[00:00:04]
>> ALL RIGHT IT IS 9:00. I'D LIKE TO CALL -- I. WOULD --
[A. CALL TO ORDER]
ONE MORE SECOND. THERE IT IS.A VERY GOOD MORNING TO YOU ALL. I'D LIKE TO CALL THIS MEETING TO ORDER. THIS MORNING'S INVOCATION WILL NOT BE LED BY OUR VERY OWN PASTOR DARIUS TODD AND INSTEAD OUR VERY OWN COMMISSIONER HAMMER IF YOU WOULD PLEASE ALL RISE.
HERE'S GOOD. >> DEAR GOD THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS BEAUTIFUL DAY. THANK YOU FOR GIVING US THE PRIVILEGE TO MAKE THE RIGHT DECISIONS.
DEAR LORD THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING THAT YOU DO FOR OUR FAMILIES. PLEASE GIVE US THE FORTITUDE AND DISCERNMENT TO MAKE THE RIGHT DECISIONS.
PLEASE GIVE US THE WILL OF YOU. IN JESUS' NAME AMEN.
>> SPEAKER-01: THANK. >> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER.
I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.
HONOR THE TEXAS FLAG; I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THEE, TEXAS, ONE STATE UNDER GOD, ONE AND INDIVISIBLE.
>> WILL YOU PLEASE CALL THE ROLL.
>> COMMISSIONER INGALSBE. >> HERE.
>> COMMISSIONER COHEN. >> HERE.
[E. PUBLIC COMMENTS]
>> COMMISSIONER HAMMER. >> HERE.
>> COMMISSIONER SMITH. >> HERE.
WE HAVE TWO PUBLIC COMMENTS. YOU HAVE 3 MINUTES TO SPEAK.
WHEN THE TIMER GOES OFF PLEASE CONCLUDE YOUR THOUGHTS.
IF YOU WOULD PLEASE CALL THE FIRST ONE.
>> CLAIRE MARKS. >> HELLO, THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING THIS OPPORTUNITY. I'M HERE TO MAKE A PUBLIC COMMENT AGAINST AGENDA ITEM J THREE SUBDIVISION REGARDING THE PLAN 2983PC. THE PROPOSAL BEFORE THE COUNTY COMMISSIONER ASKS TO TURN LARGE TRACTS TO MORE THAN 25 LOTS AVERAGING ONE PLUS ACRES EACH IN A NEIGHBORHOOD WHOSE DEFINING ROLE -- THE MINIMUMS APPLIED TO LAND WITH IN DRIPPING SPRINGS SINCE 1977 AND IS RECORDED. I'VE BEEN A PROPERTY OWNER WITHIN DRIPPING SPRINGS BRANCH SINCE 2015.
WHEN WE PURCHASED OUR NEARLY 19-ACRE PROPERTY WE WERE MADE AWARE OF THE 5-ACRE FOR LOTS WITHIN THE RANCH.
AS PART OF OUR PURCHASE WE AGREED TO COVENANTS ONE OF WHICH PROHIBITS SUBDIVIDING ANY TRACT INTO SMALLER THAN 5 ACRES.
I SAY THIS BECAUSE IT'S A DEFINING CORE RULE OF OUR NEIGHBORHOOD. WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1977.
EVERY LOT MUST BE AT LEAST 5 ACRES.
IT'S WRITTEN INTO THE OFFICIAL LAND RECORDS AND PASSED WITH EVERY LOT EVER SINCE. OTHERS WHO BOUGHT WITHIN THE RANCH TRUSTED THIS RULE WOULD HOLD.
THIS RULE NECESSARY TO ESTABLISH A UNIFORM PLAN FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND USE OF THE SUBDIVISION FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL OWNERS. THE PROPOSED REPLANT PRESENT SIGNIFICANT POTENTIAL RISKS TO OUR NATURAL AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT. OUR SEPTIC, GROUNDWATER, TRAFFIC SAFETY, SUBJECTS THAT FALL UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF THIS COURT.
THE PROPOSED REPLANT 25 PLUS SEPTIC SYSTEMS INSTEAD OF FIVE, DRAINING TOWARDS THE CREEK AND AQUIFER THAT SUPPLIES OUR WATER MEANS MORE WELLS, MORE -- MORE RAINWATER CAPTURE IN AN AREA WHERE GROUNDWATER IS ALREADY LIMITED AND MAY WORSEN FLOODING WHERE THERE'S ALREADY A DRAINAGE PROBLEM.
THE PROPOSED REPLANT COMPROMISES THE SAFETY OF OUR COMMUNITY TO INCREASE TRAFFIC ON OUR ROADS, ESPECIALLY IN BRADY PASS, A NARROW 20-FOOT ROAD WITH A HILL, DROP OFF AND NO SHOULDER.
THE HIGH DENSITY PROPOSED REPLANT IS AGAINST THE RULES OF OUR COMMUNITY AND COMPROMISES THE SAFETY OF CURRENT PROPERTY OWNERS OF CURRENT HAYS COUNTY RESIDENTS.
WE URGE THE COUNTY TO EXAMINE THE REPLANT IN TERMS OF HOW IT REACHES THE REST OF THE COMMUNITY, ANY PATHS ACROSS CREEKS OR DRAINAGES THAT REQUIRE COUNTY REVIEW AND WE WOULD ASK THE COUNTY TO CONFIRM AND APPLY WHATEVER LIMITS ON FURTHER SUBDIVISION OUT OF THE 2020 -- 2025 REPLANT OF LOT 1B.
I URGED THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS TO EXERCISE ITS RESPONSIBILITY TO SERVE IN THE INTEREST OF CURRENT HAYS COUNTY RESIDENTS LIKE US AND OUR NEIGHBORS AND TO REJECT THE PROPOSED REPLANT FOR THESE REASONS. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
[00:05:02]
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH AND THANK YOU FOR STAYING WITHIN THAT WINDOW. WHAT I WILL DO BECAUSE YOU ARE HERE, IT'S CUSTOMARY FOR ME TO PULL AGENDA ITEMS FORWARD WHEN I HAVE AN AUDIENCE HERE SO YOU'RE NOT STUCK IN THE HORRIBLE NEVER ENDING -- I. KNOW HOW THAT'S HOW IT FEELS, BUREAUCRATIC PROCESS OF WAITING AND WAITING AND GET SOME COFFEE, YOU'RE FALLING ASLEEP ENERGY. AS SOON AS WE'RE DONE AND AS FAST AS I CAN I WILL PULL THIS AGENDA ITEM UP SO YOU CAN HEAR THE CONVERSATION JUST SO YOU KNOW.
DON'T LEAVE RIGHT AWAY. >> THANK YOU, JUDGE, I APPRECIATE THAT. I'VE GOT SEVERAL FOLKS HERE.
>> THAT'S MY STYLE AND I WILL ALWAYS DO IT.
>> LET'S READ THOSE. >> FIRST ONE FROM ERICA ROSA AND SAM MARCUS. SHE WRITES MY NAME IS ERICA ROSA UP HERE I SERVE AS COMMUNITY LIAISON FOR COMMUNITY ACTION IN CENTRAL TEXAS. ALSO THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF BREAKING BREAD OUTREACH MINISTRIES.
OVER THE PAST YEAR I HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET WITH BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROVIDERS HEALTH CARE ORGANIZATIONS, LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, HOUSING PROVIDERS AND NONPROFITS ACROSS HAYS COUNTY TO BETTER UNDERSTAND HOW WE CAN BUILD A STRONGER MORE COORDINATED SYSTEM OF CARE. ONE LESSON HAS BECOME ABUNDANTLY CLEAR. HOUSING IS NOT JUST A HOUSING ISSUE, IT'S BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ISSUE.
A PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUE AND A HEALTH CARE ISSUE.
THAT'S WHY I WANT TO EXPRESS MY STRONG SUPPORT FOR CONTINUED FUNDING FOR TEMPORARY HOUSING WITHIN THE ASSISTED OUTPATIENT TREATMENT PROGRAM. THE AOT PROGRAM RECOGNIZES SOMETHING THAT COMMUNICATES ACROSS THE COUNTRY ARE LEARNING PEER COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY ARE LEARNING -- TREATMENT ALONE IS NOT OFTEN ENOUGH.
INDIVIDUALS WITH SERIOUS MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES NEED STABILITY IF THEY'RE GOING TO REMAIN ENGAGED IN TREATMENT AND WORK TOWARDS RECOVERY. TEMPORARY SUPPORTIVE HOUSING PROVIDES THAT FOUNDATION. THE RESULTS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES. PARTICIPANTS WHO ATTEND A TI -- MANY OF WHOM -- WHOM ARE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS AND HAD LITTLE OR NO INCOME REMAIN HOUSED AND HAVE NOT REOFFENDED WHILE PARTICIPATING IN THE PROGRAM.
IS AN INCREDIBLE OUTCOME FOR THE INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED AND FOR HAYS COUNTY. THROUGH MY WORK I'VE SEEN MANY OF OUR BIGGEST CHALLENGES ARE NOT CAUSED BY LACK OF COMMITTED ORGANIZATIONS. THEY COME FROM GAPS BETWEEN OUR SYSTEMS. PROGRAMS LIKE AOT HELP BRIDGE THE GAPS BY COMBINING TREATMENT, HOUSING AND COORDINATED SUPPORT INTO A SINGLE APPROACH THAT GIVES PEOPLE A REAL OPPORTUNITY TO SUCCEED PEER CONTINUED INVESTMENT IN TEMPORARY HOUSING IS NOT SIMPLE. BY PAYING FOR A PLACE TO STAY IT PROTECTS INVESTMENT HAYS COUNTY MADE IN TREATMENT REDUCES THE LIKELIHOOD OF REPEATED CRISES IT HELPS PEOPLE MOVE TOWARDS LONG TERM STABILITY. I RESPECTFULLY ENCOURAGE THE COURT TO CONTINUE FUNDING TEMPORARY HOUSING FOR THE ASSISTED OUTPATIENT TREATMENT PROGRAM.
IT'S AN INVESTMENT IN RECOVERY, PUBLIC SAFETY AND STRONGER MORE COORDINATED COMMUNITY RESPONSE THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND CONSIDERATION. THE NEXT ONE IS FROM DEBORAH JACKSON. SHE WRITES DEAR JUDGE TRANEIGHT -- BECERRA AND MEMBERS OF THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT.
I'D LIKE TO EXPRESS OUR STRONG SUPPORT FOR CONTINUED FY 2027 FUNDING FOR HOUSING ASSISTANCE ASSOCIATED WITH THE ASSISTED OUTPATIENT TREATMENT PROGRAM AOT.
FOR INDIVIDUALS LIVING WITH SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESS, HOUSING IS OFTEN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STABILITY AND CRISIS.
MANY PARTICIPANTS ENTERING THE AOT PROGRAM COME DIRECTLY FROM INCARCERATION WITH LITTLE OR NO INCOME, LIMITED SUPPORT SYSTEMS AND NO IMMEDIATE ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING.
OBTAINING SSI OR SSDI BENEFIT CAN TAKE MONTHS WHILE MOST HOUSING PROVIDERS REQUIRE PROOF OF INCOME AND OFTEN MAINTAIN LENGTHY WAITLISTS. WITHOUT TEMPORARY SUPPORTIVE HOUSING MANY INDIVIDUALS ARE AT SIGNIFICANT RISK OF HOMELESSNESS. PSYCHIATRIC DECOMPENSATION, HOSPITALIZATION AND REENTRY INTO THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM.
RESEARCH CONSISTENTLY DEMONSTRATES THE STRONG CONNECTION BETWEEN HOMELESSNESS, MENTAL ILLNESS AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE INVOLVEMENT. INDIVIDUALS RETURNING FROM INCARCERATION EXPERIENCE HOMELESSNESS AT SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER RATES THAN THE GENERAL POPULATION.
THOSE WHO LACK STABILITY, STABLE HOUSING ARE MUCH MORE LIKELY TO HAVE FUTURE INTERACTIONS WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT AND EMERGENCY SERVICES. WE'VE SPENT MANY YEARS WORKING WITH LICENSED PERSONAL HOME CARE, ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES AND SUPPORTIVE HOUSING PROGRAMS SERVING INDIVIDUALS WITH SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESS. WE UNDERSTAND SUCCESSFUL RECOVERY REQUIRES A CONTINUUM OF HOUSING OPTIONS, SOME INDIVIDUALS NEED HIGHLY STRUCTURED -- STRUCTURED RESIDENTIAL SETTINGS WHILE OTHERS BENEFIT FROM TRANSITIONAL HOUSING THAT HELPS THEM DEVELOP THE NECESSARY SKILLS FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING. THE ULTIMATE GOAL FOR NORMALCY HELPING INDIVIDUALS LIVE SAFELY, PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITIES, MAINTAIN TREATMENT AND ACHIEVE THE GREATEST LEVEL OF
[00:10:02]
INDEPENDENCE POSSIBLE. ONE OF THE UNIQUE CONTRIBUTIONS IS ON SITE CONSULTATION AND TRAINING TO RESIDENTIAL PROVIDERS. MANY PERSONAL CARE HOMES AND ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES EMPLOY DEDICATED STAFF THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED AND SPECIALIZED BEHAVIORAL -- HEALTH TRAINING SUCH AS MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID, PSYCHIATRIC DE-ESCALATION TECHNIQUES, TRAUMA INFORMED CARE AND RECOVERY ORIENTED INTERVENTIONS. ACCESS HELPS STRENGTHEN THOSE PROGRAMS THROUGH SELF-EDUCATION, CLINICAL CONSULTATION AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF RESIDENT OR PATIENT GOVERNMENT STRUCTURES THAT TEACH COMMUNICATION SKILLS, PERSONAL OF, CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION. EXPERIENCE HAS SHOWN THAT SUPPORT REDUCES PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALIZATIONS AND INCREASED LONG TERM HOUSING STABILITY ACCESS ALSO PROVIDED CONSULTATION OFTEN AT NO COST TO OTHER PROGRAMS FACING COMPLEX CHALLENGES INVOLVING INDIVIDUALS WITH CO-OCCURRING MENTAL HEALTH, MEDICAL, LEGAL AND HOUSING NEEDS CONTINUED INVESTMENT IN HOUSING IS ALSO FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE. WHEN INDIVIDUALS ARE HOUSED SERVICES SUCH AS TRANSPORTATION, MEDICATION MANAGEMENT, HEALTH CARE ASSISTANCE AND MANAGEMENT.[F.1. Presentation of 02 2026 Compliance Training Recognition Awards. INGALSBE/GRANJENO]
>> ALL RIGHT. IF WE ARE DONE WITH ALL OF THAT, WE WILL NOW MOVE ON TO F. F ONE FOLLOWED BY F TWO.
PLEASE FOLLOW -- OPEN F ONE. >> PRESENTATION OF Q2 2026 COMPLIANCE TRAINING RECOGNITION AWARDS.
>> ALL YOURS. IF YOU WILL STATE YOUR NAME AND TITLE FOR THE VIEWING PUBLIC PLEASE.
>> MY NAME IS KAYLA DOYLE, I WORK IN THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT. I'M THE SENIOR LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST. THIS PAST QUARTER WE CONTINUED OUR COUNTY WIDE COMPLIANCE TRAINING THROUGH OUR LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, Q2 TRAINING FOCUS WAS WORKPLACE BULLYING PREVENTION AND AWARENESS WHICH SUPPORTS OUR CONTINUED COMMITMENT TO FOSTERING RESPECTFUL PROFESSIONAL AND POSITIVE WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT. I'M PROUD TO SHARE HAYS COUNTY ACHIEVED AN 83% COMPLETION RATE COUNTYWIDE REPRESENTING 1014 EMPLOYEES WHO COMPLETED ALL ASSIGNED TRAINING COURSES INCLUDING FOUR REQUIRED COURSES FOR STAFF AND FIVE FOR SUPERVISORS. SUPERVISOR PARTICIPATION REMAINS STRONG FOR 82% OF SUPERVISORS COMPLETING THEIR ADDITIONAL REQUIRED TRAINING REPRESENTING 242 SUPERVISORS ACROSS THE COUNTY. TODAY I'M HERE TO RECOGNIZE THE OFFICES AND DEPARTMENTS THAT ACHIEVE 90% OR HIGHER COMPLETION. COMMITMENT TO COMPLETING REQUIRED TRAINING HELPS ENSURE OUR EMPLOYEES ARE INFORMED, PREPARED AND EQUIPPED WITH THE KNOWLEDGE NEEDED TO CONTINUE PROVIDING EXCELLENT SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY.
I WANT TO HIGHLIGHT A FEW OUTSTANDING ACCOMPLISHMENTS FROM THIS QUARTER. 21 OUT OF 44 DEPARTMENTS ACHIEVED 100% COMPLETION MEANING NEARLY HALF OF ALL COUNTY DEPARTMENTS AND OFFICES REACHED FULL COMPLIANCE.
TRANSPORTATION ACHIEVED 100% COMPLETION WITH 85 OUT OF 85 EMPLOYEES COMPLETING ALL ASSIGNED TRAINING MAKING IT THE LARGEST DEPARTMENT TO REACH FULL COMPLETION.
THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE OUR LARGEST COUNTY OFFICE ACHIEVED AN IMPRESSIVE 90% COMPLETION RATE WITH 420 OUT OF 466 EMPLOYEES COMPLETING ALL ASSIGNED OVERALL 25 OUT OF 44 DEPARTMENTS AND OFFICES OR 57% ACHIEVED 90% OR HIGHER COMPLETION DEMONSTRATING STRONG ENGAGEMENT ACROSS THE COUNTY.
THAT'S A TREMENDOUS ACCOMPLISHMENT AND I WANT TO THANK ALL THE EMPLOYEES, SUPERVISORS AND LEADERS WHO HELPED MAKE THESE RESULTS POSSIBLE.
WHEN YOUR DEPARTMENT IS CALLED PLEASE COME UP TO THE FRONT TO RECEIVE A CERTIFICATE OR BRING YOUR CERTIFICATE UP AND STAY UP THERE BECAUSE WE WILL TAKE A GROUP PICTURE ALL TOGETHER.
STARTING OFF DEPARTMENTS WITH 100% COMPLETION WE HAVE THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE. COMMISSIONER PRECINCT ONE OFFICE PIER COMMISSIONER PRECINCT TWO OFFICE.
COMMISSIONER PRECINCT THREE OFFICE.
CONSTABLE PRECINCT FOUR OFFICE. CONSTABLE PRECINCT FIVE OFFICE.
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES, DISTRICT CLERK'S OFFICE, ELECTIONS OFFICE, EXTENSION OFFICE. HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
HUMAN RESOURCES. JUSTICE OF THE PEACE PRECINCT 2-1. JUSTICE OF THE PEACE PRECINCT 2-2. JUSTICE OF THE PEACE PRECINCT THREE. PRECINCT FIVE.
JUVENILE PROBATION. PARKS AND NATURAL RESOURCES.
THE PURCHASING OFFICE. TAX ASSESSOR COLLECTOR'S OFFICE.
TRANSPORTATION. THAT IS ALL FOR 100%.
NOW DEPARTMENTS WITH 90% OR HIGHER COMPLETION.
FACILITIES AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT WITH 95% INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AT 92%, SHERIFF'S OFFICE AT 90% AND CONSTABLE PRECINCT TWO OFFICE AT 90%. THANK YOU ALL AGAIN FOR YOUR
[00:15:02]
HARD WORK AND YOUR COMMITMENT TO TRAINING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND SERVING THE RESIDENTS OF HAYS COUNTY.[F.2. Presentation recognizing Tom Green Elementary as a Healthy School Recognized Campus for the third year in a row. COHEN/BLANKENSHIP]
>> WITH THAT WILL YOU PLEASE OPEN UP TO.
>> F2. PRESENTATION RECOGNIZING TOM GREEN ELEMENTARY AS A HEALTHY SCHOOL RECOGNIZED CAMPUS
FOR THE THIRD YEAR IN A ROW. >> PRESENTATION.
>> HELLO PIERRE GOOD MORNING. MY NAME IS KATE BLANKENSHIP WITH AGRILIFE EXTENSION OFFICE AND I'M HERE TODAY TO CONGRATULATE TOM GREEN ELEMENTARY ON BEING RECOGNIZED AS A HEALTHY SCHOOL RECOGNIZED CAMPUS FOR THE THIRD CONSECUTIVE YEAR.
THE ACHIEVEMENT REFLECTS THE SCHOOL'S ONGOING COMMITMENT TO PROMOTING HEALTH, WELLNESS AMONG STUDENTS, STAFF AND FAMILIES.
AS PART OF THE RECOGNITION REQUIREMENTS THE SCHOOL ACTIVELY PARTICIPATED IN THE WALK ACROSS TEXAS PROGRAM WHERE STUDENTS LOGGED 1977 MILES AND TEACHERS AND STAFF CONTRIBUTED 6904 MILES FOR AN IMPRESSIVE TOTAL OF 8882 MILES WALKED.
THE CAMPUS HOSTED A SUCCESSFUL WELLNESS FAIR ATTRACING APPROXIMATELY 300 PARTICIPANTS FROM THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY.
IN ADDITION ALL 680 STUDENTS PARTICIPATED IN ACT DAY WHERE THEY LEARNED ABOUT PUMPKINS CAT COMPOSTING AND CATTLE HELPING THEM BUILD A GREATER UNDERSTANDING OF AGRICULTURE AND HEALTHY FOOD SYSTEMS. PARENTS AND STAFF FURTHER SUPPORTED THE SCHOOL'S WELLNESS EFFORTS BY PARTICIPATING IN THE FOOD AND LITERACY CLASS. THROUGH THESE INITIATIVES TOM GREEN ELEMENTARY CONTINUES TO FOSTER A CULTURE OF HEALTH, EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT.
I'M HERE TODAY ALONG WITH THE P.E. TEACHER AND PRINCIPAL FOR TOM GREEN ELEMENTARY AND WE HAVE A CERTIFICATE FOR THEM AND A STICKER THAT GOES ON THEIR BANNER THAT'S HANGING IN THE G GYM. NEVER MIND, THE PRINCIPAL'S NOT
SORRY I'M MAKING NOTES. DEPARTMENT HEADS ARE TEXTING ME THINGS AND I'M MAKING NOTES OF IT ALL.
BEFORE WE DIVE INTO THE AGENDA, SCOTT, WE HAVE A WORKSHOP AT 11 YET I SEE FOR THE FIRST TIME THE SCHEDULE STARTS AT 11:30.
WHAT'S YOUR PLAN IN THAT FIRST HALF HOUR? IS THERE ONE? IF NOT I WANT TO TIGHTEN IT UP.
>> YES JUDGE. I WAS THINKING IT WAS GOING TO START AT 11 AS WELL. I DO KNOW WE HAVE A PRESENTATION WE WERE GOING TO GIVE. ERIC WAS GOING TO GIVE A SALARY STUDY JUST TO CLARIFY FOR THE COURT KIND OF WHAT WENT INTO
THAT STUDY. >> AND ERIC, WHILE I'M DIALING IN ON OUR TIME IS BECAUSE I WANT TO GIVE ALL THESE PEOPLE ON THIS LIST A PROPER HEADS UP AND IF WE CAN GET THROUGH A PRESENTATION THAT'S NOT 30 MINUTES, I WANT TO LET THEM KNOW, HEY, SHERIFF'S OFFICE, DON'T LET -- BE HERE AT 11:30, BE HERE AT 1115.
THAT'S WHY I'M ASKING THESE QUESTIONS.
PROMISE ME YOU WON'T TAKE 30 MINUTES.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH. SO OKAY JUDGING BY THAT THIS SCHEDULE I HATE TO SAY THIS, THE SCHEDULE IS OFF.
SO ANYONE WATCHING WHO HEARS, SEES, UNDERSTANDS WHO'S ON THE SCHEDULE TODAY FOR PRESENTATIONS IN THE BUDGET I WANT YOU TO
[00:20:02]
CONSIDER COMING IN EARLIER THAN ORIGINALLY PLANNED.IT'S CURRENTLY READING SHERIFF'S OFFICE 11:30, COUNTY COURT 1140.
OFFICER EMERGENCY SERVICES 1150. FIRE MARSHAL NOON.
DA'S OFFICE 1210. TAX OFFICE 1220.
BREAK THAT I DON'T THINK WE NEED.
COUNTY CLERK 1240. JP 21250P CONSTABLE PRECINCT FIVE 1:00. MY AIM AND HOPE IS TO MOVE ALL OF THOSE UP AT LEAST 15 MINUTES. SO IF YOU COULD PLEASE COMMUNICATE WITH EVERYONE I'VE JUST MENTIONED, WE'RE GOING TO GO AHEAD OF THIS POSTED SCHEDULED -- THE SCHEDULE I JUST
[J.3.PLN-2983-PC; Hold a Public Hearing regarding the Dripping Springs Ranch, Phase 2, Lots 1B-1 - 1B-5, Replat. SMITH/BERLAD]
GOT HANDED. AS PROMISED I'M GOING TO GO J3.PLN2983 PC HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING THE DRIPPING SPRINGS RANCH PHASE TWO LOTS 1B ONE THROUGH 1B FIVE.
>> I'M OPENING THIS AGENDA ITEM FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ANYONE WISHING TO SPEAK FOR OR AGAINST THIS AGENDA ITEM, PLEASE APPROACH THE PODIUM AND I WILL LET YOU KNOW YOUR COMMENTS FROM EARLIER ARE RECORDED. WE HAVE IT LOCKED DOWN AND WE HEARD YOU LOUD AND CLEAR. IS THERE ANYONE ELSE WISHING TO SPEAK FOR OR AGAINST THIS AGENDA ITEM? PLEASE APPROACH THE -- APPROACH THE PODIUM.
WE'LL GIVE YOU 3 MINUTES. STATE YOUR NAME AND IF THERE'S A TITLE ASSOCIATED WITH YOUR PRESENCE, PLEASE USE IT.
>> THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO COME TODAY AGAINST THE PROPOSED SUBDIVISION IN DRIPPING SPRINGS RANCH LOT 1B AND 1C THREE. MY NAME IS SARAH BERNARD AND I'VE LIVED IN DRIPPING SPRINGS RANCH FOR 22 YEARS.
IT'S A PRETTY MAGICAL PLACE OF LARGE LAND AND RANCH HEADS AND DEDICATED NEIGHBORS AND A VERY ACTIVE WILDLIFE COOPERATIVE CONSISTENTLY PRAISED BY HAYS COUNTY INSPECTORS.
WE WERE DRAWN TO THE COUNTRY BY HUSBAND AND I AND EXPECTED MANY OTHERS WOULD BE SO WE SPECIFICALLY SOUGHT OUT A NEIGHBORHOOD WITH A COMMON SCHEME OF COVENANTS THAT WOULD PREVENT DENSE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT.
EVERY SINGLE LOT IN DRIPPING SPRINGS RANCH HAD COVENANTS FILED WHICH RUN WITH THE LAND WHEN IT WAS SOLD INCLUDING LOT 1C THREE THAT'S UNDER DISCUSSION TODAY.
OTHER THAN LOT 1B. IT ONLY CAME TO LIGHT WHEN OUR NEIGHBORS LISTED HIS LAND FOR SALE THAT THE DEVELOPER BRADY LOW HAD DIED BEFORE THIS SINGLE WAS SOLD.
INSTEAD PASSED VIA INHERITANCE TO HIS DAUGHTER WHO'S ELDERLY AND LIVES OUT OF STATE FOR THE LAST SEVERAL DECADES.
THE VISION FOR DRIPPING SPRINGS RANCH WAS CLEAR IN THE SCOPE AND DETAIL OF HIS COVENANTS AND ENFORCEMENT OF THEM.
MR. CORDOVA WHO OWNED THE LAND WAS ADAMANT ABOUT PROTECTING IT PRIOR TO THE SALE TO HILL COUNTRY PARCEL ONE TO INCLUDE F RICH -- RESTRICTIONS THAT MIRRORED OUR STANDARD COVENANTS.
WHILE WE KNOW THE COUNTY DOES NOT ENFORCE COVENANTS AND WERE ORGANIZED AS A NEIGHBORHOOD TO DO SO, WE ASK THE COMMISSIONERS TO CARRY THROUGH THE PLOT RESTRICTIONS AS FILED AND APPROVED BY THEM BARELY ONE YEAR AGO.
WELL UNDERSTOOD BY PARCEL ONE PRIOR TO THIS.
IN ADDITION TO PLOT RESTRICTIONS I URGE THE COMMISSIONERS TO CONSIDER THE FRAGILE LANDSCAPE WHICH INCLUDES PEER BRANCH CREEK, WATER QUALITY BUFFER ZONES, EDWARDS PLATEAU CONTRIBUTING ZONE, THE DRASTIC INCREASE FROM FIVE HOMES TO 26 PLUS REQUIRED ACCESS ROADS HAS FAR REACHING IMPLICATIONS ON SUBJECT RUNOFF, A HUGE INCREASE IN IMPERVIOUS COVER AND DOWNSTREAM STORM -- STORM DRAINAGE AND EROSION ALREADY AN ISSUE BETWEEN 1B AND LOT 1E PEER CONTAMINANTS AND GROUNDWATER RECHARGE. MERELY STATING GROUNDWATER COLLECTION AND ADVANCED SEPTIC ON THE PROPOSAL SHOULD NOT BE A HALL PASS FOR THIS TYPE OF HIGH DENSITY DEVELOPMENT.
FINALLY WHILE WE QUESTION THE LACK OF ACCESS INDICATED BETWEEN THE HOMES ON THE EAST SIDE OF PEER BRANCH CREEK AND THE MAIN SANCTUARY DEVELOPMENT OF HILL COUNTRY PARCEL ONE THAT THEY'RE LINKING WITH, AS WELL AS INCREASED TRAFFIC ON COUNTY ROAD PASS ALREADY MINIMUM LENGTH OF TWO CARS WITH NO SHOULDER ON THE NORTH SIDE AND RATHER A DRAINAGE DITCH.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TIME.
>> THANK YOU. IF YOU WILL STATE YOUR NAME AND
TITLE. >> I'M BRIAN ANDERSON ALSO A HOMEOWNER IN DRIPPING -- AND PRESIDENT OF THE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT COOPERATIVE. I AM HERE TO LOBBY AGAINST THE APPROVAL FOR THIS APPLICATION AS WELL SINCE IT'S INCONSISTENT WITH THE RESTRICTIONS. THERE'S A SIGNIFICANT RISK TO WATER QUALITY AND WILDLIFE ROADS, GROUNDWATER -- OF THE
[00:25:10]
WILDLIFE COOPERATIVE. FIRST OF ALL, IT'S COME TO MY ATTENTION THE DETAILS ON ACCESSING THAT PROPER STUDIES HAVE NOT BEEN DONE AFFECTING THE AREA FROM A GROUNDWATER PERSPECTIVE, SAFETY PERSPECTIVE AND WILDLIFE PERSPECTIVE WHICH WE'RE KEEN ON. IT APPEARS THE FISH -- AND ILLEGAL ACCESS TO ACTIVITY AND IN PROPOSED CROSSINGS -- SUCH CROSSINGS REQUIRE SEPARATE COUNTY REVIEW.PLOT MUST BE FULLY CONSISTENT AND COMPLETE AND AS SARAH MENTIONED, THERE WAS A REPLANT DONE IN 2025 UNDERSTANDING LIMITATIONS OF THE SUBDIVISION AND THOSE THINGS NEED TO BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION. THE GROUNDWATER IS A MAJOR CONCERN. THE EXISTING WELLS PERMITTED FROM LARGER TRACTS. THE DENSITY WOULD BE A SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE COMBINED WITH POTENTIAL HARVESTING THAT REDUCES RECHARGE PEER CONFLICTS AND RESPONSIBLE MAN -- MANAGEMENT OF A DROUGHT PRONE AREA AND WATER -- WATER CONSERVATION. ADDITIONAL SERVICES EXACERBATE SHORTAGES FOR EXISTING USERS. THE CUMULATIVE IMPACTS IN THE INCREASED DENSITY AS SAID MUST BE EVALUATED IN COUNTY 0SS RULES BEFORE ANY APPROVAL. HIGHER DENSITY HEIGHTENS LOADING AND CONTINUATION. SAFETY IS A MAJOR CONCERN.
IT'S A VERY SMALL ROAD AND THERE NEEDS TO BE PROPER STUDIES DONE BEFORE THIS IS APPROVED. THE HABITATS VERY IMPORTANT FROM A REPAIRING PERSPECTIVE. IT'S A BREEDING GROUND FOR THE WARBLER AN ENDANGERED SPECIES AND RELYING ON -- WHICH THIS PARCEL HAS A LOT OF. AND IT'S VERY IMPORTANT.
AN IMPORTANT CORRIDOR BREEDING GROUND, INCREASED DENSITY CLEARING, SEPTIC ROCK, NOISE, LIGHTING, PETS AND HABITAT FRAGMENTATION DEGRADE THE HABITAT AND DISRUPT AND REDUCE BIODIVERSITY. FOR WILDLIFE STEWARDSHIP.
FOR THESE REASONS IT INCOMPATIBLE WITH THE SUBDIVISION DOCUMENTS -- AND REQUIRES YOU TO DENY THE
APPLICATION. >> THANK YOU, SIR.
IS THERE ANYONE ELSE WISHING TO SPEAK FOR OR AGAINST THIS AGENDA ITEM? ANYONE ELSE? NOW GO TO THE EMAILED. START A TIMER FOR EACH.
>> THIS ONE'S FROM DOUGLAS AND SANDRA WING.
WERE WRITING TO PROTEST THE ABOVE APPLICATION TO SUBDIVIDE PEEL END H FOR TWO SIGNIFICANT REASONS.
AS OWNERS FOR 30 YEARS OF THE ABOVE PROPERTY WE OWN APPROXIMATELY 3000 OF THE YEAR ROUND CREEK AND ARE LESS THAN 1 MILE DOWNSTREAM OF THE PROPERTY UNDER THE APPLICATION.
WE FEEL THE DENSITY BEING REQUESTED WOULD DO IRREPARABLE HARM TO THE WATER QUALITY OF OUR CREEK.
26 SEPTIC SYSTEMS ON SUCH SMALL ACREAGE AND ROCKY SOILS NOT CONDUCIVE TO HIGH WATER QUALITY. ANY FAILURES OF THE SEPTIC SYSTEMS WOULD DRAIN IMMEDIATELY INTO PEER BRANCH.
WE DO NOT WANT THAT CREEK TO BE OVER FLOW OUTLET OF THE FAILED SYSTEM. OUR SECOND CONCERN IS PART OF THE REQUESTED PLAT IS ON A PARCEL OF LAND THAT'S RESTRICTED TO A SINGLE RESIDENCE PICK THE PARCELS 1C-3 AND DRIPPING SPRINGS BRANCH PHASE TWO. THE COVENANTS ON IT WERE FILED ON MARCH 23RD 2006. THE CARS WERE SPECIFICALLY RESTRICT ANY DEVELOPMENT OF THE PARCEL TO A MINIMUM OF 5 ACRES.
THE APPLICANT FOR THE ABOVE IS CLEARLY AWARE OF THE RESTRICTIONS YET IS ATTEMPTING TO CIRCUMVENT THEM.
THE WILLFUL DISREGARD OF THESE COVENANTS WE FIRMLY BELIEVE HE DOES NOT OPERATE IN GOOD FAITH AND WE QUESTION HIS INTENTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE ENTIRE PROJECT.
FOR THE ABOVE REASONS WE FIRMLY BELIEVE COUNTY SHOULD DENY APPEAL IN--- THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION.
NEXT ONE FROM TJ MOLINA. HE WRITES THANK YOU FOR GIVING US THE OPPORTUNITY TO COMMENT. WE'RE OPPOSED TO THE REPLAT OF LOTS 1B-1 THROUGH 1B-5 AND 1C-3 OF DRIPPING SPRINGS RANCH PHASE TWO INTO 261-ACRE LOTS. FOR MORE THAN 20 YEARS WE'VE LIVED ON A 12.5 TRACK DOWN THE STREET FROM THE PROPO CONDOS THAT THE APPLICANT WANTS TO BUILD ON THE LOTS.
[00:30:01]
THE OTHER HOMES IN THE RANCH NEIGHBORHOOD ARE SIMILAR TO OURS. THEY'RE ALL SUITED ON LOTS THAT EXCEED 5 ACRES WITH MOST RANGING FROM 15 TO MORE THAN 60 ACRES.TO PREVENT HIGH DENSITY DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTAIN THE CHARACTER OF LAND THE DRIPPING SPRINGS, THE ORIGINAL OWNER IMPOSED COVENANTS RUNNING WITH THE LAND RESTRICTING HOME CONSTRUCTION TO A MINIMUM OF ONE RESIDENCE PER 5 ACRES.
