Commissioners Court - Regular Meeting

All right, I know, I know the Spurs won, right guys? All right, here we go.

All right. Good.

Is this any of these? Check, see if there's any. All right.

All right. Well, Commissioner Moody is by Zoom and is he on? All right. Well, good morning. Welcome to Commissioner's Court meeting on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. As we know, the Spurs won last night. Yeah. Obviously, they have some help from some superior means. And I believe we are welcoming... Some of the biggest Spurs fans in the room. So, Commissioner Rodriguez, I yield the floor to you.

Thank you. Thank you very much. Good morning, everybody. It's great to see such a packed room. Everybody has a little extra jump in their step this morning, you know, from the folks at the coffee shop to just walking down the street when the Spurs win. No coincidence that yesterday I stopped by For a visit, a nice invitation from the Salesian Sisters who, if you're not following Spurs basketball, then you're missing out because the Salesian Sisters, number one, are constituents of mine in Precinct 2. And this is not a new phenomenon. They've been Spurs fans for a long time. But more importantly, the ministry, let me say a word about the ministry itself. of the Salesian Sisters on the west side. Actually, their order over 150 years tied to St. John Bosco on the west side. Let me ask Sister Bernadette to come up to the podium along with Sister Desiree and Sister Guadalupe. If you would come up to the podium. As you do that, if you've been following social media, you've noticed that Sister Bernadette has a little game as well. She's a former college athlete. And she also is the province director of the Mission Advancement in San Antonio, serves in leadership capacity on the Provincial Council. But they do such great work in our community. Obviously, we said a little extra prayer last night at their watch party. before the game. And I will tell you, you said kind of a superior intervention. She had supreme confidence. When I asked her before the game, Sister Bernice said, yeah, we're going to win. Absolutely. So I felt better watching the game, even those tense moments. But I want to certainly welcome them. It's just a coincidence that Precinct 2 had the invocation this morning and couldn't think of anyone better to be here than the Salesian sisters. I know, Judge, you wanted to say a few words as well.

Let me welcome the Salesian Sisters. As we know, you're one of the biggest fans of San Antonio Spurs, but I want to let you know that Rachel Sakai, the First Lady of Bexar County, and I are the biggest fans of the Salesian Sisters and for what they do, especially on the west side of San Antonio, especially what they do for our children and families. And I want to give a shout-out to them. And I understand you all prayed and had a need for a bus, and I understand... The one and only Harvey Najum of the Najum Foundation has stepped up and got you a bus. And so Rachel and I are... I just want to put on record so that person upstairs there understands that Rachel and I annually support the Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco. And I would encourage our community to support them. our faith-based community, and for what they do, not only in making sure the Spurs get that extra boost, but what they do, more importantly, for our children and families. Thank you. Muchas gracias.

Sister, if you would... If you all would rise, and Sister, if you would lead us in prayer.

In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Heavenly Father, we come before you with gratitude for the gift of this day and for the opportunity to serve the people of Bexar County. We ask for your wisdom upon these, your public servants, that their decisions may be guided by truth, integrity, and a sincere desire for the common good.

Grant them clarity of mind, virtue in character, and concern for all those entrusted to their care, especially the young, the poor, and those in the margins. Help them to seek justice with humility, act with honesty, and work together in a spirit of unity.

Lord, bless this Commissioner's Court with patience and openness in dialogue. May all this be said and done here today to reflect a shared commitment to peace. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. God bless and Go Spurs Go!

Please join us in the pledge to our nation's flag.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States.

Thank you. Thank you.

All right. Agenda item number three, request the Commissioner's Court to identify items from the consent agenda for additional discussion and to approve the remaining consent agenda item items uh commissioner clay flores any matters to pull nothing to pull commissioner rodriguez yes judge um let me pull item 31 just for uh an acknowledgement all right 31 commissioner calvert and commissioner moody who's participating by zoom I believe you are on mute, Commissioner Moody. You're now frozen on our screens.

Okay, 16.

16? All right.

Judge, I'd make a motion to approve the balance of consent.

