[00:00:01]
[A. CALL MEETING TO ORDER]
IT'S ON NOW. THANK YOU FOR JOINING US FOR CALDWELL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT.WE'RE GOING TO CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER TUESDAY, JUNE 11TH 2024 AT 9:00 AM.
REMIND EVERYBODY TO PLEASE REMOVE COVER FOR THE PLEDGE AND STAY REMOVED FOR THE DURATION OF COURT AND WE'LL GO AHEAD.
COMMISSIONER THOMAS, IF YOU'D LEAVE US IN THE INVOCATION PLEASE?
>> DEAR GRACIOUS HEAVENLY FATHER, WE COME THIS MOMENT, THIS MINUTE, THIS HOUR ASKING YOU TO GUIDE US AND DIRECT US THE WAY YOU HAVE.
WE COME TO YOU ASKING THAT ALL THINGS BE DONE DECENTLY.
ALL THESE THINGS WE ASK IN YOUR SON JESUS CHRIST.
>> OKAY. COMMISSIONERS. DO WE HAVE ANY ANNOUNCEMENTS THIS MORNING?
[D. ANNOUNCEMENTS]
>> I ATTENDED THE TIRE COLLECTION EVENT ON SATURDAY OUT AT MAXWELL AND IT WAS A VERY SUCCESSFUL EVENT.
I RECOGNIZED THE ENVIRONMENTAL ENFORCEMENT DIVISION WAS ALL OUT THERE INCLUDING AMANDA AND SOME OF UNIT ROAD GUYS.
THEY WERE OUT THERE WORKING HARD AND THE PEGASUS CREW IS OUT THERE.
I JUST WANTED TO RECOGNIZE THAT.
THAT'S AN IMPORTANT DEAL FOR OUR COUNTY BECAUSE IT SAVES SO MANY CREEKS FROM HAVING TIRES IN THEM. COMMISSIONER THOMAS?
>> JUST WANT TO REMIND ST. JOHN [INAUDIBLE] JUNE 10TH, CELEBRATION WILL BE HELD THIS COMING SATURDAY.
EVERYONE IS INVITED AT 11 O'CLOCK
>> OKAY. GREAT. ANY STAFF ANNOUNCEMENTS?
>> YES. I JUST WANT TO REMIND EVERYBODY THAT BUDGET IS UPON US SO IF YOU HAVE NOT UPLOADED YOUR BUDGET OR IF YOU'RE HAVING TROUBLE, REACH OUT TO ME AND WE'LL GET THAT UPLOADED AND GET YOUR BUDGET MEETING SCHEDULED. THANKS.
>> OKAY. THANK YOU. ANY OTHERS?
>> I JUST WANTED TO TALK ABOUT THE TIRE EVENT COLLECTION ALSO.
>> SHE WAS ALSO WORKING. [LAUGHTER]
>> I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU TO ALL THE VOLUNTEERS.
WE DID HAVE ABOUT 25 VOLUNTEERS; 15 OF THAT WAS FROM THE PEGASUS SCHOOL.
I DON'T THINK WE COULD HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT THEM.
WE HAD ABOUT 150 VEHICLES COME THROUGH AND FROM OUR LOGS IT LOOKS LIKE ABOUT 2,300 TIRES WERE COLLECTED SO IT WAS VERY SUCCESSFUL.
>> WE HAD FOUR TRAILERS AND I THINK ABOUT 3 AND 1/2 WERE FULL.
>> GOOD. THANK YOU. ANY OTHERS? NO? DO WE HAVE CITIZENS COMMENTS?
>> ALL RIGHT. WITH THAT, WE'LL MOVE TO CONSENT.
[F. CONSENT AGENDA]
COMMISSIONERS, IF THERE ARE NO QUESTIONS ABOUT CONSENT, I'D LOOK FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE.>> WE HAVE MOTION BY COMMISSIONER HORNE AND A SECOND?
>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS.
ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
>> OPPOSED HEARING. NON-MOTION CARRIES.
WE HAVE SPECIAL PRESENTATION; ITEM G1,
[G.1 To discuss preliminary Caldwell County Debt Issuance and Bond Capacity.]
TO DISCUSS PRELIMINARY CALDWELL COUNTY DEBT, INSURANCE, AND BOND CAPACITY.I DIDN'T SEE YOU SITTING THERE.
JENNIFER IS GOING TO GIVE US A PRESENTATION ON THAT.
>> THANK YOU ALL. WE KNOW THAT YOU'VE BEEN IN DISCUSSIONS ABOUT NEEDS FOR ROAD IMPROVEMENTS SO THAT'S WHAT WE'RE HERE TO TALK ABOUT.
I'M JENNIFER RITTER WITH SPECIALIZED PUBLIC FINANCE WITH THE COUNTY'S FINANCIAL ADVISOR, MATT LEE FROM NORTON ROSE FULBRIGHT.
THE COUNTY'S BOND COUNSEL OR BOND ATTORNEY IS ALSO HERE AS WELL TO ANSWER QUESTIONS OF A LEGAL NATURE.
IN THE COUNTY AS YOU KNOW, JUST AN OVERVIEW.
OBVIOUSLY THE COURT KNOWS, BUT JUST FOR THE COMMUNITY AS WELL, YOU HAVE TWO PORTIONS OF YOUR TAX RATE.
THERE'S A MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS PORTION AND THE INTEREST AND SINKING FUND PORTION.
THEY HAVE TWO DIFFERENT PURPOSES AND LEGAL RESTRICTIONS.
THE M&O TAXES OR MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS ARE USED TO FUND THE OPERATIONS OF THE COUNTY.
THAT'S THE BIGGEST PIECE; SALARIES, UTILITIES, EQUIPMENT, MAINTENANCE, ETC.
THE I&S TAXES OR THE INTEREST IN SINKING CAN ONLY BE USED TO PAY BACK BOND DEBT SERVICE.
M&O HAS MORE FLEXIBILITY AND I KNOW IN THE COUNTY YOU DO USE THE M&O TO PAY FOR SOME CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS LIKE EQUIPMENT LEASES, ETC. YOU HAVE BEEN USING THAT.
YOU CAN USE IT TO PAY FOR ROAD IMPROVEMENTS IF YOU WANT,
[00:05:02]
BUT THAT WOULD BE ON A PAY AS YOU GO BASIS HAVING TO LEVY THAT TAX EVERY YEAR AND THEN PAY FOR EACH PORTION OUT OF THE ANNUAL BUDGET THAT YOU COULD AFFORD.IT OBVIOUSLY WOULD LIMIT YOU ON WHAT YOU'RE ABLE TO FUND.
I&S TAXES ARE HIGHLY RESTRICTED.
UNDER STATE LAW, THEY CAN ONLY BE USED FOR DEBT SERVICE.
THAT I&S PORTION OF YOUR TAX RATE CAN'T BE TRANSFERRED BACK TO THE M&O BUDGET TO PAY FOR ANYTHING OUT OF THAT.
THE M&O BUDGET HOWEVER IS NOW SUBJECT TO REVENUE CAP, SO YOU'RE PRETTY RESTRICTED ON WHAT YOU CAN LEVY FOR YOUR M&O PORTION OF THE TAX RATE.
UNDER STATE LAW, THE TOTAL COUNTY TAX RATE IS LIMITED TO 80 CENTS.
THE LIMIT ON THAT FOR DEBT IS 40 CENTS.
YOU ALSO HAVE THE ABILITY TO VOTE SOMETHING SEPARATE CALLED UNLIMITED TAX COUNTY ROAD BOND.
THAT IS SOMETHING YOU COULD CHOOSE TO DO AND WE'LL TALK ABOUT THAT HERE IN A LITTLE BIT.
YOU CAN EITHER DO A LIMITED TAX BOND WHICH IS LIMITED TO THAT 40 CENT TAX RATE.
BOTH OF THESE HAVE TO BE VOTED.
OR YOU CAN DO AN UNLIMITED TAX ROAD BOND.
IT REALLY DOESN'T MAKE TOO MUCH DIFFERENCE FROM A MARKETING PERSPECTIVE.
YOU'VE NEVER DONE THE UNLIMITED TAX ROAD BOND, BUT YOUR BOND ATTORNEY AND I CAN HELP YOU MAKE THAT DECISION AS WELL.
BUT EITHER OF THEM REQUIRE GOING OUT FOR A VOTE IN NOVEMBER.
HERE'S A TAX RATE HISTORY FOR CALDWELL COUNTY.
YOU CAN SEE IT OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS HERE.
OBVIOUSLY THE TOTAL TAX RATE HAS BEEN DECREASING OVER THAT TIME PERIOD TO THE TUNE OF OVER 20 CENTS.
YOUR DEBT RATE HAS COME DOWN BY ABOUT HALF AND YOUR M&O RATE HAS COME DOWN BY ABOUT TWO-THIRDS.
YOU DO HAVE A ROAD MAINTENANCE TAX IN PLACE, BUT THAT'S SEPARATE.
THAT'S SIMPLY FOR MAINTENANCE OF EXISTING ROADWAYS.
IT CAN'T BE USED TO FUND DEBT SERVICE.
YOU'RE AT ABOUT 47 PENNIES TOTAL TAX RATE.
THEN HERE'S JUST A VISUAL ILLUSTRATION TO SHOW YOU HOW THAT RATE HAS BEEN DECLINING.
TOTAL TAX RATES IN THE AREA FOR COUNTIES.
THIS INCLUDES SOME OF THE SPECIAL PURPOSE TAX RATES AS WELL SO YOU'RE A LITTLE BIT ON THE HIGHER SIDE IN TERMS OF YOUR M&O RATE.
ON THE DEBT SIDE, YOU'RE ON THE LOWER SIDE.
OBVIOUSLY YOUR M&O RATE WILL CONTINUE TO CREEP DOWN AS YOUR TAX BASE CONTINUES TO INCREASE.
DEBT CAPACITY IS HOW MUCH YOU CAN AFFORD FOR SOME PORTION OF I&S TAX.
IT'S ESSENTIALLY DRIVEN BY THE INTEREST RATES FROM THE BOND MARKET WHICH WE'LL TALK ABOUT HERE IN A SECOND.
THE TAXABLE ASSESSED VALUATION OF THE COUNTY, THAT'S ALL THE TAXABLE PROPERTY.
OBVIOUSLY, IT DOESN'T INCLUDE GOVERNMENT PROPERTY, SCHOOLS, CHURCHES, ETC.
EVERYBODY WHO'S PAYING A TAX BILL IS WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THAT AND THEN YOUR EXISTING DEBT PROFILE WHICH IS THE DEBT THAT YOU ALREADY HAVE OUTSTANDING AND WHEN THOSE MATURITIES COME DUE.
INTEREST RATES AS YOU ALL KNOW ARE RELATIVELY HIGH.
TALKING ABOUT THE PAST 10 YEARS, EVEN IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS, YOU CAN SEE THERE THAT IT SAYS ONLY 19% OF THE TIME OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS HAVE INTEREST RATES HIGHER THAN THEY ARE TODAY.
