELP HE HAS GIVEN US. I BELIEVE WE HAVE HIS FULL SUPPORT ON THIS. IS THAT FAIR TO SAY? [03:30:02] >> SO WHAT HE SET OFF CHANNEL WAS, IF THE FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE BUDGET, HE SUPPORTS IT. I WILL ALSO SAY, THE SECOND PART OF MY APPRECIATION FOR WHAT YOU HAVE DONE IS ALSO HIGHLIGHTING WHAT MOST PEOPLE DON'T KNOW. I SURE DIDN'T. YOUR DEPARTMENT ACTUALLY GENERATES A LOT OF MONEY IN THE OPERATION OF THAT DEPARTMENT. >> YES. >> THAT IS GREAT FOR YOU TO POINT OUT. COMMISSIONER INGALSBE? COMMISSIONER COHEN? COMMISSIONER HAMMER? >> NO OTHER QUESTIONS. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. >> I AM MOST GRATEFUL. >> JUDGE BECERRA, I WANTED TO CLARIFY. THE DATA THAT WAS SUBMITTED BY THE COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, THE NUMBERS ARE A LITTLE OFF. QUITE A BIT OFF, ACTUALLY, IN OUR FAVOR. I THINK INITIALLY THEY WERE LOOKING AT GRADING TO HIGHER-LEVEL POSITIONS IN THE SALARY CHART. YOUR BUDGET PACKET , I LISTED THE INDIVIDUAL RE-GRADES AT A COST OF $269,502, WHICH IS A LITTLE OVER $143,000 FOR THE GENERAL FUND AND $126,000 FOR THE RECORDS MANAGEMENT. >> EVEN BETTER. THANK YOU FOR THE CLARIFICATION, VICKIE. DR. CARDENAS, AS ALWAYS, SELLER. AND WE GET TO ROUNDED OUT WITH OUR TREASURER . PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME AND TITLE. >> DAPHNE, COUNTY TREASURER. I AM ONE OF THOSE OFFICES THAT DOES NOT GENERATE FUNDING. >> BOO! >> I KNOW. I HAD ASKED FOR THREE POSITIONS. ONE OF THEM, I WANTED TO KNOW IF WE COULD AT LEAST READ GRADE A POSITION. IT HAS TAKEN A FINANCIAL ANALYST TWO POSITION AND MADE IT A FINANCIAL ANALYST THREE POSITION. I DID HAVE A DESK AUDIT DONE. IT WAS SUPPORTED BY THE HR DEPARTMENT TO READ GRADE DEPOSITION. I AM ASKING FOR A FINANCIAL ANALYST ONE POSITION . CURRENTLY, WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH HANDS TO HANDLE THE TRANSACTIONS. A CASH DEPOSIT COMES IN, WE HAVE ONE PERSON WHO ACCEPTS IT AND DOES THE DEPOSIT. WE NEED ANOTHER SET OF HANDS TO TOUCH THE RECEIPT. WE HAVE ANOTHER SET OF HANDS THAT WE NEED TO DO THE RECONCILIATIONS. CURRENTLY, IF WE HAVE ONE PERSON OUT, WE CANNOT DO SPECIFIC SETS OF OUR JOBS. I AM ASKING FOR ONE MORE PERSON TO ASSIST US IN HAVING EXTRA HANDS AVAILABLE TO MAKE SURE WE ARE IN COMPLIANCE WITH CASH HANDLING REQUIREMENTS. THAT IS THE SECOND ONE. THE THIRD THING THAT I AM ASKING FOR IS A RECONSIDERATION OF THE GRADE SALARY FOR THE HAYS COUNTY TREASURER. CURRENTLY, THE HAYS COUNTY TREASURER POSITION IS THE LOWEST PAID COUNTYWIDE POSITION IN THIS COUNTY AT $104,000. ON AVERAGE, IF YOU WERE TO TAKE ALL OF THE AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS, THE AVERAGE SALARY WOULD BE ABOUT $120,000. I AM ASKING TO BE , TO MAKE THE CONVERSATION COMPARABLE TO THE OTHER TREASURERS THE SIZE OF OUR COUNTY AT $117,000. I BELIEVE ERIC HAS DONE A COMPENSATION STUDY THAT DID OFFERED SUPPORT FOR THAT, AS WELL. THOSE ARE MY THREE THINGS. I AM SURE YOU HAVE QUESTIONS. I HAVE ANSWERS. I WANT TO GET IN AND OUT FOR YOU ALL AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. >> COMMISSIONER COHEN? >> NO. >> COMMISSIONER HAMMER? NO QUESTIONS, THANK YOU. >> I WOULD LIKE TO ADD THAT MY DEPARTMENT, WE DON'T ASK FOR MONEY. WHEN I DO MY BUDGETS, I AM VERY CAUTIOUS WITH THE MONEY AND I ONLY DO A 5% INCREASE TO DO AN AVERAGE MARKET COST INCREASE. THAT IS IT. >> THAT IS THE MOST REASONABLE COST OF LIVING ADJUSTMENT OR COLA, AS THEY CALL IT. THANK YOU FOR BEING EFFICIENT WITH OUR TIME. VICKIE, IF THERE IS NOTHING ELSE, WE ARE GOING TO CLOSE THIS WORKSHOP AND MOVE ON WITH THE REST OF COURT. THANK YOU SO MUCH, EVERYONE, FOR >> DO IT AGAIN? BEING GENTLE ON THE GAVEL. ALL RIGHT, WE ARE BACK FROM A SHORT RECESS. AND WE HAVE CONCLUDED OUR BUDGET WORKSHOP. WHAT IS LEFT ON OUR AGENDA IS OUR EXECUTIVE SESSION. [K.2. Executive Session pursuant to Sections 551 .071 and 551.074 of the Texas Government Code: consultation with counsel and deliberation regarding the employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of the Transportation Director. Possible discussion and/or action may follow in open court. SMITH/GRANJENO] [03:35:08] SINCE ONE OF THOSE ITEMS, NUMBER TWO, IS TIED TO STAFFING, SPECIFICALLY OUR TRANSPORTATION DIRECTOR, IT IS POLICY FOR US TO NAVIGATE THE CONVERSATION IN PUBLIC AT THE REQUEST OF THE INDIVIDUAL BEING DISCUSSED. THAT IS WHAT TOOK PLACE HERE. WE WILL TAKE K2 NOW AND HAVE THIS CONVERSATION IN PUBLIC. AFTER THAT ITEM, WE WILL GO TO THE EXECUTIVE SESSION IF WE NEED IT. DO WE NEED IT? IF THERE IS ANY ACTION OUT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION, COME UP WITH EMOTION AND THEN WE HAVE A FINAL MOTION TO RECESS AND THE DAY IS DONE FOR COURT. PLEASE OPEN K2. >> EXECUTIVE SESSION PURSUANT TO 551 OF THE TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE, CONSULTATION WITH COUNSEL REGARDING EMPLOYMENT, EVALUATION, REASSIGNMENT DUTIES, DISCIPLINE, OR DISMISSAL OF THE TRANSPORTATION DIRECTOR. POSSIBLE DISCUSSION MAY FOLLOW IN OPEN COURT. >> SO MOVED. >> SECOND. >> JENNIFER, I AM SORRY TO DO THIS, BUT I KNOW YOUR DAUGHTER IS IN THE AUDIENCE AND I DID NOT GET HER NAME. BELLA? THANK YOU. >> AT THE END OF THE LAST PERSONAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN, WE HAD AN INITIAL PERSONAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN FOR OUR TRANSPORTATION DIRECTOR . AT THE CONCLUSION OF THAT PLAN WAS THE DETERMINATION OF THE COURT TO MOVE FORWARD WITH A SECOND PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT PLAN. THAT WAS FOR A 60 DAY PERIOD. THEN WE WOULD HAVE EVALUATION FOLLOWING THAT. THAT TIME PERIOD ENDED LAST WEEK. WITH THAT, I WANT TO ASK ERIC TO COME TO THE PODIUM AND DISCUSSED THE FINDINGS THAT WERE THE RESULTS OF OUR STAFF SURVEY CONDUCTED THROUGH THE INITIAL PROFESSIONAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN. >> GOOD AFTERNOON, COMMISSIONERS AND THE JUDGE. AS COMMISSIONER