Second. Motion by Commissioner Rodriguez, second by Commissioner Clay Flores. We have pulled items 16 and 31. All those in favor of the motion to approve the rest of the consent, signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstention? Motion carries. Let us now... Ceremonial. Let's go to ceremonial. All right. And then we'll come back to individual items. All right. The first presentation will be a proclamation on behalf of Commissioner's Court recognizing June 26 as Elder Abuse Awareness Month. And then after that will be Pride Month. So I will handle the first two, Commissioner Calvert. And I believe you will also help read out Commissioner Moody's proclamations. So as I read out all those here for Elder Abuse Awareness Month, please step forward to the podium to be recognized. And as I read the proclamation. Whereas older adults and people with disabilities vastly contribute to the well-being of the city by working caregiving, volunteering, and actively preserving customs, rituals, and traditions. And whereas we aid, we build momentum by accumulating knowledge, experience, insight, and wisdom that can be shared to enrich our community. And whereas abuse of older adults and people with disabilities is a community concern affecting thousands of people across Texas. And whereas there were 125,382 reports of abuse of older adults and people with disabilities of Texas in 2025, and whereas abuse against older adults and people with disabilities is grossly underreported because of social stigma, embarrassment, and fear, and whereas adult abuse affects men and women of all income and ability levels, all cultural and ethnic backgrounds, and all communities, and whereas elder abuse is everyone's business, and it's important to strengthen our efforts to prevent, Report and address elder abuse. Now, therefore, it be resolved that the Bexar County Commissioner's Court hereby recognize and proclaim the month of June 2026 to be Elder Abuse Awareness Month in San Antonio and Bexar County, Texas, and urge all residents to work together to reduce abuse and neglect of older adults and people with disabilities. Witness and seal the office on this day. Signed by all members of the court. Welcome. Please introduce yourself.

Good morning. I'm Monica Major with Adult Protective Services. Honorable Judge Sakai, commissioners, and distinguished guests, thank you for designating June 2026 as Elder Abuse Awareness Month in Bexar County. Abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults and people with disabilities remain serious concerns both nationally and within our community. In 2025, Adult Protective Services received 11,147 intakes, reports in Bexar County. While these numbers are concerning, they also reflect a community that is engaged, aware, and committed to supporting the safety and well-being of others as we age together. Every person deserves the opportunity to age with dignity, safety, independence, and respect. Through our Partnering to Protect initiative, Adult Protective Services, the South Texas APS Community Board, and community partners continue working together to strengthen awareness, expand resources, and support safe and independent aging in place. We are grateful to Bexar County for its continued partnership and support, including Judge Vasquez's leadership in advancing the establishment of a senior justice assessment center in our community. Bringing together law enforcement, judicial partners, and community organizations will strengthen coordinated responses and community support for older adults and vulnerable individuals. We also extend our sincere appreciation to the City-County Joint Commissioner on Elderly Affairs, Sheriff's Department, Probate Courts, and District Attorney's Office for their leadership and collaboration in addressing elder abuse. Together these partnerships help build safer, stronger communities for all generations. Thank you for the leadership and commitment to the well-being of our community.

Would y'all please come forward and accept your proclamation. Thank y'all very much. Here you go. Come on. How are you? Thank you. Thank you for what y'all do. All right. Our second proclamation is on behalf of Commissioner's Court recognizing the month of June as Pride Month. So I believe we have people from the Thrive Well and the Pride Center San Antonio. Please come forward as I read the proclamation on the record. Whereas this month, Bexar County commemorates the historic 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York City, honoring the courage of those who ignited the modern movement for LGBTQIA+, Liberation, equality, and whereas we celebrate the vibrant LGBTQIA plus community within Bexar County, our neighbors, colleagues, family members, and friends whose resilience and perseverance in the pursuit of life live with dignity and authenticity continues to inspire us. And whereas Bexar County reaffirms its unwavering support for LGBTQIA plus equality by raising the pride flag during the month of June, standing in public solidarity to ensure our civic institutions remain welcoming and inclusive for all, and whereas we recognize the social, economic, and cultural fabric of our county is immeasurably strengthened by the invaluable contributions of the LGBTQIA plus individuals in the fields of public service, healthcare, education, business, and the arts, And whereas Pride Month 2026 serves as a celebration of how far we have come and a call to action to continue building a community defined by empathy, justice, and mutual respect, And whereas we will continue to work undeterred to expand and strengthen inclusivity and diversity by committing to representation and support of all LGBTQIA plus individuals, now therefore it may result that the Bexar County Commissioner's Court hereby recognizes and proclaims the month of June 26th as Pride Month. encourages all residents of Bexar County to join in this observance, celebrate the diversity of our people, and work together to build bridges of understanding and unity. Witness our signatures and seal of office this June, day of June 2026, signed by members of the court. Welcome.