WITH ALL OF THAT SAID, IT'S OBVIOUSLY A RESULT OF THE PANDEMIC AND THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD TRYING TO FIGHT INFLATION.
INFLATION HAS BEEN STABILIZING SO THE MARKET EXPECTATION IS THAT INTEREST RATES WILL START TO DROP OR MAYBE THE FED WILL START TO CUT RATES AS SOON AS NOVEMBER OF THIS YEAR.
THE TIMING MIGHT WORK OUT WELL FOR YOU GUYS.
CERTAINLY THERE'S NO ASSURANCES THERE.
BUT EVEN WHEN I SAY WE'VE BEEN RELATIVELY HIGH IN THE PAST 10 YEARS, IF YOU LOOK AT THE CURRENT INTEREST RATE IN THAT TOP RIGHT HAND BOX FOR A 20 YEAR TAX EXEMPT BOND; THE TYPE OF BOND THAT YOU WOULD SELL, THE INTEREST RATE IS STILL 3.93%.
IT'S STILL RELATIVELY INEXPENSIVE, IT'S JUST NOT UNDER 2% THAT WE GOT A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO.
OBVIOUSLY, THAT'S WHAT'S REALLY FUNDING YOUR ABILITY TO ISSUE BONDS WITHOUT MUCH OF A TAX INCREASE.
BECAUSE THOSE VALUES HAVE CONTINUED TO INCREASE, THERE'S PRESSURE EITHER ON YOUR I&S, YOUR DEBT RATE TO EITHER DECREASE OR FUND NEW PROJECTS.
YOU HAVE OPTIONS WHICH IS A NICE PLACE TO BE.
YOU CAN EITHER LET IT GO DOWN.
BASICALLY, YOU'RE ONLY A COUPLE OF PENNIES ANYWAY, SO IT'D BE CLOSE TO ZERO AT SOME POINT OR YOU CAN USE THAT EXCESS GROWTH IN THE TAX BASE TO FUND NEW PROJECTS.
>> YOUR OUTSTANDING DEBT IS PRETTY LEVEL FOR THE NEXT FEW YEARS, BUT WE DO HAVE A DROP THAT OCCURS IN 2027.
WITH A NOVEMBER OF 2024 ELECTION, WE WOULDN'T BE SELLING BONDS UNTIL 2025.
WE CAN STRUCTURE IT TO BE A LITTLE BIT LOWER, HAVING MORE INTEREST, AND NOT A LOT OF PRINCIPLE IN THOSE EARLY YEARS TO STRUCTURE IT AROUND THAT FALL IN YOUR DEBT SERVICE.
THIS IS A NICE TIME FOR THE COUNTY TO BE CONSIDERING SELLING BONDS BECAUSE WE DO HAVE THAT DROP COMING UP IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
THEN AS YOU CAN SEE THERE AFTER 2028, I CAN'T READ IT VERY WELL.
YOUR DEBT DROPS OFF PRETTY QUICKLY.
YOU DON'T HAVE A LOT OF DEBT OUTSTANDING.
BASED ON THE GROWTH IN THE TAX BASE AND WHERE INTEREST RATES ARE CURRENTLY, WE WANTED TO SEE WHAT IT WOULD COST FOR YOU ALL TO ISSUE BONDS.
WE'RE ASSUMING TAX BASE GROWTH OF 20% NEXT YEAR, 15%,
[00:10:02]
AND THEN YOU CAN SEE IT DROPS OFF THERE TO JUST 2.5% AFTER FIVE YEARS SO PRETTY CONSERVATIVE.YOU GREW WELL IN EXCESS OF 20% THERE FOR A LITTLE WHILE, AND I KNOW THE GROWTH IS STILL STARTING TO COME ON THE GROUND.
THE WAY IT WORKS WITH GROWTH IS THAT IT'S ESTIMATED ON JANUARY 1ST.
ON JANUARY 1ST OF 2025, IT'LL TAKE A NEW LOOK AT IT.
PROPERTIES THAT WERE ON THE TAX ROLL AS OF JANUARY 1ST OF THIS YEAR WILL SHOW UP IN YOUR UPCOMING TAX LEVY THAT YOU WILL RECEIVE IN JULY.
YOU DO HAVE THE GROWTH COMING THAT YOU CAN DRIVE AROUND THE COMMUNITY AND SEE.
BUT I THINK WE'RE STILL BEING SOMEWHAT CONSERVATIVE.
WE'RE USING AN INTEREST RATE OF 4.43% AND THEN GOING UP TO 5% BECAUSE WE'RE LOOKING AT A PHASE PROCESS THAT WE'LL TALK ABOUT HERE IN A MINUTE.
WE'RE ASSUMING A 30-YEAR BOND.
YOU CAN SHORTEN THAT IF YOU WANT, BUT WE'RE DOING THAT TO HOLD THE DEBT RATE DOWN. THEN LET'S SEE.
BASED ON THESE ASSUMPTIONS FOR THREE DIFFERENT SCENARIOS, 60 MILLION, 80 MILLION, AND 100 MILLION AND WE'RE ASSUMING $20 MILLION ISSUES EACH YEAR SO IT JUST BASICALLY ADDS ON A YEAR FOR EACH OF THE DIFFERENT PHASES.
YOU CAN SEE THE COST IN TERMS OF THE INCREASE OR THE ESTIMATED INCREASE IN THE I&S TAX RATE.
FOR 60 MILLION IS ABOUT CALLED LITTLE UNDER 1.5 PENNIES FOR 80 MILLION, A LITTLE UNDER 2.5 PENNIES, AND THEN FOR 100 MILLION LITTLE UNDER 3.5 PENNIES.
THIS IS TOO SMALL FOR YOU TO SEE, BUT IT'S HERE THAT IF WE HAVE QUESTIONS, WE CAN ANSWER AND GET INTO MORE DETAIL ABOUT HOW THIS IS STRUCTURED.
BUT JUST TO POINT OUT, THESE ARE ALL REGARDLESS OF THE AMOUNT BEING SOLD IN $20 MILLION TRANCHES EACH YEAR.
WE'VE TALKED TO THE PEOPLE WHO ARE PLANNING WHAT THE PROJECTS ARE.
IT SEEMS THAT'S APPROPRIATE IN TERMS OF BEING ABLE TO LET THE PROJECTS AND HOW QUICKLY YOU CAN SPEND THE MONEY ANYWAY.
BY DOING IT IN THIS PHASED APPROACH OF $20 MILLION EACH YEAR, WE'RE LESSENING THE IMPACT AS WELL ON THE TAXPAYERS.
THE PLAN IS ESSENTIALLY FOR WHATEVER AMOUNT YOU CHOOSE TO GO OUT AND DO 20 MILLION.
THIS CAN CHANGE, IF WE'VE BEEN TOO CONSERVATIVE IN OUR ASSUMPTIONS AND FOR SOME REASON, INTEREST RATES ARE LOWER THAN WHAT WE PROJECTED OR GROWTH IN THE TAX BASE IS HIGHER, WE CAN ACTUALLY SPEED IT UP AND DO MORE BUT THE GOAL WOULD BE TO NOT EXCEED WHAT THE VOTERS WERE TOLD IN TERMS OF TAX RATE INCREASE.
YOU CAN EITHER DO MORE OR DO LESS BASED ON WHERE THOSE RESULTS ACTUALLY END UP COMING IN SO THAT YOU ARE ON TARGET WITH WHAT YOU TOLD THE VOTERS.
I WON'T GO THROUGH THESE. I JUST WANTED TO POINT OUT THAT WE'RE USING CONSERVATIVE ASSUMPTIONS FOR NOVEMBER ELECTION.
AUGUST 19TH IS THE LAST DATE TO CALL.
BETWEEN NOW AND AUGUST 19TH WE'LL CONTINUE TO UPDATE.
BUT AS I MENTIONED, EVEN WITH A SUCCESSFUL NOVEMBER ELECTION, WE WOULDN'T BE IN A POSITION TO SELL UNTIL PROBABLY JANUARY OR FEBRUARY OF 2025.
THIS WILL CONTINUE TO EVOLVE UNTIL WE GET THERE, AND WE'RE HOPEFUL THAT WITH OUR PROJECTIONS BEING CONSERVATIVE, WE WOULD BE ABLE TO COME IN UNDER WHAT THE VOTERS WERE TOLD.
THAT'S THE GOAL ALWAYS IS TO BE CONSERVATIVE AND END UP BEING BETTER THAN WHAT THE VOTERS WERE TOLD.
THE PHASING ALLOWS US TO ACCOMMODATE GROWTH.
AS GROWTH COMES ON THE COMMUNITY, THOSE NEW TAXPAYERS, NEW VOTERS ARE HELPING TO PAY FOR THE NEW PROJECTS AS WELL, SO THAT'S A NICE WAY TO HANDLE THESE ROAD IMPROVEMENTS OR NEW ROADS, ALLOW THE PEOPLE WHO ARE GOING TO BE USING THEM TO PAY FOR THEM.
THEN IT ALSO ALLOWS THROUGH PHASING YOU TO GO AHEAD AND HAVING THE ELECTION IN PLACE TO MINIMIZE SOME OF THOSE INFLATION COSTS BY ACQUIRING RIGHT AWAY AND DEVELOPMENT PRIOR TO ACTUALLY HAVING TO BUILD SOME OF THOSE PROJECTS.
IN TERMS OF A 60 MILLION, WE JUST WANTED TO DO A AVERAGE HOMEOWNER IMPACT BASED ON THE INCREASE IN THE INS RATE THAT WE MENTIONED HERE.
FOR A $60 MILLION BOND, A $290,000 HOME, WHICH WE BELIEVE IS THE AVERAGE VALUE HERE IN CALDWELL COUNTY.
YOU CAN SEE THE ANNUAL IMPACT TO A HOMEOWNER WOULD BE $39.
AGAIN, FOR 80 MILLION, IT GOES UP TO $68 OR $5 A MONTH.
THEN FOR 100 MILLION, IT WOULD GO UP TO ABOUT LITTLE UNDER $100 A YEAR OR $8 A MONTH.
I DO BELIEVE THAT YOUR M&O RATE WILL CONTINUE TO DECREASE.
AT THE END OF THE DAY IF WE WERE TO LOOK AT THE TOTAL TAX RATE IN ALL OF THESE SCENARIOS, THERE MAY BE NO INCREASE IN THE TOTAL TAX RATE.
I DON'T KNOW THAT PEOPLE CARE ABOUT WHAT GOES TO INS AND WHAT GOES TO M&O.
THAT'S SOMETHING AS WE MOVE THROUGHOUT THIS PROCESS, WE WANT TO GET AN ESTIMATE FROM A COUNTY AUDITOR ABOUT WHAT YOU PROJECTS IN TERMS OF THAT M&O RATE TO SEE WHAT THE TOTAL INCREASE WOULD BE BECAUSE AT THE END OF THE DAY, THIS MIGHT END UP BEING NO INCREASE AT ALL IN THE TOTAL TAX RATE.