MENTIONED, WE PUT OUT A SURVEY TO CONCLUDE THE POST EXTENDED PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT PLAN THAT CONSISTED OF NINE QUESTIONS AND AN OPPORTUNITY TO LEAVE SOME COMMENTS. I CAN GO THROUGH THOSE REALLY QUICKLY. SO THE FIRST ONE , MY DIRECTOR FOSTERS AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE OPENNESS IS ENCOURAGED. WE HAD ONE RESPONDENT RESPOND. THIS WAS SENT TO FIVE SUBORDINATES, DIRECT REPORTS. WE DID HAVE 100% COMPLETION FOR ALL OF THE QUESTIONS. OF THE FIVE, ONE RESPONDED AGREE AND FOR CAK RESPONDED STRONGLY DISAGREE. WE HAD ONE PERSON RESPONSIBLE NEXT QUESTION NEITHER AGREE NOR DISAGREE AND FOR CAK RESPONDED STRONGLY DISAGREE. THE NEXT QUESTION WAS, MY DIRECTOR PROMOTES TRANSPARENCY AND DECISIONS THAT IMPROVE MY TEAM. ONE RESPONDED AGREE, FOR CAK RESPONDED STRONGLY DISAGREE. THE NEXT QUESTION WAS, MY DIRECTOR ACTIVELY COLLABORATES WITH STAFF BEFORE MAKING DECISIONS THAT IMPACT OPERATIONS. ONE PERSON RESPONDED NEITHER AGREE OR DISAGREE. FOR CAK RESPONDED STRONGLY DISAGREE. NEXT QUESTION, MY DIRECTOR ENGAGES STAFFING CONVERSATION ABOUT DEPARTMENTAL GOALS AND DIRECTION. ONE RESPONDENT RESPONDED AGREE, ONE NEITHER AGREED OR DISAGREED, AND THREE RESPONDED STRONGLY DISAGREE. NEXT QUESTION WAS, I FEEL INCLUDED IN PLANNING ACTIVITIES FOR OUR DEPARTMENT. ONE RESPONDENT RESPONDED AGREE, ONE RESPONDED DISAGREE , -- SORRY, TWO RESPONDED DISAGREE, AND TWO RESPONDED STRONGLY DISAGREE. MY QUESTION , PEOPLE ARE RESPECTED AND HEARD. ONE PERSON RESPONDED NEITHER AGREE OR DISAGREE, ONE RESPONDED DISAGREE, AND THREE RESPONDED STRONGLY DISAGREE. NEXT , I FEEL MY KNOWLEDGE AND CONTRIBUTIONS ARE VALUED BY MY DIRECTOR. ONE RESPONDED AGREE, ONE RESPONDED DISAGREE, AND THREE RESPONDED STRONGLY DISAGREE. LAST, WE HAD MY DIRECTOR FACILITATES REGULAR COMMUNICATION THROUGH TOWN HALLS, CHECK-INS, OR SIMILAR METHODS. TWO RESPONDED TO [03:40:02] NEITHER AGREE OR DISAGREE, TWO RESPONDED DISAGREE, AND ONE RESPONDED STRONGLY DISAGREE. WHAT IS ONE THING THE DIRECTOR COULD DO TO IMPROVE THEIR LEADERSHIP EFFECTIVENESS? WE HAD ONE RESPONDENT STATING THAT UNDERSTANDING TEAMWORK AND WORKING TOGETHER AND COLLABORATING ON A COMMON GOAL, NOT INDIVIDUAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS. ANOTHER RESPONDED MORE DIRECT RESPONSES TO SUGGESTIONS OR QUESTIONS, AS WELL AS OVERALL RESPONSIVENESS. COULD BE SLIGHTLY BETTER. OVERALL, THERE HAS BEEN A LOT OF IMPROVEMENT OVER THE LAST FEW WEEKS. THE NEXT COMMENT STATES, LISTEN TO HER STAFF. SHE MAY BE EXPERIENCED IN PLANNING AND ENGINEERING, BUT SHE DOES NOT KNOW HOW THE SAUSAGE IS MADE AND WON'T LISTEN WHEN IT IS EXPLAINED TO HER. HER EMPHASIS AT THE TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT IS NOT BUILDING ROADS; IT IS PLANNING AND POLICY CHANGES. HAYS COUNTY NEEDS A ROAD BUILDER. THE NEXT ONE, THE DIRECT INSULTS HAVE SUBSIDED. THEY TAKE THE FORM OF QUESTIONING THE UNDERSTANDING OF PARTICULAR SUBJECT MATTER. THE LAST COMMENT WAS LEADERSHIP REQUIRES HONESTY AND INTEGRITY AT THE CORE. BUILDING TRUST AT THIS POINT IS VIRTUALLY NO POSSIBLE. I WOULD SAY BUILDING TRUST AND MUTUAL RESPECT IS CRITICAL. AS PART OF THE EXTENDED PIP, WE PUT SOME EXTENDED GOALS TO BE ACHIEVED. ONE WAS FOSTER AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE OPEN DIALOGUE IS ENCOURAGED, ESPECIALLY WHEN FEEDBACK IS DIFFICULT. THE SECOND IS IMPROVING TRANSPARENCY AND DECISION-MAKING THAT IMPACTS TEAMS. THE THIRD WAS REENGAGED STAFF IN SHARED VISION PLANNING AND DEPARTMENTAL DIRECTION TO REBUILD TRUST. BALL FOUR WAS INSURING ALL TEAM MEMBERS FEEL VALUED AND RESPECTED, ESPECIALLY THOSE WITH LONG-STANDING INSTITUTIONAL KNOWLEDGE. THE FIFTH WAS INCLUDING REGULAR TOUCH POINTS, INCLUDING TOWN HALLS AND CHECK-INS TO IMPROVE COHESION AND COMMUNICATION ACROSS ALL TEAMS. THE SURVEY QUESTIONS THAT WERE FORMULATED WERE BASED ON THOSE GOALS. >> COMMISSIONER SMITH? >> I WOULD SAY ALONG WITH WHAT WAS JUST SHARED BY ERIC , THE FINAL PORTION OF THAT PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT PLAN SPECIFICALLY STATED HOW AND WHEN THOSE GOALS WOULD BE MEASURED AT THE END OF THE PROCESS. IT SAID IN AN ANONYMOUS SURVEY, THE DIRECT REPORTS WOULD BE SENT AT THE LAST DAY OF YOUR 60 DAY EXTENSION PERIOD RELATED TO THESE AREAS OF CONCERN. THE LAST AND FINAL LINE WAS TARGET COMPLETION DATE 60 DAYS WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT YOU WILL REMAIN AN AT WILL EMPLOYEE. FAILURE TO IMPROVE COULD RESULT IN FURTHER DISCIPLINARY ACTION UP TO AND INCLUDING DISCHARGE. THAT WAS SIGNED AND COMPLETED ON JUNE 12. I HONESTLY BELIEVE THAT WE HAVE A TRANSPORTATION DIRECTOR THAT IS AN EXTREMELY GOOD ENGINEER. I HAVE SERIOUS DOUBT OVER HER MANAGERIAL STYLE AND THE TENOR WITH WHICH SHE DEALS WITH HER OVERALL STAFF. I DON'T THINK AT THIS POINT, AND I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR THE COMMENTS FROM THE REST OF THE COURT , AT THIS POINT, I DON'T THINK IT IS ANIMAL TO MOVE FORWARD WITH JENNIFER AS OUR TRANSPORTATION DIRECTOR. >> COMMISSIONER HAMMER? >> I THINK THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL TALKS AND SEVERAL DISCUSSIONS WHEN IT COMES TO THIS POSITION AND WHAT WE EXPECT FROM A LEADERSHIP CAPABILITY STANDPOINT AND THOSE EXPECTATIONS. FROM SURVEY TO SURVEY, THEY GOT WORSE WHEN IT COMES TO THE STAFF ASSESSMENT. I VERY MUCH CARE FOR THE STAFF IN THE TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT. I TRUST THAT THEY WOULDN'T JUST GIVE HER THE SHORT END OF THE STICK. I THINK THEY WOULD GIVE HER THE TIME AND THE ABILITY TO BUILD THAT RELATIONSHIP. AT THIS TIME, I DON'T BELIEVE EXPECTATIONS WERE MET. >> COMMISSIONER COHEN? >> I WAS THE OTHER EVALUATOR ON THIS PROCESS. I DO WANT TO THANK THE COURT FOR ALLOWING US TO GO THROUGH THIS THREE-MONTH PROCESS OF EVALUATING JENNIFER. JENNIFER, THANK YOU FOR GOING THROUGH THAT PROCESS, AS WELL. I KNOW IT WAS NOT AN EASY PROCESS TO GO THROUGH. NOT VERY