THE PROPOSED A CRAM FIVE TIMES THE AMOUNT OF HOMES INTO THE LAND THEN THE MAXIMUM ALLOWED BY RESTRICTIONS AND 20 TIMES MORE THAN CURRENTLY THE STANDARD COMPLETELY AT ODDS WITH THE LONG-STANDING HISTORY OF OUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
FURTHER WE'RE CONCERNED ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE THAT WILL UNDOUBTEDLY IMPACT THE AREA FROM THE CONSTRUCTION OF 26 ADDITIONAL RESIDENCES. THE SPRING FED FEAR -- PEER BRANCH RUNS THE FULL LENGTH OF DRIPPING SPRINGS RANCH NEIGHBORHOOD ALONG ONE QUARTER OF A MILE OF OUR PROPERTY.
IN RECENT YEARS INCREASED GROWTH IN THE DRAINAGE AREA LED TO -- CHOKING OUT THE AQUATIC LIFE. THE PROPOSED REPLANT AND CONSTRUCTION OF 26 CONDOS TO 26 NEW SEPTIC SYSTEMS NEAR THE HEADWATERS OF PEER BRANCH CREEK. THE WASTEWATER COMBINED WITH INCREASED RUNOFF FROM HIGHER DENSITY CONSTRUCTION WILL UNDOUBTEDLY FURTHER DEGRADE THIS BELOVED NATURAL WATER AREA.
WE HOPE THE COMMISSIONERS WILL MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO MAINTAIN THE UNIQUE TEXAS HILL COUNTRY CHARACTER AND DENY THE PROPOSED REPLANT. LAST ONE FROM TOM AND DELANEY WEBER. OUR NAMES ARE TOM AND DELANEY WEBER OF 232 CATTLE DRIVES IN DRIPPING SPRINGS THANK YOU FOR GIVING ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO COMMENT.
WE'RE A -- OPPOSED TO THE RE PLATS OF 1B-1, 1B-5 AND 1B-3.
INTO 261-ACRE LOTS WE'VE LIVED ON THE TRACK DOWN THE STREET FROM THE PROPOSED CONDOS THAT THE APPLICANTS WANT TO BUILD ON.
THE OTHER HOMES IN THE DRIPPING SPRINGS RANCH NEIGHBORHOOD ARE SIMILAR TO OURS ALL SUITED UNLOCKS AT -- LOTS THAT EXCEED -- TO PREVENT HIGH DENSITY DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTAIN CHARACTER THE DRIPPING SPRINGS RANCH THE ORIGINAL RANCH OWNER IMPOSED COVENANTS RUNNING WITH RESTRICTING HOME CONSTRUCTION TO A MAXIMUM OF ONE RESIDENT PER ACRE.
THE PROPOSED TO CRAM FIVE TIMES THE NUMBER OF LAND ON THE MAXIMUM ALLOWED IS -- THIS IS ANOTHER COPY AND PASTE.
>> THAT'S IT. >> IF THERE'S NO ADDITIONAL COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC, I WILL CLOSE THIS PUBLIC HEARING.
COMMISSIONER SMITH. >> THANK YOU, JUDGE.
I'M SINCERELY APPRECIATIVE FOR THE NEIGHBORS SHOWING UP TODAY.
I THINK I'VE MET WITH MOST OF YOU AND IF NOT I'VE SPOKEN ON THE PHONE AND THIS IS A NEIGHBORHOOD THAT I'M IMPRESSED WITH HOW THEY'VE WORKED TOGETHER WITH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE WILDLIFE COOPERATIVE AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ORIGINAL DEVELOPER OF THIS PROPERTY HAD A VISION FOR THIS AREA AND IT WAS NO LESS THAN 5-ACRE LOTS. AND ABOUT TWO YEARS AGO THE PREVIOUS OWNER OF THIS PROPERTY MR. CORDOVA ACTUALLY CAME TO COURT AND SPOKE TO US AND REQUESTED REPLATTING HIS PROPERTY AT NO LESS THAN 5 ACRES AND HE WAS GOING TO SELL IT.
HE WAS TOLD AT THAT TIME THE PURCHASER WAS NOT GOING TO DO LESS THAN 5 ACRES, THEY WERE GOING TO STAY WITH THE PLAT THAT HE DID AND SO HE WENT AHEAD AND REPLANTED HIS PROPERTY AND SOLD IT AND WE HAVE A PLAT NOTE IN THOSE DOCUMENTS THAT STATE THERE WILL BE NO LOTS LESS THAN 5 ACRES.
Y'ALL KNOW AS WELL AS I THAT UNDER STATE LAW HE HAS THE ABILITY TO REPLAT THAT PROPERTY IMMEDIATELY UPON PURCHASE.
THIS GENTLEMAN, THE DEVELOPER IS THERE ANY REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE DEVELOPER HERE TODAY? I THINK THAT'S VERY TELLING.
I SAY THAT BECAUSE ABOUT MAYBE A MONTH AGO SEVERAL OF THESE RESIDENTS CAME IN TO SIT DOWN AND SPEAK WITH ME ABOUT THEIR CONCERNS RELATIVE TO THE PROPOSED PLAT SUBMITTED IN THE COUNTY. I KNOW IN THE BACKUP DOCUMENTS IF YOU HAVE THOSE IN FRONT OF YOU I'D APPRECIATE IF YOU COULD PULL THEM UP AND HAVE A LOOK AT THEM.
THERE ARE NUMEROUS ISSUES WITH THIS PLAT JUST FROM THE ONSET.
I'M GOING TO WALK YOU THROUGH SOME THINGS I HAVE CONCERNS WITH AND I KNOW OUR DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS LOOKING AT. AGAIN THIS IS A PROPOSED REPLAT.
THERE'S NO ACTION TODAY. THE COURT WILL NOT BE TAKING ANY ACTION TODAY BECAUSE IT'S NOT POSTED FOR ACTION.
IT'S JUST THE OPPORTUNITY FOR THE PUBLIC TO COME IN AND TALK ABOUT IT. BUT IF YOU LOOK AT THAT, THE MAP AND THE PLAT THAT'S ON HERE, THERE'S SEVERAL THINGS THAT JUST LOOKING AT WHAT'S SUBMITTED STAND OUT TO ME SIGNIFICANTLY AND THOSE AREN'T THE BIGGEST CONCERNS I HAVE WITH THIS.
[00:35:03]
FIRST OFF THERE'S LOTS THAT ARE WELL BELOW THE MINIMUM LOT SIZE.A BIG CONCERN FOR ME IS THE WATER USAGE ON THIS PROPERTY LISTS BOTH RAINWATER CAPTURE BUT ALSO PRIVATE WELLS.
NONE OF THE LOTS ON THERE MEET OUR MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR PRIVATE WELLS ON A PLOTTED PIECE OF PROPERTY.
IF YOU LOOK AT THE PLAT AS WELL THERE'S A NUMBER OF FLAG LOTS WHICH WE DON'T ALLOW UNDER OUR CURRENT REGULATION AND OUR NEW PROPOSED REGULATIONS DON'T ALLOW FOR THAT EITHER.
THOSE ARE JUST FROM A PHYSICAL LOOK AT THE PLAT.
THOSE ARE ISSUES I SEE WITH IT THAT I THINK OUR DEVELOPMENT SERVICES AND I WOULD ASK IF THERE'S ANYTHING I'M INCORRECT ON. I'D LIKE TO KNOW FROM OUR DEVELOPMENT SERVICES. THOSE ARE THINGS THAT I SEE ALONG WITH I'VE BEEN TOLD BY THE NEIGHBORS THAT AT LEAST ONE OF THE ROADWAYS IN HERE THAT ARE LISTED IN HERE WOULD NOT BE -- IT'S A SHARED USE EASEMENT RIGHT NOW.
IT'S NOT A ROADWAY. AND I CAN'T FIND THAT THAT WAS DISCLOSED IN ANYTHING THAT WE HAVE GOTTEN FROM THE DEVELOPER
AT THIS TIME. >> BEFORE WE GO TO HIM I WANTED
TO SAY SOMETHING. >> THE OTHER CONCERN AND THE BIGGEST CONCERN I HAVE IS THAT IN SOME OF THE MEETINGS WITH THE RESIDENTS AND I REALLY WANT OUR -- I. WANT MY FELLOW COLLEAGUES TO HEAR THIS PART BECAUSE THIS IS WHAT CONCERNS ME MORE THAN ANYTHING. IN MEETING WITH SOME OF THE RESIDENTS, THEY ASK HOW CAN THEY REPLAT OVER THE TOP OF A CONDO REGIME. AND I SAID I DON'T THINK YOU CAN. SO I WENT BACK AND CHECKED THE DEED RECORDS AND I HAD DEVELOPMENT SERVICES ASSIST ME WITH THIS. AS SOON AS THIS GENTLEMAN PURCHASED THIS PROPERTY LAST YEAR, HE IMMEDIATELY PUT A CONDO REGIME ON TOP OF THIS PROPERTY IN ITS ENTIRETY AND SUBDIVIDED THE PROPERTY BY CONDO REGIME WITH NO DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY, NO NOTIFICATION TO THE COUNTY OTHER THAN FILING WITH THE COUNTY CLERK. HE'S THEN ATTEMPTING TO DO A COMPLETE REPLAT OF THE PROPERTY ON TOP OF IT WHICH HAS ALREADY BEEN SUBDIVIDED BY CONDO REGIME. EACH ONE OF THE INDIVIDUAL PARCELS IS MORTGAGED. AND THERE'S NO -- EACH ONE OF THE INDIVIDUAL PARCELS, THERE IS NO -- NONE OF THOSE PROPERTY BOUNDARIES AND NONE OF THOSE PROPERTY LINES MATCH UP WITH ANY OF THE PROPOSED REPLAT THAT THIS DEVELOPER'S BROUGHT INTO US.
I'M NOT SURE HOW THAT'S LEGALLY FUNCTIONAL.
THE OTHER CONCERN I HAVE I'VE GONE OUT TO THE SITE AND LOOKED AND ANY TIME THERE IS A DISTURBANCE OF MORE THAN 5 ACRES ON A PARCEL, THERE ARE CERTAIN PERMITS YOU HAVE TO PULL FROM TKC TO DO THE WORK THAT HAPPENS IN THESE DEVELOPMENTS.
ANY TIME IT'S 5 ACRES OR LESS, THAT'S OVERALL DISTURBED THAT'S WHAT I WOULD CALL A MORE MINOR PERMIT YOU HAVE TO DRAW FROM TKC. IF IT'S A LARGER THAN 5 ACRES THEN THERE'S A DIFFERENT PERMIT. THERE'S BEEN PULLED IN INDIVIDUAL PERMIT FOR EACH 5 ACRES OR LESS THAN HERE INSTEAD OF AN OVERALL PERMIT FOR THE PROPERTY ITSELF AND I'LL BE REACHING OUT BECAUSE I HAVE CONCERNS THAT THEY HAVE NOT DONE THE PROPER DOCUMENTATION OR THE PROPER PERMITTING REQUEST FOR TKC ON THIS PARCEL. I HAVE A LOT -- WE'RE NOT TAKING ANY ACTION TODAY BUT I DO WANT MY COLLEAGUES TO UNDERSTAND THIS IS A VERY UNIQUE SITUATION AND I'VE NEVER RUN ACROSS SOMEONE LIKE THIS -- SOMETHING LIKE THIS IN OFFICE AND I HAVE SERIOUS
CONCERNS ABOUT IT. >> THANK YOU FOR THAT AND WE HEAR A LITANY AND OVERWHELMING SUPPORT AS A COURT OF THE OPPOSITION TO THIS SO MY QUESTION TO YOU IS -- NOT MY QUESTION. MY ASK OF YOU IS THIS.
WILL YOU PLEASE TELL THE VIEWING PUBLIC NEXT STEPS SO THEY CAN BE IN TUNE LIKE YOU SAID NO ACTION TODAY WITH WHAT NEXT WILL HAPPEN SO THEY CAN BE IN TUNE WITH THE PROCESS BUY SURE AND IF I MISS A STEP IN THE PROCESS OR ANYTHING, PLEASE LET ME KNOW.
AGAIN THIS IS NOT -- HAS NOT BEEN FORMALLY SUBMITTED FOR CONSIDERATION AS A PLAT, AM I CORRECT? THIS IS CURRENTLY IN THE PREPLAT PROCESS.
>> IF YOU DON'T MIND STATING YOUR NAME AND TITLE AND ALL
HAYS COUNTY DEVELOPMENT C. -- SERVICES SR. PLANNER.
THIS PROJECT YOU ARE CORRECT IS CURRENTLY IN ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLETENESS REVIEW. WE'RE AWAITING FURTHER DOCUMENTATION TO COME IN FROM THE DEVELOPER AND THE APPLICANT BEFORE WE MAY MOVE FORWARD ANY FURTHER ON THE PROJECT INTO IN DEPTH REVIEW OR WHAT WE CALL TECHNICAL REVIEW BY STATE
[00:40:03]
STATUTE. >> THE ASK IS THE SAME IF YOU DON'T MIND FOR THE VIEWING PUBLIC THAT ISN'T IN GOVERNMENT TO JUST GIVE US THE LAYMAN'S ROAD MAP OF WHAT TO LOOK FOR AND
WHAT TO BE CAUTIOUS OF. >> JUST A QUICK SNAPSHOT OF WHAT ITEMS WERE CURRENTLY MISSING, THERE'S A STREET ROAD LAYOUT LETTER. THE STREET NAMES THAT EXIST OR ARE PROPOSED WITHIN THE PROPOSED PLAT HAVE TO BE VETTED THROUGH OUR ADDRESSING DEPARTMENT. THE CERTIFICATION OF GROUNDWATER AVAILABILITY FOR PLOTTING TCEQ COMMISSIONER ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY FORM NUMBER 29082 MUST BE COMPLETED IF THEY ARE INDEED PROPOSING PRIVATE INDIVIDUAL WELLS.
THAT IS UNDER STATE STATUTE. IF THEY'RE PROPOSING RING WATER, THEY WILL NEED TO UPDATE THE PROPOSED PLAT WITH THAT WATER UTILITY NOTE AND ALSO PROVIDE A RAINWATER FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR RAINWATER HARVESTING. THE LAST COUPLE ITEMS ARE THE REVIEW FEES APPLICABLE TO THIS PROPOSED PLAT, ARE ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW FEE AND THE PER LOT FEE PER THE HAYS COUNTY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES SCHEDULE.
LAST BUT NOT LEAST THE PROPERTY OWNER'S AFFIDAVIT OF REPRESENTATION. OF THE PROPERTY OWNERS NOT SUBMITTING THE APPLICATION THEMSELVES GOING THROUGH A PROJECT MANAGER OR THE ENGINEER, THEY WILL SIGN OFF TO ALLOW THAT MANAGER OR ENGINEER TO SUBMIT ON THEIR BEHALF.
>> IN THAT PROCESS WITH THE STREET ROAD LAYOUT, WILL IT BE REVEALED AT THAT POINT WHENEVER THE SUBMIT THESE STREETS IF THERE IS A STREET THAT IS AN EASEMENT AND NOT A -- WOULDN'T BE A REGULATED ROADWAY? THEY CURRENTLY ACCESS THE PROPERTY THROUGH EASEMENT. THESE KINDS OF THINGS, THEY HAVE
TO DISCLOSE THAT, CORRECT? >> AND THEY'VE SUBMITTED A ROADWAY DESIGN REPORT WITH THIS APPLICATION.
OF COURSE WE HAVE NOT LOOKED AT IT IN DEPTH AS OF YET.
ONCE THE ITEMS THAT ARE CURRENTLY MISSING HAVE BEEN SUBMITTED, THE APPLICATION WILL BE DEEMED ADMINISTRATIVELY COMPLETE AND ROLL OVER TO OUR TECHNICAL REVIEW BEING ASSIGNED TO OUR GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS DEPARTMENT, ADDRESSING, ON-SITE SEWAGE FACILITY REVIEW WASTEWATER REVIEW, FLOODPLAIN, FIRE MARSHAL PLANNING AND ALSO TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT FOR IN DEPTH REVIEW AGAINST REGULATIONS AND STATE RULES.
>> THE OTHER THING I'D CLARIFY FOR THE RESIDENTS HERE IS AT THIS TIME WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED A SINGLE AS FAR AS I KNOW AND PLEASE CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG, THE PART OF THEIR PACKETS WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED REQUEST FOR A VARIANCE WHATSOEVER.
IS THAT CORRECT? >> THAT IS CORRECT.
>> EVEN JUST LOOKING AT WHAT'S PROPOSED ON THE INITIAL PLAT THEY GAVE US, THEY'D HAVE TO HAVE MULTIPLE VARIANCES FOR THAT TO FALL WITHIN -- WE HAVEN'T GONE THROUGH TECHNICAL REVIEW YET BUT THERE'D HAVE TO BE -- MY LAYMAN LOOKING AT IT AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE RULES, THERE ARE MULTIPLE VARIANCES THAT WOULD HAVE TO BE ACQUIRED FOR THIS.
AND I CAN TELL YOU THAT I'M JUST FROM WHAT I'VE SEEN THUS FAR I AM NOT APT TO REQUEST ANY VARIANCE OR PUT ANY VARIANCE ON THE AGENDA FOR THIS. I HAVE SOME REAL CONCERNS LEGALLY AND ETHICALLY BECAUSE I KNOW THE CONVERSATIONS THAT THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAD WITH THIS DEVELOPER AND THE PREVIOUS OWNER IS DEVASTATED. HE'S DEVASTATED AND FEELS LIKE HE WAS MISLED AND DID EVERYTHING IN HIS POWER TO TRY TO PROTECT HIS NEIGHBOR'S. HE WAS NEVER TOLD THERE WAS HE WAS NEVER TOLD THERE WAS GOING TO BE CONDO REGIME PUT ON TOP OF IT AND THERE'S SOME REAL ISSUES THERE WITH HIS
CREDIBILITY WITH THE DEVELOPER. >> JUST TO MAKE SURE THE VIEWING PUBLIC UNDERSTANDS, THERE WILL BE A NEED FOR THIS APPROVAL.
THERE WILL BE A NEED FOR A VARIANCE THAT WILL COME BEFORE THIS COURT BEFORE THE PROJECT ACTUALLY TAKES SHAPE.
IS THAT RIGHT? >> POTENTIALLY.
IT DEPENDS ON WHEN WE GET INTO TECHNICAL REVIEW, WHAT HURDLES APPEAR BASED OFF OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT.
>> THE FINAL SUBMISSION AND IF AND WHEN THEY GIVE US THE FINAL SUBMISSION IF IT LOOKS LIKE WHAT THIS LOOKS LIKE, THERE'S GOING TO HAVE TO BE VARIANCES. THERE'S NO WAY I BELIEVE THAT AFTER LOOKING AT THIS ANYONE WHO'S READ OUR DEVELOPMENT RULES WOULD NOT HAVE SUBMITTED THIS. THAT'S WHY I'VE SAID I ENCOURAGE YOU TO LOOK. HOW MANY FLAG LOTS ARE IN THERE.
>> WE DON'T LIKE FLAG LOTS. SO MY AIM IS TO GIVE A PIECE OF SOMETHING IN THEIR MIND OF PEACE AND TRANQUILITY SO THEY'RE NOT LIVING ON THE EDGE STANDING ON PINS AND NEEDLES THE WHOLE TIME.
AND YOU DO HAVE THEIR INFORMATION AND A WAY TO COMMUNICATE WITH THEM IF AND WHEN THIS COMES BACK, LOOKING
[00:45:01]
FOR VARIANCES OR ANYTHING ELSE BIG I DON'T WANT ANYTHING TO BE FLYING UNDER THE RADAR WHILE PEOPLE ARE VISIBLY OPPOSING IT.YOUR PROTECTION IS MY AIM SO THANK YOU.
THERE'S NO ACTION AND IF THERE'S NOTHING ELSE,.
>> THERE'S ONE THING I'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH THE RESIDENTS AND THOSE I'VE MET WITH PERSONALLY, WE'VE HAD THIS CONVERSATION.
ANY SINGLE RESIDENT IN THERE WHO'S UNDER THE SAME RESTRICTION AS THAT PROPERTY HAS STANDING IN DISTRICT COURT TO ENFORCE THAT PRIVATE CONTRACT. A DEED RESTRICTION, THOSE ARE PRIVATE CONTRACTS BETWEEN THOSE PROPERTY OWNERS EVEN IF YOU DON'T HAVE HOA, EVEN IF YOU DON'T HAVE A PROPERTY OWNER'S ASSOCIATION. IF YOU'RE UNDER THE SAME DEED RESTRICTIONS YOU HAVE THE ABILITY TO GO TO DISTRICT COURT IN HAYS COUNTY AND ENFORCE THOSE DEED RESTRICTIONS.
I HATE TO SEND YOU TO COURT, I HATE TO SEND ANYONE TO COURT BUT THAT CIVIL ACTION YOU COULD ALL TAKE IF YOU CHOOSE TO IS AN ACTION THAT COULD HELP WITH THIS SITUATION YOU'RE IN RIGHT NOW.
AND IF YOU WANT TO HAVE FURTHER DISCUSSIONS ABOUT THIS, MY DOOR'S ALWAYS OPEN AND I'LL BE HAPPY TO TALK.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. >> I HAVE ONE QUESTION.
FROM A LEGAL PERSPECTIVE AND FROM WHAT THE COUNTY HAS THE AUTHORITY TO DO WITHIN THE CONDO REGIME AND THE SEPARATE MORTGAGES ON EACH OF THESE PLATTED LOTS THROUGH CONDO REGIME, THAT'S VERY CONFUSING AND COMPLICATED.
CAN YOU GO INTO A LITTLE BIT OF DETAIL OF DOES THAT INFLUENCE US AT ALL, DO WE HAVE NO SAY OVER THAT.
WHAT DOES IT EVEN LOOK LIKE? THAT CONFUSES ME AND I'M SURE IT
CONFUSES EVERYBODY. >> THEY SOLD A LOT TO INDIVIDUALS AND GOT A MORTGAGE ON THEM?
>> THEY HAD INDIVIDUAL MORTGAGES ON EACH CONDO REGIME LOT.
MY UNDERSTANDINGS HELD BY DIFFERENT BANKS BUT THEY'RE WANTING TO PLAT OVER THE TOP OF ALL OF THOSE CONDO LOTS WITH DIFFERENT PROPERTY LINES. SO WE DON'T HAVE ANY ABILITY.
I'VE CHECKED. WE DON'T HAVE ANY ABILITY TO -- FOR A CONDO REGIME UNDER STATE LAW THEY CAN JUST SUBMIT IT TO THE CLERK'S OFFICE THAT'S THE REASON I'VE SAID WE HAVE TO HAVE A PROCESS AND I'M GLAD OUR FUTURE CLERK.
WE HAVE TO HAVE A PROCESS WHERE THESE ARE SUBMITTED, THERE'S IMMEDIATE ALERT OR NOTIFICATION OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES AND Y'ALL KNOW AS WELL AS I THAT I'VE PUSHED VERY HARD FOR THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS THAT ANY CONDO REGIME NEEDS TO HAVE A DEVELOPMENT GREEN LIGHT. FOR US TO DO THAT, WE -- I BELIEVE THIS DEVELOPER SUBMITTED A CONDO REGIME TO THE COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE. AND PURPOSEFULLY DID NOT REACH OUT TO DEVELOPMENT SERVICES. SO THAT THEY COULD DO SOMETHING LIKE THIS LATER WITHOUT DEVELOPMENT SERVICES POSSIBLY KNOWING, HOPING THE RIGHT HAND WOULDN'T KNOW THAT THE LEFT HAND
-- WHAT THE LEFT HAND WAS DOING. >> DO YOU WANT TO ADD THE
COMMISSIONERS QUESTION. >> IF YOU COULD REPEAT THE
QUESTION PLEASE. >> WE DON'T HAVE ANY -- AND IT SOUNDS LIKE WE DON'T BECAUSE IT'S ISSUED THROUGH THE STATE SO WE HAVE NO AUTHORITY FROM THEM DOING MORTGAGES AT DIFFERENT BANKS AND A CONDO REGIME, WE DON'T HAVE ANY AUTHORITY TO USE THAT AS REASON WHY WE WOULDN'T ACCEPT THE PLAT?
>> CORRECT. CONDO REGIME, CONDOMINIUM REGIMES A FORM OF SUBDIVISION BUT THIS WAS DONE WITHOUT OUR KNOWLEDGE. THE CONDO PLAT RECORDING.
>> YOU HEARD IT HERE. WE NEED MORE AUTHORITY FROM THE
STATE. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
THANK YOU COLBY AND THANK YOU FOR COMING TO SPEAK UP.
[K.6. Discussion and possible action to authorize a contract amendment between Hays County and Triedata for document services associated with the District Clerk's Office. BECERRA/CALVERT]
IT'S WELL DOCUMENTED. WE APPRECIATE IT.DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE THE CONTRACT AMENDMENT BETWEEN HAYS COUNTY AND TRI DATA FOR DOCUMENT SERVICES ASSOCIATED WITH THE DISTRICT CLERK'S OFFICE.
>> IF YOU WILL STATE YOUR NAME AND TITLE FOR THE VIEWING
PUBLIC. >> AMANDA CALVERT HAYS COUNTY DISTRICT CLERK. TODAY WE'RE REQUESTING A SMALL AMENDMENT TO OUR CONTRACT ALREADY IN PROCESS WITH OUR DATA. IT'S A COMPANY WE'RE PARTNERING WITH TO PROVIDE CERTIFIED DOCUMENTS ONLINE TO OUR CITIZENS AND CUSTOMERS. WE WANT TO ADMIN THE CONTRACT TO PROVIDE REGULAR COPIES WHICH OUR OFFICE CURRENTLY DOES AT A DOLLAR FEE PLUS STATUTORILY DEFINED FEE SCHEDULE.
HOWEVER THIS WILL ALLOW THEM TO BE ABLE TO GET THEM ONLINE WITH THE DOLLAR FEE STILL FOLLOWING STATUTORILY DEFINED FEE SCHEDULE. THIS WILL BE AT NO EXTRA COST TO THE COUNTY, NO EXTRA COST TO OUR OFFICE, NO EXTRA COST TO CUSTOMERS AND THE CONTRACT'S BEEN REVIEWED BY GENERAL COUNSEL
AND THEY THINK IT LOOKS GOOD. >> BEAUTIFULLY DONE.
ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? I LOVE THE PRICE.
[00:50:01]
I THINK IT'S A GREAT DEAL PICK MY QUESTION IS WHY -->> DO WE HAVE A UNIFIED SYSTEM AT THE COUNTY OFFICE FOR SOME OF
THESE SERVICES? >> THIS IS A CONTRACT THAT I'VE REQUESTED AND I WANTED TO SEE IF THE COUNTY CLERK WAS INTERESTED IN. WE DID THE DEMO.
I THINK THEY JUST HAD OTHER CONTRACTS AND SOFTWARE THEY WERE WORKING ON THIS YEAR TO SEE IF THEY LIKE IT WHEN WE ROLL IT OUT
AND MAYBE WE CAN ALL DO IT. >> I WOULD JUST ENCOURAGE YOU TO TRY TO WORK TOGETHER TO HAVE ONE UNIFIED SYSTEM WHERE IF YOU COME TO HAYS COUNTY, YOU HAVE DOCUMENTS THE SAME WAY NO MATTER WHAT. THAT'S --
>> THAT'S TRUE HERE YOU SAID A, THEY GET TO SEE WHAT YOU'RE DOING. THAT'S PERFECT.
PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> COMMISSIONER HAMMER.
[K.7. Discussion and possible action authorizing the execution of an lnterlocal Cooperation Agreement between Texas State University, Hays County, and the Hays County Sheriffs Office related to supplemental public safety services from the Hays County Sheriffs Office to Texas State University's Police Department in support of Texas State PAC-12 home football games. HAMMER/HIPOLITO]
>> YES. >> COMMISSIONER INGALSBE.
>> YES. >> COMMISSIONER SMITH.
>> YES. >> COMMISSIONER COHEN.
>> GUEST BUY JUDGE BECERRA. >> YES.
SEVEN PLEASE. >> EXECUTION OF AN INTERLOCAL COOPERATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY HAYS COUNTY AND THE HAYS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE RELATED TO SUPPLEMENTAL PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICES FROM THE HAYS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE TO -- TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY POLICE DEPARTMENT IN SUPPORT OF TEXAS STATE PAC 12 --
>> SO MOVED. >> I'M SO GLAD TO SEE THIS.
WE'RE ALWAYS REMINDED WHEN ANYTHING HAPPENS HOW WE'RE SO CONNECTED AND SO IN NEED OF ONE ANOTHER.
AND THIS IS BEFORE US TODAY IS BEAUTIFUL.
DO YOU WANT TO GIVE A MOMENT TO HIGHLIGHT?
>> I HAVE -- I'M HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS BUT FIRST I'D BE REMISS IF I DIDN'T PUBLICLY THANK A LOT OF FOLKS IN HERE THAT MADE THIS POSSIBLE. THE TEAM AT THE OFFICE LAST PAYROLL. JORDAN AND HER TEAM, CANDACE, I APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT AS WELL AND SCOTT'S OFFICE AND I'M PROBABLY MISSING SOMEBODY. IF I'M MISSING SOMEBODY PLEASE LET ME KNOW. BUT IN ORDER TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN, A LOT OF FOLKS HAD TO COME TOGETHER AND WORK TOGETHER AND THAT'S WHAT I SINCERELY LOVE ABOUT EVERYBODY AT HAYS COUNTY THE PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATION THAT HAVE TO TAKE PLACE IN ORDER FOR US TO BE SUCCESSFUL.
HAPPENED AND WE MADE IT POSSIBLE.
I APPRECIATE TEXAS STATE AND CHIEF CARMICHAEL FOR BELIEVING IN OUR AGENCY TO PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL SECURITY AT THE
UPCOMING FOOTBALL GAMES. >> I LOVE IT BECAUSE LITERALLY PAC TWELVE'S NOT ONLY GOING TO CHANGE OUR FOOTPRINT OF THE COUNTY SEATS. IT'S GOING TO CHANGE OUR BOBCAT FOOTPRINTS, OUR REGION. IT'S GOING TO BE A GREAT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ENGINE. IT'S GOING TO BENEFIT US ON SO MANY LEVELS, SO WHEN YOU'RE LEANING IN WHEN OUR HAYS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE IS LEANING IN AND SUPPORTING PUBLIC SAFETY, THAT'S AN ADDITIONAL WEAVING IN OF YOU -- THAT I'M MOST GRATEFUL
FOR. >> I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU FOR REACHING OUT AND DISCUSSING THIS.
I'M EXCITED. I'M A BOBCAT ALUM SO GOING TO PAC 12 THE BIG ACCOMPLISHMENT FOR OUR SCHOOL AND FOR OUR AREA AND REGION. I APPRECIATE YOU WORKING WITH THE UNIVERSITY AND THE COUNTY'S GOING TO BE OF SUPPORT TO THE UNIVERSITY AND I'M HAPPY FOR THAT PARTNERSHIP.
>> RIGHT ON PIER COMMISSIONER. >> I THINK IT'S A GREAT DEAL.
I JUST HAD TWO QUESTIONS. HOW MANY HOME FOOTBALL GAMES DO THEY HAVE THAT ARE NOT PAC 12 MEMBERS AND ARE WE PROVIDING -- DOES THIS SPECIFICALLY REFERENCE JUST PAC 12 OR ALL HOME GAMES.
>> ALL HOME GAMES. >> IN THE TITLE THAT'S REASON.
I JUST WANTED TO MAKE SURE BECAUSE I KNOW THEY HAD SOUTH ALABAMA AND OTHERS PAST AND I WANTED TO MAKE SURE IT'S FOR ALL THOSE. AND MY SECOND QUESTION WOULD BE CAN WE LOOK -- I. KNOW THEY'RE GOING TO HAVE REQUESTS FOR OR POSSIBLY MAY HAVE REQUESTS FOR OTHER SPORTING EVENTS AS WELL, BASKETBALL, BASEBALL. IS THERE ANY WAY TO UNIFY CONTRACT. ARE WE GOING TO HAVE TO BRING BACK CONTRACT FOR ALL THOSE THINGS OR WILL THIS CONTRACT COVER ALL THOSE SPORTING EVENTS AND NOT JUST FOOTBALL GAMES.
>> THAT'S A GREAT QUESTION. IT WILL COVER EVERYTHING ASSOCIATED WITH THE UNIVERSITY. THEY REQUEST SECURITY FROM HAYS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE THE CONTRACT ENCOMPASSES THAT WHETHER IT'S FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL.
I WAS HOPING FOR THAT SO I'M GLAD.
>> I LOVE THE UNIFORMITY OF IT ALL PEER COMMISSIONERS.
>> THAT WAS MY QUESTION BECAUSE I SAW THAT YOU MAY BE REQUESTED FOR THE HOME SPORT SERVICES AND IN THE COMPENSATION WOULD -- A.
WONDERFUL. >> IT'S A GREAT OPPORTUNITY.
>> ALL RIGHT. IF THERE'S NOTHING ELSE.
>> FIRST ASSISTANT. THIS QUESTION'S NOT ASKED BUT I'LL OFFER IT ANYWAYS BECAUSE I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT FOR YOU ALL TO KNOW. I KNOW HOW HARD EVERYONE WORKED ON THIS. THE SPECIAL RIGHTS INCORPORATED INTO THE AGREEMENT FULLY FUND ALL FINANCIAL ASPECTS OF THOSE OFFICERS THAT WILL PERFORM THE DUTIES SO THE COUNTY WILL NOT BE AT A LOSS FOR ANY FUNDING WITH THAT.
[00:55:01]
JUST WANTED TO COVER THAT AND MAKE SURE THAT THE COURT KNOWS TEXAS STATE'S FULLY FUNDING THIS OPERATION.>> HOW MANY OFFICERS ARE THEY -- DO YOU ANTICIPATE WILL BE IN.
>> NOT ONLY ARE THEY INCORPORATING A DEPUTY BUT THEY'RE INCLUDING -- WE'RE LOOKING AT ANYWHERE THAT CHANGES BUT ANYWHERE FROM 60 TO 80 OF OUR EMPLOYEES EVERY HOME GAME.
IT'S A BIG ASK. THAT'S WHY I COMMUNICATED TO OUR FOLKS A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO TO START PLANNING FOR AT LEAST THOSE SEVEN HOME GAMES TO MAKE SURE WE HAVE THE EQUIPMENT STAFF
AND SUPPORT. >> AND THE OVERTIME FOR THEM, THAT'S GREAT FOR OUR DEPARTMENT. I'M EXCITED FOR THEM TO BE ABLE TO TAP INTO THAT FOR AN OPPORTUNITY.
>> SO WE'LL COVER THE GAME AND STILL HAVE ENOUGH STAFF TO JUST
COVER ON THE WEEKENDS. >> YES.
>> WHAT'S MOST IMPORTANT TO ME IS THAT WE'RE USING OUR PEOPLE FROM OUR COMMUNITY AND OUR FOOTPRINT BECAUSE ALL TOO OFTEN WE SEE PEOPLE THAT AREN'T FROM HERE, FROM OTHER COUNTIES AND REGIONS AND THEY DON'T UNDERSTAND THE ZEITGEIST.
THEY DON'T KNOW THE TONE AND CULTURE AND MOVEMENT, THE FLOW OF THE PEOPLE IN THE PLACE SO I AM DOUBLY REWARDED KNOWING THAT OUR COMMUNITY IS GOING TO BE HERE SO THANK YOU AGAIN FOR DOING THIS AND LEADING THE CHARGE.
>> THANK YOU. >> PLEASE CALL THE ROLL.
>> COMMISSIONER INGALSBE. >> YES.
>> COMMISSIONER SMITH. >> YES.
>> COMMISSIONER COHEN. >> YES BUY COMMISSIONER HAMER.
>> YES, AND I WAS ASKED TO PULL -- REMOVE K FIVE.
SO WE WILL NOT GO BENEATH K5. >> IS IT POSSIBLE TO DO K EIGHT.
[K.8. Discussion and possible action to authorize the execution of Task Order #6 extending the Clean Rivers Program Agreement with The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Texas State University, for $194, 122.00. HAMMER/FLOCKE]
>> YOU BET. LET'S OPEN K EIGHT PLEASE.
>> K EIGHT. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE EXECUTION OF THE TASK ORDER NUMBER 6 EXTENDING THE CLEAN RIVERS PROGRAM AGREEMENT WITH THE MEADOWS CENTER FOR WATER AND THE ENVIRONMENT OF TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY FOR 1900 AND -- $1,009,422.
>> SO MOVED. >> SECOND BUT COULD WE GET THAT
DOLLAR AMOUNT RESTATED. >> $194,922.