AGAIN, I MENTIONED MATT LEE IS HERE FROM NORTON ROSE FULBRIGHT, YOUR BOND ATTORNEY, BUT WANTED TO GIVE YOU GUYS SOME PRELIMINARY NUMBERS AS YOU MOLD THIS OVER.
THEN HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS THAT YOU MAY HAVE.
>> THANK YOU. I THINK IT HELPS ME A LOT JUST TO GO THROUGH THAT EVEN THOUGH WE'VE GONE TO FIGURE IT OVER AND OVER.
HEARING YOU SAY, I ALWAYS PICK UP SOMETHING NEW, BUT I THINK YOU ANSWERED.
I WAS GOING TO ASK THE QUESTION ABOUT THE OVERALL RATE IMPACT, AND YOU ANSWERED THAT AT THE VERY END, SO I REALLY DON'T HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.
[00:15:02]
>> I HAVE ONE. BUT MAYBE I MISSED THE ANSWER.
IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN THE SAME ONE YOU WERE LOOKING AT.
WE WE'LL FORMALIZE OUR BUDGET SEPTEMBER.
>> YES. WE'LL HAVE A PRELIMINARY BUDGET END OF JULY AND THEN THEN WE FIND OUT WHAT OUR TAX RATE REALLY IS.
>> HISTORICALLY, IN AN EFFORT TO COMPLY WITH THE STATE LAWS, WE'VE DROPPED UP TO $0.11 I THINK, EVEN ON ONE OCCASION.
BUT I THINK WE'RE SEEING A LITTLE SLOW DOWN IN THE INCREASE IN THE PROPERTY VALUES.
LIKE JENNIFER SAID, WE'RE PROJECTING 20%.
FOR THE LAST FIVE YEARS, IT'S BEEN ALMOST 50%, SO THAT SLOWED DOWN A BIT.
THAT'S DRIVEN BY A NUMBER OF FACTORS BUT IT SLOWED DOWN.
>> WHAT I WAS GOING TO ASK IS, IS THERE A CONSIDERATION AND THIS WILL PROBABLY BE A WHOLE DIFFERENT DISCUSSION TOPIC, BUT ALSO ON THE NOVEMBER ELECTION, TO HAVE A COMBINED OR SEPARATE ITEMS, HOWEVER IT HAVE TO BE TO ALLOW US TO GO ABOVE THE 3% ON THAT IN ORDER TO DO THE BOND.
>> I'M NOT SURE I UNDERSTAND THE QUESTION.
BUT IT'LL SAY ON THE ON THE WHATEVER THE LANGUAGE OF THE ITEM IS ON THE BALLOT AS STATUTORILY DRIVEN, AND IT'S GOING TO SAY, LIKE SAY WE DID 100 MILLION, IT'S GOING TO SAVE THREE POINT WHATEVER PENNIES.
BUT THE CONVERSATION THAT JENNIFER WAS JUST SAYING IS BECAUSE THAT'S IN INS, THE M&O IS GOING TO CONTINUE TO DROP SO THE NET OF THAT COULD BE NO INCREASE IN THE OVERALL TAX RATE.
YOU HAVE TO HAVE A CRYSTAL BALL TO FIGURE OUT EXACTLY WHAT IT'S GOING TO BE.
>> I KNOW I'M NOT SAYING IT RIGHT, BUT YOU HAVE TO HAVE VOTER APPROVAL TO EXCEED A 3% INCREASE IN YOUR REVENUE.
NOT RELATED TO THE TRANSPORTATION BOND.
>> ON THE M&O, IT'S NOT NOW SO I'M NOT SURE.
>> IS THE QUESTION ABOUT EXCEEDING WHAT STATE LAW ALLOWS YOU FOR THE VOTERS.
YOU COULD GO ABOVE THAT THROUGH A SEPARATE ELECTION.
THOSE ARE A LITTLE TRICKY BECAUSE IF THE ELECTION FAILS AND YOU HAVE TO GO BACK AND YOU'VE ALREADY LEVIED THE TAXES, YOU'VE ALREADY APPROVED YOUR BUDGET.
IF FOR SOME REASON THE ELECTION FAILS, YOU'RE IN THIS POSITION WHERE IT'S WHAT DO YOU DO? DO YOU REBATE? DO YOU CUT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE BUDGET YEAR? BUT TO YOUR POINT, WE'RE NOT ADDRESSING M&O.
THIS DISCUSSION IS PURELY ABOUT INTEREST AND SINKING.
I THINK THAT MAY BE A DIFFERENT QUESTION FOR THE AUDITOR.
>> BUT AS YOU CAN SEE, JUDGE, YOU DROP EIGHT PENNIES IN THE CURRENT FISCAL YEAR ON THE M&O RATE.
EVEN IF THAT IS BY HALF, YOU ONLY DROP FOUR PENNIES IN THE UPCOMING FISCAL YEAR, AND WE'RE TALKING ABOUT EVEN WITH THE LARGEST ONLY A 3.5 PENNY INCREASE.
YOU STILL MAY HAVE A TOTAL TAX RATE THAT'S ACTUALLY DECREASING OVERALL DESPITE PASSAGE OF A BOND.
>> IF THE INS GOES UP 3% BUT THE M&O DROPS SIX PENNIES, THE NET DECREASE.
IT PROBABLY WILL CONTINUE TO DO THAT.
I DON'T KNOW HOW FAR BACK THAT SLIDE IS, BUT THERE'S A SLIDE THAT SHOWED ALL THE DIFFERENT TAX RATES FOR ALL THE DIFFERENT COUNTIES.
I KNOW GONZALES COUNTY IS 0.2, BUT THEY HAVE OIL.
WE'RE IN THE EAGLE FORD. IF YOU GO UP TO SAY COMAL COUNTY, THEY'RE 0.27.
WELL, WE ALL KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON IN COMAL COUNTY, SO THEIR PROPERTY VALUES.
THEY HAVE A LOT MORE PROPERTY ON THE BOOKS AND THEY'RE HIGHER.
THEY ARE HERE, SO THAT DRIVES THAT RATE DOWN.
SIX YEARS AGO, THE AVERAGE PRICE OF THE HOUSE HERE WAS $168,000 AND NOW IT'S 300,000.
IT'S DOUBLE, AND THAT'S WHAT'S CAUSED OUR RATES TO FALL THE WAY THEY HAVE.
>> ANY QUESTIONS FOR MYSELF OR BOND ATTORNEY?
>> IN TERMS OF THE TIMING, DO YOU MIND JUST DISCUSSING BRIEFLY THE CALL DATE WHEN THE OPEN WINDOW IS?
>> SURE. THANK YOU. AGAIN, MATT LEE WITH [INAUDIBLE] WITH THE COUNTY'S BOND COUNCIL.
SO THE CALL DEADLINE IS AUGUST 19.
SO THAT'S THE TIME BY WHICH YOU'LL HAVE TO ACTUALLY FORMALLY AS A COMMISSIONER'S COURT, CALL FOR THE BOND ELECTION FOR NOVEMBER 5TH OF 2024.
SO I KNOW YOU ALL SAID YOU'LL BE DOING THE BUDGET AND YOUR HISTORICAL PRACTICE IS TO GO UP UNTIL ABOUT SEPTEMBER TIME FRAME.
SO, FOR PURPOSES OF SIZING THE BOND AND LOOKING AT THE PROJECTS AND EVERYTHING THAT YOU'RE GOING TO SUBMIT TO THE VOTERS ON THE BALLOT,
[00:20:02]
WE'LL NEED TO DO THAT BEFORE AUGUST 19TH.AFTER THAT, WE WORK CLOSELY WITH YOUR STAFF TO ENSURE THAT ALL THE PUBLICATION, POSTING, EVERYTHING IS DONE APPROPRIATELY.
ELECTION PROCEEDINGS ARE TRANSLATED SPANISH FOR THE POLLING LOCATIONS.
THE ACTUAL ELECTION DAY WILL BE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH.
THE CANVASS ANY EVENT WHETHER IT PASSES OR FAILS.
BUT IN A SUCCESSFUL ELECTION, YOU'LL CANVASS WITHIN, I BELIEVE IT'S 11 OR 14 DAYS IN NOVEMBER.
THE EARLIEST YOU'LL BE ABLE TO SELL BONDS WILL BE SOMETIME MID JANUARY.
AGAIN, TO JENNIFER'S POINT DEPENDING ON BONDING CAPACITY AND HOW MUCH THE INTEREST RATE YOU GUYS WANT TO KEEP IN LINE WITH WHAT YOU'VE SUBMITTED TO THE VOTERS.
SO THAT'S PRETTY MUCH IT ON THE BOND ELECTION TIMING.
HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY OTHER QUESTIONS THAT YOU MAY HAVE.
>> YEAH. JUST TO BE CLEAR COMMISSIONERS, WE'LL KNOW OUR TAX RATE PRIOR TO THAT DATE.
WE'LL KNOW IT BY THE END OF JULY.
WE'LL KNOW EXACTLY WHAT IT IS.
THEN WE'LL CALL THE ELECTION WITH THOSE RATES.
WE'LL HAVE THEM. WE'LL HAVE THEM FIGURED OUT BY THEN.
THE APPRAISAL DISTRICT HAS UNTIL THE END OF JULY TO GET IT TO US, THE INFORMATION AND IT TYPICALLY TAKES UNTIL THEN TO GET IT.
SO BY JULY, I CAN'T REMEMBER THE DATES, IT'S LIKE THE 28TH OR SOMETHING.
>> 25TH. THANK YOU, JENNIFER. THEN WE'LL KNOW.
>> YEAH. I KNOW I WAS SAYING IT WRONG, BUT THE ROOT OF MY QUESTION WAS IS THAT WE GET A BUDGET SET BY OCTOBER AND SAY THE BOND ELECTION FAILS, AND THAT BUDGET HAD IN IT REVENUE FOR DEBT SERVICE.
DOES THAT PUT US IN NON-COMPLIANCE, AND I'M SURE IT DOESN'T.
>> NO, SIR, BECAUSE THE BOND WILL NOT HAVE PASSED UNTIL THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR OR THE UPCOMING FISCAL YEAR, YOU'RE NOT ALLOWED TO LEVY A PAYMENT FOR THE NEW BOND UNTIL IT PASSES.
YOUR UPCOMING TAX RATE WILL BE NEUTRAL TO THIS BOND.
>> I'LL ADD ON THAT. I KNOW JENNIFER STATED IT IN THE PRESENTATION, BUT JUST BECAUSE THE VOTERS APPROVED THE BOND.
LET'S SAY YOU SUBMIT $60 MILLION TO THE VOTERS, THAT DOESN'T MEAN THAT THE BONDS ARE ISSUED, YOU MAY NEVER ISSUE THOSE BONDS.
