With limited discussion related to EMS license renewal, airport runway improvements and grant matters, the most newsworthy item of the first meeting of the new year was the public comments by candidate for County Attorney, Mark Elvig.  He questioned the process for making additions to the county personnel policy manual.  Specifically, a rule was adopted by the Commissioners Court late in 2022 in response to the candidacy of Craig Moreau (who happened to be in attendance today), who at the time was a county employee running for public office.  The rule required exempt employees, who are not required to track their time, to do so during a campaign and would have applied to Elvig’s opponent, James Herbrich, had it been implemented.  Apparently, interest in implementing the rule waned after Mr. Moreau’s dismissal, hence the questions and the interesting dynamic in the courtroom.

The last meeting of the year was another short one, and contentious too.  The subject of salaries came up again with agenda items on raises for dispatchers and the permitting and inspections department.  Raises for dispatchers was approved without objection, but when the discussion turned (@23m) to permitting and inspections (subdivisions & development), the fireworks began, and some were clearly not happy.  The Court's division continues.  Happy New Year and may God bless us and keep us safe.

Commissioners Court updated and adopted its policy on tax abatements today.  The action makes it possible to accept applications for tax abatements to promote economic growth.  A specific project has not yet been proposed [it’s coming], but there was a healthy discussion about policy (@0:04:30).  Also today, the AgriLife extension office gave their annual presentation on their educational activities for the year.  The service they provide to the community is indispensable and their presentation was informative, be sure to listen (@ 0:52:41).

That is the first Commissioners Court meeting I have missed in I don't know how long, but duty called.  I had to send a staffer (Willie LOL) to record the meeting for us.  All I know is the tax abatement hearing was deferred until the first November meeting and that the meeting was less than 46 minutes long.  Other than that, I will be listening and learning like the rest of you.

An open forum was held to discuss the proposed constitutional amendments.  Fortunately, subject matter expert Andrew McVeigh, the Executive Director of Texans for Fiscal Responsibility, was able to provide valuable insight.  It was a fabulous discussion and a smashing success.  The election is on 11/7/2023, be informed.

Before the official meeting began, Fayette County resident Jared Lovelace, candidate for U.S. Representative, Texas' 10th Congressional District, challenging Rep. Michael McCall, was given the opportunity to tell us about himself.

This is the Party’s 4th quarterly meeting.  We wanted to have an open forum and the chosen topic was the proposed constitutional amendments.  Fortunately, subject matter expert Andrew McVeigh, the Executive Director of Texans for Fiscal Responsibility, was able to provide valuable insight.  It was a fabulous discussion and a smashing success.  As a bonus, learn about Fayette County resident Jared Lovelace, candidate for U.S. Representative, Texas' 10th Congressional District, challenging Rep. Michael McCall.

The Fayette County Republican Women’s Legislative Chair, Kimberley Rutledge gives a fantastic and detailed legislative update.  It is only 14 minutes long, be informed.

The Fayette County Republican Women invited Dr. Ron Seivert, with the Texas A&M University School of Government, to discuss what Republicans need to do to win in 2024.  While I didn’t agree with everything he said, he was an interesting and intelligent person with a ton of interesting experience.  Also, don’t miss the brief but fantastic legislative update from Kimberley Rutledge.

Inter-local agreements, burn ban, public hearing on tax abatement set, EMS updates, GLO Hazard Mitigation Grant method of distribution and more.