WHEN I SAW THIS ON THE AGENDA AND PEOPLE WERE REACHING OUT TO ME I HAD TO REPLY THAT IT'S A VERY IMPORTANT ORGANIZATION DOING VERY IMPORTANT WORK AND -- AT A REGIONAL LEVEL SO THIS IS OUR CONTRIBUTION BECAUSE YOU WILL SEE GRANTS FLOATING BACK AND FORTH IN DIFFERENT DEPARTMENTS AND SPACES FROM DIFFERENT AGENCIES AND THIS IS ONE OF THOSE SPACES WHERE WE STEP UP. SO I'M FULLY SUPPORTIVE.
>> THANK YOU. AND CARL COULDN'T BE HERE TODAY BECAUSE HE'S TAKING A MUCH NEEDED VACATION WITH HIS FAMILY BUT WE WENT OVER THIS CONTRACT IN ITS ENTIRETY AND THE CONTRACTS ACTUALLY GOING TO BE A LITTLE MORE OF A FISCALLY MORE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COUNTY'S PERSPECTIVE.
IT'S ALSO GOING TO HAVE A LITTLE MORE OF AN ACCOUNTABILITY MEASURE TO IT WITH THE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH IT.
I DO KNOW WE HAVE HEAR FROM THE MEADOWS CENTER IF IT'S OKAY FOR
HER TO COME UP. >> ABSOLUTELY AND THANKS FOR ASKING. IF YOU DON'T MIND APPROACHING THE PODIUM, STATE YOUR NAME AND TITLE FOR THE VIEWING PUBLIC AND
SAY YOUR PIECE. >> GOOD MORNING EVERYONE.
I'M JENNA WALKER, DIRECTOR OF STUDIES -- TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY. I'M HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTION BUT I DON'T HAVE A PRESENTATION PREPARED TODAY.
AS I SPOKE ABOUT TWO MONTHS AGO WERE THRILLED TO BE PARTNERING WITH THE COUNTY AND ALSO THE CITY OF WOODCREEK, WIMBERLEY AND WATERSHED ASSOCIATION TO BE MONITORING THE RIVER AND CYPRESS CREEK AND SURROUNDING AREAS. WE'VE ADDED A COUPLE OTHER SITES TO THIS NEXT PROPOSAL TO INCREASE SOME OF THE GROUNDWATER MONITORING. LOOKING AT OTHER ACTIVITIES THAT ARE HAPPENING AROUND THE COUNTY. I DO HAVE MY COLLEAGUE TIFFANY HERE AND SHE'S THE WATER QUALITY SPECIALIST AND IS LEADING THE CHARGE OUT IN THE FIELD SO WANT TO GIVE HER A SHOUT OUT AND
HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS. >> THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE PICK WHEN YOU SAY OTHER RIVERS ADDED AND OTHER PARTS OF THE COUNTY MONITORING WELLS, WILL YOU SPEAK OF THEM IF THEY'RE AVAILABLE TO
YOU. >> YES, WE DON'T HAVE SPECIFIC SITES INCLUDED, BUT IT'S MORE OF A -- AN INITIATIVE TO LOOK AT SOME OF THE TESTING. ACTIVITIES RELATED TO RESEARCH THAT TEXAS STATE IS INVOLVED WITH AND THE COUNTY SPECIFICALLY
[01:00:02]
WITHIN THAT UPPER BLANCO AREA FROM THE COUNTY LINE DOWN BELOW TO WHERE IT'S GETTING CLOSER TO SAN MARCOS.SO THAT IT'S THE -- THIS WESTERN HALF AND WITHIN THE CYPRESS CREEK WATERSHED. SO LOOKING TO SEE IF WE CAN START INCLUDING MORE DATA OR GATHERING MORE DATA TO SUPPORT ALL KINDS OF INITIATIVES LOOKING AT GROUNDWATER DEPLETION AND HOW THAT'S AFFECTING OUR WATER QUALITY, ARE SWIMMING HOLES, ALL OF THE ACTIVITIES RELATED TO RECREATION AND ALSO GROUNDWATER SUSTAINABILITY FOR OUR COMMUNITY MEMBERS.
>> THAT'S WHAT I WAS HOPING TO HEAR.
YOUR TESTING -- I. WAS GOING TO ASK WHEN YOU SAY TESTING, IT SEEMS A LITTLE SHOTGUN APPROACH. YOU WILL ALSO MOST LIKELY BE TESTING FOR POLLUTANTS SINCE YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT SWIMMING
HOLES? >> YES SO RELATED TO HEALTH AND THAT INCLUDES PUBLIC HEALTH FOR THE ABILITY TO SWIM.
>> BEAUTIFUL. THAT'S INCLUDED IN THE DOCUMENT EFFORT, THAT'S PERFECT. ALL INCLUSIVE.
ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? >> I WANTED TO SAY THIS IS -- THIS AGREEMENT WILL ALSO BE A -- SECTION OF OUR HOLISTICALLY OUTLOOK ON ALSO THE BCWPP AGREEMENT WE ALSO HAVE WHICH IS THE BLANCO CYPRESS CREEK WATERSHED PROTECTION PLAN AGREEMENT WE HAVE WITH THE MEADOWS CENTER AND THE WATERSHED ASSOCIATION. SO IT'S JUST AN ALL ENCOMPASSING MAKING SURE WE ARE DIALED INTO THE WESTERN PART AND THE BLANCO AND OVER THE WAY THAT IT COMES DOWN, IT'S IMPORTANT FOR US TO MAKE SURE WE'RE GOING AS FAR WEST AS WE CAN TO BE ABLE TO CAPTURE THOSE NUMBERS AND THAT DATA.
>> WHEN PEOPLE SAY THIS COURT DOESN'T HAVE ABILITY, POWER, AUTHORITY TO DO ANYTHING WITH WATER, HERE'S A GREAT POINT AS TO NOT SO. THERE ARE MANY THINGS WE CAN DO SO THANK YOU FOR DOING WHAT YOU DO.
WE'RE MOST GRATEFUL AND WE WOULDN'T BE HERE WITHOUT YOU MOST DEFINITELY PEER COMMISSIONER.
>> I HAVE A QUESTION FOR SCOTT. WE'RE GOING TO USE THE INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT FUND FOR THIS FISCAL YEAR AND IT SAYS FUNDS WILL BE BUDGETED FY27. SO THAT'S OUR -- DEPENDING ON THE VOTE TODAY YOU'RE GOING TO IM -- INCLUDE THAT IN YOUR
THE PAYMENT WOULD BE FOR FY27 SO BASED OFF OF THAT I WILL INCORPORATE IT INTO THE BUDGET HERE CURRENTLY THERE ARE CONTRACTED SERVICES JUST NOT EARMARKED FOR THIS PART OF THE
>> I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR THE WORK YOU ALL DO.
THE MEADOWS CENTER HAS BEEN A GREAT PARTNER WITH US.
I KNOW YOU TALKED ABOUT OR SPOKE ABOUT OTHER ENTITIES ALSO PARTICIPATING. I KNOW HAYS COUNTY PORTION 190000 PLUS. WHAT IS THE COST OF THE ENTIRE
PROGRAM? >> THE CITY OF WIMBERLEY IS CONTRIBUTING 20,000 A YEAR. WOOD CREEK IS CONTRIBUTING 20,000 A YEAR. AND THIS WOULD COVER THE MEADOWS CENTER CONTRACTED SUPPORT FOR THE PROJECT.
THEN THE WATERSHED ASSOCIATION IS ALSO CONTRIBUTING A SIGNIFICANT PORTION EVERY YEAR, INCLUDING SOME LEGAL ACTION AND THINGS THAT WERE NOT SPECIFICALLY TIED TO.
I DON'T HAVE THAT NUMBER BUT IT'S IN THE MILLIONS.
PER YEAR RELATED TO A WIDER WATERSHED PROTECTION EFFORT.
AND WE DO ENVISION EXPANDING THAT TO A LARGER COUNTY WIDE INITIATIVE. AND WE'RE WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE COUNTY AND CARL AND OUR PARTNERS TO IDENTIFY ADDITIONAL GRANTS THAT CAN SUPPORT LARGER VISION.
SO IT'S DEFINITELY A PARTNERED INITIATIVE WITH EVERYBODY CONTRIBUTING SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT AND A COUPLE MONTHS AGO WE DID IDENTIFY OUR FIRST GRANT WITH THE FOREST SERVICE AND THEN WE'RE GOING TO BE RE APPROACHING TEXAS COMMISSIONER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY FOR SOME OF THOSE WATERSHED PROTECTION DOLLARS AND ALSO THE TEXAS STATE SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION.
>> CORRECT ME, WHAT WAS THE PHYSICAL IMPACT FROM THE LAST
[01:05:03]
CONTRACT VERSUS THIS ONE? >> THE LAST CONTRACT WAS A LITTLE LESS. I THINK IT WAS RUNNING ABOUT 75 TO 85,000 A YEAR. THIS IS A LITTLE BIT MORE BUT WITH THE INCREASE IN COST IT'S PROBABLY REASONABLE.
WITH THAT BEING SAID I KNOW THE CONTRACT STRUCTURE TO HAVE ACCOUNTABILITY ON THE SUBMISSIONS.
SO WE'RE ONLY REIMBURSING TRUE COST WITH AN INDIRECT COST RATE.
>> PERFECT. I WAS GOING TO SAY WE HAD A COUPLE OF MEETINS WHERE WE DIALED THIS IN QUITE A BIT.
>> AND I'M A MAJOR CHEAPSKATE, THERE'S NO OTHER WAY TO SAY IT.
YOU WILL SEE I HAVE AN AGENDA ITEM AROUND THAT ACTUAL REALITY PIG WHY I SEE THIS EASY TO SUPPORT IS BECAUSE YOU SPOKE OF THE EXPANSION OF THE FOOTPRINT AND DIALING IN WATER FLOW AND ALL THOSE DIFFERENT THINGS THAT ARE HOT TOPIC ITEMS FOR EVERYONE. THIS IS A HUGE DEFICIENCY IN OUR COUNTY AND YOU ARE HELPING. I SAY YOU BUT YOU'RE THE FACE OF IT AT THIS MOMENT. THIS EFFORT IS HELPING TO BRIDGE THAT GAP THAT I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH CAN WE DRAW DOWN.
I DON'T KNOW. HOW MUCH IS COMING THIS WAY.
I DON'T KNOW. THERE'S TOO MUCH.
THIS WILL HELP SHED LIGHT. SO THANK YOU SO MUCH.
>> JUST FOR CLARIFICATION THE OVERALL COST $194,000 ONLY 100,821 OF THAT WOULD BE COMING OUT OF THIS YEAR'S FISCAL BUDGET. THE REST WOULD COME OUT OF FY28.
SO 98,000 IN FY28 AND I'M MORE THAN WILLING TO SUPPORT THIS TODAY. I THINK THE LAST THREE ITERATIONS OF THIS I'VE SUPPORTED AND TO YOUR QUESTION OVERALL IN THE DOCUMENT ITSELF IT SAYS THERE'S BEEN OVER FOUR AND A HALF MILLION DOLLARS SPENT SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 06.
I WOULD JUST ASK THAT IF WE -- IF WE'RE MAKING A BUDGET DECISION RIGHT NOW THAT'S NOT INCLUDED IN THE BUDGET I'M GOING TO SUPPORT THIS BUT I WOULD HOPE COMMISSIONER YOU WOULD COME BACK WITH A BUDGET AMENDMENT OF SOME TYPE IN ORDER TO PAY FOR THIS SINCE WE'RE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE BUDGET FOR WHATEVER THE COST IS.
>> COMMISSIONER SMITH I'D LIKE TO NOTE I WAS WORKING ON THIS WHILE PUTTING TOGETHER A BUDGET AND THERE ARE CONTRACT SERVICES IN THE INFRASTRUCTURE FEE FUND SET ASIDE FOR IT.
>> OKAY. I DON'T KNOW THE INFRASTRUCTURE FEE FUND IS THE RIGHT PLACE FOR THIS IS WHAT I'M SAYING.
INFRASTRUCTURE FEE FUND SHOULD BE PAID FOR INFRASTRUCTURE.
EVEN IF WE HAD A DEDICATED WATERSHED PROTECTION FUND, WE'RE PAYING FOR EMPLOYEES. WE'RE LOOKING AT A WATERSHED COORDINATOR WITH FUNDS SOMEHOW RELATED TO THAT OFFICE I THINK WOULD BE BETTER. I'M WILLING TO SUPPORT THIS TODAY. IT'S NOT IN THE BASE BUDGET WE HAVE TODAY SO WITHIN OUR BUDGET PROCESS IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS I JUST WANT AN AMENDMENT TO PAY FOR IT.
>> IS IT NOT IN THE BASE BUDGET PRESENTED TODAY.
>> IS PART OF THE CONTRACT FEES FOR THE INFRASTRUCTURE FEE FUND BUT BASED OFF OF SMITH'S, LET ME REEVALUATE THAT AND WE'LL TAKE A LOOK AND SEE IF SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE MOVED AROUND ON IT.
I WILL SAY IN PAST YEARS THAT'S THE FUNDING SOURCE FOR IT BUT I
DO UNDERSTAND THE CONCERNS. >> ONE MORE COMMENT THEN I WILL
CALL THE ROLL. >> WE DO CONSIDER WE -- INFRASTRUCTURE. IT'S A PROACTIVE APPROACH TO PROTECTING THAT. ONE MORE TIDBIT TO ADD TO OUR
SUPPORT AND APPRECIATION. >> I CAN ONE FOR -- 100% SEE IT
BEING RELATED. >> I'M WITH YOU.
PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> COMMISSIONER SMITH.
>> YES BUY COMMISSIONER COHEN. >> YES.
>> COMMISSIONER HAMER. >> YES.
>> COMMISSIONER INGALSBE. >> YES.
>> JUDGE BECERRA. >> YES THANK YOU HAVE A GREAT DAY. WE'RE GOING TO MOVE ON TO -- WE JUST DID SEVEN. SEVEN AND EIGHT.
I'LL LOOK AT MY NOTES. COMMISSIONERS, ANYTHING YOU WANT ME TO JUMP INTO BASED ON THE AUDIENCE HERE?
[G. CONSENT ITEMS]
IF NOT I'M GOING TO START PLOUGHING THROUGH IT.I MOVE THAT WE ACCEPT ALL CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS.
>> SECOND. >> I HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND.
WILL PULL 16 FOR CLARIFICATION. I WOULD LIKE TO ASK I GUESS COMMISSIONER INGALSBE AS THE SPONSOR WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THIS CAMERA SYSTEM AND THE ONES IN THE HEADLINES EVERY
[01:10:04]
SINGLE DAY. >> ARE THESE BODY WORN?
>> TELL US WHAT KIND OF CAMERAS THESE ARE.
I KNOW IF I WAS AN OPERATOR YOU SAW MY OPERATOR LIGHTS --
>> CHIEF DEPUTY WITH HAYS COUNTY COUNCIL.
DAVID PETERSON'S OFFICE. THESE ARE THE EXACT SAME HAXAN CAMERAS WE HAVE, BODY CAMERAS. COMES WITH A TASER AND A VEHICLE SYSTEM. THIS WAS SUPPOSEDLY APPROVED WHEN WE CAME AND GOT THE TWO NEW DEPUTIES BUT THERE WAS SOME VERBIAGE ON SOME OF THE PAPERWORK THAT CAME TO COURT THAT MAYBE WASN'T 100% CLEAR. SO IT'S JUST CLARIFICATION.
THIS WAS DONE UNDER THE PREVIOUS BUDGET RECORD.
>> OKAY SO WHILE WE WERE THERE I WANTED TO ASK COMMISSIONER INGALSBE IF YOU HAVE ANY BACKGROUND TO PROVIDE THE PU PUBLIC. THE SAME KIND OF ENERGY -- LET ME ASK INSTEAD. ARE THESE THE TYPE OF CAMERA SYSTEMS PEOPLE ARE CURRENTLY -- I. KNOW YOU'VE SAID IN THE PAST BUT I WANT TO BE MORE ARTICULATED IN THE RESPONSE.
ARE THESE THE CAMERA SYSTEMS PEOPLE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT BEING CON -- UNCONSTITUTIONAL AND ALL THIS OTHER STUFF SHARING WITH
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS? >> NO, SIR,.
>> THIS IS ALL LOCAL ACCESS THAT STAYS WITH LOCAL FOLKS.
>> CORRECT. THESE ARE THE EXACT SAME WE HAVE IN OUR VEHICLES CURRENTLY. NOTHING'S CHANGED IT'S JUST TWO
I JUST HAVE TO TEASE IT OUT. THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT CAME FOR A SIMILAR ASK AND THEY SEEMED TO BE A LITTLE DIFFERENT SO WE NEED TO KNOW WHAT WE'RE VOTING FOR PER COMMISSIONER
>> COMMISSIONER COHEN, ANYTHING? ANYTHING OVER HERE TO ASK.
>> I THINK UNDER STATUTE WERE REQUIRED TO HAVE BODY WORN CAMERAS THAT ARE COORDINATED WITH OUR IN-CAR CAMERAS AND
THAT'S REQUIRED. >> LISTEN, I'M A HUGE SUPPORTER OF THE TECHNOLOGY TO HELP LAW ENFORCEMENT.
100%. >> CAMERAS PROTECT OUR STAFF BUT
ALSO THE PERSON. >> I'M 100% BEHIND IT BUT I ALSO HAVE TO HAVE AN EAR TO 350,000 PEOPLE AND THEIR CONCERNS SO I HAVE TO FIND A WAY TO THREAD THE NEEDLE AND TALK ABOUT AND SHARE AND KNOW WHEN AND WHEN NOT. ARE THERE ANY OTHER AGENDA ITEMS THAT NEED TO BE DISCUSSED IN CONSENT?
PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> COMMISSIONER COHEN.
>> I RECUSED MYSELF FROM G ONE DUE TO MY STEPFATHER WORKING AT QUIDDITY AND YES FOR EVERYTHING ELSE.
>> COMMISSIONER HAMER. >> YES.
>> COMMISSIONER INGALSBE. >> YES.
>> COMMISSIONER SMITH. >> YES.
NOW LOOKING AT THE CLOCK IT'S 1015.
[N.1. Discussion related to the Hays County inmate population, to include current population counts and costs. BECERRA]
I WILL ASK YOU PLEASE OPEN SOME OF OUR STANDING STUFF.PLEASE OPEN N ONE. >> DISCUSSION RELATED TO HAYS COUNTY INMATE POPULATION TO INCLUDE CURRENT POPULATION
COUNTS AND COSTS. >> SHERIFF'S OFFICE SENDS MY OFFICE EVERY WEEK A JAIL REPORT. OUR JAIL CAPACITY IS 464 INMATES JAIL STANDARDS RECOMMENDS HOLDING APPROXIMATELY 10% OF THAT OPEN WHICH LOWERS OUR CAPACITY TO 417.
THE AVERAGE DAILY AVERAGE WAS HOWEVER 520 OF AUGUST 8TH.
THE ESTIMATED COST FOR OUTSOURCING INMATES THIS WEEK IS $72,365. THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF OUTSOURCED MALES IS 101 AND FEMALES ARE ZERO.
WE HAVE PAPER READY INMATES AND I DON'T HAVE A NUMBER FOR THAT ACTUALLY. TOTAL PAPER READY INMATES, DIDN'T COME THROUGH. MAYBE NOT ON YOUR END.
I DON'T HAVE THAT NUMBER. BUT THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
[N.2. Discussion and possible action related to the burn ban. BECERRA]
THEN I ASK YOU PLEASE OPEN N TWO.>> DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACTION RELATED TO THE BURN BAN.
>> MIKE JONES WOULD YOU APPROACH THE PODIUM.
>> MIKE JONES DIRECTOR HAYS COUNTY.
FIRE MARSHAL AND CURRENTLY ENVIRONMENT INDEX -- PRETTY DRY OUT THERE. THE OTHER DAY WE GOT NEAR SAN
[01:15:02]
MARCUS AND ALMOST THREE QUARTERS OUT THERE -- THE REST OF THE COUNTIES DRY. BE A GOOD IDEA TO PUT THE FIREBAN -- AND WE CONCUR. >> ALL RIGHT.
WILL YOU READ THAT ITEM WE DISCUSSED BEFORE COURT?
>> BIRD -- BURN BAN ORDER OF THE COMMISSIONER COUNTY COURT.
WHEREAS HAYS COUNTY HAD NOT HAD ANY APPRECIABLE RAINFALL FOR THE EXTENDED. OF TIME AND WHEREAS WEATHER FORECASTERS OFFER LITTLE PROMISES SIGNIFICANT CHANGE IN THESE DRY CONDITIONS IN THE NEAR FUTURE AND WHEREAS THESE DRY CONDITIONS OPPOSE THE THREAT OF LARGE FAST MOVING WILDFIRES AND WHEREAS SUCH FIRES HAVE POTENTIAL OF ENDANGERING LIVES AND DAMAGING PROPERTY ON A WIDE SCALE.
WHEREAS TEXAS LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE CHAPTER 35280.1 C AUTHORIZES COURT TO PROHIBIT OUTDOOR BURNING IN THE AREAS OF THE COUNTY. THE COMMISSIONERS COURT MAKES A FINDING THAT CIRCUMSTANCES PRESENT IN ALL OR PART OF THE UNINCORPORATED AREAS CREATE A PUBLIC SAFETY HAZARD THAT WOULD BE EXACERBATED BY OUTDOOR BURNING.
WHEREAS THE HAYS COUNTY COMMISSIONER COURT FINDS AT REGULAR OPEN MEETING ON AUGUST 112026 THAT CIRCUMSTANCES PRESENT IN ALL OR AREAS OF PUBLIC SAFETY HAZARD THAT WOULD BE EXACERBATED BY OUTDOOR BURNING.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THE PROHIBITION AGAINST IN ALL UNINCORPORATED AREAS OF HAYS COUNTY TEXAS THE 352 OF TEXAS LOCAL GOVERNMENT IS HEREBY DECLARED TO BEGIN AUGUST 11TH 2026 AND LAST UNTIL SEPTEMBER 29TH, 2026 OR UNTIL ITS RESCINDED BY COUNTY JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS COURT PICK WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST. AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT THE COMMISSIONERS COURT NOT BE AVAILABLE TO ACT UPON A FAVORABLE CHANGE IN WEATHER CONDITIONS.
THE COUNTY JUDGE SHALL HAVE AUTHORITY TO LIFT THIS PROHIBITION AGAINST OUTDOOR BURNING UPON CONFERRING WITH HAYS COUNTY FIRE MARSHAL. DECLARE THIS 11TH DAY
>> SECOND. >> PLEASE CALL THE ROLL.
>> COMMISSIONER INGALSBE. >> YES.
>> COMMISSIONER COHEN. >> YES.
>> COMMISSIONER COHEN -- >> THANK YOU FIRE CHIEF'S.
IF YOU WILL PLEASE SHARE. WE ARE DONE WITH CONSENT.
[I.1. Hold a public hearing with possible action to establish a "No Parking" zone along Science Hall Loop. INGALSBE/A.JONES]
I WILL TRY TO MOVE AS QUICKLY AS I CAN THROUGH THE REST.LET'S GO TO I ONE AND GIVE ERIN A. CHANCE TO MOVE THROUGH
THIS. >> HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING WITH POSSIBLE ACTION TO ESTABLISH A NO PARKING ZONE ALONG SCIENCE
HALL LOOP. >> OPENING THIS AGENDA ITEM FOR PUBLIC HEARING ANYONE WISHING TO SPEAK FOR OR AGAINST THIS AGENDA ITEM PLEASE APPROACH THE PODIUM. I SEE NO MOVEMENT.
I CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. COMMISSIONER INGALSBE.
>> THANK YOU, JUDGE. WE HAVE VEHICLES PARKING ON THIS SECTION OF ROADWAY BLOCKING RESIDENTS FROM THEIR DRIVEWAYS AND IMPEDING TRAFFIC SO WE FELT IT WAS IMPORTANT TO ESTABLISH THE NO PARKING ZONE. I WILL MAKE A MOTION TO APPROVE.
>> SECOND. >> PLEASE CALL THE ROLL.
>> COMMISSIONER SMITH. >> YES.
[I.2. Discussion and possible action to authorize the execution of a Contract for Engineering Services (2026-PSA-79) between Hays County and KCI Technologies, Inc. to provide Utility Coordination services for the William Pettus project in Precinct 1. INGALSBE/A.JONES]
>> COMMISSIONER COHEN. >> YES.
>> COMMISSIONER HAMER. >> YES.
>> COMMISSIONER INGALSBE. >> YES.
>> JUDGE BECERRA. >> YES, I TWO PLEASE.
>> THE EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES 2026 -- PSA -- 79 BETWEEN HAYS COUNTY AND CASEY I. TECHNOLOGIES TO PROVIDE UTILITY COORDINATION SERVICES FOR PROJECT AND
>> THIS IS THE NEGOTIATED CONTRACT APPROVED A FEW MONTHS
PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> COMMISSIONER COHEN.
>> YES. >> COMMISSIONER HAMER.
[I.3. Discussion and possible action to authorize the execution of Contract Amendment No. 2 between Hays County and American Structurepoint, Inc. for the Yarrington Extension from RM 150, west of Arroyo Ranch to 1-35 project in Precinct 3. HAMMER/A.JONES]
>> YES. >> COMMISSIONER INGALSBE.
>> YES. >> COMMISSIONER SMITH.
>> TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTION OF CONTRACT AMENDMENT NUMBER 2 BETWEEN HAYS COUNTY AND STRUCTURE POINT FOR THE EXTENSION FROM RM150 WEST OF ROYAL ROAD RANCH TO I-35 PROJECT
IN PRECINCT THREE. >> SO MOVED.
>> COMMISSIONER HAMER FOR THE VIEWING PUBLIC.
>> THIS UPDATES THE SCHEDULE WHICH IS EXHIBIT D WITHIN OUR CONTRACT AND INCLUDES CONTRACTORS LIKE ENVIRONMENTAL
CONSULTING -- >> PLEASE CALL THE ROLL.
[01:20:01]
>> COMMISSIONER HAMER. >> YES.
>> COMMISSIONER INGALSBE. >> YES.
>> COMMISSIONER SMITH. >> YES.
[J.1. PLN-3004-PC; Hold a Public Hearing regarding the Replat of Lot 12B, Rolling Oaks Subdivision. HAMMER/BERLAD]
>> COMMISSIONER COHEN. >> YES.
PLN-3004-PC HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING PLOT 12B
ROLLING SUBDIVISION. >> I'M OPENING THE AGENDA ITEM FOR PUBLIC HEARING ANYONE WISHING TO SPEAK FOR OR AGAINST THE AGENDA ITEM PLEASE APPROACH THE PODIUM.
I SEE NO MOVEMENT. I CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING COMMISSIONER. OR IS IT GOING OFF -- ALL YOURS.
I'D LIKE TO GET A COMMISSIONER FIRST DIBS.
>> COLBY, SENIOR PLANNER. THIS PROJECT CURRENTLY UNDER TECHNICAL REVIEW AND WE ARE WORKING THROUGH COMMENTS WAITING RESUBMISSION FROM THE REDEVELOPER PROPERTY OWNER FOR THIS PROJECT BUT AS THE AGENDA ITEM STATES IT'S TO HOLD A
[J.2. PLN-2880-PC; Hold a Public Hearing regarding the Cleaves Acres, Lots 3 & 4 Replat. HAMMER/BERLAD]
PUBLIC HEARING AND NO ACTION NEEDS TO BE TAKEN.>> THANK YOU, SIR. PLEASE OPEN J TWO.
>> J2PLN-2880-PC HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING THE CLIVUS
ACRES LOT -- >> OPENING THE AGENDA ITEM FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ANYONE WISHING TO SPEAK FOR OR AGAINST THIS AGENDA ITEM PLEASE APPROACH THE PODIUM STATE YOUR NAME AND TITLE IF ONE IS CONNECTED. YOU WILL HAVE 3 MINUTES.
>> CHARLES ROBINSON AND THE -- I. LIVE IN WIMBERLEY.
AND JUST TO SUBDIVIDE 10 ACRES IN TWO BIG PARCELS.
>> TWO TWOS AND A SIX. >> YES.
IF I'D KNOWN IT WAS THIS DIFFICULT I NEVER WOULD HAVE DONE IT. IT'S BEEN A YEAR AND A HALF SINCE I STARTED THE PROCESS AND IT DOESN'T SEEM LIKE THERE'S A WRITTEN PROTOCOL. I KNOW THINGS ARE CHANGING BUT THERE'S NO PROTOCOL AS TO HOW TO GO ABOUT HAVING THIS DONE PROPERLY. I HIRED A SURVEYOR TO DO THIS.
WE HAVE ALL THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE AND UNFORTUNATELY IT HASN'T BEEN, IT'S BEEN DRAWN OUT A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF TIME.
WATER AND THE SEPTIC SYSTEMS, IT'S A COMMERCIAL AREA AND A QUIET AREA AND VERY NICE. I WANT TO BE ABLE TO GIVE IT TO THEM WHEN I PASS AWAY. I HOPE IT WILL BE PASSED AND I HAVE -- THE PERMIT WAS PULLED IN 2002.
YET THEY WILL NOT ALLOW ME TO DRILL AND ACTIVATE THAT WELL.
AND BECAUSE OF WATER SHORTAGES AND STUFF IN THE AREA -- THANKS FOR BEING HERE. I APPRECIATE IT.
>> THANK YOU AND I WILL ASK QUESTIONS TO SEE IF WE CAN SHED SOME LIGHT ON THE PROCESS. THANK YOU.
ANYONE ELSE WISHING TO SPEAK FOR OR AGAINST THIS AGENDA ITEM? J TWO. I WILL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.
COUNTY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES -- THIS PROJECT ALSO IS CURRENTLY UNDER TECHNICAL REVIEW WITH COUNTY STAFF TO CALL OUT ANY DEFICIENCIES OF THE PROJECT. THE PURPOSE OF THE AGENDA WAS TO HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING BUT TAKE NO ACTION.
>> THANK YOU AND WOULD YOU MIND FOR THE VIEWING PUBLIC THAT MIGHT WANT TO DO THIS IN THE FUTURE, WHAT CAN WE SAY TO HELP SOMEONE LEARN FROM THE TIMELY AND COSTLY ROUTE THAT THIS
APPLICANT HAS TAKEN? >> ABSOLUTELY.
CURRENTLY OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS WE'VE ALLOWED FOR PROPERTY OWNERS, CONSTITUENTS, SURVEYORS, PROJECT MANAGERS TO CALL UPON HAYS COUNTY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES TO SCHEDULE A PREDEVELOPMENT OR PRE-APPLICATION MEETING WITH COUNTY STAFF.
WE HAVE A LINK THAT ANYBODY CAN ACCESS AND PROVIDE THE LINK IF NECESSARY THAT WE CAN CHAT ABOUT THE PROJECT BEFORE ANY APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED TO OUR OFFICE FOR REVIEW.
THIS HELPS OUTLINE ANY HURDLES WE MAY SEE AGAINST THE REGULATIONS. LET THE PROJECT MANAGER OR PROPERTY OWNER KNOW IF IT'S FEASIBLE.
[01:25:01]
GIVE THEM AN IDEA OF THE ASSOCIATED COSTS AT LEAST FROM OUR REVIEW FEES FROM THE ESTABLISHED HAYS COUNTY FEE.SO THERE'S THAT OPTION. OTHERWISE WHEN WE GET AN APPLICATION IT'S OUR DUTY TO ENSURE IT IS ADMINISTRATIVELY COMPLETE BEFORE REVIEWING AGAINST THE REGULATIONS AND STATUTE AND CALLING OUT THOSE DEFICIENCIES IN A SIGHTED MANNER CITING THE REGULATION THAT IS THE DEFICIENCY AND EXPLAINING WHY IT IS INCORRECT AND HOW THEY CAN CORRECT IT.
>> I LOVE THAT YOU SAID YOU HAVE THIS LINK ON THE WEBSITE AND CAN SEND IT TO SOMEONE. IF SOMEONE GOES TO YOUR WEB -- LANDING PAGE, IS IT EASILY IDENTIFIABLE AND READILY AVAILABLE OR DO YOU HAVE TO GO FISHING FOR IT?
>> I WANT TO SAY IT'S EASY TO FIND UNDER THE DEVELOPMENT SERVICES PORTION OF THE WEBSITE. BUT AGAIN OF COURSE FROM A CUSTOMER SERVICE STANDPOINT IF ANYBODY HAS QUESTIONS ALL THEY NEED TO DO IS ASK, EMAIL, CALL AND WE CAN PROVIDE THAT OR
DIRECT THEM TO THE WEBSITE. >> THE LAST PIECE FOR THE VIEWING PUBLIC, WHAT ABOUT WHAT'S ALREADY THERE AND NOT BEING ALLOWED TO USE IT. WHAT CAN WE SAY ON THAT PIECE?
>> THE HAYS COUNTY MINIMUM LOT SIZE REQUIREMENT OR SEWAGE FACILITIES IN RELATION TO THE AQUIFER ZONES OR GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT AREA IF THERE'S A STATEMENT AT THE BOTTOM OF OUR TABLE SEWAGE FACILITY RULES OF 2014, IT'S SECTION 10D TABLE 1 10-1. THE PROPERTY USING OR PROPOSING THE PRIVATE WELL IN THE -- EDWARDS AQUIFER ZONE THAT FALLS IN THE GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT AREA AND WHETHER THEY'RE USING ADVANCED ON SITE SEWAGE FACILITIES OR STANDARD CONVENTIONAL SYSTEMS THE MINIMUM LOT SIZE IN THE AREAS 6 ACRES.
AND THE STATEMENT AT THE BOTTOM OF THE TABLE STATES IT'S APPLICABLE TO NEW SUBDIVISIONS AND PLAT APPLICATION IS CONSIDERED A NEW SUBDIVISION BECAUSE THEY ARE TAKING AN ESTABLISHED LOT AND DIVIDING IT INTO SMALLER TRACTS OF LAND.
WE EMPHASIZE THAT AND CAN EMPHASIZE IT DURING THE PRE-APPLICATION MEETING. IF THE SURVEYOR REACHES OUT AND TALKS TO US ABOUT IT, ABOUT THE PROJECT WE CAN LET THEM KNOW AT THAT TIME. OTHERWISE IT COMES UP DURING TECHNICAL REVIEW BUT THIS IS BASED OFF OF STATE LEGISLATION AND ALSO THE MINIMUM LOT SIZE ESTABLISHED SINCE 2014.
>> I KNOW EVERYTHING YOU'RE SAYING IS GOOD AND WHOLESOME BUT WHAT I'M TRYING TO GET TO IS A PLACE WHERE WE CAN BE FOR THE GENTLEMAN HERE AS AN EXAMPLE FOR SOMEONE WHO OWNS 10 ACRES AND SAID I JUST -- IT'S A PRETTY GOOD SIZED LOT BUT IF YOU'RE NEAR THE AQUIFER THAT CHANGES JUST A LITTLE BIT.
I WANT TO SEE WE AS A COUNTY ARE AS USER FRIENDLY AS POSSIBLE IN THESE SPACES AND EVERY TIME I SEE OR HEAR OF SOMETHING LIKE THIS, I'M LOOKING FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE BETTER.
YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME. YOU KNOW EVERY TIME SOMETHING COMES UP I SHARE IT WITH YOU AND YOU'RE VERY RECEPTIVE BUT I SEE IT AS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO SIMPLY SAY YOU'RE SEEING -- SAYING EVERYTHING RIGHT AND I'VE DONE NOTHING WRONG BUT HOW DO WE MAKE IT MORE READILY AVAILABLE AND EASIER FOR THE NONDEVELOPER AND THE NONUSER OF THE SERVICES ON THE REGULAR.
I ONLY ASK THAT YOU WALK AWAY HEARING HIM THINKING THROUGH THAT LENS. HOW DO WE MAKE IT EASIER FOR SOMEONE. A NONDEVELOPER, A PARENT THAT'S AGING AND WANTS TO DO SOMETHING LIKE THIS.
THAT'S HONESTLY SO WHOLESOME. LET'S WALK HIM THROUGH IT.
IF THERE'S A WAY YOU COULD TELL ME WHENEVER YOU HAVE A CHANCE, EMAIL ME WHAT YOU CAME UP WITH AND WHAT YOU HAVE, I'D LOVE TO SEE IT. THIS IS REAL, THIS IS WHOLESOME AND I WANT TO BE AS USER FRIENDLY AS POSSIBLE WITH OUR CONSTITUENTS AS I KNOW YOU DO. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
>> PUBLIC HEARING AND YOU HAVE THE NUMBER, CORRECT? WELL THANK YOU VERY MUCH. THAT'S THE END OF THAT PIECE AND THEN THAT COVERS THE ROADS AND SUBDIVISIONS.
LET'S MOVE THROUGH MISCELLANEOUS.
ALTHOUGH I JUST GOT A TEXT. THROUGH K.