YOU'VE JUST BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GO OUT AND ISSUE THOSE BONDS AT SOME POINT IN TIME.
LET'S SAY THE VOTERS APPROVE YOU FOR 60 MILLION IN NOVEMBER, AND THEN WHEN YOU WORK WITH JENNIFER AND HER TEAM AND THE AUDITOR, AND WE'RE LOOKING AT A SPECIFIC INS RATE OR TOTAL TAX RATE.
AT THAT POINT YOU'LL SIZE YOUR BOND.
TAXABLE VALUES MAY GO THROUGH THE ROOF AND YOU MAY BE ABLE TO DO ALL 60.
ASSUMING THE PROJECTS ARE READY, YOU MAY BE ABLE TO DO ALL 60 IMMEDIATELY, OR LIKE JENNIFER SAID, YOU COULD DO TRANCHES OVER TIME, 20 MILLION, 20 MILLION, 20 MILL, WHATEVER IT IS.
AT THAT POINT, ONCE THE BONDS ARE ISSUED, THAT'S WHEN THE I&S TAX RATE GOES INTO EFFECT.
IT'S NOT NOVEMBER 5, WHEN THE VOTERS SAY YES, IT'LL BE ONCE THE BONDS ARE ISSUED.
>> ANY OTHER QUESTIONS, COMMISSIONERS? OKAY. THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH.
>> APPRECIATE IT. WITH THAT WE'RE GOING TO GO INTO DISCUSSION ACTION,
[H.1 To approve a Proclamation recognizing William "Chuck" Foreman for his work through the Center for Search and Investigation.]
ITEM H1 TO APPROVE PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING WILLIAM CHUCK FORMAN FOR HIS WORK THROUGH THE CENTER FOR SEARCH AND INVESTIGATION.CHUCK'S A FRIEND, AND HE HAS DONE AMAZING WORK WITH THIS FOR A VERY LONG TIME, AND I'M GOING TO GO AHEAD AND READ THE PROCLAMATION AND WE'LL VOTE ON IT, AND THEN I'D LOVE FOR CHUCK TO COME UP AND HAVE A PHOTO WITH US AND WE'LL PRESENT HIM THE FORMAL PROCLAMATION.
PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING WILLIAM CHUCK FORMAN.
WHEREAS WILLIAM CHUCK FORMAN SERVED WITH DISTINCTION FOR 10 YEARS IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY AND WAS ASSIGNED TO SPECIAL OPERATIONS FOR MORE THAN SEVEN YEARS.
HIS MILITARY SERVICE INCLUDED SERVICE AS A MEMBER OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY RESERVES, UNITED STATES NAVY RESERVE, AND UNITED STATES COAST GUARD AUXILIARY.
HE IS A FOUNDING MEMBER OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY.
WHEREAS MR. FORMAN WAS PRESENT AT THE FALL OF THE BERLIN WALL WHILE SERVING IN ALTEN-BUSECK.
IS THAT RIGHT, CHUCK? GERMANY, AND WAS THE FIRST UNITED STATES SOLDIER TO ENTER KUWAIT CITY DURING THE LIBERATION OF KUWAIT.
WHEREAS MR. FORMAN'S MILITARY COMMENDATIONS INCLUDE A COLD WAR RECOGNITION CERTIFICATE, A TEXAS COLD WAR RECOGNITION CERTIFICATE, TWO LIBERATION OF KUWAIT MEDALS, A JOINT TASK FORCE BRAVO CERTIFICATION OF ACHIEVEMENT,
[00:25:03]
A JOINT SERVICE COMMENDATION MEDAL FOR FOUR ARMY ACHIEVEMENT MEDALS, A NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL, A FRENCH NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL, AN ARMY GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, A JOINT MERITORIOUS UNIT AWARD, AND A NON-COMMISSION OFFICER PROFESSIONAL DEPLOYMENT RIBBON.WHEREAS, AFTER RETIRING FROM THE MILITARY IN 2009, MR. FORMAN ESTABLISHED THE CENTER FOR SEARCH AND INVESTIGATION TO HELP LOCATE MISSING CHILDREN, A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION WHICH PROVIDES TRAINING AND ASSISTANCE TO FAMILIES, COMMUNITIES AND LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES TO FACILITATE THE PROCESS OF SEARCHING FOR MISSING CHILDREN THROUGH THE EFFORTS OF VOLUNTEER CITIZENS, LICENSE PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS, BIKERS, LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, AND OTHERS.
WHEREAS THE CENTER FOR SEARCH AND INVESTIGATION WORKS TO SAFEGUARD CHILDREN FROM ABDUCTION, HUMAN TRAFFICKING, AND EXPLOITATION, AND IN THE YEAR SINCE ITS FOUNDING HAS ASSISTED MORE THAN 2000 FAMILIES WORLDWIDE IN LOCATING THEIR MISSING CHILDREN, FREE OF CHARGE AND WITHOUT ACCEPTING DONATIONS.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED BY THE CALDWELL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT TO HONOR AND RECOGNIZE MR. FORMAN FOR HIS MANY ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND FOR HIS LIFESAVING WORK THROUGH THE CENTER FOR SEARCH AND INVESTIGATION, TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2024, BE KNOWN AS CHUCK FORMAN DAY.
COMMISSIONERS, I HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE PROCLAMATION.
>> WE HAVE A MOTION FOR APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT. A SECOND?
>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS.
ANY DISCUSSION? NONE. ALL IN FAVOR SAY, AYE.
>> OPPOSE HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES.
CHUCK, WOULD YOU COME UP AND TAKE A PHOTO WITH US, PLEASE, SIR.
>> ITEM H.2 TO APPROVE A PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING JUNE 19TH 2024 AS JUNETEENTH AND
[H.2 To approve a Proclamation recognizing June 19, 2024, as Juneteenth, and commemorating the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas. ]
COMMEMORATING THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE ABOLITION OF SLAVERY IN TEXAS AND COMMISSIONER THOMAS IS GOING TO READ THAT PROCLAMATION FOR US.>> PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING JUNETEENTH 2024.
WHEREAS THE INSTITUTION OF SLAVERY IN AMERICA BEGAN IN 1616 WITH THE LANDING OF THE FIRST SLAVES ON OUR SHORES HAVE CONTINUED OFFICIAL UNTIL PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCOLN ISSUED THE EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION ON JANUARY 1ST, 1863.
ALTHOUGH THIS HISTORIC PROCLAMATION WAS ISSUED IN 1863, TEXAS SLAVES WAITED 2.5 YEARS TO RECEIVE WORD FOR THEIR LIBERATION.
WHEN ON JUNE 19TH, 1865, UNION SOLDIERS LED BY MAJOR GENERAL GORDON GRANGER LANDED AT GALVESTON AND ANNOUNCED THAT ALL TEXAS SLAVES WERE FREE.
WHEREAS THE NINETEENTH DAY OF JUNE, ON JUNETEENTH CEREMONIES THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE ABOLITION OF SLAVERY IN TEXAS AND BECAME A DAY OF JUBILATION AND LIBERATION FOR FORMER SLAVES AND TODAY IS THE OLDEST KNOWN CELEBRATION IN THE ENDING OF SLAVERY IN OUR NATION.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED BY THE CALDWELL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT THAT THE 19TH DAY OF JUNE 2024 SHOULD BE CELEBRATED AS JUNETEENTH OR EMANCIPATION DAY.
I MOVE THAT THIS PROCLAMATION BE.
>> WE HAVE A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS TO APPROVE THE PROCLAMATION, RECOGNIZING JUNE 19TH, 2024 AS JUNETEENTH AND COMMEMORATING THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF ABOLITION OF SLAVERY IN TEXAS. DO WE HAVE A SECOND?
>> WE HAVE A SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HORNE.
ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR SAY, AYE.
>> PROPOSED. HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER.
ITEM H.3, TO APPROVE A PROCLAMATION
[H.3 To approve a Proclamation recognizing the St. John Colony's annual Juneteenth celebration.]
RECOGNIZING THE ST. JOHN COLONY'S ANNUAL JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION.[00:30:03]
>> PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING THE ST. JOHN COLONY ANNUAL JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION 2024.
WHEREAS OWNING LAND OF THEIR OWN MOTIVATED THE VISIONARIES OF FREEDOM, COMMUNITIES AT ST. JOHN COLONY, TEXAS, WITH A DESIRE AND A VISION TO PURCHASE 2,200 ACRES OF LAND TO ESTABLISH THE ST. JOHN COLONY EMANCIPATION GROUNDS AND THE FREEDOM COMMUNITY OF ST. JOHN COLONY.
WHEREAS THE 2,200 ACRES OF LAND THAT WAS PURCHASED FOR THE FREEDOM COLONY OF ST. JOHN COLONY, TEXAS WAS WITHIN THE ESTABLISHED SETTLEMENT WHICH WAS ALREADY INHABITED BY THE NATIVE AMERICAN RELATIVES WHO WERE INDIGENOUS TO THE AREA AND OTHER DIVERSE SETTLERS WHO WORKED, LIVED, AND THRIVED IN VARIOUS AREAS IN THIS SETTLEMENT.
WHEREAS REVEREND JOHN H. WINN SENIOR AND 14 PIONEER FAMILIES PURCHASED THE ST. JOHN COLONY SITE AND WITH THAT ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT, DEVELOPED CHURCHES, SCHOOLS, CEMETERIES, FARMS, RANCHES, AND GENERAL STORES, A POST OFFICE, DRY GOODS STORES, A COTTON GIN, AND GRIST MILLS, A SORGHUM MILL, AND A LARGE HALL THAT WAS OPERATED BY THE COMMUNITY AND LOCATED IN THE MIDDLE OF ST. JOHN COLONY AND MACKIESVILLE, ALONG WITH THE COMMUNITY LIBERATION AND ENTERTAINMENT AREAS.
WHEREAS BY AGREEMENT, THE FAMILY WORKED AND THRIVED UNTIL 2,200 ACRES WAS PAID, THE LAND ACQUIRED INCORPORATED MACKIESVILLE WHICH WAS FOUNDED IN GEORGE MACKEY, AND THE SECTION OF THE LAND THAT IS NOW BASTROP COUNTY KNOWN AS LOWER ST. JOHN AND UPPER ST. JOHN.
WHEREAS THE FREEDOM COLONY OF ST. JOHN WAS ESTABLISHED BY INDUSTRIOUS, PROUD, INDEPENDENT RESOURCEFUL, SELF-RELIANT, AND SELF-SUFFICIENT AFRICAN AMERICAN PIONEERS OF FREED SLAVES, PREACHERS, BUSINESSMEN, EDUCATORS, INDUSTRIAL INNOVATORS, AND WORKERS, MIDWIVES, DISTINGUISHED CITIZENS OF THE FRACTIONAL ORDER, MEN AND WOMEN OF VARIOUS MILITARY SERVICE AND HARDWORKING COMMITTED PRODUCTIVE CITIZENS WHO CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH TOGETHER.