Good morning. On behalf of the San Antonio Area LGBTQ Community Coalition, I would like to extend our sincere thanks to Judge Sakai and the members of the Commissioner's Court for recognizing Pride Month through this proclamation. This recognition is meaningful because it acknowledges the many contributions that LGBTQ individuals make every day across Bexar County. LGBTQ people serve as teachers, health care workers, first responders, business owners, nonprofit leaders, public servants, artists, and neighbors. They help strengthen our economy, enrich our culture, and improve the quality of life for everyone in our community. Pride Month is also an opportunity to reflect on the importance of visibility. When people see themselves represented and recognized by their local government, it sends a powerful message that they belong and that their contributions matter. Visibility helps create communities where people can participate fully, contribute their talents, and live authentically. For LGBTQ young people especially, seeing leaders publicly acknowledge and celebrate their community can provide hope, encouragement, and a sense of connection. It reminds them that they are valued members of our county and there is a place for them here. While we celebrate the progress that has been made, we also recognizing that building, welcoming, and inclusive community. This proclamation reflects the values of dignity, respect, and opportunity for all residents. Thank you again to Judge Sakai and the Commissioner's Court for your leadership, your recognition of Pride Month, and your commitment to ensuring that every member of our community is seen, respected, and appreciated. Thank you. Could y'all come forward, please?

Thank you. Good to see you, buddy. Good to see you, my man. Good to see you.

Good to see you. All right.

Commissioner Calvert, presentation and proclamation on behalf of Commissioner Court recognizing the 30th anniversary of the San Antonio Juneteenth Commission and Festival.

Juneteenth. Thank you so much, Judge. We're really honored to have Byron Miller in the house who has been part of the statewide Juneteenth leadership basically since the starting of that commission some decades ago. And he's still providing our community. Come on up to the dais because we have this proclamation for you. He is still providing our community with some of our favorite memories of the year and of Juneteenth and keeping the the Freedom Festival Alive, which also benefits many nonprofit organizations who are selling their fish or selling their whatever. And we appreciate that commerce coming back. For my newsletter, Community Outreach, I'm letting folks know that because of the ICE Detention Center off of 410 and Rigsby, we are looking to ask people to join us in the Freedom Parade that Oscar Vicks helps lead. And, of course, his wife is being buried right now. Our thoughts and prayers are with him. But we're asking folks to join us with protest signs this year in the parade as a demonstration that we will fight for all people who are having their rights trampled, including those who are in ICE detention centers. So, the proclamation reads... Whereas Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and Major General Gordon Granger issued Order No. 3, enforcing freedom for enslaved people in Texas, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. And whereas the San Antonio Juneteenth Commission was created in 1996 to honor and celebrate the emancipation of black people in Texas, provide a national platform of recognition for black people in America, and to support, uplift, and empower community organizations, nonprofits, and individuals committed to equality and the American dream, And whereas since its first celebration at the Freeman Coliseum in 1996 and through festivals held at the Carver Cultural Center, St. Paul Square, and for more than 20 years at the county's Comanche Park, the San Antonio Juneteenth Festival has grown into a beloved gathering place for family reunions, fellowship, culture, music, service, and community pride. And whereas the Juneteenth Festival has helped preserve the legacy of Juneteenth and has ensured its significance among future generations, the Commission, volunteers, sponsors, and community organizers have made the annual festival a living celebration of freedom in Bexar County. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Bexar County Commissioner's Court hereby recognizes and celebrates June 19th, 2026 as the 30th anniversary of the San Antonio Juneteenth Commission. Witness our signatures and seal of office this ninth day of June 2026, signed by your Commissioner's Court. We sure would love a wise word from you, Brother Miller. The floor is yours.