[K.1. Discussion and possible action to order an Election to be held on November 3, 2026, to elect State and County Officers. BECERRA/DOINOFF]
LET'S OPEN K ONE. >> DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO ORDER AN ELECTION TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 3RD 2026 TO ELECT STATE AND COUNTY OFFICERS.
>> IT'S A FORMALITY, YOU KNOW THIS ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?
PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> COMMISSIONER COHEN.
>> YES. >> COMMISSIONER HAMMAR.
[K.2. Discussion and possible action regarding the adoption of the fiscal year tax rate, provided that the approved rate shall not exceed the current rate of 0.039999 per $100 of valuation, resulting in no new tax rate increases. BECERRA]
>> YES. >> COMMISSIONER INGALSBE.
>> YES. >> COMMISSIONER SMITH.
>> POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING ADOPTION OF THE POSSIBLE -- YEAR
[01:30:01]
TAX RATE PROVI APPROVED RATE SHALL NOT EXCEED THE CURRENT RATE OF 0.039999 PER HUNDRED DOLLAR EVALUATION RESULTING IN A -- NO NEW TAX RATE INCREASE.>> SO MOVED. MY AIM IN THIS IS TO REPACKAGE LAST AGENDA ITEM SO THAT THE PEOPLE UNDERSTAND ROAD MAP PICK WHAT'S THE AIM AND HOW WE WORK TOWARDS THIS.
I'VE SEEN MANY OF THESE BUDGETS AND WHAT I WANT TO DO IS CREATE SOME PARAMETERS WE CAN ALL AGREE ON AND STAY WITH IT.
>> I SUPPORT IT. I SUPPORT THE EFFORT HERE.
THE PROCESS, WE NEED TO MAKE SURE WHENEVER WE OPEN THE WORKSHOP AND WE'RE DOING THE WORKSHOP THAT WE FIRST DISCUSS WHAT THE BARE MINIMUM WAS AND THEN WE GO THROUGH THE PROCESS OF WHERE POSITIONS AND HEAR EVERYONE OUT.
I THINK THIS IS A LITTLE BIT LATER.
>> IT'S ACTUALLY A LITTLE BIT DIFFERENT BECAUSE WE FRAME IT AND WE'VE DONE THINGS LIKE WHATEVER WE GO IN N SEQUENCE WE CHOOSE BUT IF WE SAY HERE'S OUR PARAMETER, HERE'S WHAT WE'RE GOING TO STRIVE FOR THEN WE CAN SAY WHAT THOSE BOUNDARIES YES TO THIS OR NO TO THIS. IF IT'S YES TO THIS THEN WHAT DO WE TAKE TO THIS. THAT'S OUR AIM TO BE AS FISCALLY CONSERVATIVE TO OUR CONSTITUENTS -- I. CAN'T SHAKE IT, PEOPLE PAYING 5.14 A GALLON NOW AND TRYING TO BE AS RESPONSIBLE WITH THE TAX RATE AS POSSIBLE PIER COMMISSIONER SMITH.
>> I APPRECIATE THE EFFORT IN SETTING AN OVERALL CAP.
I DON'T THINK HAVING NOT HEARD FROM ANY OF OUR DEPARTMENTS THE PAST TWO WHAT THE IMPLICATIONS ARE AND THE REQUESTS RELATED TO WHAT'S IN THE UNDERLYING BUDGET, I DON'T KNOW I'M COMFORTABLE DOING IT NOW. I'VE BEEN LOOKING AT AND ASKED SCOTT TO RUN THESE NUMBERS LAST WEEK.
WE GOT OUR OVERALL -- I'M SURE HE WILL SAY THIS OR SOMEBODY WILL SHARE THIS. WE GOT OUR OVERALL NUMBERS FROM -- THOSE NUMBERS TELL US NUMBER 1 OUR CURRENT TAX RATE OUR AVERAGE PROPERTY OWNER WILL BE PAYING ABOUT 45 TO $50 LESS.
IF WE WERE TO ADD 1 CENT TO OUR TAX RATE AND BE ABLE TO TAKE CARE OF OUR EMPLOYEES AND TAKE CARE OF ALL THE NEEDED SERVICES WE WILL HEAR ABOUT OVER THE NEXT TWO BUDGET WORKSHOPS, THE AVERAGE TAXPAYER WILL BE PAYING SEVEN AND A HALF DOLLARS LESS THAN LAST YEAR. TO ME IT'S A 1 CENT INCREASE IN THE OVERALL TAX RATE -- COMMISSIONER HAMMER WASN'T HERE AND COMMISSIONER COHEN WASN'T HERE FOR THOSE BUT FORMER COMMISSIONER SHELL AND I WERE THE ONES WHO PROPOSED THE INDIVIDUAL CUTS THAT GOT US DOWN TO THAT $0.30 INITIALLY.
AT OUR HIGHEST RATE WE WERE AT 48.6 I BELIEVE IN THE COUNTY AND WE WORKED VERY HARD TRYING TO HIT THOSE NUMBERS BUT THE AMOUNT OF DEMAND FOR SERVICES WE HAVE AND THE AMOUNT OF DEMAND OF OUR RESIDENTS, I COULD STOMACH 1 CENT AND STILL HAVE THEM PAY LESS THAN THEY DID LAST YEAR. OR AN EQUAL AMOUNT TO WHAT OUR RESIDENTS PAID LAST YEAR. I THINK THEY WOULD FIND THAT AS A RELIEF GIVEN THE INCREASES IN OTHER COSTS OUT THERE.
>> A RELIEF WOULD BE PASSING THIS AGENDA ITEM.
RELIEF WOULD BE -- AND YOU'VE HAD THESE ARGUMENTS BEFORE ON DIFFERENT ITEMS. IT'S JUST A PERSPECTIVE.
HERE'S WHAT'S GOING ON HOLISTICALLY.
YOU HAVE IT GOOD OR HOW MUCH CAN WE DO REGARDLESS OF WHAT'S GOING ON IN SPACE AS. IT'S A DIFFERENCE IN OPINIONS.
>> I JUST WANTED TO SAY YES, THEY ARE PAYING $53 LESS THIS YEAR AT THE CURRENT TAX RATE BUT THEIR NET WORTH HAS GONE DOWN BECAUSE THEIR HOMES NOW WORTH LESS.
THAT'S JUST LIKE LOOKING AT YOUR 41K AND SAYING I'VE HAD 100,000 NOW I HAVE 80,000. THEY HAVE LESS.
AS SOON AS HOME VALUES READJUST AND IF WE KEEP THE SAME TAX RATE THEY WILL BE PAYING MORE. IT'S KIND OF --
>> WE CAN DEBATE IT OR WE CAN LISTEN TO EVERYONE ELSE'S INPUT AND HAVE OPEN DEBATE ON IT. BUT EACH INDIVIDUAL POINT, WE
[01:35:02]
CAN DO THAT. >> JUST LET HER FINISH HER
THOUGHTS. >> THAT'S MY TAKE THERE.
I'M NOT SAYING WHAT YOU SAID REGARDING THE PROCESS WE SHOULD HEAR EVERYTHING OUT AND ESTABLISH A TAX RATE FROM THERE BUT I DO THINK ESTABLISHING A TAX RATE FIRST AND FOREMOST WILL HELP US DETERMINE WHAT WE SAY YES, AND NO TO.
IF WE DON'T DO THAT, WE'RE GOING TO SAY YES TO EVERYTHING AND WE DON'T KNOW WHAT THE TAX RATE WILL BE.
I SEE THAT BEING A BENEFIT. I'VE BEEN VERY CONSISTENT IN THE FACT THAT I DO NOT WANT TO RAISE THE TAX RATE.
I'VE SAID THAT A MILLION TIMES AND I DON'T KNOW IF THIS IS THE
RIGHT PLACE TO DO IT. >> FOR THAT REASON -- FOR THAT REASON IS WHY I WANT TO FRAME IT THIS WAY BECAUSE ALL OF OUR DEPARTMENT HEADS HAD TIME TO CREATE THEIR BUDGETS AND HAVE GONE THROUGH THE PROCESS AND INTO SCOTT OUR BUDGET OFFICER'S OFFICE AND HAVE GONE THROUGH AND NEGOTIATED THE PROJECT IS WORTHY OR NO IT'S NOT OR THE PURCHASE IS WORTHY, THE PURCHASE IS NOT.
THEY'VE GONE THROUGH ALL OF THAT AND BALANCED IT AND GOT IT STRAIGHT AND WHAT I'M TRYING TO DO IS, YOU SAID DID, PEOPLE'S HOMES ARE WORTH LESS RIGHT NOW. AS A SIGNPOST.
I TAKE THAT AS A BLATANT SIGNPOST AND WE SHOULD DO EVERYTHING WE CAN IN THIS MOMENT WHILE WE HAVE IT TO BE RECEPTIVE AS WELL. COMMISSIONER COHEN.
>> I'M NOT COMFORTABLE TRYING TO SET A TAX RATE RIGHT NOW WITHOUT HEARING FROM OUR DEPARTMENTS. THAT'S WHAT THAT TIME IS FOR.
IT'S THEIR TIME TO TELL THE COURT THEIR INITIATIVES AND WHAT THE FUTURE LOOKS LIKE OVER THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR.
AND I'M NOT GOING TO SUPPORT THIS AGENDA ITEM UNTIL MAYBE AFTER WORKSHOP. BUT FOR NOW I'M NOT SUPPORTING
IT. >> AND JUST TO BE CLEAR WHEN YOU MET WITH ALL THE DEPARTMENTS, THIS IS A BRAND NEW AGENDA ITEM SO I'M SORRY TO DO THIS TO YOU. IF YOU COULD STATE YOUR NAME AND TITLE FOR THE VIEWING PUBLIC AND GIVE US THE 3000-FOOT PROCESS OF WHAT'S LED TO OUR BINDERS WHEN YOU GAVE THEM TO US.
>> THE PROCESS STARTS WITH FILLING OUT REQUESTED BUDGETS AND WHAT THE REQUESTS ARE. MOST OF THEM WERE REASONABLE.
THE PROCESS IS THE BUDGET OFFICE WILL GO THROUGH AND DISSECT THOSE BUDGETS SUBMITTED AND BASED OFF THE DIRECTION OF THE COURT AND WHERE WE WANT TO LAND, I WENT IN AND ESSENTIALLY THROUGH DISCUSSION WITH THOSE DEPARTMENTS RANKED THOSE PROJECTS AND REQUESTED AT THE END OF THE DAY BEFORE THE RECOMMENDED BUDGET THIS PAST WEEK, I WENT THROUGH WHAT WAS NEEDED TO GET DOWN TO WHAT THE RATE WAS THAT WE WANTED
ESSENTIALLY. >> WHEN DID YOU GIVE US THE BINDERS WITH THE DEPARTMENT HEAD FEEDBACK AND ELECTED OFFICIAL FEEDBACK. WHEN DID YOU GIVE US THE BINDERS
THAT CONCLUDED ALL OF THAT WORK? >> THE BINDERS RECOMMENDED CAME TO YOU ALL LAST WEEK. THAT WAS THE LAYOUT, THE
GROUNDWORK. >> A LOT OF WORK WENT INTO THAT.
COMMISSIONER INGALSBE. >> I RESPECT EVERYTHING MY COLLEAGUES HAVE SAID BUT I WANTED TO GO AHEAD AND DO A WORKSHOP BEFORE WE TOOK ACTION ON THIS ITEM.
>> I WILL LISTEN TO WHAT THE COURT SAYS ON 105 AND I WILL TAKE A LISTEN UNTIL ACT -- AFTER THE WORKSHOP BUT IT'S MY BELIEF WE'VE HEARD A LION'S SHARE OF ELECTED OFFICIALS AND DEPARTMENT HEADS THROUGH THE BINDERS AND PROCESS.
THESE AUDIBLES AND REQUESTS ARE OH, BY THE WAY, KIND OF THINGS AND I'M THINKING THAT MIGHT BE OUR OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE FROM ANOTHER AREA SO WE CAN IF WE AS A COURT SUPPORT THE REQUEST GIVE IT TO THEM BUT PULL FROM SOMEWHERE ELSE.
THAT'S LESS IMPORTANT. MY AIM IS TO BE THE MOST FISCALLY SOUND WHILE PEOPLE ARE PAYING FOR DIESEL.
[K.3. 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 WILL TABLE THIS UNTIL THE SECOND WORKSHOP AND I THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH. PLEASE MOVE ON WITH K3.>> DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO CREATE THE HAYS COUNTY SALARY AGREEMENTS COMMITTEE FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE FISCAL YEAR PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 152 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE.
>> SECOND. >> THIS IS JUST A PROCESS IF A GRIEVANCE IS FILED, I WILL BE THE CHAIR OF LISTENING TO THE
GRIEVANCE. >> YOUR RIGHT, IT'S THE TIME OF YEAR WE DO EVERY YEAR IN ANTICIPATION OF RECEIVING ANY
[01:40:03]
SALARY GRIEVANCES FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS JUST AS PREPARATION STUFF. AS A REMINDER YOU WILL PROBABLY GET TIRED OF ME TELLING YOU THIS EVERY YEAR BUT AS A REMINDER THE COURT HAS OPTIONS ON HOW YOU'D WANT THE COMMITTEE TO LOOK.YOU'VE GOT WHAT WE REFER TO AS HYBRID OPTION WHERE IT'S A MIXTURE OF ELECTED OFFICIALS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC THEN YOUR OTHER OPTION THAT'S ALL MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
IF THE COURT CHOOSES THE OPTION OF WHAT WAS DONE RECENTLY IN YEARS PAST, REMINDER THOSE ELECTED A NON-VOTING CHAIR OF THE COMMITTEE, SHERIFF, TAX ASSESSOR COLLECTOR, TREASURER, COUNTY CLERK, DISTRICT CLERK AND DISTRICT ATTORNEY, -- CRIMINAL DISTRICT ATTORNEY.
THAT'S WHAT THAT LOOKS LIKE AND I KNOW THE COUNTY'S CLERK OFFICE CAME TODAY READY WITH A BUCKET OR HAT OR TUB OF NAMES THAT WE USUALLY USE. BUT FIRST WE NEED TO KNOW FROM THE COURT WHICH OPTIONS YOU GUYS WOULD PREFER TO GO WITH AND THEN WE CAN START PICKING A SUFFICIENT NUMBER OF NAMES AND
ALTERNATES JUST IN CASE. >> AS THE CHAIR OF THESE MEETINGS I WILL SAY THAT IT'S OF GREAT BENEFIT TO HAVE THE HYBRID DESCRIPTION OF ELECTED OFFICIALS AND COMMUNITY ACCOMMODATION.
IF YOU GUYS ARE OKAY WITH THAT, I'D LIKE TO PURSUE IT THAT WAY.
IF YOU WILL PLEASE TELL ME HOW MANY NAMES TO DRAW.
>> TO GIVE THE ALTERNATE OPTIONS I THINK WE'VE ROUTINELY PICKED ABOUT 20. JUST TO GIVE ALTERNATE OPTIONS AND MAKE IT EASIER ON THE COUNTY CLERK TO GET THOSE PEOPLE HERE
FOR A HEARING. >> THERE'S MORE -- I. WILL GIVE THEM TO YOU TO READ. MY GOODNESS.
I WILL GIVE IT TO YOU TO READ. AND IF SOMEONE ELSE CAN KEEP
ATKINS SIMS. >> YOU REMEMBER THIS, SHERIFF.
>> BENJAMIN BRASKA. ANGIE MCDOWELL.
-- MCDOWELL. CRYSTAL GARRISON.
THOMAS ALLEN. >> AS YOU RECALL WE'RE BEING
EFFICIENT WHEN WE DO THIS. >> MARK CUSACK.
MARK FARNSWORTH. >> YOU TELL ME WHEN TO STOP.
JOHN SANDERS. LEONA SCARS OF THE FOURTH.
>> THREE MORE. >> NICOLE āŖ āŖ . SCOTT SMITH.
>> AND THE LAST ONE. >> GONZALEZ.
>> I MOVE WE DO THE HYBRID ELECTED OFFICIALS AS CALLED OUT BY JORDAN AND THE REMAINDER HOLD -- PULLED FROM THAT LIST.
>> SECOND. >> PLEASE CALL THE ROLL.
>> COMMISSIONER INGALSBE. >> YES.
>> COMMISSIONER SMITH. >> YES BUY COMMISSIONER COHEN.
[K.4. Discussion and possible action to support Commissioner Morgan Hammer's nomination to the Region 11 Guadalupe Regional Flood Planning Group (RFPG). SMITH]
>> YES. >> COMMISSIONER HAMER.
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO SUPPORT COMMISSIONER MORGAN HAMER'S NOMINATION TO THE REGION 11 GUADALUPE REGIONAL FLOOD PLANNING GROUP. RFP G.
>> PERFECTLY WELL DONE PEER PLEASE CALL THE ROLL.
>> COMMISSIONER COHEN. >> YES.
>> COMMISSIONER HAMER. >> YES.
>> COMMISSIONER INGALSBE. >> YES.
IF I'M NOT MISTAKEN THAT CONCLUDES MISCELLANEOUS.
IF THERE'S NOTHING ELSE, I AM PRIVILEGED AND GRATEFUL TO SAY
[01:45:04]
THAT WE ARE AHEAD OF TIME AND WE WILL GO IN A RECESS UNTIL 11 UNLESS YOU WANT TO SNEAK IN ANOTHER EXECUTIVE SESSION.[M. EXECUTIVE SESSIONS (Part 1 of 2)]
ALL RIGHT. OPEN EXECUTIVE SESSION.>> M1 EXECUTIVE SESSION PURSUANT TO SECTION 551.071 AND SECTION 551.072 OF THE TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE CONSULTATION WITH COUNSEL AND DELIBERATION REGARDING THE EXCHANGE, PURCHASE, LEASE, SALE OR VALUE OF REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT OR NEAR FM 2001 INCLUDING ONE, HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS VHC ALEXANDER PLACE LLC PEER CAUSE NUMBER 23-0042-C PENDING IN COUNTY COURT AT LAW NUMBER 2 IN HAYS COUNTY PARCEL 28.
TWO HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS VHC ALEXANDER PLACE LLC CAUSE NUMBEG IN COUNTY COURT AT LAW NUMBER 3 IN HAYS COUNTY.
PARCEL 29. RELATED TO THE COTTON GIN ROAD PHASE TWO IMPROVEMENT PROJECT IN PRECINCT ONE, DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION MAY FOLLOW IN OPEN COURT.
>> IF YOU ARE NOT TIED TO THE EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEM STARTING WITH ONE, JORDAN. IF YOU'RE NOT TIED TO THESE EXECUTIVE SESSION AGENDA ITEM NUMBER 1, PLEASE CLEAR THE COURTROOM.
>> ALL RIGHT. WE ARE BACK FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION. AND AFTER OUR WORKSHOP, WE WILL HAVE A MOTION FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEM M-1.
[L.1. 11 :00 A.M. - Budget Workshop regarding the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. Possible action may follow. BECERRA/WOODLAND]
PLEASE OPEN L-1. >> L-1, 11:00 A.M. BUDGET WORKSHOP REGARDING PHYSICAL YEAR 2027 BUDGET POSSIBLE ACTION MAY
>> SECOND. >> JUST FOR THE HECK OF IT.
MOTION SECOND. SCOTT, IF YOU DON'T MIND TAKING THE REIGNS ON THE FIRST PART. ACTUALLY WE HAVE -- I JUST FOUND OUT. I FORGOT ABOUT THE NOTE.
WE HAVE TWO EMAILED COMMENTS AND READ THEM FIRST AND THEN YOU GO.
>> FIRST ONE IS FROM DANIEL LUDMIR WRITES I'M A COUNTY EMPLOYEE AND APPEARING BEFORE THE COURT IN THE INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY AND VIEWS ARE ENTIRELY MY OWN.
THE YEAR IS 2026 WHEN WILL THE COUNTY LEADERSHIP PROVIDE PAID PARENTAL LEAVE FOR UNDER PAID EMPLOYEES.
STATE EMPLOYEES HAVE 8 WEEKS. COUNTY TO THE NORTH OFFERS 12 WEEKS. HAYS CONTINUES TO EXPECT THE WORK FORCE TO RAISE THE NEWBORNS WITHOUT PAY TO BE UNITED IN GROWTH AND COMMITTED TO THE COMMUNITY HAYS MUST ATTRACT THOSE AND SET UP FOR SUCCESS. DANIEL.
>> REPEAT THE LAST NAME. >> L.
L-U-D-M-I-R. AND FROM KENNY ROCHA, ASKING THE REPRESENTATIVES TO JUSTIFY THE GAP BETWEEN NO NEW REVENUE RATE OF 0.3291 AND THE 0.3999 RECOMMENDED RATE FOR FY 2027 AND FORMALLY ACCOUNT FOR THE COUNTY'S DEBT POSITION FOR FINALIZING THIS YEAR'S RATE. AS OF THIS YEAR'S DEBT SCHEDULE THE COUNTY IS CARRYING 694.8 MILLION IN TAX SUPPORTED DEBT, 58.2 MILLION AND FY '27 DEBT SERVICE 44.7 MILLION OF THAT FROM PROPERTY TAXES. THAT'S BEFORE THE 439.6 MILLION VOTER APPROVED ROAD BOND IS ISSUED.
ALTHOUGH THE BOND IS STILL LEGALLY UNRESOLVED IT WILL EVENTUALLY COME BEFORE THIS COURT AS A RATE DECISION ON TOP OF WHAT IS ALREADY IN THE BOOKS. TWO QUESTIONS I ASK THE COURT TO ADDRESS: FIRST, WHAT SPECIFICALLY IN THE RECOMMENDED RATE ABOVE NNR IS DISCRETIONAL VERSUS FIXED VERSUS -- SO THE PUBLIC CAN WEIGH IN ON THE DIFFERENCE WITH REAL INFORMATION, SECOND WHETHER THE COURT HAS A PLAN FOR HOW THE REINSTATED ROAD BOND WILL INTERACT WITH 186.8 MILLION IN CERTIFICATES OF OBLIGATION ALREADY ISSUED FOR THE CO BOND PROJECTS. WITH GENERAL FUND RESERVES AT 4.0 MONTHS AND ROAD AND BRIDGE AT 2.3 MONTHS, I DON'T THINK THE ROAD BOND CAN BE TREATED AS NEXT YEAR'S PROBLEM.
IT SHOULD INFORM THIS COMING YEAR'S RATE DISCUSSION.
I APPLAUD THE RECOGNIZED COST CONSTRAINTS OBTAINED BY THE DEPARTMENT DIVISION HEADS. HOWEVER, I SEE MORE WORK THAT CAN BE DONE KEEPING OUR FEATURE DEBT OBLIGATED ON THE RADAR.
>> BEAUTIFUL. THAT'S THE END OF THAT, RIGHT? VERY GOOD POINTS. THANK YOU BOTH THAT WROTE IN.
[01:50:04]
AND NOW WE GO TO SCOTT. NAME AND TITLE, PLEASE, SCOTT.>> SCOTT WOODLAND BUDGET OFFICER AND TO GET THIS BUDGET WORKSHOP STARTED, WE WANT TO HAVE A QUICK PRESENTATION FROM OUR HR MANAGER ERIC AND HE WILL GO OVER THE SALARY STUDY THAT HE DID AND GIVE SOME CLARIFICATION ON THE STUDY.
>> PLEASE START A FIVE-MINUTE TIMER FOR ERIC.
>> THANK YOU JUDGE. GOOD MORNING COMMISSIONERS.
>> PUT IT ON THERE SO WE KNOW WHERE YOU ARE AT.
YOU DON'T HAVE TO STOP. I WANT TO KNOW.
>> HUMAN RESOURCE DIRECTOR. THAT'S BUDGET CYCLE THE COURT DID DIRECT US TO DO HUNDRED PERCENT OF BENCHMARKING OF OUR POSITIONS. SO THIS IS THE RESULT OF THAT.
SO WE'LL GET STARTED WITH THE FIRST SLIDE.
JUST AS A QUICK POINTER, COMPETITIVE WAGES, FAIR WAGES DOES ALIGN WITH THE PILLAR 2 OF THE STRATEGIC PLAN WHICH SAYS HAYS COUNTY WARD BUILD RESILIENT AND ACCOUNTABLE ORGANIZATION THAT EMPOWERS ITS WORK FORCE. LITTLE BACK GROUND ON THE COMPENSATION STUDY. IN 2023, THE STUDY WAS IMPLEMENTED USING 2022 MARKET DATA FOR SELECT BENCHMARK POSITIONS ACROSS EACH PAY BRAID. THIS WAS A MISSED OPPORTUNITY WITH THE STUDY AND DID BENCHMARKS OF HUNDRED PERCENT POSITIONS. IF POSITIONS WERE IN THE WRONG PAY GRADES WE MISSED THE OPPORTUNITY TO CORRECT THAT AT THE TIME. IN 2024 IMPLEMENTED A SET PLAN AND YEARS OF SERVICE WERE INCORN RATE INTO THE ANNUAL SALARY AND 2026, 6% TOTAL RAISE OF CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES AND 3% CHART OF CHART MOVEMENT AND ANNUAL 3% STEP INCREASE ON THE EMPLOYEE'S ANNIVERSARY. FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS 3% COST OF LIVING ADJUSTMENT EFFECTIVE 1-1 AND DIDN'T MOVE THE CHART FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS. THE COURT DID APPROVE 15 TOTAL NEWMARKET SOURCES ON THE RIGHT SIDE YOU CAN SEE THERE.
IT IS VERY BALANCED IN TERMS OF CONSERVATIVE AND MORE COUNTY ENTIES AND LOCAL TO THE GO GRAPHIC AREA AND MORE REALISTIC WHERE EMPLOYEES ARE LEAVING TO. SO WHY MARKET ALIGNMENT MATTERS? MARKET BASED COMPENSATION STRUCTURES ARE THE COMMONLY RELIED UPON AMONGST ORGANIZATIONS TO MODIFY THE COMPENSATION STRUCTURES AND ACROSS THE BOARD INCREASE HOWEVER IS NOT THE MARKET BASE ADJUSTMENT AND DOESN'T ADDRESS INDIVIDUAL POSITIONS AND RESIDENT SHIPS TO THE MARKET OR REALIGNING POSITIONS FOR BENCHMARK FINDING.
ADDRESSING MARKET ALIGNMENT AND UNIFORM SALARY APPROACH SUSTAINABILITY APPROACHES OF EQUITY AND DEMONSTRATES POSITIVE OUTCOMES AND EMPLOYEE SATISFACTION AND LONGEVITY.
COMPREHENSIVE MARKET STUDY SHOULD USE MARKET DATA TO PUBLIC PAY LEVELS AND MAINTAIN SALARY RANGES AND DETERMINE APPROPRIATE PLACEMENT IN THE RANGES AND ADDRESS IDENTIFIED ALIGNMENT ISSUES. SO OUR METHODOLOGY POSITIONS BENCHMARK AGAINST APPROVE JOB TITLES AND DESCRIPTIONS AND DIDN'T FIND DIRECT TITLE MATCHES USED THE JOB DESCRIPTIONS.
MATCH OF 70% OR GREATER WAS COMPARABLE.
MARKET AVERAGE REACH IS CALCULATED OF ALL MATCH MARKET POSITIONS AND DIVIDED BY TOTAL NUMBER OF MARKET SOURCES AND COMPARABLE JOB MATCHES. WE BENCHMARKED 282 SIGNALING POSITIONS AND 817 FTES FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT FALL UNDER THE CIVILIAN PAY PLAN. THE RESULTS WERE 14 FTE AND 1.7% ARE ALIGNED WITH MARTIAL AVERAGE AND THEN SHOCKING 691 FTES OR
874 ARE BELOW MARKET AVERAGE. >> FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES.
>> QUICK QUESTION. WHAT ARE THE OTHER -- 14 PLUS
691 DOES NOT EQUAL 817. >> THE OTHER IS THE ONES
OVERMARKET. >> THAT'S IMPORTANT.
>> LOOKING AT LIVING WAGES CURRENT HAYS COUNTY IS 692 OR 33929 AND STARTS FOR CUSTODIANS AND COUNTY ENROLLMENT DATA THEY HAVE TWO CHILDREN PER EMPLOYEE. BASED ON THE DATA WE LOOKED AT THE MASSACHUSETTS TECHNOLOGY AND LIVING WAGE HAYS IS 353943 ANNUALLY FOR TWO WORKING ADULTS. AND NOT RELYING ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE. CITY OF AUSTIN USED MIT DATA TO DETERMINE THE INCREASE FOR THE EMPLOYEES FOR THE UP COMING FISCAL YEAR. 364 EMPLOYEES OR 45% OF THE
[01:55:02]
CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES ARE BELOW THE LIVING WAGE THRESHOLD FOR TWO WORKING ADULTS AND CHILDREN. UPDATE ON THE CBA COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT, HAYS COUNTY AND THE HAYS LAW ENFORCEMENT ASSOCIATION ARE ENGAGED IN BARGAINING.AND THEY EXPRESSED BARGAINING TO THE MARKET AVERAGE FIRST SECOND OR THIRD AMONGST COUNTY SOURCES AND BASED ON THE COUNTY COMPENSATION STUDY THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AND BARGAINING UNITS FALL BELOW THE MARKET AVERAGE AND COMPENSATION 1 TO 9% BELOW AVERAGE. HR DOES HAVE TWO OPTIONS FOR THE
MARKET STUDY. >> START ANOTHER ONE.
>> OPTION ONE AND OPTION TWO. OPTION ONE WHAT I CALL THE FULL MARKET RESET. IT IS $6.49 MILLION.
IT ESSENTIALLY BRING THE SALARY TO 38920 OR 18.71 PER HOUR.
THAT'S THE CUSTODIANS MARKET AVERAGE IN THE MARKET AND RESULT IN 14.6% CHART MOVEMENT IN THE CURRENT SALARY STRUCTURE.
POINT OUT NOT EVERYONE GET THE 14.6% INCREASE.
THAT'S MOVING THE CHART 14.6%. PEOPLE WOULD BE PLACED IN THE CORRECT PAY GRADES IN ACCORDANCE TO MARKET.
THE COUNTY STARTED WAGE WOULD BE $22 AN HOUR, 45,760.
USING THE MIT LIVING WAGE DATA TAKE IT FURTHER THAN JUST THE 18.71 AND BE COMPETITIVE IN THE MARKET IN TERMS OF LIVING WAGE DATA. WE ARE PROPOSING ALL EMPLOYEES PAID BELOW THE LIVING WAGE WILL BE RAISED TO COUNTY PROPOSED STARTING WAGE OF $22 PER HOUR. EMPLOYEES WHO ARE OVER THE RANGE IN THE NEW PROPOSED PAY GRADE RECEIVE ONE TIME PAYMENT OCTOBEF THE CURRENT SALARY. NO EMPLOYEES RECEIVE LESS THAN 3% MARKET ADJUSTMENT AND NO STEP MOVEMENT IN FY '27 AND NO REGRADES RECOMMENDED. OPTION 2 IS ESSENTIALLY OPTION 1 BUT WITH THE PHASED APPROACH. PHASE 1 EMPLOYEES RAISED TO 50% OF THE MARKET ADJUSTMENT ON OCTOBER 1ST.
AND THEN PHASE 2 EMPLOYEES WILL BE RAISED TO THE OTHER REMAINING 50% OF THE MARKET ADJUSTMENT ON APRIL 1ST.
AS OF APRIL 1, 2027, ALL EMPLOYEES AT MARKET AVERAGE.
AGAIN, NO SET MOVEMENTS FOR FY 20 SEVEN AND NO REGRADES RECOMMENDED. MOVING ON TO ELECTED OFFICIALS, NINE ELECTED OFFICIAL POSITIONS BENCHMARKED AS FAR AS THE COMPENSATION STUDY AND MARKET STUDY BENCHMARKED FOR THE FIRST TERM PAY AND 3% COST OF LIVING AND THE CHART DID NOT MOVE.
AND SO HERE ARE THE FINDINGS. 5 OR 21% OF ELECTED OFFICIALS ARE CURRENTLY ALIGNED WITH MARKET AVERAGE.
8 OR 33% ARE CURRENTLY ABOVE MARKET AVERAGE.
AND THEN 46 OR 11 CURRENTLY BELOW MARKET AVERAGE.
RECOMMENDATIONS TWO OPTIONS FULL MARKET ALIGNMENT 11,600 IN SAVINGS DUE TO ELECTED OFFICIALS MOVING OUT WHO ARE CURRENTLY AT A HIGHER PAY IN THEIR TERM THAN THE NEW COMING ELECTED OFFICIALS. SO THE PROPOSED RECOMMENDATION IS AS OF JANUARY 1ST, 2027, THE CHART WILL MOVE FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS INCLUDING COUNTY JUDE 12% AND COMMISSIONERS 9% AND JUSTICE OF THE PEACE 4% AND SHERIFF 2%.
ELECTED OFFICIALS NO INCREASE 2027 AND ELECTED OFFICIALS RE-ELECTED ARE OF COURSE ELIGIBLE FOR REGULAR 12 TERM PERCENT INCREASE. OPTION 2 IS FULL MARKET ALIGNMENT OR 3%. AND COST 57000.
THEY WOULD GET 3% COLA OR NOT GETTING 3% MARKET ADJUSTMENT GET THE 3% COLA AND THIS AGAIN WOULD START JANUARY 1ST, 2027.
MOVING ON TO THE MEDICAL BENEFITS BENCHMARK.
FIRST TWO ROWS ARE THE CURRENT PREMIUMS WE CHARGE FOR MEDICAL INSURANCE. WE HAVE THE WELLNESS RATE AND NONWELLNESS. AND FAR RIGHT WHAT THE MARKET IS CHARGING THE EMPLOYEES. OVERALL AS YOU CAN SEE THE COUNTY IS GENEROUS ON THE EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS MEDICAL INSURANCE AND KEEP IN MIND AS THIS IS AN IMPORTANT PACKAGE OF TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE FOR THE EMPLOYEES THAT WILL HELP OF COURSE RETAIN AND ATTRACT NEW EMPLOYEES.
SO THE BIGGEST GENEROSITY CONTRIBUTION AS YOU CAN SEE IN THE MIDDLE PLAN EPO PLAN. AS YOU CAN SEE, WE CHARGE AN EMPLOYEE AND SPOUSE 147.08. IN THE MARKET THEY'RE CHARGING 282 AND 61. AND FOR THAT FAMILY PLAN CHARGE 239.32 AND MARKET IS 465.33. WE DO STILL SEE THE BENEFIT IN
[02:00:06]
HAVING THREE MEDICAL OPTIONS. HSA IS TYPICALLY USED BY THE EMPLOYEES SINGLE AND MAYBE DON'T GET SICK AS OFTEN AND LIVE WITH SOMETHING COST AFFORDABLE AND EPO PLAN ONCE BUILDING FAMILIES AND DON'T PAY AS MUCH AND THE EMPLOYEES WHO PREFER THE CO-PAYS IN EXCHANGE FOR HIGHER PREMIUM AND LOWER DEDUCTIBLE.WE RECOMMEND KEEPING THE THREE PLANS TO MEET THE GRAPHIC NEEDS OF EMPLOYEES WHERE THEY ARE IN THE LIVES.
>> GOOD. >> ON DENTAL BENEFITS BENCHMARK WE ARE GENEROUS ON THE EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTION.
AND ON THE VISION SIDE WE ARE MORE IN LINE WITH MARKET.
SO THE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HEALTH INSURANCE PREMIUM, HR RECOMMEND CONTINUING COUNTY AND NONWELLNESS FOR THE 2027 PLAN YEAR. WE CURRENTLY HAVE HUNDRED EMPLOYEES ON THE NONWELLNESS RATE AND CONTINUING TO REACH OUT TO THEM TO HELP TO GET THEM TO THE WELLNESS RATE BEFORE THE END OF SEPTEMBER OR OTHERWISE STAY ON THE WELLNESS RATE FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE CALENDAR YEAR. WE PROPOSE THE COUNTY TO ABSORB TAX 8.5% INCREASE IN 2027 WITH THE RECOMMENDATION THAT SOME COSTS BE PASSED TO THE EMPLOYEE IN THE 2028 PLAN YEAR.
>> TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES FOR THOSE THAT ARE FOLLOWING
ALONG. >> YES, THANK YOU JUDGE.
AS YOU CAN SEE WE'RE COMPETITIVE IN TERMS OF EMPLOYER PREMIUMS. IN THE 2028 PLAN YEAR DECIDE TO PASS ON COST TO THE EMPLOYEES WE WOULD HAVE PEACE OF MIND COMPETITIVE WITH PREMIUMS TO THE
WELL DONE. >> WE ARE RECOMMENDING TO CONTINUE COMMISSIONER COURT FOR NEW HIRES TO COMPLETE THE ANNUAL PHYSICAL OF 90 DAY EFFECTIVE RATE TO BE ELIGIBLE.
AND EMPLOYEES ON NONWELLNESS REMAIN FOR THE 2027 PLAN YEAR.