WHEREAS IN HOMAGE TO ENSURING LASTING LEGACIES' RICH, HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE, AND AS A TRIBUTE TO THE CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM, SEVEN YEARS AFTER THE READING OF THE EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION BY GORDON GRANGER IN GALVESTON, TEXAS, THE CELEBRATION OF JUNE 19TH BEGAN IN 1862 IN ST. JOHN COLONY, TEXAS AS JUNETEENTH.
WHEREAS TO APPRECIATE THE CHALLENGE THAT OUR ANCESTORS MET WITH THE STRENGTH AND THE CONFIDENCE TO ENSURE US A LEGACY OF GATHERING FOR THE CELEBRATION OF JUNETEENTH ON OUR EMANCIPATION GROUNDS ON THIS CELEBRATORY OCCASION, OUR ANNUAL CELEBRATION JUNETEENTH IS HOW WE DEPENDENTS OF THESE PIONEERS DEMONSTRATE OUR HOMAGE AND OUR REQUIRED GIFT.
WHEREAS FOUNDING 14 PIONEER LEGACIES DRAWS THIS DESCENDANT FAMILY AND OFFSPRINGS TO COME TOGETHER IN THE OLD-TIME TRADITIONS WITH FESTIVITIES OF BARBECUING, SERVING TRADITIONAL RECIPES, SINGING, DANCING, FELLOWSHIP, SUPPORTING, RECOGNIZING OUR GREAT DEEP-ROOTED, AMAZING HISTORY OF ST. JOHN COLONY, CALDWELL COUNTY, STATE OF TEXAS AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
WHEREAS THE HISTORICAL CELEBRATION MEMORIZED, AND EDUCATED, INFORMED, CONTINUES THE LEGACY OF EX-SLAVES THAT ACCOMPLISH SO MUCH WITH THIS LITTLE BY STANDING TOGETHER IN UNITY AND LOVE IN THE HEART OF ADVERSITY IN CELEBRATION FOR THE GREAT HOPE OF THAT FREEDOM PREMISE.
WHEREAS FOR THE SAKE OF OUR LEGACY AND THE SAKE OF OUR FUTURE GENERATIONS AND THEIR EDUCATION, WE MUST CONTINUE TO PRESERVE THIS CULTURAL HERITAGE AND PURPOSEFULLY AND WITH ALL THAT LIES WITHIN OUR POWER.
WHEREAS OUR PIONEER ANCESTORS ESTABLISHED JUNETEENTH AS A LEGACY THAT ENSURED A CONTINUUM TO THE RELEVANCE OF THIS ST. JOHN COLONY FREEDOM COMMUNITY, OUR LEGACY DOES NOT STAND ON LANDMARKS OR STRUCTURE OF SEASONS PAST.
OUR LEGACY STEMS FOR THE DREAM, THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS, AND THE CONTINUED PURPOSEFULNESS OF OUR ANCESTORS.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE PROCLAIMED BY THE CALDWELL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT THAT THE THIRD SATURDAY OF JUNE BE DESIGNATED AS THE WEEKEND OF THE ANNUAL JUNETEENTH IN ST. JOHN COLONY, TEXAS, AND DO HEREBY CALL UPON SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES, COUNTIES, AGENCIES, AND ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT; FEDERAL, LOCAL AND STATE, INTEREST PARTIES, HISTORICAL ORGANIZATION, INDIVIDUALS EVERYWHERE TO NOTE THAT THIS OBSERVANCE OF JUNETEENTH IN ST.
[00:35:05]
JOHN COLONY ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO GIVE OBSERVANCE TO JUNETEENTH WITH ACTIVITIES AND CEREMONIES WITH YOUR FAMILY, NEIGHBORS, AND SOCIAL ORGANIZATIONS, AND COMMUNITY.PROCLAIM THIS DATE, THIS 11TH DAY OF JUNE, 2024.
I SO MOVE THAT THIS PROCLAMATION BE ACCEPTED.
>> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. WE HAVE A MOTION TO ACCEPT PROCLAMATION BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS, DO WE HAVE A SECOND?
>> A SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT, ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
>> PROPOSED, HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER.
ITEM H.4 TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 13-2024,
[H.4 To approve Resolution 13-2024 authorizing an advance funding agreement for the improvement of US-183.]
AUTHORIZING AN ADVANCED FUNDING AGREEMENT OF THE IMPROVEMENT OF US-183 COMMISSIONERS.THIS IS THE AFA ASSOCIATED WITH THE SIB LOAN THAT WE'RE DOING TO DO THE WORK OUT FROM BASICALLY THE WATER TOWER IN LULING NORTH TO ABOUT WHERE THE HOMETOWN MEAT MARKET IS.
THAT'S ROUGHLY THE AREA THAT THIS TURN LANE WILL SERVICE.
I'LL GO AHEAD AND READ THE REST RESOLUTION ORDINANCE OF COMMISSIONERS COURT ORDER RESOLUTION 13-2024 AUTHORIZING AN ADVANCED FUNDING AGREEMENT FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF US-183.
WHEREAS THE COUNTY IS IN THE PROCESS OF CONSTRUCTING AN EVACUATION CENTER TO PROVIDE SHELTER FOR PERSONS DISPLACED BY LOCAL AND STATE-WIDE DISASTERS THAT THREATEN THE SIGNIFICANT LOSS OF LIFE OR PROPERTY, WHEREAS THE PROPOSED EVACUATION CENTER IS LOCATED ALONG US-183 AND I-10, WHICH ARE UTILIZED AS COASTAL EVACUATION ROUTES DURING HURRICANES AND OTHER COASTAL STATES OF DISASTER.
WHEREAS THE PROPOSED EVACUATION CENTER IS ESTIMATED TO PROVIDE TEMPORARY SHELTER FOR APPROXIMATELY 350 EVACUEES.
WHEREAS AN EXPECTATION OF INCREASED TRAFFIC TO THE PROPOSED EVACUATION CENTER THE COUNTY SEEKS TO WIDEN US-183 FROM 0.12 MILES FROM COUNTY ROAD 309 TO 0.19 MILES NORTH OF COUNTY ROAD 309, THE PROJECT.
WHEREAS THE TEXAS TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION PASSES MINUTE ORDER NUMBER 116522, AUTHORIZATION FOR THE STATE TO UNDERTAKE AND COMPLETE THE PROJECT.
WHEREAS THE COUNTY IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL COSTS IN UNDERTAKING AND COMPLETING THE PROJECT AND WILL BE FUNDING ITS PORTION OF THE PROJECT OUT OF A LOAN FROM THE STATE INFRASTRUCTURE BANK.
SEE MINUTE ORDER 116685 ALONG WITH LOCAL FUNDING.
WHEREAS COUNTY SEEKS TO ENTER INTO AN ADVANCED FUNDING AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE OF TEXAS THAT WILL GOVERN THE FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY BETWEEN THE COUNTY AND THE STATE FOR THE UNDERTAKING AND COMPLETION OF THE PROJECT.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY CALDWELL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT THAT ONE, THE PROJECT IS APPROVED.
TWO, THE COUNTY IS AUTHORIZED TO ENTER INTO AN ADVANCED FUNDING AGREEMENT.
THREE, THE COUNTY JUDGE IS AUTHORIZED TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT.
COMMISSIONERS, DO WE HAVE A MOTION FOR APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION 13-2024?
>> I MAKE THE MOTION TO APPROVE.
>> WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE BY COMMISSIONER HORNE, A SECOND?
>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS.
ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR SAY, AYE.
>> PROPOSED. HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES.
ITEM H.5 TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 16-024,
[H.5 To approve Resolution 16-2024, a Resolution Assessing Cost of Abatement on Property ID 28524.]
RESOLUTION ASSESSING COST OF ABATEMENT ON PROPERTY ID 28524.>> GOOD MORNING. AS YOU ALL REALIZE UNDER 343 OF THE HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE, THE COUNTY HAS THE AUTHORITY TO DO A FORMAL ABATEMENT OF PROPERTY, AND WE ONLY DO THIS AS A LAST RESORT WHEN WE'RE UNABLE TO DO ANYTHING ELSE THROUGH ANY OTHER MEANS.
WHAT WE HAVE DONE IS A RECENT ABATEMENT OF 128 AND 134 SKY RIDGE DRIVE IN MARTINDALE, I BELIEVE, COMMISSIONER THERIOT KNOWS THE EXACT LOCATION.
WE'VE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THIS PROPERTY FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS, AND SO WE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY THROUGH A NOTICE AND THEN AN ORDER FROM JUDGE KYLIE TO GO AHEAD AND ABATE THAT PROPERTY, AND THIS OCCURRED MAY 13TH-18TH.
THIS IS A RESOLUTION TO ASSESS THE COST.
ONCE IT'S SIGNED, WE WILL GET IT TO THE COUNTY CLERK TO BECOME A PART OF THE DEED RECORDS, AND IT BECOMES A LIEN ON THE PROPERTY ACCRUING INTEREST AT 10% PER YEAR.
IF YOU REMEMBER, WE DID THE SAME THING ON A DIFFERENT PROPERTY LAST YEAR.
>> THANK YOU. COMMISSIONERS, I'LL GO AHEAD AND READ RESOLUTION 16-2024, RESOLUTION ASSESSING COSTS OF ABATEMENT.
WHEREAS CALDWELL COUNTY, THE COUNTY BUYING THROUGH THE COMMISSIONERS COURT HAS
[00:40:02]
AUTHORIZED THE ABATEMENT OF PUBLIC NUISANCES AND ESTABLISHED PROCEDURES FOR SAID ABATEMENT UNDER CHAPTER 343 OF TEXAS HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE, AND WHEREAS COUNTY IN COMPLIANCE WITH THESE PROCEDURES AND APPLICABLE LAW HAS SOUGHT TO ABATE PROHIBITED PUBLIC NUISANCE AT 128 SKY RIDGE DRIVE, MARTINDALE, TEXAS 78655, PROPERTY ID 28524, MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS SKYVIEW LOT 55, ACRE 0.5 HERE AND AFTER PROPERTY 1, APPENDIX A.WHEREAS, THE COUNTY IN COMPLIANCE WITH THESE PROCEDURES AND APPLICABLE LAWS, HAS SOUGHT TO ABATE PROHIBITED PUBLIC NUISANCE AT 134 SKY RIDGE DRIVE, MARTINDALE, TEXAS 78655, PROPERTY ID 28525, MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS SKYVIEW LOT 56 ACRES 0.5 HERE AND AFTER PROPERTY 2, APPENDIX B.