Commissioner Calvert. Let me recognize Byron Miller for his longstanding service to Bexar County and especially to the Juneteenth celebration. Unfortunately, I'm going to go visit grandkids this weekend, and so this Saturday is the Juneteenth breakfast, and it is a wonderful celebration. It's an event, and I encourage all our community to embrace the diversity of our community, especially with the Juneteenth celebration and the historical and cultural significance it brings. And I just want to say thank you to Byron. I have to also refer him as Judge Byron Miller, because once a judge, always a judge, and he served with great distinction as Justice of Peace, Precinct Four, and I'd like to give him a round of applause. The floor is now yours, Judge Miller.

Justice Kai, thank you. Judge Calvert, my commissioner. You know, what I'd like to say is this, is that on behalf of the San Antonio Juneteenth Commission, we owe this county court a lot of appreciation because it was over 30 years ago when County Judge Cindy Cryer appointed me to the Coliseum Board. And so that gave me an opportunity to kind of understand how things operated whether it was the sale, San Antonio Livestock Rodeo, or just entertainment here in Bexar County. And I was kind of pushed into carrying on the torch from Reverend S. Clifton Byrd, who continued to always recognize the 19th of June. And so I did. And so, again, I thank you all for that opportunity because it gives me the opportunity to do other events, as you stated, the prayer breakfast or the festival, golf tournament, and this year for the first year, a pickleball tournament. So that's something that's very exciting to me. You know, a lot of people make this happen. So, you know, I might be the one standing here today, but it's because of the efforts of many, and we stand on their shoulders. And so I just want to say that while celebrating is meaningful, it's just the beginning. It takes ongoing education and engagement with others to ensure that the spirit of Juneteenth lives on and grows stronger and strong long after the festivities end. So I just want to thank you, all of you all. I know Commissioner Flores does a big job with the Juneteenth with SACAM. And again, I say hello to my good friend, Commissioner Rodriguez. But I can't say enough about Bexar County and their efforts because they have long been aware and standing with me and standing with us, the community. So, you know, I look at this as a very big cultural holiday. You know, we have Sanctuary Day, Mayo, yes, he says, St. Patrick's Day. But now we have a celebration of the 19th of June. It stands along with the 4th of July when we think about independence and we think about freedom. So again, thank each and every one of you all. Thank you.

All right. Thank you. Thank you. All right. We'll continue on with the presentation proclamation on behalf of Commissioner's Court recognizing June 18, 2026 as Women's Unlimited Day. Commissioner Calvert, you have the floor.

Well, when Women's Unlimited comes in the house, we never know what energy is going to be here, but they're here. So come on to the dais. We have a proclamation. This morning, I understand I spoke to a few of their interns in Nigeria. Last time we were Blessed with their presence, they had some folks from Japan. So they are truly international. They're living up to that name. So here's the proclamation. It reads, Whereas Women Unlimited International, a 501c3 minority-based nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women businesses by working closely with community partners such as Bexar County, local municipalities, educational institutions, and financial organizations to bridge the gap And whereas, Women Unlimited International's motto, Leave No Woman Behind, guides their core mission of providing crucial resources to all women, whether in business or not, to help with achieving economic goals or overcoming challenges. And whereas, Women Unlimited International fosters a supportive networking environment for women entrepreneurs and providing a social media presence that anyone can take advantage of from around the world. And whereas Women Unlimited International believes in the power of complimenting instead of competing by teaching effective communication, building connections, strengthening collaborations, and uplifting women, helping them achieve their dreams, and serving as business besties. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Bexar County Commissioner's Court hereby recognizes and proclaims June 18, 2026 as Women Unlimited International Day.