AND THEN WE RECOMMEND EMPLOYEES WHO COMPLETE THE WELLNESS REQUIREMENTS BY DECEMBER 31ST OF NEXT YEAR 2027 THE DEADLINE REMAIN -- THEY WOULD BE ABLE TOLL REMAIN IN THE WELLNESS RATE FOR ENTIRE 2028 PLAN YEAR AND EMPLOYEES DON'T COMPLETE THAT BY DECEMBER 31ST MOVE TO THE NONWELLNESS RATE FOR THE ENTIRE 2028 CALENDAR YEAR AND NO MORE GRACE PERIOD.
>> I WANT TO CLARIFY, IF THEY ARE ON THE NONWELLNESS RATE AS OF TODAY NOT THAT THEY CAN GO GET THE PHYSICAL AND THOSE KIND OF THINGS AND CHANGE PLANS BY THE BEGINNING OF THE NEXT PHYSICAL YEAR, THEY ARE AUTOMATICALLY ON THE NONWELLNESS
RATE NOW. >> IF THEY COMPLETE RIGHT NOW, THEY HAVE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30TH TO GET BACK ON THE WELLNESS
RATE. >> UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30TH.
I WANT TO CLARIFY THAT. WE HAVE EMPLOYEES WATCHING.
FROM THE TECHNICAL SENSE MEANS THEY HAVE UNTIL THE END OF
SEPTEMBER TO GET A PHYSICAL. >> YES, SIR.
>> AND GET INSURANCE AND THEN ELIGIBLE FOR THE OTHER RATE.
>> CORRECT. IF WE ADOPT THIS STAY ON THE
WELLNESS FOR THE 2027 PLAN YEAR. >> TWO AGO WERE MONTHLY RATES
NOT PER PAY CHEQUE. >> THOSE WERE MONTHLY PREMIUMS.
>> SINCE WE HAVE THE PAUSE. ANYTHING TO CONTRIBUTE AT THIS
>> ALL GOOD. >> WE CAN LOOK AT MORE INCENTIVES TO MOTIVATE MORE TO COMPLETE THE WELLNESS EXAM.
>> I LOVE THAT APPROACH. >> WE DID BENCHMARK LEAVE ACCRUALS AS WELL. AS YOU CAN SEE WE ARE IN LINE WITH MARKETS IN TERMS OF THE VACATION ACCRUALS AT THE TOP.
THE THIRD ROW IS OUR PROPOSED RECOMMENDATIONS.
SO WHAT WE DID SEE IN THE MARKET COMMISSIONER, JUDGE IS THAT MOST OF THE MARKET SOURCES DON'T HAVE A TIER FOR LESS THAN ONE YEAR OF EXPERIENCE OR ONE YEAR OF EXPERIENCE WITH THE COUNTY.
AND SO THAT'S THAT CURRENT COLUMN RIGHT THERE WHERE IT SAYS LESS THAN WERE YOU HOUR AND FOUR HOURS PER MONTH.
THOSE CURRENT EMPLOYEES WHO HAVE BEEN HERE LESS THAN A YEAR EARN.
WE ARE RECOMMENDING TO MOVE THE GROUP OF INDIVIDUALS TO THE 1 TO 4 TIERS TO ESSENTIALLY ACCRUE 7 HOURS PER MONTH OF VACATION JUST TO BE MORE IN LINE WITH MARKET. WE HAVE HEARD FEEDBACK FROM NEW EMPLOYEES IT'S FAIRLY LOW. SO THE DATA SHOWS THAT AS WELL.
WE ALSO RECOMMEND ELIMINATING THE 6 MONTH WAITING PERIOD FOR EMPLOYEES TO USE VACATION. SO EMPLOYEES DO ACCRUE LEAVE AS THEY WORK. NOT LIKE SCHOOL DISTRICTS UP FRONT AND WE HAVE SOME RISK TAKING IT AND LEAVING THE COUNTY. THEY ESSENTIALLY ACCRUE IT AS THEY'RE WORKING. SO WE'RE PROPOSING ELIMINATING THE SIX MONTH WAITING PERIOD. PEOPLE HAVE VACATION SOMETIMES OUTLINED BEFORE THEY TAKE A JOB. AND THINGS HAPPEN IN LIFE.
WE ARE RECOMMENDING TO REMOVE THE SIX MONTH WAITING PERIOD.
>> HOLD ON. COMMISSIONER WANTS TO SAY
SOMETHING. >> I KNOW WE JUST TALKED ABOUT THIS TWO SLIDES BACK. YOU SAID MONTHLY.
I LOOKED AT IT AND LOOKED LIKE SEMI-MONTHLY.
I THINK THAT'S TWICE A MONTH. IS THAT CORRECT, THOSE RATES.
[02:05:01]
>> THANK YOU COMMISSIONER. SEMI-MONTHLY.
TRYING TO RUN NUMBERS. >> SHE SAID THAT.
I WAS LIKE WAIT A MINUTE. DEPENDS ON WHEN YOU GET PAID.
IT HAS TO BE SEMI-MONTHLY I KNOW WHAT I PAY AND ONLY GET PAID
MONTHLY. >> WE HAVE SOME ON THE MONTHLY
PAYROLL CYCLE. >> GO ON THE SEMI-MONTHLY RATES.
>> THEY PAY THOSE TWICE A MONTH? >> CORRECT.
>> GOTCHA. >> THANK YOU FOR THE
CLARIFICATION. >> SIX LEAVE ACCRUALS ARE MORE IN LINE WITH MARKET AS YOU CAN SEE IN THE BOTTOM THERE.
THAT IS ALL. >> ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS OR
COMMENTS ON THIS SIDE? >> GOOD RIGHT NOW.
>> GOOD, OKAY. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH.
I APPRECIATE THE CADENCE. I REALLY DO.
SCOTT, WHAT IS UP? >> JUDGE, I HAVE A QUICK PRESENTATION. THIS WILL BE LESS THAN FIVE MINUTES AND RUN THROUGH IT QUICK.
I KNOW EVERYBODY IS HERE TO SEE THE DIFFERENT DEPARTMENTS.
>> THANK YOU. >> SO ON THIS QUICKLY I WILL GO OVER THE SAME SCHEDULES I HAD LAST WEEK WHEN WE PRESENTED FOR THE CAPITAL AND PERSONNEL AND SOFTWARE.
NOT GO OVER IT BUT GIVE CLARIFICATIONS.
WANTED TO DISCUSS THAT THANK THE TAX OFFICE FOR HELPING ON THE NO NEW REVENUE RATE FROM THE BUDGET PERSPECTIVE, THERE COULD BE SOME POTENTIAL INFORMATION FROM THE HCAD BEFORE WE MAKE ALL OF THE REVENUE RECOMMENDATIONS. THAT ALL HAS TO DO WITH
DIFFERENT -- >> HAYS COUNTY APPRAISAL
AND THEN LASTLY WANT TO DISCUSS THE TAX RATES IN THE INCREMENTAL EFFECT AND SOMETHING THAT -- COMMISSIONER SMITH DID A GREAT JOB TEEING IT UP. IT WILL BE AN ILLUSTRATION OF WHAT HE WAS SAYING. OKAY.
HERE IS THE STRATEGIC PILLARS. NOT GO OVER THEM.
WE HAVE BEEN OVER THEM BEFORE AND MOVE ON TO THE NEXT ONE.
HERE IS THE PROPERTY TAX BILL IMPACT.
ILLUSTRATION OF WHAT COMMISSIONER SMITH WAS ALLUDING TO EARLIER. THROUGH THE ADDITION OF ONE PENNY THAT WOULD BE $4.225 MILLION, YOU CAN SEE FOR THE FY '26 ADOPTED BASED OFF THE AVERAGE HOME VALUE, THE AVERAGE HOMEOWNER PAYING 1855.98. IF YOU LOOK AT WHAT OUR FY '27 IS AT THE CURRENT RATE, THAT AVERAGE HOME VALUE DROPS, SO NOW THAVERAGE HOMEOWNER PAYING 52 SAVINGS.
AND INCREASE THE PENNY TAX ON AVERAGE HOME IS 1848.
THAT STILL ENDS UP WITH THE SAVINGS TO THE AVERAGE HOMEOWNER OF 7.51. AS YOU MENTIONED EARLIER, DIFFERENT WAYS TO LOOK AT THE COIN, THAT THERE'S TWO SIDES OF IT AS FAR AS APPRAISED VALUE GOES.
THAT WAS A GOOD CONVERSATION. AND MOVING ON TO THE NEXT ONE PERSONNEL. WE WILL GO AHEAD AND MOVE TO THE NEXT ONE. I WANT TO HIGHLIGHT ONE THING I DID ON THE SCHEDULE IS I PUT -- WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE JUSTICE CLERK DOWN THERE IS ACTUALLY THREE JUSTICE CLERKS.
I PUT THE 1121 NGP 5 ON THERE. AND JP JUSTICE OF THE PEACE.
I THOUGHT WORTH CONSIDERATION. THEY HAVE DIFFERENT STATISTICS.
THEY ARE BUSY IN THEIR OWN WAY AND THE DIVISION OF TICKETS MAY DIFFER, THEY ARE ALL OVERBURDENED BY THE WORK THEY HAVE. THAT'S THE ONE THING I WANT TO POINT OUT ON THAT ONE. THEN IF WE WANT TO MOVE -- GO AHEAD AND MOVE TO THE NEXT ONE. I WANTED TO STATE I MAY HAVE SAID THIS OPTION IN PRIVATE WITH Y'ALL.
I DIDN'T STATE IT IN THE PRESENTATION AS FAR AS THE ELECTION EQUIPMENT THAT THERE IS AN OPTION TO PURCHASE THAT OVER A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS OR TWO YEARS.
BUT THERE IS A FINANCING EFFECT INTEREST RATE, IF YOU WILL, THAT WILL INCREASE THE COST. I HAVEN'T HAD TIME TO VET IT YET. JENNIFER SENT ME A NEW QUOTE WITH THE LOWER DOLLAR AMOUNT AND LOOK FOR THE CONSIDERATION.
>> WE DON'T HAVE TO PAY IT. THAT IS DOA IN MY HEAD, DEAD ON
ARRIVAL. >> DISCUSSING THAT SPECIFIC ITEM, I'M THE ONE WHO ASKED SCOTT TO PUT THE NUMBERS TOGETHER ON ELONGATED SCHEDUL. THERE ARE TWO FACTORS THAT I WANT TO CONSIDER WHEN WE LOOK AT THAT.
THE FIRST IS WE WILL BE SENTENCING A COURT EITHER NEXT PHYSICAL YEAR OR THE NEXT PHYSICAL YEAR TO WELL ABOVE WHAT EVEN THE FINANCE RATE WOULD BE ON THIS EQUIPMENT TODAY.
MY CONCERN WITH THAT IS I'M JUST -- I DON'T WANT TO KICK IT DOWN THE ROAD. FROM THE IMPLEMENTATION
[02:10:01]
STANDPOINT, IF WE DON'T START IMPLEMENTATION THIS YEAR, THE FIRST YEAR THAT IT CAN BE FULLY IMPLEMENTED IS GOING TO BE IN A PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION YEAR WHICH WILL BE THE LARGEST TURNOUT THAT WE HAVE. AND I HAD A REAL CONCERN ABOUT ROLLING OUT NEW TECHNOLOGY. WE HAVE DONE THIS TWICE SINCE ON THE COURT. ROLLING OUT NEW TECHNOLOGY ON THE YEAR OF OUR BIGGEST WITHOUT AT LEAST A YEAR WORTH OF TESTING IS A REAL PROBLEM. IT HAS BEEN IN THE PAST.AND THAT'S FROM THE LAST MAJOR EQUIPMENT UPGRADE WE DID THAT WAS I WANT TO SAY AT THAT TIME BACK IN -- FORGIVE ME IF I'M WRONG, I KNOW COMMISSIONER AND JUDGE, YOU WERE HERE DURING THAT
TIME, WAS THAT IN 2021, 2022? >> 2019 WHEN WE GOT THE CURRENT
WHEN DID WE FULLY IMPLEMENT? '01, I BELIEVE.
WE HAD TO BUY ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT.
WHEN DID WE BUY THE ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT; DO YOU KNOW?
>> NOT OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD. >> I WANT TO SAY '21.
>> I WANT TO SAY '21, '22. SOMEWHERE AROUND THE RANGE.
I REMEMBER SEEING THE PURCHASES. >> THE ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT COST SUBSTANTIALLY MORE THAN IF WE HAD IT WHEN WE FIRST DID THE CONTRACT. IT WAS ALMOST AS MUCH, IF I REMEMBER CORRECTLY AS THE ORIGINAL CONTRACT WAS.
SO I JUST KNOW THOSE ARES KA ESCALATING.
RIGHT NOW ONLY ONE PROVIDER CERTIFIED TO PROVIDE THE EQUIPMENT. THAT'S THE REASON I WOULD AT LEAST LIKE US TO HAVE THE CONVERSATION ON WHAT IT WOULD
LOOK LIKE. >> ON THE FLIP SIDE, YOU'RE DONE WITH YOUR PRESENTATION, RIGHT? OKAY.
ON THE FLIP SIDE, ACT NOW WHILE SUPPLIES LAST WHAT I'M HEARING.
WE DON'T HAVE TO BUY AND THE LAW NOT IN PLACE AND WE HAVEN'T BEEN MANDATED, I DON'T WANT TO MAKE THE MOVE BECAUSE THE LAW CAN CHANGE. WE WILL GO --
>> IT SAID INTEREST RATE 4.695, THAT IS ANNUAL.
>> SORRY WE SPENT EXTRA TIME IN EXECUTIVE SESSION.
WE ARE GOING TO FIRST HEAR FROM THE SHERIFF OFFICE AND WE THANK YOU FOR THE TIME AND PATIENCE. YOU'RE FIRST UP.
PLEASE START THE TEN-MINUTE TIMER FOR HIM.
SAY TO THE WHOLE ROOM. YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE AROUND TEN MINUTES AND CORRALLED TO HOW MUCH TIME.
>> CHIEF DEPUTY IS DOING THE MAJORITY OF THE PRESENTATION.
I WANTED TO READ A QUICK EMAIL THAT WILL SET THE TABLE FOR MY OFFICE AND OTHER DEPARTMENT HEAD AND ELECTED OFFICIALS.
I RECEIVED THIS TEN DAYS AGO FROM AN EMPLOYEE.
I WANTED TO SHARE THAT I WILL BE LEAVING THE AGENCY WITH THE LAST DAY BEING FRIDAY AUGUST 14TH. THIS WASN'T AN EASY DECISION, I ACCEPTED A POSITION AS A CRIME ANALYST HERE WITH THE POLICE DEPARTMENT. ALTHOUGH I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS NEW OPPORTUNITY, LEAVING HAYS COUNTY AND THE PEOPLE I WORKED WITH IS INCREDIBLY DIFFICULT.
SHE GOES ON TO SAY SHE'S A TENURED EMPLOYEE WITH THE SHERIFF OFFICE AND LEAVING FOR ONE SPECIFIC REASON, FOR MONEY.
AT SOME POINT WE HAVE TO LOOK HARD AT TAKING CARE OF OUR
EMPLOYEES. >> YOU'RE EXACTLY RIGHT, SHERIFF. AS THE GUY THAT SPEAR HEADED AND PUSHED HARD AND CREATED THE MAX STUDY THAT IS INCOMPLETE I'M ON YOUR PAGE HUNDRED PERCENT. WITH THAT CITIES WILL PAY MORE THAN COUNTIES. I'M REGRETFUL TO SAY THAT.
I WISH IT WASN'T THAT WAY. I HEAR YOU HUNDRED PERCENT.
I DO EVERYTHING TO SUPPORT THE CO-WORKERS.
>> SHE WAS WITH US FOR 15 YEARS ABOUT?
CHIEF. >> CHIEF DEPUTY HAYS COUNTY OFFICE. FIRST OF ALL, I DON'T INTEND TO TAKE TIME AWAY FROM DEPARTMENT HEADS OR FUNDS FROM DEPARTMENT HEADS. I'M SPEAKING SOLELY TO THE COURT. COMMISSIONERS, JUDGE, THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK TO YOU THIS MORNING.
I'M SORRY I WILL HAVE TO READ THIS.
I WILL TRY AT TIMES GO OFF TRACK IF I DON'T STAY WITH THIS.
THE MEN AND WOMEN CURRENTLY WORKING FOR THE HAYS COUNTY SHERIFF OFFICE ARE PROFESSIONALS.
I'M SPEAKING SPECIFICALLY ABOUT THOSE NOT COVERED BY THE CBA, THEY HAVE THE BARGAINING CHIP, I'M THE CHIP WHO ARE NOT COVERED BY THE CBA, THAT'S WHO I'M TALKING ABOUT.
THEY SHOW UP EVERY DAY AND PERFORM DIFFICULT WORK UNDER CHALLENGING CIRCUMSTANCES AND DO SO WITH INTEGRITY AND DEDICATION. THE CHALLENGE WE FACE IS WHETHER WE CAN CONTINUE ATTRACTING AND RETAINING THOSE PROFESSIONALS TOMORROW. WE ASK THE EMPLOYEES TO PERFORM PROFESSIONAL LEVEL WORK AND MAKE LIFE ALTERING DECISIONS AND TESTIFY IN COURT AND PROTECT VICTIMS AND INVESTIGATE CRIME
[02:15:02]
AND MANAGE EVIDENCE AND OPERATE TECHNOLOGY AND RESPOND TO EMERGENCIES AND SERVE THE COMMUNITY 24 HOURS A DAY AND YET INCREASINGLY ASKING THEM TO DO THE WORK IN THE MARKET WHERE THE COMPENSATION IS FALLING BEHIND NEIGHBORING AGENCIES.WHEN WE LOSE THE EXPERIENCED EMPLOYEE WE DO SO -- WE DON'T JUST LOSE A PERSON, WE LOSE INSTITUTIONAL KNOWLEDGE.
WE SPEND THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS RECRUITING AND TRAINING REPLACEMENT, WE INCREASE OVERTIME AND PLACE THE HEAVIER BURDEN ON THE EMPLOYEES WHO REMAIN.
THIS IS NOT ABOUT ASKING FOR MORE BECAUSE WE WANT MORE, IT'S ABOUT ENSURING THAT HAYS COUNTY CITIZENS CONTINUE RECEIVING THE LEVEL OF SERVICE THEY EXPECT AND DESERVE.
COMPETITIVE COMPENSATION AND RELIABLE EQUIPMENT ARE PUBLIC SAFETY INVESTMENTS. I UNDERSTAND THE FINANCIAL REALITY THE COURT IS FACING. I'M NOT HERE TO SUGGEST THAT THE COURT CAN FUND EVERYTHING WE REQUESTED.
I GET IT. WHAT I WANT TO DO IS IDENTIFY THE PRIORITIES I BELIEVE DESERVE CONSIDERATION IF ADDITIONAL RESOURCES DO BECOME AVAILABLE. FIRST COMPENSATION.
THE SALARY STUDY GIVES THE COUNTY THE OPPORTUNITY TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM THAT GOES BEYOND THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE.
WE HAVE EMPLOYEES WHOSE COMPENSATION FALLING BEHIND THE MARKET AND WE ARE AT THE RISK OF LOSING TALENTED PEOPLE BECAUSE OF OTHER EMPLOYEES ARE WILLING TO PAY THEM MORE EVIDENT BY THE EMPLOYEE THAT THE SHERIFF JUST MENTIONED.
ANOTHER EXAMPLE SPECIFICALLY AT THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE IS SANDRA G ALVAN AND MENTIONED HER BY NAME BECAUSE SHE SERVES AS THE SHERIFF OFFICE HR MANAGER, HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGER, SHE IS ALSO THE DIRECTOR OF THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION AND APPOINTED BUDGET MANAGER FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION AND THE BUDGET MANAGER PIECE DOESN'T QUALIFY FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE, THE OTHER TWO CERTAINLY DO. SHE IS DOING THE WORK OF TWO FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES AND BEING COMPENSATED FOR ONE.
RECOMMENDED BUDGET DOESN'T FUND REGRADE NECESSARY FOR THE RESPONSIBILITY SHE TAKES ON. THE CONCERN IS NOT SIMPLY THAT SANDRA DESERVES TO BE PAID MORE. THE COCERN IS WHAT HAPPENS IF WE OVERBURDEN HER TO THE POINT THAT WE LOSE HER.
I WOULD BE VERY HARD PRESSED TO FIND ANOTHER PERSON WILLING TO PERFORM TWO FULL-TIME JOBS FOR THE SALARY OF ONE.
THIS IS RETENTION ISSUE BUT ALSO OPERATIONAL RISK FOR THE COUNTY.
THE NEXT PRIORITY IS THREE ADDITIONAL SRO OFFICERS.
OUR GOAL IS TO HAVE A DEPUTY ASSIGNED TO EVERY SCHOOL BY 2028. THESE POSITIONS, THESE THREE POSITIONS ARE NECESSARY TO KEEP US ON TRACK FOR THAT GOAL.
THIS IS ABI ABOUT SCHOOL SAFETYD PREVENTION RELATIONSHIPS WITH STUDENTS AND SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS AND HAVING THE DEPUTY AVAILABLE WHEN EMERGENCIES OCCUR.
IF WE WANT TO REACH THE GOAL OF DEPUTY IN EVERY SCHOOL BY 2028, WE NEED TO CONTINUE MOVING TOWARDS THAT NOW.
ADDITIONAL AUTO THEFT DETECTIVE. WE HAVE ONE AUTO THEFT DETECTIVE DOING THE WORK FOR THE ENTIRE COUNTY AND THE COUNTY GROWS AND THE DEMAND ON THE POSITION GROWS WITH IT.
ONE DETECTIVE CAN'T ABSORB INCREASING WORKLOAD BECAUSE THE POSITION DOESN'T CHANGE. AND ADDING ANOTHER DETECTIVE KEEPS UP THE WORKLOAD THAN ASKING ONE PERSON TO DO MORE.
I WANT TO BRIEFLY ADDRESS THE DISCUSSION ABOUT REDUCING OUR CONTRACTED INMATE BEDS IN HASCO COUNTY TO HUNDRED INMATES THAT IT IS TO NO MORE THAN 50. I WOULD ASK THE COURT TO BE CAUCAUTIOUS ABOUT MAKING IT WHEE THEY CAN HOUSE INMATES.
JAIL OPERATION MANAGEMENT IS SYSTEM AND INMATE HOUSED IS TRANSPORTATION AND MEDICAL CARE AND HOSPITAL WATCHES AND RELEASES AND ABILITY TO MOVE INMATES WHEN THE CIRCUMSTANCES CHANGE USING MULTIPLE SURROUNDING COUNTIES MEANS DEALING WITH DIFFERENT REQUIREMENTS AND BED AVAILABILITY AND COURT PROCEDURES AND ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA. THE TRANSPORTATION STAFF IS ALREADY HEAVILY UTILIZED HAVING COURT TRANSPORTS AND WARRANT PICK UPS AND MEDICAL AND DIALYSIS IMPORTS AND STATE JAIL TRANSIMPORTANTS AND JUVENILE NILE AND HOSPITAL TRANSIMPORTANTS AND OTHER REQUIRED.
AND ASK FOR INMATE HOUSING BASED ON OPERATIONAL NEEDS AVAILABLE CAPACITY AND COST AND PUBLIC SAFETY.
I'M NOT ASKING THE COURT TO DICTATE THAT WE USE ONE PARTICULAR FACILITY. I'M ASKING THAT WE RETURN THE FLEXIBILITY OR RETAIN THE FLEXIBILITY TO DETERMINE WHAT COMBINATION OF FACILITIES MAKES THE MOST OPERATIONAL AND FINANCIAL SENSE FOR HAYS COUNTY. I WANT TO TALK ABOUT TECHNOLOGY.
[02:20:02]
ONE OF THE REQUESTS IN THE REQUESTED BUDGET IS AI PACKAGE HOT TOPIC. BUT AXON IS OFFERING TEN-YEAR AGREEMENT THAT WOULD LOCK IN THE AI SERVICES THEY CURRENTLY PROVIDE AND INCLUDE NEW AI SERVICES THEY INTRODUCED IN THE TEN-YEAR PERIOD AT NO ADDITIONAL COST.THIS FEELS LIKE SOMETHING I HAVE TO BRING TO YOU TO SAVE THE MONEY, SAVE THE COUNTY MONEY IN THE FUTURE.
RATHER THAN SIMPLY TALKING ABOUT WHAT THE TECHNOLOGY MIGHT DO, I WILL OFFER A VERY BRIEF TOUR, LIVE DEMONSTRATION OF SOME OF THE STUFF THIS CAN DO. AI IS GOING TO BECOME INCREASING IMPORTANT PART OF LAW ENFORCEMENT IF WE CAN USE IT TO REDUCE ADMINISTRATIVE WORKLOAD AND IMPROVE INFORMATION PROCESSING AND GIVE THE EMPLOYEES MORE TIME TO PERFORM THE WORK THAT REQUIRES A HUMAN BEING THAT IS AN EFFICIENCY INVESTMENT. THE TEN-YEAR AGREEMENT GIVES US PREDICTABLE COST AND ACCESS TO FUTURE CAPABILITIES RATHER THAN REQUIRING US TO COME BACK TO THE COURT EVERY TIME A NEW CAPABILITY BECOMES AVAILABLE FOR THE NEXT TEN YEARS.
SO COMMISSIONERS I UNDERSTAND THE BUDGET ENVIRONMENT WE'RE IN.
I UNDERSTAND THE RECOMMENDED BUDGET IS SLIM.
I'M NOT ASKING YOU TO FUND EVERY REQUEST MADE BY THE SHERIFF OFFICE. I'M ASKING YOU TO LOOK AT THESE REQUESTS THROUGH THE LENS OF WHAT THEY ACCOMPLISH FOR THE CITIZENS OF HAYS COUNTY. IF ADDITIONAL RESOURCES BECOME AVAILABLE MY PRIORITIES ARE IN THIS ORDER, I WILL SAY THEY ARE IN PRIORITY ORDER AND ALMOST AMOUNT.
FIRST ADDRESS COMPENSATION AND RETENTION AND PARTICULARLY AT RISK LOSING CRITICAL EMPLOYEES. SECOND ADD THE THREE SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS NECESSARY TO KEEP US ON TRACK FOR DEPUTY IN EVERY SCHOOL BY 2028 AND THIRD AUTO THEFT DETECTIVE NEEDED TO KEEP PACE WITH THE WORKLOAD AND FOURTH MAKE STRATEGIC TECHNOLOGY INVESTMENTS INCLUDING THE AXON AI OPPORTUNITY TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY AS THE COURT CONTINUES TO GROW.
ALL THROUGHOUT ALL OF THIS ALLOW THE SHERIFF OFFICE THE OPERATIONAL FLEXIBILITY NECESSARY FOR THE MANNER THAT SERVES HAYS COUNTY. THIS COMES DOWN TO WHAT LEVEL OF SERVICE WE WANT HAYS COUNTY RESIDENTS TO RECEIVE AS THE COUNTY CONTINUES THE GROW. THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE SHERIFF OFFICE ARE GIVING THIS COUNTY EVERYTHING WE ASK OF THEM.
MY RESPONSIBILITY IS MAKE SURE TO GIVE THEM THE PEOPLE AND EQUIPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY AND COMPENSATION NECESSARY TO CONTINUE DOING THE JOB WELL. NOW, IF YOU WOULD PLEASE LET ME GIVE THE LIVE DEMONSTRATION, I PROMISE IT IS VERY SHORT.
HOLD BUTTON. >> TRANSLATE TO SPANISH.
>> LANGUAGE SET TO SPANISH. >> HELLO MY NAME IS DEPUTY MCOY, HOW TO ASSIST YOU TODAY.
LANGUAGE ] >> JUST A VERY BRIEF DEMONSTRATION AS YOU CAN IMAGINE.
THE DEPUTIES OFTEN SPEND 30 MINUTES, 40 MINUTES WAITING FOR THE TRANSLATOR. AND THIS TECHNOLOGY PROVIDES THE ABILITY TO DO ON SITE -- I WANTED FOR Y'ALL TO BE ABLE TO SEE THE CAPABILITIES IT HAS. THIS IS NOT THE ONLY THING THAT COMES WITH THAT. I WILL SAY IT IS THE TOP PRIORITY. IF THE COURT IS UNABLE TO SUPPORT THE IDEA OF THE ENTIRE AI BUNDLE, WE WOULD ASK FOR THIS AT THE MINIMUM. I HAVE SEVERAL OPTIONS.
I DON'T THINK THIS IS THE TIME TO TALK ABOUT IT NOW.
I HAVE DIFFERENT NUMBERS TO TALK ABOUT SCOTT ABOUT IF ADDITIONAL
FUNDS -- >> WHEN YOU SAY THIS, YOU MEAN
TRANSLATION COMPONENT. >> THE LIVE TRANSLATION COMPONENT IS ONE PIECE OF A 10 OR 12 COMPONENT PACKAGE THAT THEY'RE OFFERING RELATED TO AI, I WANT TO RE-EMPHASIZE I DON'T THINK IT'S ABOUT THE TECHNOLOGY AND COOL STUFF IT OFFERS, I% THINK IT'S ABOUT THE FACT WE LOCK IN THE FACT WE'RE AT ONE PRICE FOR NEXT TEN YEARS. NO MATTER WHAT AXON COMES UP WITH AI RELATED COMES INTO THE BUNDLE AT NO DIFFERENT CHARGE.
[02:25:01]
>> THAT CONCLUDES YOUR TIME. >> YES, SIR.
>> I WANT TO ASK THE COMMISSIONER, DO YOU WANT TO INTERACT NOW OR WAIT UNTIL ALL DONE? I THINK NOW IS BETTER. JUDGE, HOWEVER YOU WANT TO DO
WHAT I WAS GOING TO SAY BEFORE OR IN THE PAST, WE USED TO GET A LIST OF EVERYBODY THAT CAME UP, THE COST ASSOCIATED WITH THAT.
I THINK THAT WOULD BE EXTREMELY HELPFUL FOR US TO SEE WHERE WE'RE AT AT THE ADOPTED BUDGET OR WHAT WE'RE PROPOSED -- THE PROPOSED BUDGET AND WHAT THAT WOULD ADD TO THAT.
>> ALSO INCLUDED IS OUTLINED WHAT WAS RECEIVED IN THE ADOPTED BUDGET NOT JUST THIS LEVEL AND THE OTHER ITEMS THIS IS THE PHYSICAL IMPACT THEY WOULD HAVE. BUT IN GENERAL, AND I WILL JUST SAY THIS FOR THE DEPARTMENT HEADS IN GENERAL THE BULK OF THAT IS NOT PRODUCED BY THE BUDGET OFFICE.
THE IMPACT STATEMENTS WERE PRODUCED BY THE BUDGET OFFICE BUT THE DEPARTMENT HEADS COMING TO = ADDITIONAL FUNDS WOULD GIVE US A PACKET THAT OUTLINED OKAY HERE IS WHAT WE HAVE IN THE BUDGET. HERE IS WHAT WE ADDITIONALLY NEED OR HERE IS WHAT WE ARE WILLING TO GIVE UP IN THE ADOPTED BUDGET OR IN THE PROPOSED BUDGET TO HELP REPLACE FUNDING OR TO HELP SUPPLEMENT FUNDING IN WHAT WE'RE ASKING
GREAT POINT. WE ALSO FOR ALL DEPARTMENTS HAD CONVERSATIONS EXACTLY RIGHT WHERE SOMEONE SAYS I WAS AWARDED AWARDTHIS BUT FIND THIS MORE USEFUL AND TRADE THIS FOR THAT TO KEEP THE DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THE BRACKET.
THAT'S A GREAT THING TO ENTERTAIN WITH EACH OF YOU.
>> IF I COULD SAY THAT, WE HAVE DONE THAT.
SCOTT IS AMENABLE TO MEETING. AND CHANGE THIS AND GOT THIS AND NEED THIS. I WILL SAY, THIS IS A GENERAL STATEMENT, NOT MUCH ELSE FOR US TO CUT OUT.
THE RECOMMENDED BUDGET TOOK MY BREATH AWAY.
I SAY IT WITH ALL DUE RESPECT. >> HOW YOU PRIORITIZE ONE THROUGH FOUR IS BEAUTIFUL AND PERFECT.
COMMISSIONER IS ASKING FOR A SHEET SLATING THE FINANCIAL IMPACT BRACKETED INTO EACH DEPARTMENT SO THANK YOU SHERIFF.
ANY OTHER QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? >> I WOULD SAY JUST FROM A CLARITY PERSPECTIVE FOR COMPENSATION, IF YOU COULD IDENTIFY POSITIONS THAT YOU FROM THE CIVILIAN STANDPOINT THAT YOU THINK NEED TO COME UP SO I CAN PUT NUMBERS TO THOSE POSITIONS.
I'M SURE IT'S NOT ALL OF THEM IN TERMS OF ITS PRIORITIES, RIGHT,
OR -- >> I THINK WHAT I'M SAYING I'M SUPPORTING THE RECOMMENDATION MADE BY ERIC THIS MORNING.
I THINK ALL OF OUR EMPLOYEES THAT ARE NOT AT MARKET AVERAGE SHOULD BE BROUGHT TO THAT. BUT I SPECIFICALLY WANTED TO LAY OUT THE FACT THAT I HAVE ONE EMPLOYEE WHO IS DOING THE WORK OF TWO FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES AND I GET THAT YOU NEED TO STAY EQUITABLE IN THE COUNTY. I UNDERSTAND THAT.
I DON'T KNOW HOW MANY OTHER POSITIONS THERE ARE IN THE COUNTY WHERE ONE PERSON IS DOING THE WORK OF TWO.
I'M HAPPY TO JUSTIFY WITH BOTH JOB DESCRIPTIONS THE AMOUNT OF WORK THAT SHE'S DOING AND I'M KILLING HER.
I'M PUTTING TOO MUCH ON HER. AND SHE'S NOT COMPLAINED ABOUT IT ONE TIME. BUT I REALLY FEEL LIKE I NEED TO MENTION THAT TO Y'ALL. IT WAS WORTH IT TO ME.
>> JUST FOR CLARIFICATION, HOW MANY SROS WERE INCLUDED IN THE BUDGET, NEW SROS, ZERO? IN THE BACKGROUND DOCUMENTATION, I WANT CLARIFICATION. WHAT WE GOT LAST WEEK FOR ONE SRO, ONE NEW SRO POSITION, THE TOTAL WAS 190; IS THAT RIGHT?
>> EQUIPMENT, FRINGE, SALARY. >> ONE NEW SRO POSITION --
>> THAT CAN'T BE CLOSE. >> IS THAT ONE OR THREE.
>> THAT'S ONE POSITION AND INCLUDING THE VEHICLE.
IT'S EVERYTHING TO OUTFIT THEM. >> FOR THREE SROS WOULD BE
ROUGHLY $600,000. >> I HAVE THAT IN THE
OF THAT, IS THAT JUST OUR PERCENTAGE OR INCLUDE THE PERCENTAGE PAID BY THE SCHOOL DISTRICT AS WELL.
>> THAT'S THE OVERALL COST. THE SCHOOL DISTRICT COVER
APPROXIMATELY 70% OF THAT. >> OF THE ALMOST 600,000 WOULD
BE REIMBURSED. >> I THINK IT'S 79%.
>> I THINK IT IS 79%, OKAY, THANK YOU.
>> CAN WE GET CLARIFICATION NEXT WEEK FOR THE BUDGET WORKSHOP WHAT THE NUMBERS WOULD BE ON THOSE AND GET IT BROKEN DOWN.
>> YES, SIR. I WILL GET THE BREAK DOWN TO
[02:30:01]
SHOW THE OFFICERS AND WHAT THE REVENUE WOULD BE -->> THIS IS THE FIRST BUDGET AND GRATEFUL FOR THE WORK YOU HAVE DONE. THESE ARE FINE TUNINGS FROM THE COURT'S REQUEST. YOU ARE DOING STELLAR.
DON'T LET THAT FEEL LIKE YOU'RE NOT.
>> OF COURSE. I LOOK FORWARD TO THE THINGS THAT HELP Y'ALL MAKE EDUCATED DECISIONS.
I WANT TO GIVE YOU THE DECISION THAT GIVES YOU THE BEST ABILITY.
>> JUDGE, I THINK WHAT IS HELPFUL FOR ERIC TO LET US KNOW NOT BY NAME OR ANYTHING, JUST YOU KNOW WHAT GROUP OF POSITIONS ARE BELOW MARKET. I THINK THAT WOULD BE HELPFUL
FOR US TO KNOW. >> THAT'S RIGHT.
BECAUSE THE CHIEF JUST SAID, I SUPPORT ERIC'S DEAL -- TWO OPTIONS IN YOUR PROPOSAL. IMPLICATIONS EVEN WITH THE PHRASE OF SUPPORTING YOU. WE HAVE TO GET FINER GRANULAR.