COMFORTABLE GOING THROUGH IT. I UNDERSTAND THE NEED OF HAVING TO DO IT. I WOULD AGREE WITH COMMISSIONER SMITH. YOU ARE A GREAT ENGINEER. IT SEEMS LIKE THE LEADERSHIP PART OF IT HAS BEEN NOT SUCCEEDING VERY WELL WITH THE DEPARTMENT. I THINK [03:45:05] THREE MONTHS GOING THROUGH THIS PROCESS, I DON'T THINK WE ARE THERE , WHERE WE NEED TO BE IN THIS DEPARTMENT LEADERSIP WISE. >> COMMISSIONER INGALSBE? >> IT IS DIFFICULT HAVING THESE DISCUSSIONS. I APPRECIATE JENNIFER'S WILLINGNESS TO WORK WITH ME. SHE HAS BEEN MORE INVOLVED. HOWEVER, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE DEPARTMENT BE SUCCESSFUL AND GET ALONG WITH THE LEADERSHIP. WE HAVE GONE THROUGH THAT PROCESS. THERE SEEMS TO STILL BE SOME CONCERNS . IT IS UNFORTUNATE THAT WE ARE AT THIS STAGE. WE HAVE GONE THROUGH THE PROCESS. WE NEED TO MAKE SOME CHANGES. >> OKAY. ERIC, I WANT TO ASK YOU A FEW QUESTIONS. WHAT PRECIPITATED THIS INITIAL PIP TO BEGIN WITH? WHAT STARTED, IF YOU ROLL THE CLOCK BACK , WHAT CAUSED THIS? I WON'T CALL IT OUT, BECAUSE IT WAS IN EXECUTIVE SESSION, BUT SOME OF US SAID, WAIT A MINUTE , LET'S DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT. THAT IS WHAT CAUSED THE PIP TO GOING TO MOTION. WHY WERE WE THERE TO BEGIN WITH? >> WE WERE HAVING CONCERNS FROM THE EMPLOYEES BEING EXPRESSED, BOTH CURRENT EMPLOYEES AND PAST EMPLOYEES, REGARDING JENNIFER'S LEADERSHIP , AS WELL AS SOME CONCERNS WITH PERFORMANCE. IT WAS RELATED TO AGENDA MANAGEMENT, DELEGATION, WORKING WELL WITH OTHER DEPARTMENTS, THINGS OF THAT NATURE. >> OKAY. SOMETHING YOU WERE READING IN THE NOTES, I WROTE IT DOWN. IT WAS VERY TELLING. I AM VERY GRATEFUL TO OUR TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT, EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM. I HAVE BEEN BLUE-COLLAR ALL MY LIFE. I VALUE THE WORKER AND ALL THE THINGS THAT NEVER GET GLORIFIED OR TALKED ABOUT. IT IS DEFINITELY A DEPARTMENT THAT DOESN'T GET THE EXPOSURE IT DESERVES. BUT SOMETHING YOU SAID AND THERE WAS PRETTY EYE-CATCHING TO ME. I WILL GRAB ONE, FOR EXAMPLE. INDIVIDUAL EXPECTATIONS , I AM PARAPHRASING HERE, WERE THE FOCUS. I HAVE BEEN IN LEADERSHIP FOR 30 YEARS. I DON'T WANT TO SAY ANYTHING ALARMIST, BUT WHEN SOMEONE IS SAYING THAT THERE ARE INDIVIDUAL EXPECTATIONS SET FORTH MORE THAN THE WHOLE, I FEEL THAT THAT IS, IN MY MIND, A TRANSLATION TO ACCOUNTABILITY WHERE WE DID NOT SEE IT IN THIS STYLE OR IN THIS WAY BEFORE AND I AM UNCOMFORTABLE WITH IT. WITHOUT HAVING THE WHOLE AUDIENCE, IT CAN BE A HE SAID, SHE SAID. THAT IS NOT FAIR. WHAT SPECIFIC CONCERNS DO YOU HAVE WITH THIS, IF ANY, WITH THIS PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT PLAN? DO YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS ABOUT THIS PLAN, THE WAY IT WAS CREATED? DO YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS NOW FOR THE WHOLE PROCESS? >> AS I MENTIONED BEFORE, THERE WASN'T A LOT OF SITDOWN BETWEEN THE EMPLOYEES AND JENNIFER TO HASH OUT THOSE CONCERNS IN A REAL-TIME SETTING . WE TYPICALLY DO MEDIATION TO TRY TO SEE BOTH SIDES , PROVIDING SPECIFIC EXAMPLES. THAT ALLOWS THE PERSON TO RESPOND TO THOSE EXAMPLES IN A WAY THAT MAY BE, THAT WASN'T WHAT THEIR INTENTION WAS. OR IF IT WAS THEIR INTENTION, PROVIDING ACCOUNTABILITY FOR IT. PROVIDING SPECIFIC EXAMPLES ALLOWS FOR MORE SPECIFIC DISCUSSION THAN GOING ON A GENERAL BASIS. >> JUST LIKE RIGHT NOW, I WAS SITTING HERE SAYING I WILL NOT GO INTO THAT, BECAUSE THE NOTE MAKER ISN'T IN THE ROOM , THE PERSON WHO MADE HIS COMMENTS THAT YOU WERE READING OUT LOUD FOR A FEW MINUTES. THEY WERE NOT IN THIS ROOM. I UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU ARE SAYING. JENNIFER IS NOT GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO BUILD RELATIONSHIPS AND REPLY IN REAL TIME TO THE CONCERNS. I HAVE BEEN MARRIED 32 YEARS. I CAN BE DIVORCED AND NEXT MONTH. THE TRUTH IS, I MADE IT THIS FAR BECAUSE WE HAVE THOSE ARGUMENTS AND THOSE CONVERSATIONS WHILE WE ARE BOTH IN THE ROOM AND NOT TELLING OUR FRIENDS AT A BAR OR AT A SHOP OR AT A BEACH OR SOMEWHERE ELSE. THERE IS A LOT TO BE SAID FOR WHAT YOU JUST MENTIONED, WHICH IS WHAT IS [03:50:03] MISSING FROM THE SO FAR, I HAVE ABOUT FOUR FOR QUESTIONS, MEANING THE TWO PARTIES WERE NOT IN THE SAME ROOM. I AM VERY SURPRISED ABOUT THAT AND DISAPPOINTED. THAT WAS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO CREATE THAT DIALOGUE , SUPERVISED THE DIALOGUE, MEDIATED DIALOGUE FOR RELATIONSHIP BUILDING. GOD BLESS HIM AND HE IS RETIRED AND LOVE HIM, BUT JERRY WAS A WHOLE DIFFERENT TYPE OF MANAGER THAN ANYONE IN OUR COUNTY I DON'T CARE WHAT DEPARTMENT YOU POINT TO. HE WAS A VERY UNIQUE, BLESSED, AND WONDERFUL INDIVIDUAL. I COULD NOT REPRODUCE HIS STYLE IF YOU GAVE ME $1 MILLION. I AM NOT SURPRISED THAT PEOPLE HAVE AN UNDERSTANDING THAT IT IS VERY DIFFERENT. >> JUDGE, I WANT TO GO OFF OF THAT A LITTLE BIT. THERE WERE CONCERNS ABOUT RETALIATION IF THEY HAD THOSE DISCUSSIONS WITH JENNIFER DIRECTLY. I DID EXPRESS IT TO THEM THAT WE DO NOT TAKE RETALIATION LIGHTLY. IF THAT WAS SOMETHING THAT HAPPENED AFTER THE FACT, WE WOULD INVESTIGATE THAT SEPARATELY. >> YOU HAVE DONE, SADLY, BUT YOU HAVE BEEN THROUGH QUITE A FEW THINGS IN YOUR SHORT TIME HERE AS OUR HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR. YOU HAVE DONE A GREAT JOB OF MANAGING THINGS. I HAVE BEEN CONVINCED, AND I WILL FURTHER SUPPORT YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS AND SUGGESTIONS AND DIRECTION , BECAUSE OF WHAT YOU HAVE DONE IN THE PAST AND BECAUSE I SEE YOUR SINCERE IS THE TENT AT EVENHANDED NESTS AND PROFESSIONALISM AND CAREER STANDARDS IN THE INDUSTRY. I REALLY FIND WE AS A COUNTY BENEFIT GREATLY FROM THAT LOOKING GLASS THAT YOU OCCUPY. THANK YOU FOR THAT. THE NEXT QUESTION IS, HOW DO YOU ADDRESS THE FACT THAT THE FEEDBACK APPEARS TO BE ONE-SIDED WITHOUT MEDIATION OR DIRECT DIALOGUE BETWEEN THE DIRECTOR -- ACTUALLY, I KIND OF ADDRESSED THAT WITH YOU -- AND THE SUBORDINATES ? >> I THINK THAT WAS THE ONLY PART THAT WAS MISSING IN THIS. IT COULD HAVE TURNED INTO SOMETHING MORE SUCCESSFUL, MORE PRODUCTIVE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN JENNIFER'S SUBORDINATES AND HERSELF. THEY COULD GIVE HER REAL-LIFE EXAMPLES OF WHERE SHE WENT WRONG. THEY WOULD ALLOW HER THE OPPORTUNITY TO, IN REAL TIME, SPEAK TO THOSE EXAMPLES AND DEFEND HERSELF OR TAKE ACCOUNTABILITY FOR THEM. I HAVE SEEN BOTH SCENARIOS HAPPEN WHEN HAVING THESE IN PERSON MEDIATION DISCUSSIONS. >> AN OPPORTUNITY MISSED, FOR SURE. DURING THE FIRST PIP, THE JENNIFER COMPLETE ALL THE ACTIONS THAT WERE IDENTIFED? >> YES, SHE DID. >> SHE DID COMPLETE THEM. CAN YOU RESTATE THOSE FOR ME? >> ONE OF THEM WAS SENDING A MESSAGE TO HER STAFF, LETTING THEM KNOW THAT THEY CAN STILL REACH OUT TO Y'ALL COMMISSIONERS AS Y'ALL ARE THE , BY LAW, I THINK YOU ARE THE POINT OF CONTACT FOR TRANSPORTATION, ROADS, AND CONCERNS. THERE WAS A DIRECTIVE FOR HER TO COMPLETE SOME TRAINING , VIA TRAINING WE PROVIDED TO HER CALLED DO'S AND DON'TS OF DELEGATION, OFFERED BY OUR EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. SHE WAS TO REACH OUT TO SOME TEAM MEMBERS TO GAUGE THEIR FEEDBACK ON HOW HER COMMUNICATION WAS PERCEIVED BY THEM BASED ON RECENT COMMUNICATIONS. SHE WAS TO REACH OUT TO THE PURCHASING AGENT TO ENSURE THAT SHE WAS NOT LISTED AS A COMMITTEE MEMBER FOR CONSORT ENGINEERING, WHICH WAS HER PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT. SHE WAS ALSO TO COMPLETE A TRAINING CALLED BEING A LIKABLE BOSS. THAT WAS ALSO OFFERED THROUGH OUR EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. SHE WAS TO REACH OUT TO THE CIVIL DIVISION FOR BEST PRACTICES ON AGENDA MANAGEMENT, AS I THINK THERE WERE SOME CONCERNS THAT HE WAS -- SHE WAS PULLING AGENDA ITEMS TOO CLOSE TO LAST-MINUTE. >> HAS SHE COMPLETED ALL THOSE? THAT WAS QUITE A LIST. WERE THE CONCERNS THAT CAME FROM CONTRACTORS? >> I DID NOT DIRECTLY HEAR THEM. I THINK THERE WERE SOME CONCERNS BROUGHT UP ON THOSE. >> BUT NOTHING THAT PERCOLATED INTO FACTS IN SOME KIND OF DOCUMENTATION THAT MADE IT TO HER OPPORTUNITY TO IMPROVE ON. NOT BEING CRITICAL OF THE DIALOGUE, BUT IT WAS JUST TALK . I CAN SAY 500 PEOPLE CALLED ME WHEN IN FACT ONE PERSON CALLED [03:55:01] ME OR NO ONE CALLED ME. IT JUST WOULD HAVE SOUNDED GOOD AT 500 PEOPLE WOULD HAVE CALLED ME. SO A DOCUMENTED COMPLAINT IS NOT PART OF HER PROCESS. IS THAT RIGHT? >> I HAVEN'T SEEN ONE. >> IN YOUR OPINION, WAS THIS INVESTIGATION TAKEN WITH THE HIGHEST INDUSTRY STANDARDS FOR HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT? I KNOW THAT IS A TOUGH QUESTION, BUT I HAVE TO ASK IT. >> WHEN YOU SEE INVESTIGATION, WHAT DO YOU MEAN? >> I BELIEVE THERE IS AN INVESTIGATORY PROCESS IN PART TO YOUR JOB TO FAIR EATING OUT ALL THE DETAILS TO TRY TO UNDERSTAND AND CHECK FOR VALIDITY, THOSE KINDS OF PIECES. WOULD YOU SAY THAT THIS OVERALL PROCESS WITH MANAGING A POTENTIAL EXIT FOR JENNIFER , WAS IT HANDLED TO INDUSTRY STANDARDS IN THE HUMAN RESOURCES WORLD ? >> I WAS GOING OFF OF THE INFORMATION THAT WAS PROVIDED TO ME BY COMMISSIONERS RELATED TO EXTERNAL PARTY COMPONENTS . IN REGARDS TO THE EMPLOYEE COMMENTS, I WAS TRYING TO PROTECT THEIR IDENTITY BY NOT GOING DIRECTLY TO JENNIFER AND TELLING THEM WHAT EACH PERSON SAID, WHICH IN A NORMAL INVESTIGATION, AT ONE POINT, THAT WOULD BE REVEALED TO THE RESPONDENT. >> SO ALLOW ME TO RESTATE TO SEE IF IT MAKES SENSE, IF I UNDERSTOOD IT CORRECTLY. COMMISSIONERS GAVE YOU PARAMETERS THAT WERE MORE RESTRICTIVE IN THIS PROCESS THAT PREVENTED YOU FROM CONDUCTING AN INVESTIGATION, AS WE GO INTO, AS INDUSTRY STANDARDS WOULD TYPICALLY AFFORD YOU. >> I WOULDN'T SAY THERE WERE RESTRICTIONS. >> LIMITATIONS. >> I COULD HAVE ASKED IF I COULD HAVE SEEN THOSE DOCUMENTATIONS OR COMPLAINTS FROM EXTERNAL PARTIES. >> I WANT THE VIEWING PUBLIC TO UNDERSTAND, THIS USUALLY HAPPENS IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. WE ARE NOT SHOWBOATING. WE ARE TRYING TO GET TO THE BOTTOM OF DECISIONS. THESE ARE IMPORTANT DECISIONS. I DON'T WANT TO TO FEEL LIKE, OH, GOD, WHAT ARE YOU GUYS DOING? IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE COURT TO HONOR THE WISHES OF OUR COWORKERS. THIS WAS ASKED TO BE DONE IN PUBLIC. THIS IS A PUBLIC DISCUSSION BECAUSE IT WAS REQUESTED TO BE THAT, JUST AS A LITTLE DISCLAIMER. YES, JUST TO TOUCH MORE ON THAT ONE, I AM NOT SAYING THE COMMISSIONERS INTENTIONALLY TOLD YOU, BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT HR PROFESSIONALS, OR INSINUATING THAT THEY FRAMED IT SO THAT YOU WOULD BE MORE RESTRICTED THAN WAS CUSTOMARY FOR AN HR DIRECTOR TO OPERATE IN A SETTING LIKE THIS. THAT WAS APPARENTLY THE END RESULT. THAT IS KIND OF HOW I AM SEEING IT. THE NEXT QUESTION IS, THIS IS A VERY SIMPLE ONE , SO I WILL SAVE THAT FOR LAST. WHAT KIND OF MESSAGE ARE WE SENDING TO THE PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSE AROUND THE STATE AND COUNTRY IF WE BRING YOU TALENTED PEOPLE IN AND WE DO NOT SUPPORT THEM AS WE SHOULD ? SO MY FINAL QUESTION TO YOU IS THIS: DO YOU THROUGH YOUR PROFESSIONAL LENS RECOMMEND TERMINATION? >> I THINK WE NEED TO SET UP A PROCESS FOR EVALUATING DIRECTORS SO THAT IT IS MORE HOLISTIC. TYPICALLY IN MY EXPERIENCE, EVALUATIONS OF DIRECTORS ARE DONE EITHER BY A SUPERIOR WITH INPUT FROM DEPARTMENTAL GOALS THAT ARE SET UP FOR THE DEPARTMENTS AND THEIR PERFORMANCE IS BASED ON THAT. I HAVE SEEN SITUATIONS WHERE THEIR DIRECT REPORTS FEEDBACK IS VALUED, BUT IT IS ONLY A PIECE OF THE PERFORMANCE. I THINK THAT MY RECOMMENDATION WOULD BE TO, IN THE FUTURE, IF WE DO DECIDE TO MOVE WITH DISCHARGE, THAT WE SET UP A PROCESS MOVING FORWARD WHERE HE CAN BE MORE HOLISTIC FOR DIRECTORS COMING IN TO BE EVALUATED NOT JUST ON THEIR SUBORDINATES, BUT ALSO ON GOALS SET UP FOR THE DEPARTMENTS AND THINGS THAT ARE SPECIFIC, MEASURABLE, REALISTIC, AND THINGS OF THAT NATURE. >> WHEN WE ARE