Thank you. Thank you so much. You want to repeat that last part, though, Commissioner?

Women Unlimited International Day.

We are so excited. We are here joined by our interns, first of all. We do have two interns with us, and they are in Nigeria, Africa. So they're here somewhere. And then we have our board members, advisory board. But good morning, Commissioner Cord. How are you guys doing today? Woo! Yes. It is an honor to be here today. We are especially grateful and deeply honored to stand before Commissioner Tommy Calvert. Woo! Woo! who has not only supported Women Unlimited, but has believed in our mission enough to present us with our third consecutive proclamation here in 2026. Ladies, what do you think about that? We also want to thank and recognize Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai. Where's Sakai? Woo! Commissioner Rebecca Clay Flores, the only woman. Yes, and right next to her, Commissioner Justin Rodriguez. And Commissioner Grant Moody. Where's Moody? He's somewhere, right? It is truly a privilege to stand before all of you today and to serve the community alongside your leadership and support. I am Brenda Ahns, Executive Director of Women Unlimited International. We empower women entrepreneurs, veterans, and students through education, mentorship, and business resources. This proclamation represents not just recognition, but growth, impact, transformation. We are building leaders in Bexar County. We stand together as Women Unlimited. I do want to take just a moment here to thank Renee Watson. I don't know where we would be without Renee Watson. She does more than her job. She goes over and above. And I truly feel that because of her department, all of us, all of us right here are standing here today. You go over and above for each and every one of us, Renee. Thank you. Okay. Who's next? Okay.

Good morning, everyone. Thank you for having us here. My name is Ana Lira and I am one of the advisory board member with Women Unlimited. And we're not only a woman, we equipped entrepreneurs with tools, including AI and business training to help them grow smarter and faster. We're unlimited through innovation.

Thank you.

Thank you. Hello, good morning. My name is Cynthia Castro. I'm one of the advisory board members here. And we connect women through resources, mentorships, and pathways to success. We don't just talk about opportunity. we create it. And together, through Women Unlimited, we are creating connections and opportunities. Thank you.

All right. Who's next? Real quick.

I am Johanna Dobbin, CFO of Women Unlimited. We also have a veterans division that ensures veterans women have the financial education and structure to succeed. We are unlimited through service.

Rosie or Cindy, go ahead.

Good morning.

Cindy Steroy, 24 years active Air Force and a business owner. Veterans Unlimited takes the mission beyond service. And veterans are committed through or unlimited through commitment.

Thank you. Thank you. Hi, good morning. I'm Rosie Thames, U.S. Air Force veteran. We now serve our community through leadership, camaraderie, and entrepreneurship as civilians. We are united through leadership. Thank you, thank you.

Good morning, I'm Nicole Thrash, 20-year United States veteran. Veterans Unlimited turns service into opportunity. We are unlimited through purpose.

Good morning. My name is Madison Gutmann. I am a proud intern here at Women Unlimited and a proud Roadrunner over at the University of Texas here in San Antonio. We are learning consistently about new knowledge through entrepreneurship, leadership, and most importantly, our community. We are unlimited through learning.

Thank you, thank you. Our only man in Women Unlimited, he's an intern.

Hello, my name is Chris. I'm an intern for the Women Unlimited. I'm a student at Northwest Vista Alamo College, and over the past few months, I've been able to see how entrepreneurship changes lives, builds communities, and fosters economic growth. We are unlimited through entrepreneurship.

Thank you, thank you.

Good morning, Judge. Good morning, Commissioners. As you know, my name is Gloria A. Martinez. I am your Bexar County District Clerk. I'm also a Navy veteran and a member of Women's Unlimited. Excited to be here. They are a wonderful group of individuals. They are transforming lives through leadership and success. We are Unlimited through empowerment. This is something that it takes a bunch of women and individuals to get together and make a difference in this world, in this community. Thank you.