THANK YOU. >> I WILL ASK FOR APOLOGIES OR ASK FOR FORGIVENESS THAN PERMISSION, BUT I HAVE TO STATE REAL QUICK THE SHERIFF SUPPORTS ASSIST MENTAL HEALTH UNIT THEY NEED TO HELP AND SUPPORT ATTORNEY 5 TO HELP THE SHERIFF WITH THE CIVIL SERVICE NEEDS THAT COME UP ON THE DAILY BASIS AND MENTAL HEALTH REQUESTED BY THE JUDGE.
>> THANK YOU FOR REINFORCING WHAT IS IMPORTANT.
>> ERIC IN THE PAST WE RECEIVED ESPECIALLY POST-SALARY SURVEY.
POSITION AND EVERY POSITION WITH WHAT -- WHERE THEY'RE CURRENTLY AT, WHAT THE IMPACT WOULD BE, AND ANY OTHER CLARIFYING INFORMATION. AND THEN WE WOULD TAKE THOSE CATEGORIZED AND SAY WE CAN TELL THAT THESE NEED A CERTAIN AMOUNT. THESE NEED.
HELPED US MAKE THE MORE INFORMED DECISION.
QUITE LITERALLY THAT HAD EVERY EMPLOYEE IN THE COUNTY --
>> IF WE COULD HAVE A LIST OF ALL PLOYS WHERE THEY ARE ON THE MARKET. I WOULD LIKE TO CATEGORIZE IT.
>> SOME GROUP MAKES SENSE TO TARGET WHAT YOU'RE SAYING.
>> NEXT WE HAVE -- THANK YOU GUYS.
THIS IS SHIFTING. COUNTY COURT AT LAW.
>> GOOD MORNING. I'M JUDGE ELAINE BROWN COUNTY COURT OF LAW AND ASSIST THE MENTAL HEALTH COURT AND ASSISTED OUTPATIENT TREATMENT AND ASSISTANCE JUDGE OF COUNTY COURT 1, 2, AND 3. WE HAVE BROAD JURISDICTION.
WE HAVE HEAR CASES FROM MISDEMEANOR AND CRIMINAL AND PROBAITS AND GUARDIANSHIP AND MENTAL HEALTH AND EMERGENCY DETENTION AND ORDERS OF PROTECTIVE CUSTODY FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND CIVIL CASES, WE HAVE VERY BROAD JURISDICTION THAT INCLUDES APPEALS FROM JP COURTS ON EVICTIONS.
VERY BUSY. THERE'S ONLY THREE OF US.
WE HAVE ASKED FOR AN ASSOCIATE JUDGE/JUVENILE MASTER.
JUVENILES WHEN DETAINED HAVE TO HAVE THE DETENTION HEARING WITHIN 48 HOURS. AS I DON YOU CAN IMAGINE, THAT S OFTEN DIFFICULT FOR US TO MEET THE REQUIREMENT BECAUSE WE HAVE FULL DOCKETS. THEY'RE TRYING TO PLUG IN THE JUVENILE DETENTION HEARING WHERE THE OTHER THING IS THE JUVENILES HAVE TO BE BROUGHT FROM THE JUVENILE DETENTION FACILITY TO THE COURTHOUSE WITH THE MASTER WE WERE ASKING FOR, THEY WOULD BE ACTUALLY HOUSED IN THE JUVENILE DETENTION FACILITY AND ABLE TO SEE THE JUVENILES THERE AND THEY DON'T HAVE TO BE TRANSPORTED OUT OF THE FACILITY AND NOT RITE AN ADDITIONAL HEARING THAT WE HAVE TO HAVE NOW TO DETERMINE HOW THEY APPEAR IN THE COURTROOM BECAUSE THERE THEY WILL BE IN THE LOCKED FACILITY AND APPEAR IN FRONT OF THE MAGISTRATE.
OUR IDEA IS EXPAND BEYOND JUST THE MAGISTATE THAT IS LIMITED TO THE ASSOCIATE JUDGE THAT CAN HELP US THE COUNTY COURTS AT LAW JUDGES WITH THE VERY BUSY DOCKETS.
AS THE CHIEF JUST MENTIONED, MENTAL HEALTH IS TAKING UP A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF TIME IN THE JUSTICE SYSTEM.
UNFORTUNATELY IN THIS COMMUNITY, OUR JUSTICE SYSTEM IS HANDLING MOST OF THE MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS THAT ARE HAPPENING IN OUR COMMUNITY BECAUSE RESOURCES ARE JUST SIMPLY NOT THERE, OR THEY'RE FINITE AND LIMITED AND FOR NOW WE HAVE BEEN TRYING TO ADDRESS IT AS MUCH AS WE CAN BY ADDING DOCKETS SO PEOPLE DON'T LANGUISH AND TIME OUT AND COURT ORDERED MEDICATIONS TO GET PEOPLE OUT OF JAIL FASTER AND A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT PROGRAMS TRYING TO ADDRESS THE CRISIS THAT THE COMMUNITY IS FACING
[02:35:04]
WITH REGARD TO MENTAL HEALTH. AS YOU ALL KNOW, I COME UP AND ASK YOU FOR MANY THINGS, I APPRECIATE ALL OF YOU.I DO APPRECIATE THE SITUATION THAT YOU'RE IN.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY BECAUSE I KNOW YOU ALL ARE WORKING HARD TO TRY TO MAKE THIS WORK FOR EVERYBODY.
BUT OUR ASK IS FOR THIS POSITION.
I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT WHEN THE SHERIFF DEPARTMENT ARRESTS PEOPLE AND TAKES INTO CUSTODY, THEY NEED US.
THEY NEED US TO MOVE THAT THROUGH THE SYSTEM.
I THINK THIS POSITION WOULD BE COST-SAVING IN THE LONG RUN EVEN THOUGH AN INITIAL COST TO HIRE THIS INDIVIDUAL, THE OTHER BENEFIT OF IT IS THAT THE COUNTY COURTS AT LAW JUDGES WILL CHOOSE THIS INDIVIDUAL. THEY WILL BE A QUALIFIED ATTORNEY TO STEP INTO THE ROLE AND PROVIDE QUALITY SERVICES TO
THE COMMUNITY AS WELL. >> BEAUTIFULLY DONE.
>> I TALK FAST. AS YOU SEE WALKING INTO THIS BEHIND BECAUSE EXECUTIVE SESSION WENT LONGER.
ALREADY BEHIND. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE
EXPEDIENCY. >> THANK YOU JUDGE FOR BEING HERE AND THE EXPLANATION THAT YOU GAVE.
IT SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING WE REALLY NEED TO TAKE A LOOK AT.
AND SO I APPRECIATE IT. >> THANK YOU JUDGE BROWN FOR YOUR ADVOCACY NOT JUST FROM YOU BUT FROM THE FELLOW DEPARTMENT AND ELECTED AND STAFF. Y'ALL HAVE DONE SOME GREAT WORK.
I REALLY HOPE THAT THE COURT WILL SUPPORT THOSE EFFORTS BECAUSE IT IS A PROACTIVE MEASURE.
WE ARE SAVING THE COUNTY MONEY IN THE LONG RUN.
THANK YOU FOR PRESENTING TODAY. >> COMMISSIONER HAMMER.
>> THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE. DEFINITELY TAKE INTO
CONSIDERATION. >> I JUST HAVE A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS. I FULLY SUPPORT THE CREATION OF THE POSITION OR AT LEAST HAVING SOMEONE WHO CAN DO THAT WORK WITHIN Y'ALL'S OFFICE. COUPLE OF QUESTIONS: HAVE YOU SPOKEN WITH THE JUVENILE FACILITY, DO THEY HAVE THE SPACE AND THE EQUIPMENT AND THOSE THINGS.
>> THEY HAVE THE SPACE, YES. A FEW MODIFICATIONS WILL BE NECESSARY TO HAVE THE HEARINGS OVER THERE FOR THE JUVENILES BUT I THINK IT WILL BE VERY COST EFFECTIVE TO DO IT THERE.
>> I WOULD BELIEVE SO TOO. I THINK IT'S A GOOD IDEA.
THE ONE CONCERN I HAVE AND HEAR FROM YOU AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE JUDGE ON HOW FUNCTIONALLY THAT POSITION Y'ALL WOULD HAVE MAINTAINED OVERSIGHT FOR THAT POSITION.
AND THE ONLY REASON I ASK THAT IS BECAUSE I FROM THE CONSTITUENT STANDPOINT HAD NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE ASSOCIATE JUDGE AT THE LEVEL AND HOW THE JUDGE MANAGED AND WHAT IMPACT OUR COURT CAN HAVE ON THE SPECIFIC POSITION.
AND AS AN ASSOCIATE JUDGE HOW WOULD THAT POSITION BE MANAGED AND HOW WOULD YOU Y'ALL ENSURE IF THEY'RE DOING THE JOB AND WELL TAKEN CARE OF OR WELL RECOMMENDED.
AND IF THERE'S THE VIEW IN THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND THE JUDGE NOT ELECTED HOW WOULD THAT REVIEW PROCESS WORK?
>> THAT'S A GOOD QUESTION. THE COUNTY COURT AT LAW JUDGES WILL HAVE TO INSTITUTE RULES REQUIRING THE HIRING OF THE ADVENTURE EVALUATION OF THE INDIVIDUAL AND WILLING TO DO THAT. I THINK WE WILL HAVE REGULAR MEETINGS WITH THE INDIVIDUAL TO MAKE SURE THAT THINGS HAPPEN THE WAY THEY NEED TO HAPPEN IN THE DETENTION FACILITY AND IN THE COURTS. ONE OF THE I GUESS ADVANTAGES OF HAVING THIS ASSOCIATE JUDGE ALSO IS WE WOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR VISITING JUDGE. AS YOU CAN IMAGINE WITH JUST THREE OF US IF ONE OR TWO HAVE TO BE OUT FOR SOME REASON WHETHER IT'S CONTINUING EDUCATION WHETHER IS MANDATORY OR VACATION OR ILLNESS OR WHATEVER, THAT REALLY PUTS THE STRAIN ON THE COURTS. THIS WOULD BE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO BRING THE INDIVIDUAL INTO THE COURTROOM AND CONTINUE TO HAVE COURT THAT DAY SO NO ONE'S JUSTICE IS DELAYED.
PEOPLE ARE ABLE TO MOVE THE CASE THROUGH.
>> AND THE LAST QUESTION I HAVE IS THERE ADEQUATE -- I KNOW STRUGGLING WITH COURTROOM SPACE IN THE JUSTICE CENTER OR IN THE -- WHAT WILL EVENTUALLY BE THE JUSTICE CENTER AND GOVERNMENT CENTER, BUT IS THERE ENOUGH COURTROOM SPACE WITH THE THREE OF YOU TO ROTATE WHOMEVER THE PERSON IS IN-BETWEEN AND GET THEM THE COURTROOM TO DO EXACTLY WHAT THEY ARE SAYING.
>> THEY WOULD COME OVER IF THE NEED IS THERE.
THEY WOULD OTHERWISE LIKE I SAID BE HOUSED IN THE DETENTION FACILITY. THERE WOULD BE THE OFFICE AND COURTROOM FOR THEM. IF NEEDED BROUGHT OVER TO USE
ONE OF OUR COURTROOMS. >> PERFECT.
>> EVENTUALLY I BELIEVE WE WILL BE LOOKING AT POTENTIALLY NEEDING ANOTHER COURTROOM. I THINK FOR THE TIME BEING,
WE'LL BE FINE. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
I REALLY APPRECIATE IT. >> THAT'S A GOOD POINT.
[02:40:02]
WE HAVE TO COUNT THE RIPPLES IN THIS SPACE THROUGH THIS LENS AND APPRECIATE CHIEF BAYLEY SPEAKING OUT LIKE A BANNER FOR YOU AND YOUR ASK BECAUSE IT IS TRUE AND I COULDN'T HARMONIZE MORE WITH THE REQUEST AND HIS SUPPORT BUT WE ALSO HAVE TO COUNT THE RIPPLES. IT'S IMPORTANT THAT YOU USE ERIC DURING THE BUDGET TIME TO COUNT THE RIPPLES ERIC.THAT ATTORNEY IS GOING TO NEED A STAFF, I MEAN, ATTORNEY, RIGHT, THAT ASSOCIATE JUDGE NEED AN EMPLOYEE TO HELP AND ASSISTANT AND ADMIN OF SOME SORT. WHAT WE LIKE TO DO IS UNDERSTAND WHEN WE AUTHORIZE AN OFFICER ALL THE TRAPPINGS THAT INCLUDES LIKE YOU HEARD WITH THE SROS. IT'S $190,000 BECAUSE IT'S CAR AND UNIFORM AND ET CETERA, ET CETERA.
IF YOU CAN EXTRAPOLATE, PLEASE, THE FULL DOLLAR AMOUNT OF THE ASK AND THE IMPLICATIONS OF SUPPORTING STAFF, THAT WOULD BE
REALLY HELPFUL FOR US. >> I DON'T THINK THIS POSITION WILL REQUIRE ANY MORE STAFF. I THINK WE HAVE ADEQUATE STAFF TO ADMINISTER WHATEVER WOULD NEED TO BE ADMINISTERED WITH THE
INDIVIDUAL. >> ONE AND THAT'S IT.
>> JUST THE JUDGE POSITION AT THIS TIME WHAT WE'RE ASKING FOR.
>> REALLY REFRESHING APPROACH. THANK YOU.
>> I THINK WE CAN ABSORB THE OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES.
>> AND THEN MAGISTRATE SCHEDULE, RIGHT.
>> YES. >> HAPPENS ON THE WEEKEND AND CHIEF BAYLEY HELPING ME OUT WHEN IS MAGISTRATE -- IF YOU CREATE ROAD MAPS, THE COMMUNITY KNOWS. PUBLICIZING THOSE THINGS ARE
HELPFUL. >> MY HOPE IS AND I DIDN'T MENTION IT WITH THE JUVENILES THERE'S A LOT OF JUVENILES WITH MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROBLEMS. WE WANT THIS POSITION TO BE OVERSEEING THAT AS WELL, COORDINATING THOSE SERVICES FOR THESE JUVENILES THAT NEED THEM.
SO THAT'S ANOTHER IMPORTANT ASPECT OF THIS POSITION.
AND THE DA HAS A WONDERFUL ATTORNEY HELPING ISLAMIC OUT USE MENTAL HEALTH BUT PROBABLY NEED MORE HELP AS WELL.
I WILL MAKE A PLUG THERE. >> THANK YOU FOR PUSHING THE NEEDLE IN YOUR COURTROOM TO UNPRECEDENTED IMPACT AND SUCCESS IN OUR COMMUNITY. THANK YOU SO MUCH.
>> THANK YOU ALL. APPRECIATE IT.
MINUTES. YOU DON'T LIKE TO HEAR ME MORE THAN... IF YOU LOOK INSIDE OF THE PACKET ON THE LEFT-HAND SIDE THE INFORMATION OF THE SALARY REGRADE AND THAT'S BUDGET COORDINATOR IN THE OFFICE IS SPECIAL OPERATION COORDINATOR AND DOING THE BUDGET OPS AND BEHIND THE ACTUAL REGRADE AND WHAT WE'RE ASKING FOR, YOU'LL SEE THE SPECIAL OPERATION COORDINATOR POSITION ALIGNS WITH ANY OFFICE.
HAVE THE POWER POINT. >> THANK YOU.
[02:45:01]
>> GOOD AFTERNOON JUDGE AND COMMISSIONER.
AGAIN, TEN MINUTES. I WILL BREEZE THROUGH THIS.
YOU HAVE A COPY OF THAT IN THE FOLDER AND ANY SUPPORTING RAW DATA YOU SEE IN THE PRESENTATION.
QUICK OVERVIEW. WE HAVE FOUR COMPONENTS,% INVESTIGATION AND PREVENTION AND CUSTOMER SERVICE AND COMMUNITY RISK REDUCTION. WHAT WE'RE DOING EVERY SINGLE DAY AND THE DEPUTY FIRE MARSHALS ARE DOING AND OURSELVES.
TALK ABOUT THE CURRENT WORKLOAD. WE HAVE 42 ACTIVE INVESTIGATIONS CRIMINAL AND NONCRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS AND CODE COMPLIANCE AS WELL. ON AVERAGE TAKING 2 TO 8 MONTHS TO CLOSE OUT AN INVESTIGATION. A LOT OF THAT IS DIRECTLY RELATED TO CASE LOAD AND STAFFING THAT WE HAVE TO DEVOTE TIME TO THE INVESTIGATIONS. RIGHT NOW, THE PREVENTION SIDE 116 PERFORMS AND SOME TYPE OF REVIEW STATUS.
WHETHER WE JUST RECEIVED IT OR WAITING ON THE CONTRACT TO GET BACK TO US AND DOING ADDITIONAL REVIEW AND GETTING BACK TO THEM.
THAT IS THE SNAPSHOT. THREE DAYS IS THE CURRENT INITIAL PERMIT TIME. THAT'S THE INITIAL GRAB OF THE PERMIT. DOESN'T COUNT FOR THE AMOUNT OF MEETINGS AND THINGS HAVE TO HAPPEN WITH THE DEVELOPER AND PROPERTY OWNER TO GET THEM TO THE FINISH LINE WHERE THEY HAVE THE BUILDING PERMIT AND ABLE TO START CONSTRUCTION.
NEXT SLIDE. WANT TO TALK REAL QUICK ABOUT KIND OF WHAT EACH DIVISION DOES. SO THE INVESTMENT WORKLOAD CASE CONTINUITY FROM THE RESPONSE AND CASE DEVELOPMENT AND FILING AND CLOSING THE CASE WHETHER IT'S CRIMINAL VERSUS NONCRIMINAL INVESTIGATION. BIGGEST KEY TAKE AWAY WHEN CRIMINAL CASES ARE PRIORITIZED AND COMPLIANCE WORK IS PLACED ON HOLD. IN SOME WITH THE CURRENT STAFFING MODEL THAT I WILL GET TO ARE ASSIGNED TO PART-TIMERS AND LIMITATIONS AS WELL. THEY'RE GRACIOUS TO GIVE US THE TIME BUT IT IS VERY LIMITED. NEXT SLIDE.
CURRENT PERMITTING REVIEW INSPECTION IS A LITTLE BIT MORE AS FAR AS THE PROCESS IS CONCERNED INTAKE, CORRECTIONS, REVIEW AND CONSULTATION AND FINAL APPROVAL.
LIKE I MENTIONED IT'S THREE DAYS.
THAT'S WHAT THE SYSTEM ANALYTICALLY PULLS.
THAT'S US RECOGNIZING THE FACT THEY SUBMITTED SOMETHING.
IT CAN TAKE WEEKS OR MONTHS TO GET THE PERMIT THROUGH THE PROCESS AND THROUGH THE REVIEW PROCESS AND ANYTHING THAT NEED TO BE MADE. NOT A GOOD RECOMMENDATION OF HOW MUCH TIME IT TAKES TO DO THE PROCESS.
>> Y'ALL OPERATE UNDER THE 30 DAY LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE.
>> 30 DAY SHOT CLOCK IS DENIAL. MOST OF OUR TERMS THAT WE USE ON HOLD, WE HAVE A COUPLE OF OTHER STATUTES ARE DENIAL BECAUSE THEY MISS SOMETHING AND CORRECTIONS AND THIRD PARTY REVIEW AND WHATEVER THE CASE MAY BE. WE HAVE TO BASICALLY GET THEM THE DECISION WITHIN 30 DAYS. RIGHT NOW PRETTY MUCH AT THE THREE-DAY MARK AND GIVING THEM THE DECISION ON WHAT DIRECTION THEY NEED TO TAKE OR WHAT THINGS THEY NEED TO GET TO THE APPROVAL PLACE. NEXT SLIDE.
SO WANT TO TALK ABOUT THE SERVICE GAP.
SO YOU KNOW ANNUAL FIRE INSPECTIONS ARE GENERALLY NOT CONDUCTED OUTSIDE OF LICENSE FACILITIES BECAUSE THEY ARE MANDATED INSPECTIONS. ITEM REPORTING IS NOTIFIED FROM THE FIRE PROTECTION COMPANY THAT FIRE ALARM OR FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM IS YELLOW TAG AND NOT OPERABLE.
WE CAN'T FOLLOW UP. WE HAVE BUSINESSES AND COMMERCIAL OCCUPANCIES THAT ARE POTENTIALLY PROTECTED AND WITH THE OCCUPANTS AND VISITORS AND THE ASSET AT THE WHOLE.
THAT'S A BIG GAP WE HAVE RIGHT NOW.
WITH FIRE ALARM DEFICIENCIES THEY GO UNRESOLVED WITHOUT HAVING EYES ON IT. AND FIRE WATCH.
SOME OCCUPANTS REQUIRE FIRE WATCH AND THEY ARE NOT BECAUSE WE'RE NOT FOLLOWING UP. AND BIG THING ON PERMITTED CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT, MOST OF THAT IS REACTIVE AND IT'S DRIVEN EITHER THROUGH MICHAEL'S OFFICE OR ONE OF OUR DEPUTY FIRE MARSHALS DRIVES BY SOMETHING AND SAYS I DON'T THINK THEY HAVE PERMITS AND FOLLOW UP ON IT.
THE OTHER BIG THING IS FIELD DISPENSING FACILITIES AND MOBILE FOOD VEHICLES AND PROACTIVE COMPLIANCE.
A LOT OF THEM AREN'T SEEKING OUT INSPECTIONS AND PERMITS THEY NEED. TAKES US THE TIME TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE COMPLIANT WITH THE FIRE CODE WHAT HAPPENED THE COUNTY REGULATIONS ARE. AND REACTIVE AND SO MUCH WE CAN'T DIVE IN AND DO. MY GOAL IS GET OUT OF IT.
NOT OVERWHELMING STAFF BUT MANAGEABLE AND HAVE CONSISTENT FOLLOW UP AND INVESTIGATIVE EFFORTS ON THE COMPLIANCE AND
[02:50:01]
CRIMINAL AND FIRE SIDE TO BE CURRENT WITH WHAT IS GOING ON.NEXT SLIDE. ONE OF THE BIG THINGS IS THE COMMUNITY RISK REDUCTION. WE HAVE NO BANDWIDTH TO DO ANY COMMUNITY RISK REDUCTION AND EDUCATION AND A LOT OF PROGRAMS AND THINGS THAT OUR OFFICE COULD SPEAR HEAD WITH THE COMMUNITY AND HOA AND POA TO EDUCATE THE COMMUNITY TO PROTECT THEMSELVES AND ASSETS. ONE IS URBAN MITIGATION FIRE RISK SURVEYS AND PUBLIC EDUCATION AND OUTREACH.
NEXT SLIDE. ONE OF THE BIG THINGS WITH THE STAFFING MODEL RIGHT NOW IS HEAVILY RELIANT ON PART-TIME PERSONNEL. CURRENTLY WE HAVE FOUR FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES INCLUDING MYSELF. I'M FOCUSED ON ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATIONAL NEEDS AND ASSISTING THE FULL-TIMERS AS NEEDED.
FROM THERE THREE FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES THAT CARRY THE INVESTIGATION AND INSPECTION AND PLANNING AND PERMITTING AND FOLLOW UP WORK. WE HAVE A POOL OF 11 PART-TIME EMPLOYEES. THEY'RE USED PREDOMINANTLY AS THE FORCE MULTIPLIER AND COVER ON CALL.
AND THEY ARE HUNDREDS OF HOURS OF COMP TIME WITH THE EXCESSIVE WORKLOAD AND FOLLOW UP WORK WE DO AND THEY ARE FILLING IN THE GAPS. SO TO DATE WE ARE OVER 876 HOURS ON THE ALLOTTED PART-TIME BUDGET.
THAT IS HOW MUCH WORK NEEDS TO GET DONE AND HOW MANY PEOPLE TAKING TO DO IT AS WELL AS THE TIME RELATED TO IT.
NEXT SLIDE. OVERALL JUST CUSTOMER SERVICE IMPACT. WE'RE A PUBLIC FACING.
WE DEAL WITH THE PUBLIC EVERY SINGLE DAY IN THE WORK WE DO.
THOSE AFFECT TIMELINE SCHEDULING AND PERMITTING PROCESS AND TIMELINE TURN AROUND AND COMPLIANCE RESPONSE AND INVESTIGATION AND TIME TO ARREST AND CRIMINAL FILINGS.
IT TAKES A LOT OF TIME IN THE INVESTIGATIONS TO GET THE CONCLUSION WITH LIMITED MANPOWER.
PROPER STAFFING IMPROVES EVERYTHING THAT I TALKED ABOUT WITH OVERALL CUSTOMER SERVICE. NEXT SLIDE.
DID WANT TO HIGHLIGHT ON SOME THINGS THAT HAVE BEEN DONE SINCE I WAS APPOINTED IN MAY '26. THAT'S A HUGE THING TO Y'ALL AND TO ME MAKING SURE WE'RE DOING THINGS RIGHT AND EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE WHAT WE HAVE TODAY. THOSE COVER CUSTOMER ACCESS DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES AND WORKING WITH THEM AND FIGURE OUT THE PROCESSES AND NOT LOSING THE TIME THROUGHOUT THE PROCESS AND IMPROVING CUSTOMER SERVICE AND COMPLIANCE AND DATA INFRASTRUCTURE AND A LOT OF THINGS ON THE LAW ENFORCEMENT SIDE WASN'T GETTING DONE OR WASN'T GETTING DONE CORRECTLY AND LOSING TIME IN THAT ASPECT.
OPERATIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY AND HOW TO STRUCTURE THE FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES TO MAKE IT MORE EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE AND COUNTY WIDE ORGANIZATION AND WORKING TO ESTABLISH WHO WILL DO WHAT WHEN AND WHET WHERE TO IMPE THE SERVICE WITH THE MANPOWER WE HAVE. NEXT SLIDE.
OVERALL OUR STAFFING REQUEST IS TO ADD A ONE FULL-TIME DEPUTY FIRE MARSHAL THIS COMING BUDGET YEAR.
THE DRIVING POINT IS NOT ASKING STAFF FOR HYPOTHETICAL WORKLOAD OR PROJECTIONS. WE HAVE THE WORKLOAD TODAY AND FIRING ON ALL CYLINDERS TO KEEP SPACE AND KEEP THE SERVICE LEVEL WHERE IT NEEDS TO BE. NEXT SLIDE.
CLOSE IT OFF WITH THIS... WANTED TO GIVE THE FUTURE VISION OF THE OFFICE BECAUSE WE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR SO MUCH.
IT DOES HAVE DIFFERENT LEVELS OF EDUCATION AND EXPERTISE RELATED TO IT. THE OVERALL GOAL OF THE OFFICE IS TO BASICALLY HAVE TWO DIVISIONS.
INSPECTION AND PREVENTION DIVISION.
THEY WOULD HOUSE THE DEPUTY FIRE MARSHALS AND RESPONSIBLE FOR THOSE MINUTE SKILLS AND SKILL SETS AND JOB FUNCTIONS.
EVERYONE IS CROSS TRAINED AND WORKLOAD SHIFTS AND INFLUX AND SHIFT THAT OVER AND BASICALLY HELP EACH OTHER OUT.
HAVING THE DEFINED ROLES WOULD BE HUGE FOR US.
RIGHT NOW WE HAVE GUYS DOING AN INVESTIGATION ONE MINUTE AND PERMIT REVIEW NEXT MINUTE AND KEEPING PACE AND ON TOP OF EVERYTHING IS A HUGE CHALLENGE. A LOT WILL FLOW INTO THE STRATEGIC PLAN THAT I'M WORKING% ON TO HOPEFULLY IMPLEMENT IN '27 THAT NOT ONLY GIVE US OUR DIRECTION AND THE COUNTY THE DIRECTION TO HEAD IN WITH THE SERVICES WE PROVIDE AND SERVE
THE COMMUNITY. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
>> JUST ON THE STRUCTURE YOU HAVE RIGHT NOW, WHAT IS THE CURRENT STRUCTURE? WE HAVE THE FIRE MARSHAL AND
THEN JUST -- >> WE HAVE THE GREEN LANTERN.
THAT'S PART OF THE PROGRAM. >> CURRENT STRUCTURE IS FIRE MARSHAL AND SENIOR DEPUTY FIRE MARSHAL AND SENIOR FIRE MARSHALS. THE DEPUTY FIRE MARSHAL IS SOLELY TASKED WITH INVESTIGATIVE WORK AND CODE COMPLIANCE.
[02:55:05]
A LOT IS ENFORCEMENT ACTION AND CITATIONS.HE WILL BE TASKED WITH THAT AND FIRE MARSHAL ARE PLAN REVIEW AND INSPECTIONS TO COMBAT THE WORKLOAD.
>> THANK YOU FOR THE PRESENTATION.
>> COMMISSIONER. >> THANK YOU FOR THE PRESENTATION AND KEEP IT IN CONSIDERATION.
>> TWO QUESTIONS. NUMBER 1 OF THE TWO POSITIONS, IS THERE ONE THAT IS IN MORE DIRE NEED THAN THE OTHER?
>> I THOUGHT JUST ASKING FOR ONE.
>> JUST THE ONE. >> I'M JUST ASKING FOR ONE.
WANTED TO SHOW YOU THE STRUCTURE OF WHAT THE VISION IS OF THE
AGENCY. >> DO YOU SEE THE JUMP UP THERE.
>> THAT'S A QUESTION FOR MIKE% LATER.
>> MIKE NEEDS A BUDGET ANALYST COORDINATOR AND THE FIRE MARSHAL
IS ASKING FOR THE DEPUTY. >> OTHER QUESTION IS, HAS THERE BEEN ANY FURTHER THOUGHT -- I KNOW YOU AND I HAVE SPOKEN AND WE SPOKE IN COURT HERE ABOUT THIRD PARTY VERIFICATION AND POSSIBLY GETTING YOU SOME RELIEF WITH RFQ FROM PROCUREMENT OR A THIRD PARTY VERIFICATION PROCESS.
AND THEN CHARGING DEVELOPERS ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR THAT TO LIMIT THE NUMBER OF REVIEWS THAT YOU WOULD HAVE TO DO.
HAVE YOU GIVEN ANY MORE THOUGHT TO THAT? I BELIEVE THAT WOULD HAVE AN IMPACT ON THE OVERALL WORKLOAD.
>> YEAH, SO THE FIRST THING WE WILL DO IS EVALUATE THE CURRENTLY APPROVED THIRD PARTY CONTRACTORS THAT DO THE THIRD PARTY PLAN REVIEW TO MAKE SURE UP ON PAR WHERE WE WANT THEM TO BE AND DOING WORK TO THE SATISFACTION.
TO THAT POINT EVALUATE HOW WE COULD IMPLEMENT A THIRD PARTY COMPANY INTO OUR DAY-TO-DAY BASIS.
WE HAVEN'T REALLY EVALUATED THAT IN THE ENTIRETY YET BECAUSE THAT WOULD ENTAIL A THIRD PARTY COMPANY GOING OUT ON THE HALF IN PERSON TO THE SITES AND CONDUCTING THE INSPECTION.
AS FAR AS PLAN REVIEW IS CONCERNED, THAT IS COVERED.
WE COULD OPEN UP TO ANYTHING LESS THAN 10,000 QUARTER FEET.
RIGHT NOW OVER. THAT'S A CONSIDERATION.
WE HAVEN'T EVALUATED BECAUSE IT DOES BASICALLY PAYING SOMEBODY TO GO DO THE JOB. WE NEED TO EVALUATE WHAT WE DO AND EXPECTATIONS WOULD BE OF THEM AND HOW TO WORK INTO THE
OPERATIONS AND THE DAY-TO-DAY. >> WE WOULD BE PAYING AND REVENUE GENERATION. WHATEVER THE COST ASSOCIATED, IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT WE'RE NOT ACCEPTING THE APPLICATION AND MOVING, THERE WOULD BE ADDITIONAL CHARGE AND ADMINISTRATIVE CHARGE AND THEY WOULD HAVE TO PAY THE COST.
>> PLEASE GET WITH ERIC TO MAKE SURE THAT THE POSITIONS ARE ADDED TO THE LIST OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS IF DECIDED UPON.
THANK YOU SIR. NEXT WE HAVE THE DA OFFICE.
>> GOOD AFTERNOON. I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU.
OVER THE COURSE OF MR. HONOU HIGGINS TERM IN OFFICO BETTER SERVE THOSE IN HAYS COUNTY AND ECHO ABOUT EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION. THAT IS A HIGH PRIORITY FOR US.
MUCH OF THE SUPPORT STAFF REALLY STRUGGLE TO MAKE ENDS NEED.
WE FREQUENTLY LOSE EMPLOYEES TO BETTER PAYING JOBS EVEN THOUGH THEY LOVE WORKING WITH THE OFFICE AND LOVE TO BE ABLE TO STAY. THEY ARE NOT PAID WELL ENOUGH TO STAY THERE WITH US. WE HAD A LOT OF CHANGES IN THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY OFFICE IN THREE HALF YEARS AND IMPROVED BUSINESS PRACTICES AND PROCESSES TO BETTER SAFEGUARD THE RIGHTS OF PEOPLE AND REDUCED THE NUMBER OF CASES IN THE INTAKE BACKLOG AND GREATLY INCREASED THE SPEED THAT THE PROSECUTORS ABLE TO REVIEW CASES AND BETTER SUPPORT FOR VICTIMS AND PEOPLE SEEKING PROTECTIVE ORDERS AND LOW LEVEL OFFENDERS TO BETTER SERVE BY KEEPING OUT OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM ALL TOGETHER.
AND THOSE DIVERSION OPTIONS ALONG WITH THE IMP IMPROVEMENTSO THE OTHER OPERATIONS CAUSED A DECREASE IN THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE SETTING IN JAIL AWAITING TRIAL AND THE LENGTH OF TIME THAT PEOPLE ARE SITTING IN JAIL AWAITING TRIAL.
BOTH OF THOSE HAVE COME SIGNIFICANTLY DOWN.
ICE ACTIONS AND OTHER THINGS WITH IMMIGRATION DETAINERS KEPT THE JAIL POPULATION HIGH DESPITE OUR EFFORTS AND KEPT THE DOCKETS OF THE CRIMINAL COURT LOWER THAN THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN.
>> EVEN UNDER THE ICE DETENTION YOU ONLY HAVE TO HOLD THEM FOR A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF TIME. IF THEY DON'T SHOW UP, YOU CAN
[03:00:04]
ALONG WITH THIS WORKING DILIGENTLY TO IDENTIFY AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE PEOPLE WITH ADDICTION ISSUES OR MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES THAT ARE DRIVING THEIR CRIMINAL CONDUCT AND LOOK FOR BETTER OPTIONS FOR THEM THAN JUST PROSECUTING AND SENDING THEM TO JAIL OR PRISON. I WOULD SAY THAT THE MERGER OF THE GENERAL COUNSEL BACK IN ALLOWED US TO SHARE RESOURCES.YOU HAVE SEEN THE BENEFITS OF AND DOUBLED THE NUMBER OF ATTORNEYS AND GREATLY INCREASED THE NUMBER OF SUPPORT STAFF ASSIGNED TO THE SECTION. THE PAIN POINTS WE ARE SEEING RIGHT NOW, THOUGH, I'M GOING TO GO THROUGH THESE INCLUDE THE GROWTH OF THE JUVENILE CASE LOAD AND HEARD IT FROM THE JUDGES AND HEARD IT FROM OTHER. WE ARE SEEING BOTH INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF DETENTION HEARINGS HAVING TO BE HELD AND HUGE INCREASE AND INCREASE IN THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE OFFENSES BEING COMMITTED. THESE KIDS ARE OUT THERE COMMITTING VIOLENT OFFENSES INVOLVING FIREARMS, SEX OFFENSES, THINGS THAT GREATLY INCREASED THE COMPLEXITY OF THE PROSECUTION OF THE CASES. WE HAVE ONE JUVENILE PROSECUTOR AND ONE LEGAL ASSISTANT ASSIGNED TO SUPPORT HER.
WE HAVE SEEN SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN THE CASES THAT REQUIRE THE HELP OF THE MENTAL HEALTH PROSECUTOR AND TRACKS COMPETENCY AND INSANITY CASES AND SEARCHES AS THE RESOURCE TO THE TRIAL ATTORNEYS HANDLES THE CASES.
A HUGE AMOUNT OF WORK HAS TO BE DONE TO VACCI SCREEN AND GET PEE INTO THE MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM AND STAFF THE COURT AS IT MOVES FORWARD. WE HAVE ENTIRELY STREAM WITH THE AOT DOCKET AND JAIL COMPETENCY AND CIVIL COMMITMENTS OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE AND ORDERS OF PRODECKTIVE COURT AND CUSTODY.
WE HAVE ONE MENTAL HEALTH PROSECUTOR IN THE OFFICE.