WHEREAS AUTHOR BRITTAN, THE OWNER AND OCCUPANT OF THE PROPERTY 1 AND 2, HERE AND AFTER THE PROPERTIES, RECEIVED NOTIFICATION AND WAS PERSONALLY SERVED ON OCTOBER 10TH, 2023, WITH A NOTICE OF VIOLATION, AND OBLIGATION TO ABATE NUISANCE ON THE PROPERTIES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TEXAS HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE 343.022, APPENDIX C. WHEREAS AUTHOR BRITTAN DID NOT REQUEST THE HEARING, NOR DID HE APPEAR BEFORE THE JUSTICE OF THE PEACE COURT PRECINCT 1, THE COURT FOR HIS NOTICE AND SCHEDULED SETTING ON NOVEMBER 17TH, 2023, AND WHEREAS THE COURT ON NOVEMBER 17TH, 2023, DECLARED THE PROPERTIES TO BE A PROHIBITED PUBLIC NUISANCE UNDER CHAPTER 343, TEXAS HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE, APPENDIX D. WHEREAS THE COURT AUTHORIZED THE CALDWELL COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL ENFORCEMENT UNIT TO ENTER THE PROPERTIES TO ABATE THE PUBLIC NUISANCE, AND WHEREAS CALDWELL COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL ENFORCEMENT UNIT CONTRACTED WITH BAYS JUNK HAUL OPS, THE CONTRACTOR TO CONDUCT ABATEMENT OF THE PROPERTIES AND WHEREAS THE CONTRACTOR ABATED THE PROPERTIES ON MAY 13TH-18TH, 2024 AT A COST OF $18,000, AND WHEREAS THE COUNTY IS ENTITLED TO RECOVER COSTS IT HAS EXPENDED IN PURSUIT OF ABATEMENT BY ASSESSING THE COSTS AGAINST THE PROPERTIES.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CALDWELL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT THAT ONE, NOTICE SHALL ISSUE AND ALL COSTS OF ABATING NUISANCE AND AN ADMINISTRATIVE FEE OF $100 SHALL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE PROPERTIES APPENDIX E. THIS RESOLUTION SHALL BE FILED WITH THE COUNTY CLERK OF CALDWELL COUNTY IN ACCORDANCE WITH HSC 343.023D AND DOES HEREBY CONSTITUTE A NOTICE OF LIEN.
THE PROPERTIES SECURING THE ASSET OF THE COST, FEES AND INTERESTS IDENTIFIED HERE IN CALDWELL COUNTY IS ENTITLED TO ACCRUE INTEREST BEGINNING ON THE 31ST DAY AFTER THE DATE OF THE ASSESSMENT AGAINST THE PROPERTIES AT A RATE OF 10% A YEAR.
COMMISSIONERS, DO WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 162024?
>> WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT AND A SECOND?
ANY DISCUSSION? NOT. ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
>> OPPOSE? HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES.
THAT WAS A GREAT JOB. WE APPRECIATE IT.
[H.6 To approve the Short Form Plat for Happy Chick Meadows consisting of three residential lots on approximately 11.751 acres located at FM 713 and Old McMahan Road. ]
TO APPROVE THE SHORT FORM PLAT FOR HAPPY CHICK MEADOWS CONSISTING OF THREE RESIDENTIAL LOTS ON APPROXIMATELY 11.751 ACRES LOCATED ON FM713 AT OLD MCMAHON ROAD.>> GOOD MORNING. THIS IS JUST A QUICK, EASY, SHORT FORM PLAT.
ALL COMMENTS WERE CLEARED, AND WE'RE JUST PRESENTING IT TO THE COURT FOR APPROVAL.
>> COMMISSIONERS, WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE SHORT FORM PLAT FOR HAPPY CHICK MEADOWS.
>> WE HAVE A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER HORN FOR APPROVAL, AND SECOND?
>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS.
ANY DISCUSSION? NOT. ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
>> OPPOSE? HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES.
ITEM H7 TO APPROVE A SHORT FORM PLAT FOR TENNEY CREEK ACRES CONSISTING OF
[H.7 To approve the Short Form Plat for Tenney Creek Acres consisting of two residential lots on approximately 2.021 acres located on Tenney Creek Road.]
TWO RESIDENTIAL LOTS ON APPROXIMATELY 2.021 ACRES LOCATED ON TENNEY CREEK ROAD.ALL COMMENTS WERE CLEARED AND WE'RE JUST LOOKING FOR APPROVAL.
>> COMMISSIONERS, WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE SHORT FORM PLAT FOR TENNEY CREEK ACRES.
>> WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE BY COMMISSIONER HORN. SECOND?
>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT.
ANY DISCUSSION? NOT. ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
>> OPPOSE? HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES.
ITEM H8 TO APPROVE THE SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE BATTLEMENT AGREEMENT
[H.8 To approve the 2nd Amendment to the Development Agreement for Glenhaven Subdivision located at the corner of Farmer's Road and Misty Lane. ]
OF GLENN HAVEN SUBDIVISION LOCATED AT THE CORNER OF FARMERS ROAD IN MISTY LANE.COMMISSIONER THERIOT OR CASEY.
>> THANKS, JUDGE. THIS IS AN AMENDMENT TO AN EXISTING DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT OUT OFF OF MISTY AND FARMERS ROAD.
THE AMENDMENT IS TO THE CONCEPTUAL PLAN THAT'S ATTACHED TO THE AGREEMENT.
[00:45:06]
IT ESTABLISHES AN AREA OF DUPLEX LOTS AND PROVIDES FOUR OFF STREET PARKING FOR THOSE LOTS.I RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE AMENDED DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT.
>> WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE SECOND AMENDMENT TO DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT FOR GLENN HAVEN SUBDIVISION BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT. DO WE HAVE A SECOND?
>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS.
ANY DISCUSSION? NOT. ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
>> OPPOSE? HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES.
ITEM H9, DISCUSSION ACTION TO APPROVE THE FINAL PLAT FOR TUMBLEWEED ESTATES,
[H.9 To approve the Final Plat for Tumbleweed Estates, Phase 3 consisting of 31 residential lots on approximately 40.95 acres located on Romberg Road. ]
PHASE 3 CONSISTING OF 31 RESIDENTIAL LOTS ON APPROXIMATELY 40.95 ACRES LOCATED ON ROMBERG ROAD.>> THIS IS THE THIRD PHASE OF THE TUMBLEWEED AND THIS WILL BE THE FINAL PHASE OF IT.
WE FINALLY GOT THEM ALL CLEARED.
THE ONLY THING, IT'S ACTUALLY BEEN APPROVED FOR SEVERAL WEEKS, BUT WE JUST NOT RECEIVED FINAL PAYMENT FOR IT, SO I'M PUTTING IT BEFORE THE COURT FOR APPROVAL.
>> THANK YOU. COMMISSIONERS, WE HAVE A MOTION FOR APPROVAL FOR THE FINAL PLAT TUMBLEWEED ESTATES, PHASE 3.
>> WE HAVE A MOTION FOR APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS AND A SECOND?
>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HORN.
ANY DISCUSSION? IF NOT, ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
>> OPPOSE? HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES.
>> THANK YOU, CASEY. ITEM H10,
[H.10 To consider the approval of a Mass Gathering Permit for the Family & Friends Community Reunion to be held on June 28-29, 2024, at 2843 Plant Road, Prairie Lea, Texas, 78661. ]
DISCUSSION ACTION TO CONSIDER THE APPROVAL OF A MASS GATHERING PERMIT FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS COMMUNITY REUNION TO BE HELD JUNE 28TH AND 29TH, 2024 AT 2843 PLANT ROAD, PALEY, TEXAS, 78661.>> WE'VE ALWAYS HAD A PROCESS FOR THESE MASS GATHERING THAT'S BEEN A BIT IN FLUX.
WE'VE DONE A LOT OF WORK IN THE OFFICE, STEPHANIE AND ESSIE TO TIGHTEN THAT UP, AND RICHARD HAS HELPED A LOT ON THIS.
NOW WE HAVE AN ACTUAL PROCESS FOR PEOPLE TO GO THROUGH TO GET THEIR MASS GATHERING PERMIT.
THIS MASS GATHERING PERMIT, HE'S MET ALL REQUIREMENTS.
IT'S BEEN REVIEWED BY ALL THE OFFICES OF THE COUNTY THAT NEED TO REVIEW IT AND THEY SEEK APPROVAL FOR THEIR MASS GATHERING PERMIT.
WITH THAT SAID, DO WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MASS GATHERING PERMIT FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS COMMUNITY REUNION?
>> MAKE THE MOTION TO APPROVE.
>> COMMISSIONER HORNE MAKES A MOTION TO APPROVE. DO WE HAVE A SECOND?
>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS.
ANY DISCUSSION? NOT. ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
>> OPPOSED? HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES.
ITEM H11 REGARDING THE BURN BAN, HECTOR.
[H.11 Regarding the burn ban. ]
>> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE, COMMISSIONER STAFF AND GALLERY.
WELL, IF YOU NOTICED YESTERDAY, WE GOT SOME PRETTY GOOD LITTLE RAIN HERE IN LOCKHART AND TO THE NORTH.
HERE IN LOCKHART, WE GOT A HALF INCH, AND UP AROUND SHOOKY ROAD, WE GOT ALMOST THREE QUARTERS OF AN INCH.
THERE'S MORE RAIN PREDICTED FOR TODAY LATER TODAY, AND STARTING MONDAY THE 17TH THROUGH TUESDAY, THE 25TH, WE'RE GOING TO SEE CHANCES OF RAIN INCREASE, ANYTHING 45-30% CHANCE OF RAIN FOR THOSE WEEKS.
ONE THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED A WILD LAND FIRE.
THE STORAGE SHED THAT CAUGHT ON FIRE, BUT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT GOT THERE ON TIME AND PUT IT OUT.
THE OTHER ONE WAS A TRAVEL TRAILER TRAVELING FROM JUNCTION, TEXAS TO ROZANKE.
THE GENTLEMAN SAW THAT THE TRAILER WAS ON FIRE AND PULLED INTO THE FIVE BAR AND GRILL THERE IN THE PARKING LOT, AND FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO PUT IT OUT RAPIDLY.
CURRENT KBDI NUMBERS RIGHT NOW, THE MINIMUM IS 223, MAX 392, AVERAGE 323 WITH A CHANGE OF PLUS 14, BEING THAT WE'RE GOING TO HAVE SOME PRETTY GOOD RAINS FOR THE NEXT UP TO ABOUT THE 25TH, WE WANT TO KEEP THE BURN BAN OFF.
>> COMMISSIONERS, DO WE HAVE A MOTION TO KEEP THE BURN BAND OFF?
>> WE HAVE A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS AND A SECOND?
>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT.
ANY DISCUSSION? NOT. ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
>> OPPOSED? HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES.