Hello, my name is Jalisa. I'm an intern and student at Texas State University. We are the next generation of leaders, the future of Bexar County, and we are unlimited through possibility. Thank you.

Hello, my name is Melina. I am an intern and student at Northwest Vista College. We help entrepreneurs market themselves and their brands. We are unlimited through marketing.

Hello, my name is Lara Garcia. I am on the advisory board for Women Unlimited. We present these flowers to Commissioner Rebecca Clay. Flores and gratitude for your leadership and support. We are unlimited through gratitude.

Thank you, Rebecca Clay.

Hi, my name is Kayla Holloway. I'm an advisory board member, and we present this plaque to Commissioner Tommy Calvert and Precinct 4 for your continued support and honoring Women Unlimited with its third consecutive proclamation. We are unlimited through support, and we would like to also appreciate the person who made the plaques, our small business owner, Desiree Gonzalez with South Texas Photoholics.

that's it okay so we're ready for a picture thank you thank you guys so much we're done

Thank you. Thank you.

All right, Commissioner Clay Flores, there's a point of personal privilege. The other floor.

Thank you so much to Women Unlimited and all the work that you guys do. I was just talking to my staff yesterday about our allocation of funding, so you'll be hearing back from that. We're looking at our budget to see so we can help continue to support and sponsorship. So thank you so much. Muchisimas gracias por las flores, como mi apellido. La mitad de mi apellido es Clay Flores, so thank you so much for that. And I just want to also take a point of personal privilege to recognize Isaac Nettie, If you don't know who he is, he's been one of our PIOs. Unfortunately, he's leaving Bexar County. I can't be too mad at him because he is going to JCB. So you are still helping in Precinct 1. So thank you so much for that. And also want to recognize, I know we already did the proclamation for Juneteenth for Brian Miller and all the work that you do. But I also wanted to invite everyone out. to the program that Bear County and I sponsor with SACAM. It is next Thursday evening, and I also want to recognize Mike Fresher, if you want to stand and wave, who is the CEO of the Tobin Center, who is so gracious to partner with us on that program. So please come out next Thursday night, Juneteenth, at the Tobin Center. Thank you.

Commissioner Moody has a presentation proclamation on behalf of Commissioner's Court recognizing Texas Kidney Foundation for Extraordinary Service, Bexar County, the state of Texas, and the kidney patients across the nation. Commissioner Calvert, I believe, will read the proclamation on behalf of Commissioner Moody. Commissioner Moody, there you are. Let's get you on the You're live on the video. All right, Commissioner Calvert.

Well, thank you so much. I'm honored to read this proclamation on behalf of Commissioner Mooney. The Commissioner's Court, it's good to see our friends from the Texas Kidney Foundation in the house. They do great work. Good to see you, Brother Greg. The proclamation reads, whereas the Texas Kidney Foundation, headquartered in Bexar County, is an independent nonprofit dedicated to slowing or stopping the progression of rare and chronic kidney diseases and improving the lives of impacted individuals, families, and communities. And whereas the Texas Kidney Foundation marks 15 years of service and has built a patient-centered model with local roots, statewide reach, and national relevance in kidney health education, detection, prevention, and action, bringing practical health knowledge directly to patients, families, practitioners, neighborhoods, and community partners. And whereas, throughout its Knowledge to Action 2030 Health Transformation Initiative, the Texas Kidney Foundation has advanced community-based kidney health infrastructure focused on early detection, prevention, and measurable community action. And whereas, committed to excellence in high quality care, the Texas Kidney Foundation upgraded its laboratory to a medium complexity laboratory, strengthening its ability to provide trusted kidney health testing, timely information, transparent reporting, and early detection services. Congratulations on that. And whereas, through its knowledge to action and neighbors helping neighbors initiatives, the Texas Kidney Foundation has expanded kidney health education, UACR testing, EGFR testing, genetic kidney screening, rare kidney disease awareness, referrals, navigation, and community-based follow-up across more than 150 Texas counties. And whereas on June 9, 2026, FSGS Day in Texas, Bexar County honors the courage of patients and families impacted by focal segmental disease. I'm going to have to take a moment for it. It's a long word. Glomerulocerosis. I was close. I know. And other rare and chronic kidney diseases and recognizes the Texas Kidney Foundation's leadership in advancing awareness, prevention, early detection, genetic testing, transplant education, policy change, artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and patient-centered community action. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Bexar County Commissioner's Court hereby recognizes and honors the Texas Kidney Foundation for its extraordinary service to Bexar County, the state of Texas, and kidney patients across the nation, and for its commitment to advancing kidney health through transparency, early detection education, prevention research, laboratory excellence, policy leadership, predictive analytics, and patient-centered action. Signed by your Commissioner's Court, we would love to hear from you. Good to see you, Tim.