SHE IS STRETCHED THIN. WE HAVE ONE PARALEGAL SUPPORTS HER AND SUPPORTING OTHER PARTS OF THE OFFICE.
IT'S NOT DEDICATED SUPPORT STAFF AND BORROW FROM OTHER PLACES WHEN WE NEED ADDITIONAL HELP. OUR INTAKE BACKLOG IS STARTING TO GROW A LITTLE BIT AND NOT FAULT OF OUR OWN.
LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES ARE UNDER BUDGET CONSTRAINTS.
THEY ARE LEAVING CIVILIAN THOSE VACANT AND GATHER THE REPORT AND EVIDENCE SENT TO US AND CAUSING LONG DELAYS GETTING THINGS TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE CASES. WE ARE SEEING CREEP IN THE BACKLOG BECAUSE OF THE DELAYS GETTING EVIDENCE TO OUR OFFICE.
WE HAD A HUGE NUMBER OF CASES GOING TO TRIAL EVERY YEAR HERE.
THE ENTIRE TIME I'VE OPINION BEH THE COUNTY.
WE TRIED OVER 60 CASES IN 2025. I DON'T KNOW THE NUMBERS TO DATE FOR 2026. THAT'S MORE THAN TRAVIS COUNTY TRIES. AND WITH THAT, WE HAVE FEES FOR EXPERT WITNESSES, FEES FOR TRANSCRIPT COST AND TRANSLATION SERVICES. A LOT OF ASSOCIATED COST THAT COME WITH TRIAL. THAT'S A PAIN POINT FOR US.
WE HAVE SEEN LARGE INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF WHITE COLLAR AND FINANCIAL CRIMES HITTING OUR OFFICE, WE DON'T HAVE A DEDICATED PROSECUTOR TO BE ABLE TO HANDLE THOSE.
I'M THE MOST EXPERIENCED WHITE COLOR PROSECUTOR IN THE OFFICE.
I'M STRETCHED THIN. I'M TRYING TO TEACH PEOPLE.
THAT'S A PAIN POINT FOR US. AS CHIEF BAILEY MENTIONED, WE HAVE STRIPPED BEYOND THE RESOURCES OF THE GENERAL COUNCIL SECTION WHEN IT COMES TO ADVISING AND SUPPORTING THE SHERIFF OFFICE ON CIVIL SERVICE MATTERS NOW A CIVIL SERVICE SHOP. BEFORE THE PRIORITIES WITHIN THE RECOMMENDED BUDGET WITH RESPECT TO THE OPERATING COSTS WE HAD SEVERAL REDUCTIONS THAT WERE SHOCKING WHEN I FINALLY REALIZED IT GIVEN THE NUMBER OF CASES WE HAVE GOING TO TRIAL, WE ASKED FOR THE PRETRIAL AND TRIAL BUDGET ITEM TO BE $3,000.
IT'S RECOMMENDED ONLY TO BE AT $1,000.
THAT MAY COVER ONE TRIAL. TWO TRIALS AT THE MOST.
OUR EXPERT WITNESSES SERVICES REQUESTED $5,000.
IT'S GOT $1,500 IN THERE FOR RECOMMENDED.
AT THE RATE WE TRACK CASES AND WITH THE EXPENSES WE HAVE TO TRY THE CASES, WE'RE CONSTANTLY HAVING TO HOLD OFF PURCHASING THINGS WE NEED AND HOLD OFF SENDING PEOPLE PLACES THAT THEY NEED TO GO SO THAT WE CAN AFFORD TO PAY TRANSCRIPTIONS AND TRANSLATIONS AND OTHER THINGS. AND THESE KIND OF CUTS TO THE OPERATING ARE GOING TO CRIPPLE US.
ALSO WE HAVE MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS EVERY YEAR FOR THE LAWYERS AND OTHER STAFF TO GET TRAINING.
AND OUR CONTINUING EDUCATION LINE ITEM FOR THE CRIMINAL SIDE OF THE OFFICE, WE HAD 45,000 WAS THE AMOUNT IN THE ADAPTED BUDGET
[03:05:07]
FOR 2026. WE ASKED 50,000.I'VE BEEN HERE THREE AND A HALF YEARS.
I'VE NEVER GONE TO TRAINING. I ALWAYS LET OTHER PEOPLE GO.
IF I GO, WE CAN'T AFFORD IT. SO INSTEAD I DO ALL THE FREE STUFF I CAN FIND. I VOLUNTEER TO TEACH THINGS AND GET CREDIT FOR TEACHING. THEY'RE ONLY RECOMMENDING 38,000 IN THE BUDGET EVEN THOUGH% REQUESTED 50.
WE'RE HAVING A FEW LITTLE THINGS IN THE OPERATING BUDGETS THAT ARE CRIPPLING TO US. WITH RESPECT TO THE REQUESTS FOR NEW THINGS, OUR HIGHEST PRIORITY REQUEST WAS GRANTED.
WE ASKED THAT WE BE ABLE TO DO A SWAP AND TAKE THE EXPENSIVE CHIEF LEVEL PERSON ON THE SENATE GRANT AND MOVE TO THE COUNTY AND PUT LESS EXPENSIVE ON THE GRANT BECAUSE WE USE THE REST OF THE MONEY FOR THE GRANT TO PAY SALARY SUPPLEMENTS TO THE ASSISTANT COORDINATORS AND INVESTIGATORS.
HER SALARY GROWN IN THE TIME OF THE GRANT WAS EATING INTO THE ABILITY TO DO THAT. I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU.
THE RECOMMENDED BUDGET DOES ALLOW US TO DO THAT.
WE WILL BE ABLE TO CONTINUE THE SALARY SUPPLEMENTS THAT THEY DEPEND ON. WE COULD INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF THE SUPPLEMENTS. I APPRECIATE THAT.
THE NEXT PRIORITY IS NEW ATTORNEY 3 POSITION.
THIS IS SPECIFICALLY TO BACKSTOP BOTH THE JUVENILE PROSECUTOR AND OUR MENTAL HEALTH PROSECUTOR. I COULD USE A SECOND MENTAL HEALTH PROSECUTOR. I COULD USE A SECOND JUVENILE PROSECUTOR. I KNOW THE BUDGET IS TIGHT.
WE ASKED FOR ONE POSITION TO BE AVAILABLE TO HELP IN BOTH ARENAS. IF THE COURT FINDS MONEY TO GIVE THE COUNTY OF LAW THE ASSOCIATE JUDGE, THE NUMBER OF DETENTION HEARINGS WILL GO UP MORE AND HAPPENING AT THE DETENTION OFFICER WHILE WE HAVE ACTIVE LITIGATION ON JUVENILE CASES GOING ON AT THE GOVERNMENT% CENTER.
I CAN'T HAVE ONE JUVENILE PROSECUTOR APPEARING IN TWO DIFFERENT COURTS AT THE SAME TIME.
THIS LAW IF THIS REQUEST IS GRANTED GO OVER TO THE DETENTION CENTER AND HANDLE THOSE HEARINGS WHILE THE JUVENILE PROSECUTORS IS IN JUDGE JOHNSON'S COURT DOING THINGS.
ADDITIONALLY WITH THE MENTAL HEALTH PROSECUTOR NEEDS TO BE -- SPOKE TO HER YESTERDAY. SHE HAD TO BE IN SIX COURTS YESTERDAY. THEY COULD GO TO COURTS WHILE SHE GOES TO OTHERS. WE ASKED FOR THAT AND COST ON THAT WITH FRINGE AND INSURANCE 125,000 AND $33.
WE COULD REALLY USE THAT PROSECUTOR.
WE'RE NOT ASKING FOR ADDITIONAL SUPPORT STAFF TO SUPPORT THE PERSON. WE NEED THE ADDITIONAL HELP.
ANOTHER THING WE ASKED FOR AND THIS IS A MISTAKE IN THE DOCUMENTS THAT CAME OUT FROM THE BUDGET OFFICE.
NO OFFENSE TO SCOTT. WITH THE STAFF OF THREE DRINKING FROM THE FIRE HOSE EVERY DAY. WE ASKED FOR THE FINANCIAL FLEXIBILITY FOR THE NEXT DA AND I WILL EXPLAIN IN A SECOND TO BE ABLE TO USE POSITIONS CALLED DIVISION DIRECTORS.
THE WAY WE'RE SPLIT UP RIGHT NOW JORDAN SUPERVISING NINE PEOPLE AND I SUPERVISE 103. THAT'S A LOT.
WE HAVE THE ABILITY TO KIND OF BREAK THE CRIMINAL SIDE OF THE OFFICE AND EVEN PART OF THE CIVIL SIDE THAT I FUNCTION INTO DIVISIONS AND WE WERE ASKING BECAUSE AS PART OF THE TRANSITION I'M MEETING WITH BOTH CANDIDATES REGULARLY AND EDUCATING THEM ABOUT THE OFFICE AND MAKING SURE THEY UNDERSTAND WHAT WE DO AND WHY WE DO IT AND HOW THE EVOLUTION OF THE DIFFERENT PROCESSES CAME ABOUT SO THEY UNDERSTAND IT'S A GREAT OFFICE AND NOT BROKEN. WHEN THEY COME IN WE UNDERSTAND ANYBODY COMING IN WILL HAVE REFINEMENTS AND CHANGES TO MAKE.
THEY DON'T NEED TO WIPE IT CLEAN AND REBUILD IT.
WE WERE SEEKING THE INPUT AND TALK ABOUT THE DIVISION DIRECTOR LEVEL POSITIONS WITH THE FLAT ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE AND LINE PROSECUTOR CHIEF FIRST ASSISTANT.
NO OTHER MANAGEMENT STEPS IN THERE.
SO WHAT THIS WOULD DO IS CREATE A NEW JOB TITLE DIVISION DIRECTOR IN THE PAY GRADE THAT EXISTS BETWEEN WHERE THE ATTORNEY 7S, THE CHIEFS ARE AND THE FIRST ASSISTANT BECAUSE I'M TWO PAY GRADES ABOVE THEM. DROP THE POSITION IN THERE.
WE WEREN'T ASKING FOR THREE OR TWO OR WHATEVER NUMBER NEW POSITIONS. WE WERE ASKING FOR THE ABILITY TO PROMOTE ATTORNEY 7 UP TO THE LEVEL AND HAVE THEM TAKE ON GREATER SUPERVISION RESPONSIBILITIES.
THE COST OF PROMOTING TWO OR THREE PEOPLE ONE PAY GRADE WOULD BE SIGNIFICANTLY LESS THAN THE $428,000 THAT MADE BITE THE DOCUMENT. THAT'S JUST FLAT WRONG AND NOT WHAT WE'RE ASKING FOR. WE WANTED THE FINANCIAL
[03:10:06]
FLEXIBILITY AND DO RESTRUCTURING AND WHOEVER IS IN THE ROLE ISN'T SUPERVISING 103 PEOPLE. THE NEXT ASK THAT WE HAVE WAS TO REGRADE TWO MEMBERS OF OUR CURRENT DME TEAM.DME MEANS DIGITAL MEDIA EVIDENCE.
THAT IS ALL DOCUMENTS, REPORTS, VIDEOS, AUDIO, PHOTOGRAPHS, EVERYTHING THAT WE HAVE THAT TO GATHER FROM LAW ENFORCEMENT, ORGANIZE AND THEN PUT INTO THE CASE FILE AND SHARE OUT AS DISCOVERY. WE HAVE STATUTORY RESPONSIBILITIES, WE HAVE CONSTITUTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND THESE ARE SIGNIFICANT RESPONSIBILITIES BECAUSE IF WE MESS UP, A GUILTY PERSON MIGHT GO FREE AND INNOCENT PERSON MIGHT GET CONVICTED. IF WE MAKE THE MISTAKE, THE PROSECUTOR ASSIGNED TO THE CASE CAN HAVE THE GRIEVANCE FILED AGAINST THEM AND BAR CARD AT RISK.
IT'S A HEAVY RESPONSIBILITY. WE GOT LEGAL ASSISTANTS DOING THE WORK RIGHT NOW. IT IS COMPLEX WORK AND AS COMPLEX OR MORE COMPLEX THAN WHAT THE PAIR LEGALS CURRENTLY DO. WE HAVE TWO LEGAL ASSISTANT WITH PARALEGALS CERTIFICATES, WE ASKED TO REGRADE FOR PARALEGALS SO THEY DON'T LEAVE FOR A BETTER PAYING JOB AND FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, AND EVENT OTHER VACANCIES COME UP TO HIRE PARALEGALS IN THE GROUP. THE COST THEY HAD ON THAT WAS $26,000. WE ALSO ASKED FOR REGRADE OF THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT WORKING DIRECTLY WITH THE OFFICE MANAGER. ONE PAY GRADE BUMP AND MAKE INTO THE FINANCIAL -- MAKE THE POSITION A FINANCIAL SPECIALIST 1 WITH $4,800 PRICE TAG. WHAT HAPPENS IS WE ARE PROCESSING WITNESS REIMBURSEMENTS AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTS. IT'S A VERY FINANCIAL HEAVY JOB.
EVERY TIME WE HAVE A VACANCY IN THE JOB BECAUSE WHEN WE HIRE PEOPLE IN THERE IS THE LOWEST PAID POSITION IN THE OFFICE AND WHEN THE LEGAL ASSISTANT COMING UP THEY WANT TO APPLY AND MOVE UP IN THE OFFICE. WE POST IT AGAIN.
WE DON'T GET ANYBODY WITH THE KNOWLEDGE OR TRAINING OR EXPERIENCE OR BACKGROUND TO BE ABLE TO DO THE KIND OF FINANCIAL WORK WE NEED THAT POSITION TO DO.
WE THINK IF THE REGRADE WERE GRANTED, WE COULD ADVERTISE IT AND GET COMPLETELY DIFFERENT GROUP OF APPLICANTS COMING IN AND LITTLE BIT OF EXTRA MONEY MIGHT CAUSE PEOPLE TO STAY IN THE JOB THAN MOVE TO LEGAL ASSISTANT WHEN THE OPPORTUNITY COMES UP. THE ASK AND CHIEF BAILEY MENTIONED THIS THE GENERAL COUNSEL SECTION IS STRETCHED BEYOND THE LIMITS. NOW THAT THE SHERIFF OFFICE IS A CIVIL SERVICE SHOULD BE WITH A LOT OF QUESTIONS AND NEED FOR SUPPORT AND POLICIES THAT NEED TO BE WRITTEN AND THEY NEED HELP AND JORDAN'S SHOP JUST DOESN'T HAVE THE BANDWIDTH TO DO THAT.
THIS COULD BE AN EMPLOYMENT LAW SPECIALIST FOR THE ENTIRE COUNTY. OUR OFFICE DOESN'T NEED IT.
IT'S REALLY TO SUPPORT OTHER COUNTY DEPARTMENTS.
BUT I KNOW JORDAN FEELS TERRIBLE ABOUT IT BUT OFTEN CAN'T TAKE THE CALLS WHEN THEY CALL AND SAY THEY NEED HELP.
THIS IS A POSITION TO SUPPORT THAT.
$148,000 PRICE TAG ON IT. >> OKAY.
IF YOU CAN DO ME A FAVOR, ERIC, CAN YOU MAKE SURE THE REQUEST AND 148,000 AND 4800 FOR THE ADMIN AND 26 K.
ALL THE OTHER PIECES HE SAID INCLUDING THE OFFICE DIVISION PIECES, CAN YOU PUT THEM FROM THE SAME MASTER SHEET FOR US TO REVIEW THAT COMMISSIONER REQUESTED TO SEE EACH DEPARTMENT REQUEST. AND WE CAN HAVE IT ALL SUMMARIZED THIS DIVISION WANTS THIS AND THIS IS WHAT IT WILL BE THE IMPACT, ET CETERA. QUESTIONS FOR THE DA OFFICE? WELL DONE AND THANK YOU FOR STAYING TIDY WITH THE TIME.
>> I HAVE SOME QUESTIONS. >> YES.
>> SIMILAR TO WHAT YOU SUBMITED IN THE PAST, CAN WE GET WHAT I MENTIONED EARLIER DIRECTLY FROM THE DEPARTMENT.
>> ABSOLUTELY. >> HERE ARE THE PHYSICAL REQUESTS, HERE ARE THE PERSONNEL REQUESTS, HERE IS WHAT THE INDIVIDUAL IMPACT IS COMPARED TO THE UNDERLYING OR PROPOSED BUDGET. THAT WOULD BE HELPFUL.
>> MAKE SURE WHEN YOU INCLUDE THE DIVISION DIRECTORS, IT'S ACTUAL. IT WILL BE A PROMOTION THAN A WHOLE NEW CREATION. JUST A WAY TO GET TRUIST NUMBERS
THANK YOU. >> ANY OTHER QUESTIONS?
>> NO. >> YOU MENTIONED THE DIVISION DIRECTORS AND SAID -- MAYBE I'M LOOKING AT THE WRONG ONE.
TWO TO THREE POSITIONS. CAN YOU DIAL DOWN ON THAT A LITTLE BIT? IS IT TWO OR THREE?
>> THAT'S FOR THE NEXT DA TO DECIDE.
WE'RE NOT ASKING TO GO INTO EFFECT IN OCTOBER.
[03:15:05]
WE'RE ASKING FOR FINANCIAL SO THE NEXT DA TO MAKE THENEXT THE TAX OFFICE. WE'RE PENCILED IN FOR A BREAK AND NOT TAKING ONE. THANK YOU GUYS.
>> GOOD AFTERNOON JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.
MY NAME IS JENNIFER ESCOBAR AND THE HAYS COUNTY TAX ACCESSOR.
I'M ASKING FOR ONE ADDITIONAL TAX SPECIALIST.
THE COST ALL IN IS $83,000 WITH FRINGE AND INSURANCE.
THIS IS THE CONT CONTINUITY OF OPERATION REQUEST FOR THE TAX OFFICE AND PROPERTY TAX THAT SUPPORTS THE COUNTY LARGEST SOURCE OF REVENUE. WHAT DOES THE SPECIALIST DO? THE TEAM MEMBER HELPS MANAGE THE SOFTWARE AND DATA BEHIND IT AND IMPACT THE TAX AND PROCESSES MONTHLY APPRAISAL DISTRICT UPDATES AND CREATES MORTGAGE FILES AND VERIFIES CALCULATIONS AND PERSPECTIVES AUDIT REPORTS AND SUPPORT TRUTH IN TAXATION DEADLINES ALL OF WHICH ARE MISSION CRITICAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND TODAY THEY DEPEND ON ONE TEAM MEMBER.
AS YOU ALL KNOW, PROPERTY TAX PROVIDE MORE THAN HALF OF THE COUNTY'S TOTAL REVENUE AND ALSO DIRECT AND DISTRIBUTE PROPERTY TAX MONEY FOR 58 TAXING ENTITIES AND TAX RATES FOR 19 OF THE ENTITIES. THE WORKLOAD CONTINUES TO GROW.
ACCORDING TO THE U.S. CENSUS, HAYS COUNTY 60,000 RESIDENTS BETWEEN 2020 AND 2025. THAT'S NEARLY 25% GROWTH.
AS THE COUNTY GROWS, THE NUMBER OF ACCOUNTS AND CHANGES ENTERED AND CHECKED AND BALANCED ALSO GROW.
FOR EXAMPLE, THE SUPPLEMENT BACK LOAD IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE POSITION DOESN'T HAVE ENOUGH CAPACITY.
AND SUPPLEMENT IS EXCEPTIONS AND ADDRESS CHANGES AND COLLECTED AMOUNT AND REFUNDS. FOR YEARS THEY CARRIED THE BACKLOG. THIS YEAR MADE THE DECISION TO ROUGHLY SPEND $10,000 FOR VENDOR ASSISTANCE BECAUSE THEY WERE WAITING FOR THE REFUND AND CALLS AND WALK INS INCREASED.
IT WAS A BAND AID. DOESN'T PROVIDE THE SECOND TRAINED PERSON TO KEEP IT MOVING.
NEW WORK ARRIVES AND ANOTHER FULL-TIME TEAM MEMBER WE WILL RISK FALLING BEHIND AGAIN AND PAYING FOR MORE OUTSIDE HELP.
THIS IS NOT ENTRY LEVEL POSITION.
IT REQUIRES PROPERT TAX EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE OF THE TAX CODE AND THE SOFTWARE AND STRONG SKILLS IN BALANCING AND RECONCILIATION AND REPORTING AND TAX RATE CALCULATIONS.
THE SECOND SPECIALIST WILL BE TRAINED TO PERFORM THE SAME FULL RANGE OF DUTIES AS THE CURRENT SPECIALIST.
THAT GIVES THE OFFICE REAL COVERAGE INSTEAD OF DEPENDING ON JUST ONE PERSON. YOU MAY ASK WHY WE CANNOT SOLVE THIS THROUGH CROSS TRAINING? WE CROSS TRAIN THROUGHOUT THE OFFICE BUT FOR THIS POSITION THE COLLECTOR AND PROPERTY MANAGER AND I STEP IN WHEN NEEDED. WHEN WE COVER THE SPECIALIZED WORK OUR OWN RESPONSIBILITIES FALL BEHIND AND NEW BOTTLENECKS ARE CREATED. CROSS TRAINING HELPS IN A SHORT ABSENCE OR A LARGE PROJECT. CAN'T REPLACE A SECOND FULL-TIME SPECIALIST. SAYING TO YOURSELF DON'T THEY HAVE NEW SOFTWARE? WE DO.
IT WILL IMPROVE EFFICIENCY IN OTHER AREAS BUT NOT ELIMINATE THE NEED FOR THIS POSITION. SOFTWARE CAN'T REPLACE TRAINED TEAMS MEMBERS WHO CONTROL ACCESS AND IMPORT AND BALANCED DATA AND SOLVE PROBLEMS AND MEET LEGAL DEADLINES.
I'M NOT ASKING FOR ANOTHER TEAM MEMBER TO MAKE THE OFFICE MORE COMFORTABLE. I'M ASKING FOR ONE PROPERTY TAX APPLICATION SPECIALIST. SO ONE PERSON IS NO LONGER THE SINGLE POINT OF FAILURE FOR MISSION CRITICAL PROPERTY TAX OPERATIONS. THIS POSITION IS NECESSARY TO PROTECT CONTINUITY OF OPERATIONS FOR THE TAX OFFICE, TAXING ENTITIES, TAXPAYERS, AND THE COUNTY'S LARGEST REVENUE SOURCE.
THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH.
I LOVE IT. AND THEY DIDN'T START THE TIMER.
I WAS GOING TO SEE HOW MUCH TIME LEFT.
>> DID YOU SAY ALL IN THIS POSITION WAS 33,000?
>> 83,000. >> I WAS GOING TO SAY THAT'S SO LOW. 83.
>> 83 ALL IN. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING
HERE AND PRESENTING. >> THANK YOU.
>> JUST ONE PERSON, HOW MANY CUSTOMER SERVICE REPS OR FRONT
[03:20:01]
FACING TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC? >> THERE ARE 11, 4.
>> I'M THE ASSISTANT TAX ASSESSOR.
WE HAVE 11 WINDOW CLERKS AND THAT IS SUBSTATION CHIEF AND LEADS. NOT ON THE FLOOR.
AND 7 ON KYLE. AND FIV 5 ON THE COUNTER AND ONF AND 1 LEAD. AND 3 FOR SPRINGS AND 2 IN WEMBERLY AND THEY'RE ON THE FLOOR ALL THE TIME.
>> I GUESS MY QUESTION IS AND THIS IS SOMETHING THAT YOU ACTUALLY MENTIONED TO ME EARLIER TODAY, LIKE, I KNOW DURING TAX SEASON WE ARE SO OVER BURDENED ON THE INDIVIDUALS WHO INTERACT WITH THE GENERAL PUBLIC. IS THERE ANY WAY LOOKING AT THOSE AND THE LEADS THAT YOU HAVE IN THEM THAT WE COULD LOOK AT THIS POSITION AS A REGRADE? THE REASON I MENTION THAT IS BECAUSE I KNOW VOLUMETRICALLY SOME OF THE SUBSTATIONS ARE DOING A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF WORK AS FAR AS MORE INDIVIDUAL INTERACTIONS WITH TAXES AND THOSE KIND OF THINGS THAN WHAT IS HAPPENING IN SAINT MARCUS. YOU GAVE ME NUMBERS THAT THOSE
THREE SERVICED 10,000. >> I LIED.
IT'S 19,000. >> YOU SHOULDN'T SAY I LIED.
>> I TOLD THEM OVER 10,000. IT'S OVER 19,000.
>> IN PERSON. >> FOR THREE INDIVIDUALS IN THE OFFICE. I HAVE NUMBERS IF ASKED.
>> I WOULD LOVE TO. BECAUSE THE REASON I'M ASKING THAT IS IF -- IT EASILY JUSTIFIES ITSELF THAT WE CAN -- IT WOULD MORE EASILY JUSTIFY IT FOR ME LOOK WHAT IF WE REGRADE AND LOOK AT THE STRUCTURE TO GET WHERE YOU NEED TO BE?
>> SURE. SO FIRST LET ME SAY THAT OUR COUNTER CLERKS, SUBSTATION CHIEFS AND LEADS, THEY DO BOTH.
THEY SERVICE BOTH PROPERTY TAX AND MOTOR VEHICLE.
SO IN 2025, WE HAD A TOTAL BETWEEN KYLE AND SAINT MARCUS OF 96,800 IN PERSON. IN PERSON.
AND AS I MISSPOKE TO COMMISSIONER SMITH, WE HAD 19,700 IN DRIPPINGS SPRINGS. WE CAN'T COUNT WEMBERLY BECAUSE THEY DON'T HAVE THE TICKET SYSTEM.
BUT THE SURPRISING PART, WELL, ONE OF THE SURPRISING -- NOT SURPRISING BUT SURPRISING IS THAT KYLE GETS MORE.
KYLE GETS MORE WALK IN THAN SAINT MARCUS.
BUT THE TWO OF THOSE TOGETHER WERE 96,800.
THE BIG SURPRISE IS THAT OUT OF ALL OF THE 96,800, 80,300 WERE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE. THEY WEREN'T FOR PROPERTY TAX.
IF YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT REGRADING AND TAKING SOMETHING AWAY FROM MOTOR VEHICLE TO SUPPORT PROPERTY TAX --
>> WRONG DIRECTION. >> IT'S NOT GOING TO HELP.
>> GOT IT. WE KNOW YOU'RE LOOKING AT THIS WITH THE KALEIDOSCOPE. THAT WAS A GOOD QUESTION
COMMISSIONER. >> IF WE LOOK AT THE NUMBERS, THAT TELLS ME WHETHER MOTOR VEHICLE OR PROPERTY TAX EITHER ONE THAT YOU HAVE GOT ON AVERAGE EACH EMPLOYEE IN THE DRIPPING OFFICE SERVICING 1500 MORE OF OUR RESIDENTS THAN THE KYLE AND SAINT MARCUS NUMBERS. SAME NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES.
>> THOSE ARE JUST IN PERSON. THAT'S NOT TAKING INTO ACCOUNT ALL THE MANUAL CHECKS WE HAVE TO POST AND THE ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS AND MORTGAGE PAYMENTS WE HAVE TO POST.
THOSE ARE DIFFERENT NUMBERS. >> YOUR REQUEST IS CONCISE AND FOR ONE POSITION. IF YOU CAN INCLUDE IT TO SEE ON ONE PAGE. ANYTHING ELSE? I THANK YOU SO MUCH. WE APPRECIATE YOUR TIME.
NEXT WE HAVE COUNTY CLERK. FOUR MINUTES BEHIND.
LOVE YOU WILL HELP US MAKE IT UP.
>> I'M THE ASSISTANT COUNTY CLERK.
THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO ADDRESS THE COURT TODAY ON THE FY '27 BUDGET. AS EACH OF YOU HAVE ACKNOWLEDGED, MORE INFORMATION IS NEEDED ACROSS THE BOARD TO ADEQUATELY ASSESS THE PROPOSED '27 BUDGET.
IN FACT, WE'RE ONLY NOW HEARING THE HUMAN RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION TODAY. THEREFORE I THINK IT'S A LITTLE PREMATURE TO CONCLUDE WE HAVE HAD A COMPLETE OPPORTUNITY TO
[03:25:02]
EVALUATE THE BUDGET OR ALL DEPARTMENTAL CONCERNS.IT APPROACHES THE ANNUAL BUDGET WITH THE UTMOST CARE AND DILIGENCE AND FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY.
THE BUDGET PROCESS IS GUIDED BY FOUR THAT WE USE TO EVALUATE EVERY REQUEST AND ESTABLISH THE OPERATIONAL NEEDS OF THE OFFICE.
ONE STATUTORY AND CONTRACTUAL REQUIREMENTS, TWO OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS, THREE COMPENSATION AND TRAINING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR THE STAFF AND FOUR CUSTOMER SERVICE AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH. WITH THESE PRIORITIES IN MIND, THE FY '27 PROPOSED BUDGET FALLS SIGNIFICANTLY SHORT OF MEETING THE NEEDS OF THE COUNTY CLERK OFFICE.
SO LET ME GET TO THE FIRST AND THE BIGGEST ONE.
OUR CURRENT CONTRACTS NECESSARY TO OPERATE THE COUNTY CLERK OFFICE IS 36,820. WE RECOGNIZE THAT 4200 IN ADOBE LICENSES COST HAS BEEN MOVED TO ANOTHER GL AND FUNDED BUT -- AND THAT REDUCES THE COUNTY CLERK DIRECT CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATION TO 26,620. THE FY PROPOSED BUDGET RECOMMENDATION HOWEVER PROVIDES ONLY 192,870 FOR THESE EXPENSES.
THAT CREATES 139,750 SHORT FALL AGAINST EXISTING CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS. THESE ARE NOT DISCRETIONARY EXPENDITURES AND REPRESENT EXISTING COMMITMENTS NECESSARY FOR THE CLERK'S OFFICE TO MAINTAIN THE SYSTEMS AND SERVICES REQUIRED TO CONDUCT ITS STATUTORY RESPONSIBILITIES.
WHEN IT COMES TO OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS, COSTS CONTINUE TO INCREASE INCLUDING THE COSTS OF SUPPLIES AND OTHER GOODS AND SERVICES NECESSARY TO OPERATE THE OFFICE.
ADDITIONALLY A NEW COUNTY CLERK WILL TAKE OFFICE DURING THE FA '27 BUDGET YEAR. THIS TRANSITION WILL NECESSARILY CREATE OPERATIONAL EXPENSES INCLUDING CHANGES TO PRINTED MATERIALS, FORMS, SIGNATURE STAMPS AND OTHER MATERIALS ASSOCIATED WITH THE TRANSITION OF LEADERSHIP.
POSTAGE IS ANOTHER EAR AND ACTUAL EXPENDITURES DEMONSTRATE THAT FUNDING AREA IS INSUFFICIENT.
WE ASKED $25,000 AND PROPOSED BUDGET PROVIDES FOR 22,000.
AS FOR THIS POINT UNTIL FY '26 THE COUNTY CLERK REACHED $18,000 POSTAGE LEVEL WE HAD FOR THIS YEAR AND TWO MONTHS REMAINING IN THE FISCAL YEAR. BUDGET AMENDMENT IS CURRENTLY REQUIRED FOR THE OVERAGE BRINGING THE EXPENDITURES UP.
AND FY '26 IS BASED ON ACTUAL TRENDS AND OPERATIONAL NEEDS NOT INFLATED ESTIMATE. AND SUBMITTED FOR EQUIPMENT FOR OBSOLETE EQUIPMENT IN THE OFFICE TOTALLING 43,760.
THAT IS NOT REFLECTED ANYWHERE IN THE FY '27 PROPOSED BUDGET.
FAILURE TO ADDRESS AGING AND OBSOLETE EQUIPMENT CREATES THE POTENTIAL FOR INCREASED MAINTENANCE COSTS AND OPERATIONAL DISRUPTIONS AND REDUCED PRODUCTIVITY.
WHEN IT COMES TO COMPENSATION AND TRAINING STAFF, WE DON'T CURRENTLY HAVE SUFFICIENT INFORMATION REGARDING PROPOSED FY '27 PERSONNEL RECOMMENDATIONS TO ADEQUATELY EVALUATE WHETHER THE COUNTY CLERK OFFICE STAFFING AND COMPENSATION NEEDS MET N THE BUDGET REQUEST APPEARS ONE NEW POSITION AND THREE REGRADES ARE NOT APPROVED. NEW POSITION COMPLIANCE WAS AGREED WE WOULD DEFER THE FUNDING OF THIS POSITION TO FY '27. THREE REGRADES ARE REQUESTED FOR THE LAST THREE YEARS AND COMPLIED WITH EACH REASON TO DEFER THAT APPROVAL AND STILL WAITING.
STAFF ARE THE FOUNDATION TO PROVIDE ACCURATE AND TIMING SERVICES AND ANY EVALUATION OF THE BUDGET SHOULD INCLUDE SUFFICIENT INFORMATION TO DETERMINE WHETHER STAFFING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS ARE ADEQUATELY SUPPORTED. THE FOURTH PRIORITY IS CUSTOMER SERVICE AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH. UNFORTUNATELY NONE OF THE COUNTY CLERK REQUESTED COUNTY OF SERVICE HAS BEEN INCLUDED FROM THE PROPOSED BUDGET. THIS IS DIRECT IMPACT ON THE ACT
[03:30:03]
TO CONTINUE IMPROVING THE PUBLIC EXPERIENCE WITH THE COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE. IT ALSO EFFECTVELY HALTS PLANNED PROGRESS AS RECORD PRESERVATION AND DIGITIIZATION.THESE EFFORTS ARE IMPORTANT FOR IMPROVING ACCESS TO PUBLIC RECORDS AND PROTECTING AND PRESERVING THE COUNTY HISTORICAL AND LEGAL RECORDS FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS.
DURING THE BUDGET MEETING WE ASKED FOR THREE PRIORITIES.
NONE OF WHICH INCLUDED IN THE PROPOSED BUDGET.
ONE WAS FUNDING FOR TWO REGRADES FOR THE DIVISION DIRECTORS, THE OTHER WAS A NEW SOFTWARE PROGRAM THAT PROVIDES GREATER ACCESS AND THE OTHER WAS FOR THE VEHICLE THAT WE REACHED OVER TO GRANTS.
THE COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE UNDERSTANDS THE PHYSICAL CHALLENGES FACING HAYS COUNTY AND RECOGNIZES THAT THE COUNTY MUST MAKE DIFFICULT CHOICES WHEN DEVELOPING THE ANNUAL BUDGET.
WE ALSO TAKE SERIOUSLY THE RESPONSIBILITY TO BE GOOD STEWARDS OF PUBLIC FUNDS. THE FY '27 PROPOSED BUDGET CURRENTLY PRESENTED DOESN'T ADEQUATELY IMMEDIATE THE REQUIREMENTS. MOST SIGNIFICANTLY 139,750 GAP BETWEEN EXISTING CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND THE PROPOSED SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE AND LICENCING ALLOCATION REPRESENTS THE SUBSTANTIAL UNFUNDED OBLIGATION THAT MUST BE ADDRESSED. WE'VE LOOKED ACROSS THE BOARD AT THE ENTIRE BUDGET REQUEST. WE WILL ACCEPT THAT WE WON'T BE ABLE TO DO -- WELL, LIMITED STAFF TRAINING.
AND THAT WE WON'T BE ABLE TO CONTINUE ANY DIGITALIZATION OR PRESERVATION PROJECTS. WHAT WE WANT TO ESTABLISH IS THAT DOESN'T CARRY FORWARD TO THE NEXT BUDGET YEARS AS PRECEDENT. WE WILL GO WITHOUT FOR THIS NEXT YEAR, AND WE'LL LOOK -- THERE'S A COUPLE OTHER CATEGORIES WHERE WE CAN SAY WE WILL GO WITHOUT. THEY DON'T LEAD TO ANY SIGNIFICANT DOLLAR AMOUNTS. MAYBE $1,500.
BUT WE'LL TAKE THOSE OFF THE BOARD.
WHAT I WOULD ASK IS THAT WHEN WE GET SOME TIME TO FURTHER EVALUATE THE HR RECOMMENDATION AND REALLY DIG INTO SEE IF THAT ADDRESSS THE CONCERNS THAT WE HAVE, POSITION BY POSITION, BECAUSE IT MAY BE THERE. I JUST CAN'T SEE IT WITH THE BROAD OVERVIEW AT THIS POINT. AND SECOND IS REALLY DRILL DOWN TO HOW WE CAN MEET THE CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS WE ALREADY HAVE IN PLACE. SUBJECT TO CANCELING A COUPLE CONTCONTRACTS THAT WE ALREADY HE WE CAN MAYBE SAVE ANOTHER $87,000. BUT THAT WOULD BE THE CANCELLATION OF EXISTING CONTRACT.