DONE HERE, I AM GOING TO HAVE TO DEFEND THIS TO THE COMMUNITY. IT SEEMS THAT FROM MY VANTAGE POINT WITH THE [04:00:01] THINGS I HAVE SEEN , AND I AM THE COUNTY JUDGE, FOR CRYING OUT LOUD , I AM ASKED TO VOTE ON THIS AND MAKE A DECISION. I WAS SUPPOSED TO BE PRIVY TO ALL THE DETAILS. IT SEEMS AS THOUGH IT HAS BEEN A BOTTOM-UP RESPONSE INSTEAD OF A HOLISTIC RESPONSE. THAT IS WHAT YOU ARE DESCRIBING. >> THE PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT PLAN WAS MORE FOCUSED ON SUBORDINATE FEEDBACK AND THE GOALS THAT WERE SET UP. >> TO BE FAIR TO THE COMMISSIONERS, BECAUSE I HAVE SIX QUESTIONS PRELOADED I WANT TO GIVE YOU GUYS A CHANCE TO WEIGH IN ON ANYTHING I SAID. IF THERE IS ANYTHING YOU WANT CLARIFICATION ON, I WANT TO WALK THROUGH THIS HOLISTICALLY AS BEST AS POSSIBLE. I DID PRESENT A PERSPECTIVE. YOU DESERVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO THINK ABOUT IT IF YOU WANT TO. >> YOU KNOW, WHEN THIS DISCUSSION FIRST STARTED, I WOULD SAY ALMOST 30 DAYS INTO HER EMPLOYMENT , I WAS AT THAT TIME , WHAT ARE WE DOING? EVERYTHING THAT WAS SAID AT COURT THAT DAY WAS ALL NEWS TO ME. I BELIEVE I WAS THE ONE WHO ADVOCATED FOR , LET'S DO THE PIP. THAT IDENTIFY WHAT IS GOING ON. WHERE CAN WE HELP HER BE -- BY BEING A MORE SUPPORTIVE COURT? I AM ON THE OTHER END FROM WHERE COMMISSIONER SMITH WAS. IT MAKES SENSE THAT THE TWO WAS -- OF US PARTICIPATED IN THAT PIP EVERY WEEK, GOING OVER WHETHER SHE WAS SUCCESSFUL EACH WEEK. SHE WAS THREE OUT OF THE FOUR CAK. AND THEN HE CAME BACK TO COURT. WE CONTINUED TO WORK WITH THE DEPARTMENT. JENNIFER COMING INTO TRANSPORTATION, IT IS A DIFFERENT CULTURE THERE. IT HAS BEEN RAN A CERTAIN WAY FOR A VERY LONG TIME. SHE IS THE FIRST WOMAN TRANSPORTATION DIRECTOR. I SAW THIS AS HER TRYING TO REIN IN ALL THESE PIECES, TRYING TO GET A HANDLE ON WHAT WAS GOING ON THERE. I KNEW IT WAS GOING TO BE A CHALLENGE, WHICH IS WHY WE AS A COURT WANTED TO WORK WITH HER, WORK WITH THE DEPARTMENT , TO SEE IF WE COULD GET TO A BETTER PLACE. NOW IT HAS BEEN THREE MONTHS , I THINK, SINCE THE WHOLE PROCESS STARTED. IT DOESN'T SOUND LIKE WE ARE IN A BETTER POSITION FROM THE STAFF SIDE. I DID TALK TO SOMEONE LAST NIGHT JUST TO GET A LITTLE BIT MORE INPUT FOR MYSELF. THEY FELT , IT WASN'T THAT THEY WERE AGAINST CHANGE ; IT WAS THE WAY IT WAS BEING DELIVERED. IT WASN'T MOTIVATING PEOPLE TO WANT TO FOLLOW HER IS HOW I GOT THAT. I THINK ME BEING ON THE OTHER END OF THIS FROM COMMISSIONER SMITH AND WHERE HE STARTED , I THOUGHT IT WAS A GOOD WAY FOR US TO GO THROUGH THIS PROCESS TOGETHER SO I COULD REALLY , I WANT JENNIFER TO SUCCEED. I ALWAYS HAVE. I UNDERSTOOD AS A LEADER THAT COMING INTO THIS, IT WAS GOING TO BE DIFFICULT. BUT WE STILL NEED TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THIS. THERE ARE TOO MANY THINGS AT STAKE HERE IN TRANSPORTATION. >> COMMISSIONER HAMMER? I GAVE ALL OF THESE PERSPECTIVES FOR CLARIFICATION FOR MY BENEFIT. I MAY HAVE TOUCHED ON SOMETHING THAT YOU WANT TO REPLY TO OR ADD TO. I WANT TO GIVE YOU THAT SPACE. >> SOMETHING THAT WAS MENTIONED WAS THAT IT WAS ONLY FROM A SUBORDINATE LEVEL THAT IT WAS DISCUSSED. THE PEOPLE WHO BROUGHT THIS TO OUR ATTENTION IN THE FIRST PLACE HAD IT FROM A DIFFERENT VIEWPOINT FROM THE START. I BELIEVE THAT US AS A STATUTORY ROAD AUTHORITY, EACH OF US IN OUR PRECINCTS, WE HAVE SOME TYPE OF DILIGENCE FOR OUR PRECINCT. I FELT THAT WASN'T REALLY RESPECTED. I FELT THERE WERE SOME SIDEBAR CONVERSATIONS AND THINGS THAT WERE HAPPENING, THAT WE WERE NOT PRIVY OF , THAT SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED. FROM MY PERSPECTIVE, THAT IS ALSO WHERE I'M COMING FROM, NOT JUST FROM THE SUBORDINATE LEVEL. I DO RESPECT THE TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT. YOU READ THAT LAST COMMENT. THERE IS NO HOPE IN TRYING TO BUILD TRUST AT THIS [04:05:04] POINT. THAT IS A BIG THING TO SAY. THAT IS NOT COMING FROM NOTHING. I 100% WANT EVERYONE TO SUCCEED. I DON'T THINK THAT , I CAME IN NEW, TOO. THERE WERE TWO NEW PEOPLE COMING INTO THIS COUNTY. I THINK IT IS MORE OF A, I DO THINK IT IS A HOLISTIC POINT OF VIEW MAC -- POINT OF VIEW FROM MY PERSPECTIVE. THAT IS HOW I FEEL. I THINK THAT COMMISSIONER SMITH AND COMMISSIONER COHEN WERE THE TWO PERFECT PEOPLE TO BE ABLE TO HAVE THIS CONVERSATION, THIS DIALOGUE. THEY HAVE THE TRUE INSIGHTS THAT I RESPECT FOR MY COLLEAGUES. >> COMMISSIONER SMITH? >> OUR EMPLOYEES ARE OUR GREATEST ASSET. I SAY THAT. WE HAVE EMPLOYEES , THEY WOULD COME CLEAN , CLEAN OUT EVERYONE WHO WORKS IN THEIR OFFICE , IF THEIR HOUSE FLOODED, EVERY EMPLOYEE WOULD COME TO CLEAN OUT THEIR HOUSE AND BE THAT PERSON. THEY TRULY CARE ABOUT EACH OTHER. WHAT WE HAVE IN THIS SITUATION IS , IN MY VIEW, A DIRECTOR THE EMPLOYEES DO NOT FEEL LIKE CARE ABOUT THEM AT ALL. I KNOW THAT SOUNDS LIKE, IT IS NOT AN EASILY TANGIBLE THING TO MEASURE. WE HAVE HAD NUMEROUS DISCUSSIONS. FOR BACKGROUND AND TO CLARIFY EVEN MORE SOME OF COMMISSIONER COHEN'S STATEMENTS, WE WORKED EVERY WEEK ON THE INITIAL PIP AND THE EVALUATIONS TOO AND THE SECONDARY PIP TO TRY TO IDENTIFY REAL INDIVIDUAL INSTANCES WHERE , IS THIS OKAY? IS THIS HOW YOU WOULD HAVE HANDLED THE SITUATION? DO YOU FEEL LIKE THIS WAS THE RIGHT WAY TO HANDLE SOMETHING? USING THOSE REAL-WORLD EXAMPLES . I WAS SERIOUSLY HOPING WE WOULD SEE IMPROVEMENT , ESPECIALLY DURING THE SECONDARY PIP. I THINK THAT THE BIGGEST ASSET THAT WE HAVE, AND I HAVE HAD MEETINGS WITH SOME OF OUR OUTSIDE PARTNERS YESTERDAY -- AND BY OUTSIDE PARTNERS, I MEAN OUR GOVERNMENTAL PARTNERS -- THE BIGGEST ASSETS WE HAVE AS FAR AS FUNCTIONALLY GETTING PROJECTS DONE AND WORKING IN OUR COMMUNITY IS TO WORK WITH THOSE INDIVIDUAL COMMUNITIES, THOSE INDIVIDUAL CITIES, WITH THE STATE. I CAN TELL YOU THAT I HAVE ASKED IN THEIR ESTIMATION , AND THEY DON'T FEEL AS THOUGH THEY HAVE THE WORKING RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR DIRECTOR THAT THEY HAD WITH THE