I just feel like I'm coming home every time I come here. And all of that great stuff that you heard that our teams are doing, we wouldn't have been able to do it if it weren't for you, if it weren't for this Commissioner's Court. I mean, gosh, there's nobody here that I couldn't name as having been a part of this mission and supporting our mission from a patient perspective. When we came to you the first time and talked about what we wanted to do, It hadn't been done nationwide. And everybody, including, and you championed us, Commissioner Clay Flores. Like, you really, you did every commercial I asked you to do. Every single little thing that we asked, you did the same thing, Commissioner Calvert. You did, Commissioner Rodriguez. Judge Sakai, you showed up the stuff that we had, and then the person who introduced us was... Lucy Adame Clark. I would have never met any of you were it not for her. So I just had to say that there wouldn't be an us if it wasn't for you guys. So on behalf of the Texas Kidney Foundation, thank you for the proclamation and for recognizing kidney health as a public priority in Bexar County. Kidney disease is often silent, but its impact is not silent. It affects families, employers, healthcare systems, and public budgets. Too many people do not know they are at risk until the disease is already advanced. By then, families may be facing dialysis, transplant decisions, missed work, fear, and avoidable suffering. But when kidney disease is identified earlier, There is a better chance to educate, intervene, connect people to care, and prevent progression to kidney failure. That is why the Texas Kidney Foundation's work goes beyond awareness and beyond a single health fair. TKF operates a community to clinic kidney health prevention platform, which you helped build. Thank you. We bring education, early detection, referral support, community health workers, partner coordination, and follow through into trusted community settings. We build bridges, and you helped us do that. This year is especially meaningful because TKF is celebrating 15 years of service. Since 2017, we have screened more than 14,000 Texans. Since COVID-19, we have averaged between 1,500 and 2,000 Texans screened each year, with the majority of that work serving residents here in Bexar County. We also bring serious infrastructure to this work. TKF operates a CLIA moderate complexity laboratory, provides advanced kidney health testing, offers genetic kidney risk screening when appropriate, and is expanding our community health worker program so residents are not simply screened and left alone. They are educated, connected, and supported in taking the next steps. Our work is aligned with national public health and research priorities through engagement with CDC and the National Institute of Digestive and Diabetic Kidney Disease and through current discussions with Dell Medical School. This proclamation recognizes that is work that is already underway. TKF provided Community kidney health screenings in February, March, April, and May. We have additional events scheduled for June 20th and June 27th, and our prevention calendar continues through July, August, September, and October. This work also connects to the broader statewide kidney health conversation through the Texas Chronic Kidney Disease Task Force. where prevention, early detection, and implementation are central to improving outcomes across Texas. All of that hails right from this county. Today's proclamation is more than ceremonial recognition. It is an opportunity to treat kidney disease prevention as a standing public health priority in Bexar County. Sustained county partnership would not start this work. It would help strengthen and scale work TKF is already delivering. TKF stands ready to work with this court, each precinct, community partners, clinics, churches, employers, researchers, and families to turn this recognition into sustained action for the people of Bexar County. Thank you so much.