I'M WILLING TO LOOK AT ALL OF THOSE AND ROLL UP SLEEVES AND, YOU KNOW, ERASE LINE THROUGH. BUT WE REALLY REALLY NEED TO ADDRESS THE BUDGET SHORT FALL IN THE CONTRACTS AND GET THE PERSONNEL PIECE RIGHT. AND LOOK, OUT OF FOUR POSITION REQUESTS, WE COULD DEFER THE NEW POSITION, WHICH WE AGREED WE WOULD DEFER TO THIS YEAR, WE COULD DEFER IT ANOTHER YEAR.
WHAT I DON'T WANT TO DO IS CONTINUE TO DEFER THE DIVISION DIRECTORS AND THE WORK THAT THEY'RE DOING, THE LEVEL THAT THEY'RE WORKING AT ANOTHER YEAR, BECAUSE WE'VE KICKED THIS CAN DOWN THE ROAD ABOUT FOUR YEARS NOW.
THEY DESERVE TO GET PAID FOR WHAT THEY'RE DOING.
>> YOU HAVE A UNIQUE DEPARTMENT WHERE YOU HAVE A FUND REVENUE
GENERATING CATEGORY. >> CORRECT.
>> THAT IS IMPORTANT TO YOUR OPERATION.
SO WHAT I WOULD LIKE YOU TO DO IS WORK WITH SCOTT AND SEE HOW TO ARTICULATE THE COUNTY CLERK SPECIFIC DOLLAR AMOUNT TO HELP YOU WITH THE SPACES THAT YOU MUST CONTINUE TO DO.
AND NOT SHORTCHANGE OURSELVES AS A GOVERNMENT ON THE SERVICES THAT WE ARE ALREADY PROVIDING TODAY.
I AM ALL ABOUT BEING A GREAT FISCAL STEWARD AND NO NEW TAX RATE BEING RAISED. BUT I'M ALSO KEEN ON TAKING CARE OF THE CO-WORKERS AND GIVING THE RESIDENTS THE SERVICES THEY COME TO EXPECT. THERE IS A WAY TO THREAD THE NEEDLE. I DO BELIEVE THAT SINCERELY.
COMMISSIONER. >> THE CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS WE NEED TO TAKE A LOOK AT FOR SURE AND THEN, YEAH, WE'LL LOOK AT THE REST. I MEAN, THANK YOU FOR BRINGING UP THE DIVISION DIRECTORS. I RECALL THOSE CONVERSATIONS.
[03:35:01]
>> COMMISSIONER COHEN. >> JUST MORE OF A STATEMENT, BUT I WAS THINKING ABOUT THIS WITH THE TAX ASSESSOR, HER DEPARTMENT AS WELL AS YOUR DEPARTMENT ARE VERY CUSTOMER FORWARD-FACING THE LARGEST PROBABLY THE LARGEST CUSTOMER FORWARD-FACING IN REVENUE GENERATING AND NOT GIVE THE POSITION IN EITHER ONE OF THOSE DEPARTMENTS IS I THINK SOMETHING WE NEED TO TAKE A LOOK AT BECAUSE WE KNOW WHERE THIS POPULATION IS HEADED AND GROWING AND ONLY GOING TO GET BIGGER. SO I BELIEVE IN SUPPORTING YOUR INITIATIVES. I LOVE THE PROACTIVE AND TECHNOLOGY ADVANCES WITHIN THE COUNTY.
I THINK THAT'S REALLY IMPORTANT FOR US TO BE EFFICIENT, RIGHT? SO WE NEED TO KIND OF BITE THE BULLET SOMETIMES TO DO THAT.
JUST TO SAY, YOU KNOW, I DID NOTICE THAT MYSELF AND I'M HOPING WE CAN FIND SOME MONIES TO HELP.
>> I'M ENCOURAGED BY THE MANPOWER STUDY AND I'M EVEN MORE EXCITED TO DRILL INTO THE DETAILS OF THAT.
>> THAT'S GOOD. I PUSHED REAL HARD AND GRATEFUL TO GET COURT SUPPORT FOR THE INITIAL ASSESSMENT SALARY SURVEY, IT WAS INCOMPLETE AND PULLING TEETH TO GET WHAT WE NEED. YOU WERE INSTRUMENTAL TO GET THE INFORMATION AND YOU KNOW IT INTIMATELY BEYOND WHAT MOST
UNDERSTAND. >> THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME AND GOING THROUGH EVERYTHING. DEFINITELY PUT EVERYTHING IN
CONSIDERATION. >> I WOULD LIKE THAT BREAK DOWN SIMILAR THAT I ASKED TO OTHER DIRECTORS.
YOU HAVE DONE THEM BEFORE IN THE PAST.
>> I HAVE. >> IF I COULD GET THAT, THAT WOULD BE HELPFUL. ON THE PRESERVATION SIDE, HOW COMPLETE ARE WE WITH OUR DIGITAL UPDATING AND THOSE KIND OF THINGS AND HOW MUCH MORE DO WE HAVE? I KNOW WE WERE ON THE TIMELINE TO BE COMPLETE BY THIS POINT.
>> WE HOPED TO BE CLOSER TO COMPLETE.
WITH EVERY BUDGET YEAR WE MAID THE ADJUSTMENTS WHAT TO AFFORD.
THE LAST FEW YEARS WE WERE ABLE TO AFFORD QUITE A BIT, ABOUT 500,000 A YEAR. I HAVE OVER $400,000 OF WORK SITTING AT CO-FILE RIGHT NOW IN THEIR HANDS THAT WE MUT PUT IN E BUDGET FOR THIS YEAR AND THAT DIDN'T GET APPROVED AT ALL.
THE RECORDS MIGHT HAVE TO COME BACK TO US FOR HOLDING.
IF WE DON'T DO ANY WORK THIS YEAR, WE KICK THE CAN ANOTHER YEAR DOWN THE ROAD. WE'RE PROBABLY THREE YEARS OUT.
WE HAVE THE INITIATIVE ON THE TABLE.
THE CITY OF SAN MARCUS, THE VITAL RECORDS PERSON IS LEAVING.
THEY WANT TO TURN OVER THEIR VITAL RECORDS TO US.
ABOUT THAT.EEN TALKING WITH THE- THERE'S A COST BECAUSE THEY HAVEN'T DIGITIZED OR DONE THE PRESERVATION WORK ON THEIR RECORDS. WE'RE GOING TO BE TALKING TO THEM ABOUT FOR US TO TAKE ON THE WORK, THEY NEED TO COVER THE COST OF THE DIGITALIZATION. WHAT THAT DOES IS PUT ALL THE RECORDS FOR THE WHOLE COUNTY IN OUR OFFICE AND WE NO LONGER HAVE TO SEND PEOPLE, HEY, WERE YOU BORN IN THE CITY OF SAN MARCUS? YOU HAVE TO GO OVER HERE. THAT'S WORK WE WANT TO PICK UP FROM THE CUSTOMER SERVICE PERSPECTIVE.
IF WE PICK IT UP AND DON'T HAVE ANY MONEY TO PLAY WITH, THAT PROCESS COULD BE -- TAKE A LITTLE LONGER AND ADD MORE TO
THE TIMELINE OF DIGITALIZATION. >> PERFECT.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. WE REALLY APPRECIATE IT.
JUDGE, YOU'RE UP. >> GOOD AFTERNOON.
THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO PRESENT AT THE BUDGET WORKSHOP.
TYPICALLY DEPARTMENT HEADS AND ELECTED OFFICIALS ARE ABLE TO COME TO THE BUDGET WORKSHOPS WITH ALL THE INFORMATION NEEDED TO PRESENT ESPECIALLY THE INFORMATION THEY NEED.
WE'RE BEHIND THE EIGHT BALL. DIDN'T GET THE PROPOSED BUDGETS UNTIL AFTER THE WORKSHOP. THE FIRST ONE WAS COMPLETED.
THE GENERAL SALARY INFORMATION TODAY.
SO I KIND OF FEEL LIKE, YOU KNOW, WE'RE A LITTLE BIT BEHIND WITH WANTING TO FIGURE OUT THE NUMBERS AND STUFF THAT WE NEEDED TO PROVIDE TO YOU. ANY WAY, I HAVE A FEW ITEMS I WANT TO DISCUSS. THEY WILL BE SHORT AND TO THE POINT. BUT I WILL BE SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF MY OFFICE, JUSTICE OF THE PEACE PRECINCT 2 THAT WAS ANNOUNCED EARLIER. I WILL BE SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF JUDGE SMITH WHO IS NOT HERE AND THEN FOR ALL THE JUDGES FOR ONE
[03:40:05]
OF THE POSITIONS HERE. SO JUDGE SMITH DOES APOLOGIZE FOR NOT BEING HERE TODAY. SHE DOES HAVE COURT ON TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS. THAT'S WHERE SHE IS AT.SHE ASKED ME TO COME AND SPEAK ON HER BEHALF.
SHE'S ASKING A JUSTICE CLERK POSITION AND PREVIOUSLY PROVIDED THE DATA TO SUPPORT THAT POSITION.
WHILE MY COURT DOCKET INCREASED YEAR AFTER YEAR HER COURT DOCKETS INCREASE IN THE HIGHER LEVEL AND NO CHANGE IN THE NUMBER OF STAFF. JUDGE SMITH AND I LOOKED AT AND WORKING ON WAYS TO HAVE THE COURT RECEIVE MORE E-FILES.
HOWEVER EVEN WHEN OUR COURT -- MY COURT IS RECEIVING MORE E-FILES, SHE STILL RECEIVES A LOT AND STILL NEEDING A NEW COURT CLERK. JUDGE SMITH DOES APPRECIATE THE RECOMMENDATION FOR THAT POSITION AND WE ASK THAT YOU DO FUND IT.
GOING ON TO THE JUVENILE DIVERSION PROGRAM WE'RE REQUESTING ONE -- ALL THE JUDGES ARE REQUESTING ONE PART-TIME JUVENILE DIVERSION COORDINATOR POSITION SHARED BY ALL J PS AND WE HAVE A FULL-TIME POSITION THAT IS FUNDED AND CURRENTLY THIS PART-TIME POSITION IS RECOMMENDED TO BE FUNDED.
EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1ST, 2025, THE STATE OF TEXAS REQUIRED JUVENILE DIVERSION PROGRAM. THE JUVENILE DIVERSION COORDINATOR WORKED WITH THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND JP COURTS.
TODAY WE HAVE ONE EMPLOYEE FREQUENTLY TRYING TO MANAGE A HUGE CASE LOAD. CURRENTLY 236 ACTIVE CASES THAT HE'S DEALING WITH AND RECENTLY THERE WAS A PEAK OF 307 ACTIVE CASES TO TRY TO MANAGE. THE NUMBERS CAUSED THE DELAY TO MEET WITH THE JUVENILES ON THE TIMELY BASIS.
IF WE CONTINUE WITH THE CURRENT STATUS, WE MAY NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STATE BUT OFFERING THE JUVENILES THE OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE EFFECTIVE DIVERSION PROGRAMMING. WE AGAIN APPRECIATE THE RECOMMENDATION TO GET IT FUNDED AND ASK THAT THE POSITION IS
FUNDED TO MEET THOSE NEEDS. >> JUDGE, YOU SAID THAT WAS
PART-TIME. >> THE FISCAL IMPACT OF THAT?
>> THAT WAS -- WE WILL ASK TO INCLUDE IT.
THANK YOU, JUDGE. >> REGARDING SALARIES FOR ALL JUSTICE OF THE PEACE STAFF, THIS IS MY THIRD YEAR I BELIEVE COMING BEFORE YOU TO DISCUSS THIS.
WE'VE PROVIDED IN THE PAST THE CLERKS DO COMPARED TO OTHER POSITIONS. DONE BY STAFF ON THE SALARY STUDY. HOWEVER ACROSS THE BOARD INCREASE IS BENEFICIAL TO ALL STAFF THAT STILL LEAVES OUR STAFF UNDERPAID. EARLIER THIS YEAR WE DID MEET WITH COUNTY DEPARTMENT STAFF DIRECTORS AND STAFF AND THEY MENTIONED OUR CLERKS ARE NOT PAID WELL OR UNDERPAID.
NOT ONLY THAT THEY AREN'T PAID WELL IN MY OPINION THAT THEY ALSO PERFORM MANY MORE DUTIES AND DON'T GET PAID COMMENSURATE WITH THOSE DUTIES. WE CURRENTLY ASK THE DETAILS OF THE STUDY BE PROVIDED TO US SO WE CAN SUPPORT OUR REQUEST TO INCREASE THE SALARIES AND REFLECT THE DUTIES THEY PERFORM.
SOMETHING SPECIFIC TO MY OFFICE SPACE, THE WORK BEING DONE TO A NEW COURT FOR PLACE -- I BELIEVE THE COURT KNOWS THERE'S A NEED FOR THAT. WE'VE GIVEN UP MY CHAMBERS AND AM SHARING MY OFFICE SPACE WHICH ONLY 120 SQUARE FEET WITH TWO OTHER STAFF SO WE HAVE THREE DESKS IN MY CHAMBERS.
DOING THE WORK FOR OUR COURT. WHEN WE DO HAVE AN INTERN THAT ALSO COMES IN I GIVE MY DESK AND WORK IN THE JURY ROOM OR I HAVE TO WORK FROM HOME. ALL THE WORK THAT'S BEEN DONE FOR THE BEEBE ROAD PROJECT, WHATEVER WAS DONE IS NOW TOSSED OUT THE WINDOW. THERE'S STILL A NEED TO HAVE AN OFFICE SOMEWHERE BETWEEN 150 AND WINDY HILL ROAD I THINK THERE'S QUITE A FEW -- THERE'S A LOT OF POPULATION OUT THERE EVEN THOUGH IT'S BEEN DISCUSSED WE DON'T THINK THAT THE POPULATION'S ACTUALLY GOING TO GO TOWARDS -- STILL TRYING TO GO TOWARDS THE
[03:45:01]
WEST SIDE THAT MAY BE CLOSER BUT AT THIS TIME WE'LL STILL TAKE WHAT WE CAN GET BUT I THINK IT MIGHT BE A BETTER PLACE TO HAVE IT. WE DON'T HAVE TO HAVE ALL THE OFFICES. SIMILAR TO WHAT WE CURRENTLY HAVE ON THE WEST SIDE RIGHT NOW. AND THEN FINALLY JUST SOMETHING ON THE SIDE, I THINK THAT -- I. KNOW THAT ONE OF THE INSURANCE PLANS HAS A HEALTH -- I. JUST ASKED THE COURT CONSIDER HAVING OR ALLOWING ALL THE EMPLOYEES TO GET A HEALTH AND SAFETY CARD PLAN. THERE'S A LOT OF CITIES AND STATE OFFICES AND DEPARTMENTS THAT HAVE THAT CAPABILITY AND I THINK A LOT OF OUR EMPLOYEES CAN SAVE MONEY PRETAX BY HAVING THECOST SAVINGS CARD TO USE. >> GREAT SUGGESTION.
THANK YOU COMMISSIONER SMITH. >> I HAVE A COUPLE OF COMMENTS I THINK I'VE HEARD BEFORE SO FAR AND THERE'S A COUPLE I THINK SOME SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS THAT MIGHT BE ABLE TO ASSIST VERY SPECIFICALLY THE ISSUES JP1, ONE AND ONE, TWO AND JP2, ONE AND TWO, TWO HAVE AND THAT'S RELATIVE TO CASELOAD.
AND I KNOW THAT LEAVES COMMISSIONER INGALSBE IN THE JUDGE AND I WERE HERE WHEN WE TALKED TO THE COUNTY COURTS AT LAW AND DISTRICT JUDGES ABOUT A ROTATION SCHEDULE AND IT HELPED THE COUNTY COURTS AT LAW IMMENSELY.
AND INSTITUTING THAT I THINK I WOULD ENCOURAGE THOSE TWO -- THOSE FOUR OFFICES TO START USING A ROTATION SCHEDULE AND IT WOULD EQUALIZE THE WORK. AT LEAST ON THE FILING.
>> ON CERTAIN FILINGS THAT MIGHT BE ABLE TO WORK BUT THERE'S SOME THAT ARE PRECINCT SPECIFIC THAT WILL HAVE TO DO.
JUDGE SMITH IS LOOKING INTO THAT JUST FOR OUR PRECINCT AND UNFORTUNATELY WE HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO MAKE IT HAPPEN TO WHERE
WHENEVER THOSE FILINGS COME IN, IT BECAME A FAIRLY EASY SYSTEM FOR COUNTY COURTS AT LAW. IT WOULD BE TWO, TWO AND TWO, ONE WOULD HAVE TO SHARE THE FILINGS BUT A ROTATING BASIS WHEREAS THOSE FILINGS WERE DONE IT WOULD EQUALIZE THE CASELOAD.
THE OTHER THING I WOULD SAY IS THAT I HAD A VERY IN-DEPTH CONVERSATION WITH JUDGE BRYANT, SHE'S HERE TODAY.
EACH OFFICE, MUCH LIKE OUR CONSTABLE'S OFFICES, OUR JP OFFICES HAVE INCREASED WORKLOAD IN DIFFERENT AREAS THAT ARE SERVICED AND I SAY THAT NOBODY GOES TO MORE DEPTHS THAN JUDGE SMITH. BY FAR.
WE UNDERSTAND THAT'S THE CASE. THAT WAS NOT THE CASE TEN YEARS AGO KAGIT WAS ACTUALLY PRECINCT THREE BELIEVE IT OR NOT.
WHICH THE POPULATION AT THAT TIME WAS GROWING IN A VERY DIFFERENT WAY. LOOKING AT THOSE INCREASED CASELOADS ONE OF THE THINGS I ASKED JUDGE BRYANT THAT I THINK WOULD BE HELPFUL WITH ALL THE JP OFFICES, AS WE LOOK AT WHAT THOSE CASELOADS ARE, WE KNOW RAW NUMBERS.
WE KNOW YOU WENT FROM 2000 CASES THIS YEAR TO 3000 CASES -- 2000 LAST YEAR TO 3000 THIS YEAR. THE PROBLEM THAT WE HAVE IS WE -- WHEN IT COMES TO STAFFING, WE DON'T KNOW IF IT'S ANOTHER 500 CASES, IS THAT A QUARTER OF A FULL TIME EMPLOYEE? IF IT'S 2000 CASES. IF YOU'RE HANDLING 3000 CASES RIGHT NOW, WHICH MAY BE PRECINCT THREE I'M GOING TO USE AS AN EXAMPLE OR PRECINCT FOUR, THEY'RE HANDLING 1500 CASES A YEAR WITH THREE EMPLOYEES. WHAT'S THE BREAK OVER POINT FOR THAT NEXT EMPLOYEE. IS IT A THOUSAND? IS IT 1500, 2000? AND BEING ABLE TO QUANTIFY THAT AND USE THAT NUMBER ACROSS THE JP WOULD BE EXCEEDINGLY HELPFUL IN THAT CASELOAD. THAT'S SOMETHING ALL SOME OF YOU
WILL HAVE TO COME UP WITH. >> WHICH WE WOULD HAVE -- WOULD HAVE ALREADY DONE IT BY NOW. I APPRECIATE THAT INFORMATION AND I WORK WITH THE DEPARTMENT HR AND BUDGET TO GET THAT
INFORMATION. >> THE OTHER THING I WOULD CAUTION HERE, AND THIS I HAD A VERY DIRECT CONVERSATION WITH JUDGE BRYANT. AS YOU GET THE LARGER CASELOADS, IT'S VERY EASY TO SAY MY OFFICE IS BRINGING IN X AMOUNT MORE DOLLARS. EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THESE CASES THAT OUR JUDICIAL SYSTEM IS A MONEY SUCK FOR COUNTY GOVERNMENT. SO THE MORE CASES YOU HEAR, GETS BETTER SERVICE FOR OUR CITIZENS BUT EVERY TIME THAT REVENUE
[03:50:06]
NUMBER GOES HIGHER, WHAT IT ACTUALLY MEANS IS WE'RE LOSING MORE REVENUE ON THOSE THAN YOU ARE GENERATING.SO THE GENERATION TO COVER YOUR COSTS, THE MORE OF THOSE CASES THAT ARE HEARD AND WE WANT YOU TO HEAR EVERY SINGLE CASE YOU CAN, IT'S ACTUALLY A GREATER AND GREATER EXPENSE FOR THE COUNTY.
IT'S NOT THE CONVERSE OF THAT. SO I WOULD JUST CAUTION THAT AND I THINK IF WE HAD THAT DATA OR IF YOU COULD PROVIDE THAT DATA AND THAT COULD BE QUICK DATA. YOU CAN LOOK AT YOUR DOCKETS IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS AS A WHOLE, AS A GROUP OF SEVEN AND SAY OKAY WELL WE DID THIS MANY THIS YEAR, THIS MANY THIS YEAR.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING WITH IN YOUR OFFICE AND HOW DO YOU MAKE THAT WORK AND I THINK WHATEVER YOU COME BACK TO US WITH WOULD BE MUCH MORE DIRECT AS TO WHAT THE -- TO PROVE UP THE NEEDS FOR THE OFFICES THAT NEED THAT ADDITIONAL.
>> COMMISSIONER HAMMER. >> I WAS JUST ABOUT TO SAY IF WE COULD DO JUSTIFICATION WITH THE NUMBERS AND HOW MUCH I WOULD SAY THERE'S TWO DIFFERENT TYPES -- HOW MANY DIFFERENT TYPES OF
CASES YOU SEE. >> I WOULD SAY AT LEAST 20
DIFFERENT TYPES. >> IF YOU COULD JUST DO AN AVERAGE TIME SPENT PER CASE ON EACH OF THOSE DIFFERENT TYPES IT WOULD BE GREAT BECAUSE THEN YOU COULD RUN THE NUMBERS FROM THERE
AND IT WOULD BE EASY MATH. >> COMMISSIONER COHEN.
>> THANK YOU, JUDGE. PRESENTING AND ADVOCATING ON BEHALF OF -- WE ARE WORKING HARD ON THAT.
>> I APPRECIATE THAT. >> ON THAT BUILDING AND FINDING THE BEST ALTERNATIVE HERE BECAUSE WE SEE THE NEED.
>> THANK YOU FOR -- >> COMMISSIONER INGALSBE.
>> AND JUDGE, JUST GOT A MESSAGE.
I THINK TO THE ROTATION, WE MAY NEED TO GET WITH TYLER BECAUSE I THINK IT'S A SOFTWARE ISSUE AND WE CAN CERTAINLY LOOK INTO THAT.
I KNOW THEY'VE TRIED BUT. >> JUDGE SMITH HAS BEEN IN COMMUNICATION WITH E FILE REGARDING THAT.
HASN'T HAD TOO MUCH SUCCESS YET SO WE MIGHT HAVE TO SEE IF THERE'S SOMEBODY ELSE WE CAN TALK TO FOR THE COUNTY COURT.
>> OKAY. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH AND THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU'RE DOING AND WE APPRECIATE YOUR TIME.
YOU'RE THE LAST ONE. >> I'D LIKE TO SAY YOU SAVED THE BEST FOR LAST BUT I JUST WANT -- I. WISH I HAD AS GOOD A SHOW AS I DID LAST TIME. WAS A LOT MORE FUN THAN THIS IS.
THERE'S A COUPLE OF THINGS IN THE BUDGET I'D LIKE TO DISCUSS AND THEY'RE MAINLY PERSONNEL ISSUES.
SO WE ASKED FOR ONE NEW DEPUTY CONSTABLE.
THAT WOULD BE A CIVIL DEPUTY. AND ONE REGRADE OF DEPUTY THAT WILL BE IN OUR TRAFFIC DIVISION. YOU GUYS ARE PROBABLY NUMBERED OUT AND I DON'T WANT TO SIT UP HERE AND TELL YOU A LOT OF THINGS ABOUT GROWTH AND ALL THAT STUFF THAT YOU GUYS PROBABLY KNOW WAY BETTER THAN I DO ANYWAY.
BUT I DO WANT TO GIVE YOU A COUPLE OF NUMBERS SO YOU SEE KIND OF WHERE THE REQUESTS ARE COMING FROM.
THEY ARE BASED ON TWO BASIC THINGS.
ONE, ARE A NUMBER OF PAPERS AND TWO OUR COURT CASES.
WE'RE VERY FORTUNATE IN A SENSE TO HAVE ONE OF THE HARDEST WORKING JUDGES IN THE COUNTY HERE YOU CAN WAVE IF YOU WANT.
[LAUGHTER] I BRING THAT UP TO TELL YOU WHAT A GREAT JOB SHE'S DOING AND ALSO BLAME HER FOR THIS.
IN 2025 WE HAD A PRETTY MASSIVE JUMP IN COURT CASES.
WE WENT FROM 537 IN A YEAR TO 1182 IN A YEAR.
SO I DID A QUICK PROJECTION AND JUST USED THE NUMBERS FROM WHERE WE ARE TO DATE, WHICH IS 914 AND JUST USED THE NUMBER FROM LAST YEAR AND THAT ALONE PUTS US AT 1520 FOR THIS YEAR.
WHICH IS ABOUT 342 CASES INCREASED.
THEN WHATEVER WE INCREASED IN 2027.
THE OTHER THING IS, LAST YEAR OUR PAPER TOTAL WAS 10:30 SEVEN.
YEAR TO DATE RIGHT NOW WE'RE 690 SO OUR PROJECTION IS ABOUT 1182.
THAT'S NOT A HUGE JUMP BUT THE ONE THING I WANT TO POINT OUT IS
[03:55:02]
THAT I KNOW EVERYBODY UP THERE KNOWS THAT SOMETIME TO OUR DETRIMENT I WANT TO MAKE ABSOLUTELY SURE THAT WE NEED SOMETHING BEFORE I ASK YOU FOR IT.I DON'T DO WANT, I JUST DO NEEDS.
AND THAT'S THE CASE WITH THE CIVIL DEPUTY.
THEY WERE STRUGGLING PRETTY HARD BUT I WANTED TO BE SURE THAT THE INCREASE IN COURT CASES AND INCREASE IN OUR PAPERS WASN'T JUST AN ANOMALY. UNFORTUNATELY IT WAS NOT, SO THAT'S THE REASON WE'RE ASKING FOR THOSE AND ASKING TO PUT THEM BACK IN OUR BUDGET. UNFORTUNATELY I CAN'T BARGAIN QUITE LIKE I DID LAST TIME. ALONG WITH THE DEPUTY WE WILL NEED THE VEHICLE AND OUTFIT AND GRAPHICS CAT COMPUTER.
THE RIFLE'S NOT A PROBLEM, THAT'S TAKEN CARE OF.
SO IF YOU CAN PLUG ALL THAT IN FOR HIM IF YOU'RE THE OTHER ONE OF THE THINGS I WANTED TO TALK ABOUT WAS WE REQUESTED SOME SHIELDS AND I'M SURE YOU GUYS ARE FAMILIAR WITH HOUSE BILL 33 THE -- IS SOMETHING THAT REQUIRES US TO HAVE THOSE SHIELDS. I DON'T KNOW -- THEY WERE ZEROED OUT IN OUR BUDGET. THESE ARE SOMETHING THAT THE STATE REQUIRES US TO HAVE. CANDACE'S GROUP HAS BEEN REALLY GREAT ABOUT WORKING WITH US TO HELP US GET THOSE THINGS, SO IF I'M TALKING OUT OF SCHOOL AND YOU'VE ALREADY TAKEN CARE OF IT, SORRY. BUT IF NOT, THAT'S SOMETHING THAT WE REALLY NEED TO GET BACK IN OUR BUDGET.
WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT THERE IS $4500 A PIECE AND WE ASK FOR TWO. SO THEY'RE PRETTY PRICEY.
SO IT'S NOT SOMETHING I COULD JUST SQUEEZE OUT OF MY BUDGET SOMEWHERE ELSE. I ALSO WANTED TO TALK A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE REGRADE, WE HAVE FOUR MORE OFFICERS.
I'M SURE YOU ALL KNOW THAT WE HAVE SOME OF THE BEST MOTOR OFFICERS IN THE STATE AND THE NATION.
WE NOW HAVE TWO MASTER MOTORCYCLE INSTRUCTORS.
AND THERE'S ONLY ABOUT 50 IN THE ENTIRE STATE.
SO WE GET A WHOLE LOT OF CALLS TO HELP WITH ESCORTS AND TO TAKE CARE OF THOSE ESCORTS EVEN. WE DO ALL THE -- THEY DO ALL THE PLANNING. THE OTHER THING IS I WANT YOU TO BE AWARE OF IS I'M SURE EVERYBODY REMEMBERS WE USED TO HAVE A MOTORCYCLE RODEO EVERY YEAR.
NOT SURE EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED TO THAT BUT IT WENT TO BROWN -- ROUND ROCK. THEY'VE DONE A REALLY GOOD JOB OF IT FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS AND DECIDED NOW THEY REALLY DON'T WANT TO DO IT SO WE'VE PUSHED VERY HARD TO GET THAT BACK.
THAT'S A HUGE PUSH FOR THE CITY AND HOPEFULLY THE COUNTY IN TERMS OF WHATEVER TAXES AND WHATEVER THAT BRINGS TO IT.
THAT'S ALL THE MORE WORK THAT WE'RE INVOLVED WITH THERE.
AND OBVIOUSLY THE MOTOR UNIT IS SOMETHING I'VE BEEN VERY PROUD OF AND YOU GUYS HAVE BEEN VERY SUPPORTIVE OF.
AND SO I THINK ACTUALLY THAT PRETTY MUCH COVERS THAT.
>> THAT WAS GREAT BEER GOOD JOB PETER CAN YOU EXPAND ON THE
>> NOT THIS SHIELD. IT'S A BULLETPROOF SHIELD ABOUT THIS TALL THAT APPARENTLY IN UVALDE THEY WEIGHED IT WHILE OTHER THINGS WERE HAPPENING FOR THEIR SHIELDS -- WAITED.
>> $4500 FOR ANYONE FOLLOWING ALONG AS NOT FOR A SHIELD PINNED ON YOUR SHIRT SAYING YOU'RE A DEPUTY CONSTABLE BUT IT'S A SHIELD, A PHYSICAL SHIELD HERE PERFECT AND THANK YOU.
I SAW THE LOOKS. I SAW THE LOOKS.
I REALLY APPRECIATE IT. >> THEY'RE GOING UP, THEY'RE
>> THANK YOU. A COUPLE OF THINGS SPECIFICALLY THE REGRADE FOR MOTOR OFFICERS, I KNOW THAT WILL BE COVERED
UNDER THE CBA ITSELF. >> NOT FOR ALL OF THEM, IT'S
[04:00:03]
JUST FOR ONE. >> JUST FOR ONE?
>> WE'RE GOING TO REGRADE ONE OF OUR FOUR SO HE CAN BE
I JUST WANTED TO CLARIFY BECAUSE YOU TALKED ABOUT YOUR MOTOR
OFFICERS. >> I JUST WANTED TO BRAG FOR A
>> THE CIVIL OFFICER SIMILAR TO THE CASELOAD I JUST MENTIONED FOR THE JP OFFICES, I KNOW IT'S A FUNCTION AT EVERY -- THOUGH PRECINCT FOUR MAY BE MORE FOCUS ON TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT THAN PRECINCT ONE THAT HAS MORE BAILIFFS AND THOSE KINDS OF THINGS, KNOWING WHAT THOSE INDIVIDUAL OFFICERS, WHAT DOES EACH INDIVIDUAL OF THE FIVE PRECINCTS -- IN OTHER WORDS AS PRECINCT FIVE DOING MORE WITH LESS THAN PRECINCT TWO? RELATIVE TO HOW MANY CIVIL SERVICES YOU'RE DOING.
BECAUSE CIVIL SERVICE IS SOMETHING WE CAN TRACK ON AN ANNUALIZED BASIS. I'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM ALL FIVE CONSTABLES AT ONE TIME AND SAY LOOK, FOR EVERY 500 MORE WE GET A YEAR, WE HAVE TO HAVE AN OFFICER.
>> YOU TOOK THE WORDS OUT OF MY MOUTH.
>> KNOWING THOSE NUMBERS, THAT'S GOING TO HELP US JUSTIFY EACH ONE OF THOSE AND I KNOW YOU'VE SEEN AN INCREASE.
I JUST DON'T KNOW -- I. WOULD ASSUME THAT Y'ALL WOULD WANT WHEN YOU PROVIDE THAT INFORMATION THERE'S PROBABLY GOING TO BE SOME DATA IN THAT AS WELL BECAUSE WHENEVER PRECINCT ONE DOES THEIRS, THE FURTHEST THEY HAVE TO DRIVE IS 10 MINUTES. WHEN PRECINCT FIVE OR FOUR OR THREE DOES THEIRS, THEY MIGHT HAVE TO DRIVE 30 MINUTES TO GET TO ONE OF THOSE CIVIL SERVICES SO THERE'S CONVERSATIONS I'D LIKE THE CONSTABLES THEMSELVES TO HAVE.
THEN BRING BACK AND GIVE US SOME DATA AND REAL DATA TO USE.
I KNOW IT'S GOING UP, I JUST DON'T KNOW AT WHAT RATE IT'S GOING UP AND WHERE THOSE BREAK POINTS ARE.
>> THAT'S A MAGNIFICENT AND I ECHO THAT REQUEST HERE
COMMISSIONER HAMMER. >> I APPRECIATE YOU COMING IN AND SPEAKING AND I KNOW YOUR PRECINCT IS GROWING CONSISTENTLY AND IS ONE OF THE PRECINCTS I THINK IS GROWING PROBABLY AT THE MOST RAPID RATE. SO DEFINITELY TAKING THAT INTO CONSIDERATION WHEN WE'RE LOOKING AT THE BUDGET.
>> COMMISSIONER COHEN. >> THANK YOU.
>> COMMISSIONER INGALSBE. >> SAME.
THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU FOR KEEPING IT TIDY AND WE REALLY WILL WANT THAT INFORMATION.
HOWEVER YOU CAN WORK IT OUT BETWEEN THE FIVE WOULD BE AWESOME. THANK YOU.
>> THAT'S SOMETHING WE'VE TALKED ABOUT.
WE HAVEN'T DONE -- IT'S AN EXCELLENT WAY TO LOOK AT IT AND SOME OF THE EXTEMPORANEOUS STUFF WE NEED TO MAKE SURE YOU UNDERSTAND IS A WHOLE LOT OF DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CITATION YOU GO HERE YOU GO AND SOME OF THE OTHER THINGS WE DO.
WE WANTED TO BALANCE IT WITH THAT AS MUCH AS WE CAN.
>> GOOD JOB AND THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
REALLY APPRECIATE IT. SCOTT, I'M GOING TO CLOSE THE WORKSHOP. CLOSING THE WORKSHOP AND COMMISSIONER, I BELIEVE YOU HAVE AN AGENDA ITEM FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION? OKAY.
IN THE MEANTIME WE WANT TO THANK YOU ALL FOR WATCHING.
STAY TUNED. ERIC WILL BE COMPILING ALL THE STAFFING REQUESTS THAT CAME THROUGH THESE WORKSHOPS SO WE CAN GET A LASER FOCUS ON WHAT THE IMPLICATIONS ARE SO WE KNOW WHEN GRANTING SOME OF THESE POSITIONS OR ASKS, WHERE WE NEED TO PULL BACK FROM SOMEWHERE ELSE.
THAT'S THE AIM. SO THANK YOU ALL.
THAT'S THE WORK. >> SCOTT, I GUESS YOU WILL -- SO
WE CAN HAVE A LIST NEXT WEEK? >> PERFECT.
>> FOR NEXT WEEK I WILL TRY TO --
[M. EXECUTIVE SESSIONS (Part 2 of 2)]
>> AHEAD OF TIME. MOST PERFECT, MOST IDEAL ERIC THANK YOU SO MUCH. COMMISSIONER INGALSBE.
>> I'D LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION TO AUTHORIZE AND EXECUTE A SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT AND AUTHORIZE COUNCIL TO EXECUTE ANY NECESSARY DOCUMENTS TO IMPLEMENT AND FINALIZE THE SETTLEMENT OF HAYS COUNTY TEXAS VERSUS H C. ALEXANDER PLACE LLC AT ALL CAUSE NUMBER 23-0042-CP ENDING IN COUNTY COURT LAW NUMBER 2 CASE COUNTY -- PARCEL 28 AND HAYS COUNTY VERSUS H C. ANDERSON PLACE LLC ET AL. NUMBER 23-0199C PENDING IN COUNTY COURT LAW NUMBER 3 IN HAYS COUNTY PARCEL 29 RELATED TO THE COTTON GIN ROAD FACE TWO IMPROVEMENT PROJECT IN PRECINCT
>> PLEASE CALL A ROLL. >> COMMISSIONER COHEN.
[04:05:02]
>> YES. >> COMMISSIONER HAMER.
>> YES. >> COMMISSIONER INGALSBE.
>> YES. >> COMMISSIONER SMITH.
>> YES. >> ENJOY THE REST OF YOUR DAY.
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.