PREVIOUS ONE. THEY HAVE STATED THAT THEY DON'T THINK TIME WILL FIX THAT. IS NOT A RELATIVE , NOT AN OUTCOME OF TIME. IT IS AN OUTCOME OF INTERACTIONS. >> THANK YOU, SIR. >> I HAVE THOSE CONCERNS. >> NOW I WILL GIVE JENNIFER AN OPPORTUNITY TO SAY WHATEVER YOU NEED TO SAY, HOWEVER YOU WANT TO SAY IT, WHETHER IT BE A RESPONSE OR A STATEMENT. THE TIME, THE MOMENT IS YOURS. PLEASE. >> JENNIFER MOCZYGEMBA, FOR NOW THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION. I'M NOT SURE IF I WILL START WITH MY GENERAL COMMENTS FIRST, OR IF I WANT TO TALK ABOUT PARTICULARS. I THINK I DO WANT TO MENTION THAT , FOR ONE , THIS IS THE FIRST TIME , TODAY, THAT I HAVE SEEN THE SURVEY RESULTS THAT WERE GIVEN. I HAD NOT SEEN THOSE RESULTS. THIS IS ALSO THE FIRST TIME I HAVE SEEN THOSE INDIVIDUAL COMMENTS. I WAS NEVER GIVEN THOSE. IN TERMS OF GIVING THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE ABLE TO ACTUALLY HAVE THESE CONVERSATIONS WITH PEOPLE LIKE ERIC TALKED ABOUT AND HAVE TWO ACTUALLY TALK TO THE PEOPLE TO FIND OUT WHAT THE REAL PROBLEMS ARE , IT IS VERY HARD TO KNOW HOW TO FIX SOMETHING WHEN YOU ARE NOT GETTING THE DIRECT INFORMATION ON WHAT REALLY THE PROBLEM IS. THE COMMENT THAT YOU JUST MADE, COMMISSIONER HAMMER, ON THE SIDEBAR CONVERSATIONS WHERE MAYBE I WASN'T TAKING CONSIDERATION FOR THE PRECINCTS AND THE ROAD COMMISSIONERS, FIRST TIME I HAVE HEARD THAT COMMENT . NEVER HEARD IT BEFORE. I DON'T KNOW HOW I AM SUPPOSED TO IMPROVE AND DO BETTER WHEN I AM NOT BEING GIVEN THE INFORMATION. TO THAT, I WANT TO READ SOME OF THESE GENERAL [04:10:02] COMMENTS. THIS IS MY VIEW OF THE WHOLE THING. >> ABSOLUTELY. I JUST WANT TO CHIME IN FOR HALF A SECOND. FEEL FREE TO TAKE ALL THE TIME YOU WANT. THERE IS NO TIMER, NO CONCERN FOR ANYTHING BUT YOU TO TAKE A DEEP BREATH, TAKE YOUR TIME, AND SPEAK WHATEVER YOU HAVE. OKAY? FEEL THE COMFORT . I AM HOPING TO EXTEND THIS COMFORT IN A SPACE THAT IS DESIGNED TO BE INTIMIDATING. >> I WILL SAY THAT I GREATLY ENJOY THE WORK AND THE OPPORTUNITY THAT COMES WITH A GROWING COUNTY. I HAVE BEEN HELPFUL TO THE COURT IN FINDING A PASS FORWARD FOR THE NEXT SET OF PROJECTS. FOR THE NULLIFICATION OF THE BOND ELECTION, I HAVE WORKED WITH STAFF AND CONSULTANTS IMPROVE CASH FLOWS AND PROVIDE INFORMATION AND BUDGET TO HELP THE COUNTY CONTINUE TO MOVE THESE NOT -- THESE MUCH-NEEDED PROJECTS FORWARD. I HAVE RELIED ON STAFF TO SUPPORT ME, AS I HAVE HAD TO LEARN ALL THE TASKS THAT THE TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT PROVIDES. I ALSO HAD TO LEARN ABOUT ALL OF THIS IN A TWO-MONTH TIMEFRAME IN ORDER TO DEVELOP A REALISTIC BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026. THIS REQUIRED A TEAM EFFORT. ALL OF THE INDIVIDUALS PROVIDED ME WITH THEIR INPUTS ON THE BUDGET TOO I JUST LOOKED AT THEM, OVER VIEWED, COMPILED SOME QUESTIONS, AND BROUGHT THEM TOGETHER. THEY WERE ALL DONE BY THE INDIVIDUALS. IN THAT SIX MONTHS, WE HAVE ALSO FILLED MANY POSITIONS THAT HAVE BEEN VACANT. WE HAVE RETAINED THOSE EMPLOYEES. SUCCESSION OF A 30 YEAR DIRECTOR IS DIFFICULT . THAT HAVING A TRANSITION PERIOD WITH THAT DIRECTOR, WITH BOTH OF US WORKING TOGETHER, MADE BUYING INTO A NEW MANAGEMENT STYLE EVEN MORE DIFFICULT. I HAVE LARGELY MAINTAINED THE STRUCTURE THAT EXISTED AND HAVE TAKEN THE APPROACH OF MAKING SMALL CHANGES WITHIN THAT STRUCTURE AND STAFF. ONE DIRECT REPORT CHOSE TO RETIRE, BUT ALL OTHERS REMAIN. I ENJOY AND AM THANKFUL FOR THE STAFF IN PLACE TODAY AND HAVE NO PLANS TO MAKE ANY SIGNIFICANT CHANGES. I SUPPORT STAFF . WHILE I WOULD LIKE TO STAY INFORMED AND ENGAGED IN ALL ASPECTS OF THE DEPARTMENT I LEAVE A LARGE PART OF HIS DECISION-MAKING TO STAFF. -- THE DECISION-MAKING TO STAFF. THIS MAY HAVE BEEN SEEN DIFFERENTLY WHEN I WAS TRYING TO UNDERSTAND THE JOB, THAT I AM REFERRING TO ME STAYING ENGAGED WITH WHAT IS GOING ON. I DON'T COMPLETELY DISENGAGE FROM WHAT IS GOING ON IN THE DEPARTMENT. I FEEL THAT IS MY RESPONSIBILITY. MY BELIEF IS THAT THE CONCERNS THAT HAVE BEEN STATED ARE LARGELY JUST A DIFFERENCE IN OPINION OF MANAGEMENT STYLE. FOR EXAMPLE, I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT I HAVE NOT BEEN IN THE OFFICE ENOUGH. I HAVE ALSO BEEN TOLD THAT I AM IN THE OFFICE TOO MUCH AND SHOULD BE OUT IN THE FIELD MORE. IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO SATISFY BOTH OF THESE OPINIONS. I BELIEVE IT IS MY JOB AS THE DIRECTOR TO BALANCE THESE OPINIONS IN A WAY THAT REFLECTS MY STYLE BEST AND PROVIDES FOR THE BEST WORK ENVIRONMENT. SO I KNOW THAT DELIVERY HAS NOT ALWAYS BEEN MY STRONG SUIT. THAT IS ESPECIALLY BEING UNDER A LOT OF STRESS BY BEING UNDER A PIP TWO MONTHS AFTER STARTING THIS JOB. I WAS TRYING TO LEARN THE JOB AND I WAS ALREADY BEING CALLED OUT AND WATCHED . I APOLOGIZE IF I OVERREACTED TO ANYBODY SAYING SOMETHING TO ME AS THE STRESS LEVELS WERE A LITTLE HIGH. I HAVE BEEN WORKING TO IMPROVE THAT. ALL I CAN CONTROL, THOUGH, IS MY INTENT. FOR EXAMPLE, HYPOTHETICALLY, IF I DECIDED TO GO TAKE A DRIVE OUT TO WHERE ONE OF THE CREWS ARE WORKING, MY INTENT IS TO GO SEE THEM IN ACTION, SAY HELLO, MAKE SURE THAT THEY HAVE WHAT THEY NEED TO DO THE JOB. SOME ON THAT CREW MAY APPRECIATE ME BEING OUT IN THE FIELD, WHILE OTHERS MAY NOT REALLY CARE AND OTHERS MAY QUESTION WHY I WAS THERE. WAS THERE A COMPLAINT ? IS SHE CHECKING UP ON US? THE BEST WAY TO IMPROVE THIS IS WITH EATING TO KNOW EACH OTHER OVER TIME . THERE HAVE TO BE TESTS WHERE I'M GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO NOT JUST TALK THE TALK, BUT WALKS THE WALK. THIS BUILDS TRUST. THOSE TESTS WILL OCCUR OVER TIME. I WANT TO KNOW EVERY PERSON IN THE DEPARTMENT, BUT I AM ALSO RESPECTFUL OF THEIR TIME AND THE NEED FOR US TO GET JOB DONE. THIS IS BUSY SEASON. [04:15:05] WE ARE MOVING, PAVING, AND ALL OF THAT HAS TO STILL OCCUR. I HOPE I HAVE MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO INTERACT WITH THEM IN THE SLOWER MONTHS. THERE IS