ITEM H12 TO RESCHEDULE THE JUNE 25,
[H.12 To reschedule the June 25, 2024, Commissioners Court meeting due to conference. ]
2024, COMMISSIONERS COURT MEETING DUE CONFERENCE.COMMISSIONERS, SEVERAL OF US ARE GOING TO BE AT THE SOUTH TEXAS CONFERENCE GETTING OUR HOURS, THREE OF US, SO WE WILL NOT HAVE A QUORUM ON THE SCHEDULED DAY, AND A SUGGESTED DAY, I'M TRYING TO FIND MY CALENDAR SO I GET IT RIGHT, WOULD BE FRIDAY JUNE 28TH, FOR A RESCHEDULE.
WE WOULD ALL BE BACK BY THAT DATE.
WOULD LIKE FOR A MOTION TO RESCHEDULE TO FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2024 AT 9:00 AM FOR COMMISSIONERS COURT.
[00:50:06]
>> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER HORNE. SECOND?
ANY DISCUSSION? IF NOT, ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
>> OPPOSED? HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES.
ITEM H3 TO DIRECT THE COUNTY CLERK TO CREATE
[H.13 To direct the County Clerk to create a randomly generated list of all the individuals who served on the Grand Jury during the preceding calendar year for purpose of serving on the Grievance Committee per Local Government Code Sec. 152.015. ]
A RANDOMLY GENERATED LIST OF INDIVIDUALS WHO SERVED ON THE GRAND JURY DURING PRECEDING CALENDAR YEAR FOR THE PURPOSE OF SERVING ON THE GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 152.015.COMMISSIONERS, THIS IS A COMMITTEE FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS IF THEY HAVE A GRIEVANCE ABOUT THEIR SALARY, THEY CAN COME BEFORE THIS COMMITTEE AND AIR THEIR GRIEVANCE.
JUST AS IT STATES, THE COUNTY CLERK WOULD GENERATE A LIST OF PEOPLE TO BE ON THAT COMMITTEE BASED ON THEIR SERVICE ON THE GRAND JURY.
DO WE HAVE A MOTION TO ALLOW THE COUNTY CLERK TO GENERATE THE LIST?
>> WE HAVE A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS FOR APPROVAL AND A SECOND?
>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HORNE.
ANY DISCUSSION? NOT. ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
>> OPPOSED? HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES.
ITEM H14 TO APPROVE THE CALDWELL COUNTY COURTHOUSE GROUNDS USE POLICY AND APPLICATION.
[H.14 To approve the Caldwell County Courthouse Grounds Use Policy and Application.]
IT'S IN YOUR BACKUP.WE'VE NEVER REALLY HAD A POLICY.
IT'S ALWAYS JUST BEEN UP TO ME TO SAY YES OR NO.
I'VE NEVER BEEN REALLY VERY COMFORTABLE WITH JUST HAVING IT ONLY UP TO MY DISCRETION.
WE'VE CREATED THAT POLICY THAT HAS SOME GUIDELINES IN IT THAT I CAN USE RATHER THAN JUST DECIDING TO SAY YES OR NO ON MY OWN.
I WOULD ASK FOR A MOTION FOR APPROVAL FOR THE COURTHOUSE GROUNDS POLICY AND APPLICATION.
>> WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE BY COMMISSIONER HORNE. SECOND?
>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT.
ANY DISCUSSION? NOT. ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
OPPOSED? HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES. ITEM H15.
[H.15 To approve proposed changes for the Plum Creek Watershed Coordinator position. ]
DISCUSSION ACTION TO APPROVE PROPOSED CHANGES TO PLUM CREEK WATERSHED COORDINATOR POSITION.COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND IS NOT HERE.
IS ELIZABETH EDGERTON, DID SHE COME? BASICALLY, THE LONG AND THE SHORT OF THIS IS GBRAS WANTING TO TAKE THAT POSITION IN HOUSE.
WE'VE IN THE PAST, CONTRIBUTED WITH AN OFFICE SPACE AND A VEHICLE AND SOME OTHER THINGS AND THEY'VE HAD A HIGH TURNOVER IN THAT POSITION, SO THEY'VE CREATED A PERMANENT POSITION FOR THAT WITHIN GBRA.
THEY'RE JUST LOOKING FOR A MOTION FROM US TO APPROVE THE CHANGES TO THE PLUM CREEK WATERSHED COORDINATOR.
>> WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT. SECOND?
>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS.
ANY DISCUSSION? NOT. ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
>> OPPOSED? HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES.
ITEM H16, DISCUSSION TO APPROVE FUNDING FOR CAPITAL AREA,
[H.16 To approve funding for Capital Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG) FY 2025 Air Quality Program in the amount of $2,742.00. ]
COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENT FY 2025 AIR QUALITY PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,742.COMMISSIONERS, THIS IS A ANNUAL OCCURRENCE.
IT'S JUST A MOTION TO APPROVE OUR PAYMENT OF THAT AMOUNT.
>> WE HAVE A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER HORNE. WE HAVE A SECOND?
>> HAVE A SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT.
ANY DISCUSSION? NOT. ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
>> OPPOSED? HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES. ITEM H17.
[H.17 To consider the Texas Association of Counties Health and Employee Benefits Pool (TAC HEBP) and determine the amount for county portions dependent coverage for FY 2024 -2025. ]
DISCUSSION ACTION THAT CONSIDERED TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF COUNTY'S HEALTH AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS POOL, TAC HEBP, AND DETERMINE THE AMOUNT FOR COUNTY PORTIONS DEPENDENT COVERAGE FOR FY 2024-2025. BOB.>> GOOD MORNING. OUR CONTRACTS COME THROUGH FOR MEDICAL AND LIFE AND VISION INSURANCE FROM TAC.
THE LIFE AND VISION WILL REMAIN THE SAME.
WE HAD A 1.7% INCREASE IN OUR MEDICAL, WHICH I'M PROUD OF.
[LAUGHTER] WE HAD 5% LAST YEAR AND I THOUGHT THAT WAS GOOD, BUT WE'RE DOING WELL AS A COUNTY.
I THINK YOU HAD THE CONTRACT AS PART OF YOUR BACKUP AND OPPORTUNITY TO LOOK AT IT.
HOPEFULLY, WE CAN APPROVE IT AND GET IT BACK UP TO TAC AT A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME.
I HAVE TO BACK UP BY THE 28TH, I BELIEVE.
>> COMMISSIONERS, WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF COUNTY'S HEALTH AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS POOL.
[00:55:02]
IN THE PAST, I ASSUME WE'RE GOING TO LEAVE THE COUNTY PORTIONS THE SAME ON DEPENDENT COVERAGE.>> WE HAVE A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT. A SECOND?
>> BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS. YES.
>> OTHER THING TO ADD. I DON'T KNOW IF THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE BROUGHT UP THIS TIME.
I KNOW IT SAID SOMETHING ABOUT THE AMOUNT THAT WE'RE GOING TO PAY TO PASS ON OR WHETHER WE PASS IT ON TO OUR EMPLOYEES OR NOT.
LAST YEAR, THE COUNTY ABSORBED THE INCREASE, BUT I DIDN'T KNOW IF WE WERE GOING TO COVER THAT THIS TIME OR NOT.
IT WASN'T INCLUDED IN THE BACKUP.
>> YEAH. IT'S A PART OF THE MOTION.
>> I'VE GOT FIGURES ON THAT, IF YOU'D LIKE TO HEAR THEM.
AS FAR AS PASSING THE INCREASE ON OR KEEPING THE INCREASE, IT'S ONLY GOING TO COST THE COUNTY ABOUT $12,000 IN ADDITION, THAT 1.7%.
OVERALL, THE TOTAL INCREASE THAT THIS IS GOING TO COST US HERE IS ONLY ABOUT $50,000, WHICH IS A PRETTY SMALL AMOUNT IN THE SCHEME OF THINGS.
>> THANK YOU. WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND.
ANY DISCUSSION? NOT. ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
>> OPPOSED? HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES.
[H.18 To consider approval to enroll in Healthy County: County Specific Incentive Program for FY 2024 - 2025. ]
CONSIDER APPROVAL TO ENROLL IN HEALTHY COUNTY SPECIFICS INCENTIVE PROGRAM FOR FY 2024-2025.>> THAT'S ALSO PART OF THE CONTRACT, THE SECOND PART OF IT.
>> WE'RE JUST HERE TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT HAVE ON IT.
IT'S GOING TO BE PRETTY MUCH THE SAME AS WE HAD LAST YEAR AS FAR AS INCENTIVE PROGRAMS AND STUFF THAT WE'RE PUSHING.
>> COMMISSIONERS, WE HAVE A MOTION TO ENROLL HEALTHY COUNTY SPECIFIC INCENTIVE PROGRAM, FY 2024, 2025.
>> MOTION TO APPROVE BY COMMISSIONER HORNE. SECOND?
>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS.
ANY QUESTIONS OR DISCUSSION FOR BOB OR CHRISTIANA? NOT. ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
>> OPPOSED. HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES. THANK YOU.
ITEM H19 TO CONSIDER THE APPROVAL OF SUBMITTING
[H.19 To consider the approval of submitting a grant application for the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) FY 2024 State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP). ]
A GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE BUREAU OF JUSTICE ASSISTANCE, BJA, FY 2024 STATE CRIMINAL ALIEN ASSISTANCE PROGRAM SCAAP. AMBER.>> THIS IS AN ANNUAL GRANT THAT WE ALWAYS DO.
THIS IS THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE.
IT PROVIDES FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR ENTITIES THAT HAVE CORRECTIONAL OFFICER SALARIES THAT ARE INCURRED FOR INCARCERATING UNDOCUMENTED CRIMINAL ALIENS.
WE'LL BE ABLE TO GET A LITTLE BIT OF ASSISTANCE WITH THAT.
THE APPLICATION IS DUE HERE IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS SO WE'RE JUST ASKING TO APPLY.
>> COMMISSIONERS, WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE SUBMITTING THE SCAAP GRANT.
>> WE HAVE A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS AND A SECOND?
>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT.
ANY DISCUSSION? NOT. ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
>> OPPOSED. HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES.
[H.20 Accept donation from Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative in the amount of $400.00 to be used to provide breakfast and lunch to volunteers working the Caldwell County Community Tire Collection Event on Saturday, June 8, 2024. ]
ITEM H20 DISCUSSION ACTION TO ACCEPT A DONATION FOR BLUEBONNET ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE IN THE AMOUNT OF $400 TO BE USED TO PROVIDE BREAKFAST AND LUNCH TO VOLUNTEERS WORKING THE CALDWELL COUNTY COMMUNITY TIRE COLLECTION EVENT ON JUNE 8TH, 2024.COMMISSIONERS, DO WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE THAT DONATION?
>> WE HAVE A MOTION TO ACCEPT BY COMMISSIONER HORNE. SECOND?
>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT.
ANY DISCUSSION? IF NOT ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
>> OPPOSED, HEARING NONE MOTION CARRIES.
ITEM H21 TO APPROVE FINAL DRAFT AND SOLICITATION OF
[H.21 To approve final draft and solicitation of RFQ24CCP01Q Courthouse Master Plan Development Services. ]
RFQ 24 CCP 01Q COURTHOUSE MASTER PLAN DEVELOPMENT SERVICES. SORRY.THE TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION DOES HAVE A PROGRAM.