STILL THE INTENT TO REACH OUT AND TALK WITH THEM. I DO TRY TO BE RESPECTFUL OF THE WORK WE NEED TO GET DONE. I HAVE STARTED PLANTING SEEDS THAT I HOPE TO CONTINUE TO ATTEND WITH STAFF TO REALLY PROPEL THE DEPARTMENT FORWARD, LENDING OLD AND NEW TO BE THE MOST EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE IN MAINTAINING OUR ROADS FOR THE USERS IN HAYS COUNTY. AND THEN IN READING SOME OF THE COMMENTS, I CAN SAY A LITTLE BIT ABOUT HAVING HIGH EXPECTATIONS OF STAFF. I DO EXPECT POLICIES TO BE FOLLOWED. I DO EXPECT DEADLINES TO BE MET AND FOR THERE TO BE EMPLOYEES SHOWING CLEAR PROGRESS ON LONG-TERM PROJECTS. I DO RELY ON THEIR EXPERTISE WHERE I DO NOT HAVE THAT MYSELF. THAT IS SO I CAN MAKE GOOD DECISIONS. IN MOST CASES, WHEN SOMETHING COMES TO ME, IT IS ONLY WHEN THEY ARE ASKING ME A QUESTION ABOUT WHAT THEY NEED TO DO. THEY ARE LOOKING FOR MY APPROVAL. YET I SEE SOME OF THE COMMENTS AND THE COMMENTS ARE, SHE DOESN'T COME TO US FOR INFORMATION. WELL, I DO WHEN THEY COME TO ME AND ASK FOR IT. OTHERWISE, I AM LEAVING THEM ALONE TO DO THEIR JOBS AS THEY KNOW HOW TO DO THEM. I AM NOT INTERFERING WITH THAT , ONLY WHEN THEY COME IN AND ASK FOR IT. THEN IF I ASK THEM QUESTIONS, IT SEEMS LIKE SOME PEOPLE TAKE THAT AS I AM QUESTIONING THEIR KNOWLEDGE, WHERE MY INTENT IS FOR ME TO UNDERSTAND WHAT THE HISTORY IS, BUT THE PROCESS HAS BEEN, AND HOW TO BEST ANSWER THE QUESTION THAT YOU BROUGHT TO ME. AS FAR AS ADDRESSING SOME OF THE PARTICULARS IN THIS LATEST PIP, ITEM 3 , THE VISION MISSION AND GOALS, WE SAT DOWN TOGETHER AS A TEAM AND USED THE EXISTING MISSION STATEMENT. WE TALKED ABOUT REWRITING, ACHING SOME ADJUSTMENTS TO THAT MISSION STATEMENT. WE DEVELOPED GOALS FOR THAT. WE PROVIDED THE DOCUMENT TO THE BUDGET OFFICE AS PART OF OUR BUDGET PROCESS. WE ALSO WORKED TOGETHER TO DISCUSS THE HAZARD AND INCIDENT RESPONSE SURVEYS THAT WE ARE HAVING TO DO WITH MIKE JONES. WE ALSO WERE DEVELOPING SOME OF THOSE POSSIBLE ROLES THAT TRANSPORTATION WOULD PLAY AND SHOULD PROVIDE AND COMMENT FOR THOSE SURVEYS. AS FOR ITEMS TWO AND FIVE BOTH, WE HAVE BEEN TRYING TO LOOK FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO BE ABLE TO BRING THE GROUP TOGETHER. GIVEN THAT THEY ARE BUSY, THERE IS A PLANNED BREAKFAST FOR THE 25TH IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS , WHERE WE ARE BRINGING IN ALL THE CREWS TOGETHER TO DO ONE OF THE BREAKFASTS AND LEARNING. I HAD ASKED FOR SOME TIME AT THE BEGINNING OF THAT TO BE ABLE TO TALK TO PEOPLE AND INTRODUCE MYSELF. THAT HAS NOT HAPPENED. WE ALSO HAVE MONTHLY STAFF MEETINGS . WE HAD A MEETING YESTERDAY. ONLY THREE PEOPLE SHOWED UP. ONE OF THOSE WAS A NOTETAKER WHO IS NOT A DIRECT REPORT. WE'VE GOT MONTHLY, LET'S SEE, WE ARE LOOKING AT DOING QUARTERLY EVENTS ON TOP OF THE BREAKFAST TO TRY TO GET MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR STAFF. I BELIEVE IN THE PAST THEY HAVE DONE ONE BIG GET TOGETHER AROUND THE HOLIDAYS WHEN IT IS SLOW AND THEY CAN GET EVERYBODY IN FROM THE FIELD . WE WOULD LIKE TO DO THAT, I WOULD LIKE TO DO THAT ON A QUARTERLY BASIS. IN THOSE STAFF MEETINGS, I COVER ITEMS FROM THE COMMISSIONERS COURT MEETINGS THAT MIGHT BE OF INTEREST TO THEM OR HELPFUL TO THEM, SOME HR CHANGES THAT HAVE HAPPENED , ANYTHING THAT MIGHT APPLY TO THEM. WE TALK ABOUT PERSONNEL. TALK ABOUT THE BUDGET. WE HAVE INDIVIDUAL REPORTS FROM EACH OF MY INDIVIDUAL DIRECT REPORTS. WHAT I AM ALSO SEEING IS THAT I DON'T THINK THERE IS A GOOD UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN MY DIFFERENT DIRECT REPORTS, BECAUSE THEY DO VERY DIFFERENT THINGS IN THE DEPARTMENT , THAT I AM NOT SURE THEY EACH UNDERSTAND WHAT THE OTHER ONE IS DOING. THAT WAS GOING TO BE ONE OF THE NEXT STEPS, TO DO PRESENTATIONS OF THOSE INDIVIDUALS AND THEIR GROUPS TO THE OTHER STAFF. I THINK THAT IS ALL I HAVE TO SAY. >> COMMISSIONER SMITH, ANYTHING TO REPLY TO ON HER PART ? I AM [04:20:06] TAKING ALL OF THIS IN STEP BY STEP TO MAKE SURE NOTHING IS LEFT UNSAID OR UNDONE. >> I DON'T THINK SO. I WOULD JUST SAY FROM A PERSONNEL STANDPOINT , FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE FIRST PIP, I TRULY BELIEVED BECAUSE OF YOUR ENGINEERING BACKGROUND AND YOUR ABILITY TO GET THINGS DONE IN A SYSTEMATIC WAY, THAT THE INDIVIDUAL ITEMS ON THAT FIRST PIP , IF THERE WAS A BOX TO CHECK TO TAKE A TRAINING OR A BOX TO CHECK, I DID NOT DOUBT THAT THOSE WERE GOING TO GET DONE. I KNEW THAT YOU COULD BE SUCCESSFUL. WHERE I REALLY HAVE CONCERNS STILL IS THOSE INTANGIBLES. WHENEVER WE HAVE THOSE CONVERSATIONS , YOUR EMPLOYEES DO NOT FEEL COMFORTABLE INTERACTING WITH YOU BECAUSE OF THE RESPONSES YOU HAVE GIVEN IN THE PAST. AFTER SEVEN MONTHS, I THINK IT IS VERY TELLING AND CONCERNING TO ME WHEN IN THOSE PIP MEETINGS, WE DISCUSSED ABOUT MEETING ALL OF YOUR EMPLOYEES AND GOING OUT WITH THE CREWS AND HAVING THOSE INTERACTIONS . AT THE END OF SEVEN MONTHS, WE GET TO THAT WHERE YOU ARE INTRODUCING YOURSELF TO YOUR EMPLOYEES. I THINK THAT IS PART OF THE ISSUE INTERNALLY WITH THE DEPARTMENT. THAT ISN'T NECESSARILY AN INDIVIDUAL MANAGEMENT ITEM. THAT IS JUST , AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL, I WENT AROUND AND WELCOMED EVERY ELECTED OFFICIAL'S OFFICE. I TRIED TO MEET EVERY EMPLOYEE WE HAVE, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO DIRECTLY REPORT TO ME AND THOSE WHO ARE MY EMPLOYEES. >> WHICH I HAVE DONE. I TALK WITH MY DIRECT REPORTS EVERY DAY. >> ABSOLUTELY. HOW MANY TOTAL EMPLOYEES DO YOU HAVE? >> 100. 