IT'S THE TEXAS HISTORIC COURTHOUSE PRESERVATION PROGRAM.
BASICALLY, IT'S A BI ANNUAL COMPETITIVE APPLICATION PROCESS THAT COUNTIES CAN APPLY FOR TO GET ABOUT $10 MILLION, I THINK IS WHAT THEY HAVE IN THAT PROGRAM THAT DIFFERENT COUNTIES CAN APPLY FOR TO BASICALLY HELP PRESERVE AND RESTORE HISTORIC STRUCTURES SUCH AS OUR COURTHOUSE.
A PREREQUISITE TO BE ABLE TO APPLY IS YOU HAVE TO HAVE AN UPDATED MASTER PLAN, WHICH THE COUNTY DOES NOT.
WE WANT TO PUT OUT THIS SOLICITATION SO THAT WE CAN GET
[01:00:01]
SOME QUALIFIED FIRMS TO COME IN AND PUT IN THEIR PROPOSALS SO THAT WE CAN GET THIS PROCESS GOING.>> COMMISSIONERS, DO WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE FINAL DRAFT AND SOLICITATION OF RFQ 24 CCP 01Q?
>> A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT AND A SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS.
ANY DISCUSSION? NOT, ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
>> OPPOSE. HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES.
>> JUDGE, WE'VE ALREADY DONE THE BLUEBONNET DONATION OF $400.
BUT I KNOW THEY'RE IN ATTENDANCE.
DID YOU ALL WANT TO SAY ANYTHING ON THAT? WE APPRECIATE IT. THANK YOU ALL.
>> THANKS, COMMISSIONER. ITEM H22,
[H.22 To change the Anticipated Award Date for RFP 24CCP01P Hazard Mitigation Plan Development Services to the next scheduled Commissioners Court date. ]
DISCUSSION ACTION TO CHANGE THE ANTICIPATED AWARD DATE FOR RFP 24 CCP 01 HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN DEVELOPMENT SERVICES TO THE NEXT SCHEDULED COMMISSIONERS COURT DATE.>> YES, SO THE ORIGINAL ANTICIPATED AWARD DATE FOR THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO BE TODAY.
BUT JUST DUE TO THE TECHNICAL NATURE OF THIS PROPOSAL, WE WANTED TO GIVE THE SELECTION COMMITTEE A LITTLE MORE TIME TO BE ABLE TO REVIEW EVERYTHING AND BE ABLE TO SCORE EVERYTHING APPROPRIATELY.
WE ARE REQUESTING THAT WE MOVE IT TO THE NEXT COMMISSIONERS COURT DATE.
>> THE 28TH, I BELIEVE WE JUST WROTE DOWN.
>> JUNE 28TH. DO WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE ANTICIPATED DATE OF AWARD FOR RFP 24 CCP 01P TO 28TH OF JUNE?
>> WE HAVE A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT. DO WE HAVE A SECOND?
>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS.
ANY DISCUSSION? NOT, ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
>> WE HAVE FOUR AYES, ZERO NAYS. MOTION PASSES.
>> ITEM I DISCUSSION ONLY TO CONSIDER A REQUEST TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF POSITIONS ON
[I.1 To consider a request to increase the number of positions on the Caldwell County Child Welfare Board and to appoint new members.]
THE CALDWELL COUNTY CHILD WELFARE BOARD AND TO APPOINT NEW MEMBERS. CHASE.>> GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS. WE HAVE HAD A REQUEST FROM A MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC TO REVITALIZE THE CHILD WELFARE BOARD AND TO INCREASE THE MEMBERSHIP TO THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT ALLOWED BY LAW, WHICH IS 15 MEMBERS.
CURRENTLY, THE CHILD WELFARE BOARD HAS SEVEN MEMBERS.
THEY WERE APPOINTED, I THINK, ABOUT TWO YEARS AGO.
THEY INCLUDE THE DISTRICT CLERK, JUANITA ALLEN, A MEMBER OF THE HAYES COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, JUDGE HEDGE, FOR THE MUNICIPAL COURT, AND SOME OTHER MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY.
THIS IS REALLY JUST AN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU ALL TO DISCUSS AMONG YOURSELVES, HOW YOU WOULD LIKE TO PROCEED REGARDING THE CHILD WELFARE BOARD.
KNOW THAT YOU CAN INCREASE TO ADD, I GUESS, EIGHT MORE MEMBERS.
THEY SERVE STAGGERED TERMS UP TO THREE YEARS, AND I'M HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS THAT YOU MAY HAVE.
I'M NOT SURE IF THERE'S ANYONE HERE TO SPEAK ON THE ITEM, SUCH AS A MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC OR NOT, BUT LIKE I SAID, I'M HAPPY ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS YOU ALL MIGHT HAVE.
>> JUST WEIGHING IN MY OPINION.
THE LARGER THE BOARD, THE MORE UNWIELDY IT BECOMES.
FIFTEEN PERSON BOARD IS A PRETTY BIG BOARD.
I SIT ON A COUPLE THAT ARE THAT BIG AND IT TAKES US MONTHS TO MAKE DECISIONS SOMETIMES.
PERSONALLY, I'D LIKE TO SEE IT BE KEPT SMALLER THAN 15. THAT'S A BIG BOARD.
>> CHASE, IS IT OPERATIONAL RIGHT NOW?
>> NO, THEY DON'T MEET. NO REQUESTS.
THERE ARE VERY LITTLE REQUESTS THAT EVER FLOW THROUGH IT.
I THINK THEY'VE ONLY GOT MAYBE 100-200 BUCKS IN THEIR BANK ACCOUNT, SO THEY DON'T GET MUCH IN THE WAY OF DONATIONS EITHER.
IN THE EVENT THAT THEY WERE REQUESTED TO MEET, THEY WOULD.
CURRENTLY, ALL OF THEM ARE MOSTLY JUST DOING THEIR DAY TO DAY JOB AND WAITING TO HEAR A CALL.
>> IS THERE SOME BENEFIT TO THE REQUEST TO INCREASE THE SIZE?
>> IT JUST POTENTIALLY INCREASED PARTICIPATION, THOUGH, OF COURSE, IT HAS TO ALSO FOLLOW OPEN MEETINGS AND OTHER TYPES OF RESPONSES.
YOU'RE ALSO INCREASING THE AMOUNT OF PEOPLE THAT HAVE TO BE PRESENT FOR A QUORUM, WHICH AGAIN, GOES TO YOUR COMMENT EARLIER THAT THE MORE PEOPLE YOU HAVE ISN'T NECESSARILY A BENEFIT, IT CAN BE, BUT ISN'T NECESSARILY ONE.
THE BIGGEST PROBLEM THAT THE BOARD HAS HAD IN THE PAST IS MOSTLY JUST CONTINUED INTEREST AFTER BEING APPOINTED TO THE BOARD.
I KNOW JUDGE KYLIE, WHO IS ALSO ON THE BOARD CURRENTLY, HAS COMMENTED THAT SINCE HE'S BEEN ON IT HISTORICALLY, THAT THAT'S THEIR BIGGEST PROBLEM IS THAT PEOPLE JUST DON'T STAY ACTIVE AND INTERESTED.
>> CAN WE CONSIDER THE REAPPOINTMENT OF SEVEN THAT ARE ON THERE NOW?
[01:05:06]
>> YES. THEY DO WORK AT THE PLEASURE OF THE BOARD.
I EXPECTED SOME OF THEM IF THEY WERE ASKED, WOULD OFFER A RESIGNATION IF REQUESTED BY THE COURT.
I CAN REACH OUT TO THEM AND FIND OUT IF THEY WOULD WANT TO DO THAT.
>> WE MIGHT CONTACT THOSE FOLKS AND SEE IF THEY'RE INTERESTED IN.
>> BEING ON THE BOARD OR DO WE NEED TO APPOINT NEW PEOPLE?
>> OF COURSE. AS FAR AS NEW NAMES, LIKE I SAID, WE'VE RECEIVED A LIST OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE INDICATED THEY ARE INTERESTED IN SERVING ON THE BOARD, SO YOU GUYS WILL HAVE A LIST OF PEOPLE THAT YOU COULD APPOINT FROM?
>> THAT WAS GOING TO BE MY QUESTION. THANK YOU.
>> LIKE I SAID, IF YOU HAVE ANY MORE QUESTIONS, I'M HAPPY TO ANSWER THEM.
IF NOT, THIS WAS JUST MORE FOR GUIDANCE ON MY PART, BECAUSE TRYING TO REAPPOINT SEVEN IS A VERY DIFFERENT ANIMAL THAN APPOINTING 15.
BASED ON WHAT YOU GUYS HAVE SAID, I'M GOING TO GO AHEAD AND TRY TO REACH OUT AND WE'LL TRY TO KEEP IT AT A SMALLER BOARD.
IF THAT'S WHAT YOU GUYS SEEM TO BE AGREEING ON.
>> WE'RE GOING TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION.
[J. EXECUTIVE SESSION]
WE'LL TAKE THEM IN THE ORDER THAT I'M ABOUT TO CALL THEM OUT.EXECUTIVE SESSION, ITEM J1, PURSUANT TO TEXAS LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE 551.0711, CONSULTATION WITH COUNCIL REGARDING PENDING OR CONTEMPLATED LITIGATION OR SETTLEMENT OFFERS INVOLVING A CLAIM BY MAURICIO MARTINEZ, AND ITEM J2, PURSUANT TO TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE 551.87, DELIBERATION REGARDING POWER UPDATE FROM LCRA TO POTENTIAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS.
POSSIBLE ACTION MAY FOLLOW IN COURT.
WE'RE ADJOURNED INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 10:07, AND WE'LL RETURN WHEN WE'RE DONE.
WE'LL TAKE THE ITEM 1 FIRST, THE PENDING LITIGATION, AND THEN WE'LL GET TO THE POWER DISCUSSION AFTER THAT.
WE'RE GOING TO GO AHEAD AND COME OUT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 10:44 PURSUANT TO TEXAS LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE 551.071.
CONSULTATION WITH COUNCIL REGARDING PENDING OR CONTEMPLATED LITIGATION OR SETTLEMENT OFFERS INVOLVING A CLAIM BY MAURICIO MARTINEZ.
ITEM J2, PURSUANT TO TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE, SECTION 551.87, DELIBERATION REGARDING POWER PLANT UPDATE FROM LCRA TO POTENTIAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS.
WE ARE OUT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION AND IN REGULAR SESSION, AND I WOULD LOOK FOR A MOTION TO ADJOURN.
>> WE HAVE A MOTION TO ADJOURN BY COMMISSIONER HORNE AND A SECOND?
ANY DISCUSSION? NOT, ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
>> OPPOSE. HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES WE'RE ADJOURNED AT 10:45.
>> HEY, JUDGE.
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.