100 STAFF POSITIONS. WE HAVE SOME VACANCIES. >> AS A DIRECTOR, HOW MANY EMPLOYEES DO YOU HAVE RIGHT NOW? >> I DON'T KNOW. >> I THINK THAT IS VERY TELLING. I THINK THAT IS THE POINT. THERE IS A CULTURE OF , A CULTURE WITHIN THAT DEPARTMENT. NOBODY EXPECTS YOU TO CONFORM TO THAT CULTURE 100%. NOBODY EXPECTS THAT WHENEVER A NEW DIRECTOR COMES IN, THAT THINGS ARE NOT GOING TO CHANGE. I THINK THERE IS AN EXPECTATION THAT THINGS ARE GOING TO CHANGE. GOING INTO THE SITUATION, WITH THE EMPLOYEES I HAVE TALKED TO, THEY WERE ACTUALLY EXCITED BECAUSE THEY SAW A NEW DIRECTOR IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXPAND AND DO SOME THINGS THAT MAYBE HAVING AN EMPLOYEE WHO IS HERE 29 YEARS WAS NOT WILLING TO DO OR NOT EVEN WILLING TO CONSIDER. THERE WAS A REAL SPARK WITH THEM. IT IS NOT THERE NOW. I DON'T THINK , IT IS NOT PERSONAL. I WILL TELL YOU THAT IF THERE ARE ANY MORE COMMENTS , I AM GOING TO MOVE FOR TERMINATION. >> I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE ALL GOOD WITH THAT PIECE. ANYTHING ELSE TO CONTRIBUTE? >> I WOULD GO WITH SOME OF WHAT HE SAID. THERE ARE SOME INTANGIBLES THAT YOU CAN'T TEACH. YOU CAN'T CHANGE ABOUT SOMEBODY. I DON'T BELIEVE , IT WAS BAFFLING TO ME WHEN WE FIRST BROUGHT THIS UP. THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL CONVERSATIONS ABOUT WHAT HAS BEEN GOING ON. WHEN WE FIRST BROUGHT IT UP, YOU HAD THE DISCONNECT FROM EVEN KNOWING THAT THIS WAS A PROBLEM. I CAN PRETTY MUCH TELL WHEN SOMEONE ISN'T A FAN OF MINE OR FEELS LIKE THAT THEY ARE UNCOMFORTABLE AROUND ME. I FEEL LIKE THERE WAS NOT TRULY A, YES, I HAVE BEEN FEELING THAT, TOO AND I NEED TO CHANGE IT. THAT WAS JUST AN INDICATOR ITSELF. DO I THINK THAT YOU CAN'T COMPLETE TASKS AND GET EVERYTHING DONE EFFICIENTLY? I THINK YOU ARE MORE THAN CAPABLE OF DOING THE TASKS AT HAND. IT IS TRULY THE INTANGIBLE PART OF THIS. >> ON THIS SIDE, ANYTHING ELSE TO CONTRIBUTE? >> JUDGE, THE REASON WHY I LOOKED AT YOU WHEN YOU ASKED AFTER YOU MADE YOUR COMMENTS IS BECAUSE I WANTED TO LEAVE THE TIME TO JENNIFER. THIS WAS ABOUT HER AND A DECISION THAT WE WILL BE MAKING SHORTLY . I WOULD JUST SAY THAT , BECAUSE IT REALLY STRUCK ME THAT WHEN WE RECEIVED THE INFORMATION REGARDING THE CONCERNS , I THINK THE MAJORITY OF US OTHER THAN THE TWO WHO WERE WORKING ON THIS, WE RECEIVED ALL THAT INFORMATION IN [04:25:06] COURT. WE WERE NOT PRIVY TO ANYTHING THAT WAS GOING ON. WHEN WE WERE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION AND NOW TODAY, WHAT I RECEIVED, I DON'T WANT ANYONE TO THINK THAT WE ALL KNEW GOING IN THAT WE KNEW ANY MORE THAN JENNIFER KNEW. WE LEARNED IN COURT A LOT OF THE THINGS THAT WERE OF CONCERN AND WE NEEDED TO ADDRESS. IT WAS IMPORTANT TO ME JUST TO SAY THAT IT IS NOT LIKE WE HAD ALL THE INFORMATION PRIOR TO THE COURT MEETING. I THINK THE MAJORITY OF US, AND I WOULD SAY COMMISSIONER HAMMER, YOU, JUDGE, AND I , WE WERE RECEIVING THE INFORMATION . THE PIP INFORMATION WAS RECEIVED BY THE COMMISSIONERS AND THEN BROUGHT TO US. I THINK OUR COLLEAGUES HAVE STATED EVERYTHING . IT IS UNFORTUNATE THAT WE ARE AT THIS POINT IN TIME. WE WILL JUST MOVE FORWARD WITH WHATEVER THE DECISION IS. >> ANY PARTING WORDS BEFORE I CALL A VOTE? >> NO. I FEEL LIKE THE DECISION WAS ALREADY MADE BEFORE ANYBODY CAME TO COURT TODAY. YOU KNOW, I CAN ONLY SAY HOW PEOPLE RELATE TO ME IN PERSON . THEY MAY RELATE ONE WAY AND THE REACTING OR SAYING SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT OTHERWISE. WITHOUT GETTING THOSE DIRECT COMMENTS TO ME , IT IS REALLY IMPOSSIBLE FOR ME TO ADDRESS. I TRIED TO ASK , OR I WAS ENCOURAGED NOT TO ASK BECAUSE IT MIGHT BE PERCEIVED AS ME TRYING TO BE RETALIATORY. SO I DON'T KNOW HOW I WAS SUPPOSED TO WORK IN THAT ENVIRONMENT. IT HAS NOT BEEN COMFORTABLE. >> I COULD NOT AGREE WITH IT MORE. I WILL GIVE MY CLOSING COMMENTS, AND THEN CALL A VOTE. I THANK YOU, JENNIFER, FOR BEING IN THIS MOMENT AND STANDING OUT AND SPEAKING AS YOU HAVE. I AM SAYING THESE COMMENTS IN GREAT PART BECAUSE OF YOUR RESPONSE. I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT THE TIME YOU TOOK TO CRAFT THESE RESPONSES , AND THAT WE HAVE ALL SEEN , SOME OF US MORE INFORMATION THAN OTHERS, BUT NEVERTHELESS I HAVE SEEN THIS WHOLE PICTURE FOR THE FIRST TIME WAS CLEARLY RIGHT NOW BECAUSE OF YOUR FINAL COMMENTS . I FEEL WE AS A COUNTY HAVE SET YOU UP IN A WAY THAT IS NOT AS FRUITFUL AS I WOULD HAVE LIKED. I WOULD HAVE WISHED FOR A SETTING THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN A LITTLE MORE FREE FOR ME TO SPEAK . SO I WILL BE RESTRAINED IN THIS MOMENT. THAT IS NOT TO SAY I WANT TO LATER. MY POINT IS, I AM HIGHLY DISAPPOINTED WITH THE OUTCOME, HIGHLY DISAPPOINTED WITH THE PROCESS. I CONSIDER MYSELF AN ETERNAL OPTIMIST . I AM OPERATING FROM THE LENS OF DON'T FIRE THEM, FIRE THEM UP APPROACH. TWO-MONTH SIN, YOU WERE PUT ON A PIP. COME ON. IT WAS LIMITED AND LOPSIDED . I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH THE OUTCOME. I WILL ASK JUST ONE LAST TIME , AND A HEAD NOD WILL BE ENOUGH, DO YOU BELIEVE IN YOUR PROFESSIONAL OPINION, SHE SHOULD BE TERMINATED? HEAD NOD YES, HAD NOT KNOW -- NO ? ERIC SAID NO. PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> THERE WAS A MOTION, NO SECOND. >> YOU MADE THE MOTION TO TERMINATE. SORRY, WHO'S GOT THE SECOND FOR THE TERMINATION MOTION? >> SECOND . >> THANK YOU. GO AHEAD. >> COMMISSIONER INGALSBE? >> YES. >> COMMISSIONER SMITH? >> YES. >> COMMISSIONER COHEN? >> YES. >> COMMISSIONER HAMMER? >> YES. >> JUDGE BECERRA? >> NO. I AM SORRY THAT THIS WAS [K. EXECUTIVE SESSIONS] THE OUTCOME. I HAVE LIVED IN SPACES WHERE THE OUTCOME WAS NOT INDICATIVE OF THE EFFORT. I AM SORRY. PLEASE OPEN K1. >> EXECUTIVE SESSION PURSUANT TO THE TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE, CONSULTATION WITH COUNSEL AND DELIBERATION REGARDING THE PURCHASE, EXCHANGE, LEASE, OR VALUE OF REAL PROPERTY ASSOCIATED WITH PARKS AND OPEN SPACE PROJECTS BEING CONSIDERED BY HAYS COUNTY. SENTINEL PEAK. POSSIBLE DISCUSSION OR ACTION MAY BE FOLLOWED SOME PAPERS , SINCE I DID NOT HAVE TIME DURING [04:30:01] THE EXECUTIVE SESSION TO SIGN THEM WE READY? MY PLEASURE. >> WE ARE BACK FROM A VERY SHORT UPDATE FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING PARKS AND OPEN SPACE. THERE IS NO ACTION REQUIRED. * This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.