Judge, I thank you so much for your incredible taking of this organization into what you just described. I remember there was a statistic out of COVID about really co-occurring issues that I think is very important in our health care battle. Would you I think the number was around 40 percent, but it might have been higher. Can you talk to us about that statistic? There was a correlation between COVID and kidneys. Do you recall that statistic that you brought to me? Do you recall which one was?

Are you talking about...

COVID and internal organs? Yeah, COVID, this relationship with kidney disease.

Here, you want to answer that one? I can do that. I run the numbers.

I do the datas on that, right? So it's estimated about 40% of the people who had COVID, right, also had kidney disease, right? And so that is true. And we find that in our data as well. And so anytime we find people between the ages roughly about 25 and 50, that's a young range. And they've had any they were and they had any type of work that was considered essential workers. They always have low EGFRs in some neighborhoods is more than others. Right.

What does that mean for us?

So what that means is COVID call acted as a causing agent or cause for kidney disease and which people their EGFR, which then EGFR is how well do your kidneys filter your blood? UACR, which is a test that we've added, is is there any damage? And so what we see is a correlation, not causation, we can't say causation, but there's a strong correlation between essential workers, right, and kidney function, and their kidney function decreasing. There's also research on that that's come out that shows a correlation between essential workers, COVID, and heart disease issues, as well as liver disease. And that stands true here in Bexar County with our work. So the vast majority of people who are in that range of being young, and I'm in that range, right, between essential workers and decreased kidney function between those who have COVID. And that stands true here in Bexar County from what our data shows.

And the reason I wanted you all to point that out is because, you know, there's so many things we can't see or know until sometimes it's too late. So that's why we're raising awareness to do these tests that you all offer and make sure that you know what's going on with your body. I want to acknowledge Reverend Patrick Jones in the house and his leadership in the ministry and in our community and various organizations has been outstanding. So thank you, Reverend, for being here this morning. That's it.

Yeah, I just couldn't let you guys leave without recognizing all the work that y'all did. And what y'all didn't say your remarks in the proclamation is that Tiffany pretty much started this on her own. And her husband was like, oh, well, I got to support my wife. And so basically they started this. And since then, they have really made an impact in preventative health. And she has been invited to speak. and share her expertise in preventative health for kidney disease, not just statewide, but nationally and internationally. So thank you so much for the work you're doing, and let's continue to fight. Thank you.

And the last thing I'd like to add, why does kidney disease matter? It matters because it's connected with cardiovascular disease. It matters because if you address your kidneys, we can address diabetes. We can address hypertension. Those are the key causes, because it shows up in the kidneys, right? And the scientists always get upset, right? When I use this term, the kidneys are sort of like the canary in the mine, right? What you see reflected in there, we can address so many other chronic issues related to that.

Your proclamation. Thank you. Thank you all. Give them another round of applause. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD Awareness Month. Commissioner Calvert, I believe you'll read on behalf of Commissioner Moody.

Honored to. I want to invite our friends who are here for the proclamation to join us at the dais. Thank you for the work you do. This proclamation is in the name and by the authority of the Commissioner's Court of Bexar County, and it reads, we're asked post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD, is a serious mental health condition that can help that can develop following exposure to trauma, combat, violence, disasters, or other life-threatening events impacting millions of Americans, including veterans, active duty service members, first responders, health care professionals, survivors of violence, and their families. And whereas Bexar County is home to one of the nation's largest military and veteran communities, as well as thousands of dedicated law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and other first responders who routinely place themselves in harm's way in service to others and who may experience the invisible wounds associated with traumatic stress. And whereas increasing public awareness, reducing stigma surrounding mental health care, and promoting access to evidence-based treatment and support services are critical to ensuring that those affected by PTSD receive the compassion, understanding, and care they deserve. And whereas institutions such as the UT Health San Antonio, through nationally recognized programs including the Strong Star Consortium, continue to lead groundbreaking research, clinical care, and outreach efforts focused on improving the lives of veterans, service members, and first responders affected by PTSD and related trauma conditions. And whereas during PTSD Awareness Month, Bexar County reaffirms its commitment to supporting those living with PTSD, honoring the courage of those who seek help, and encouraging all residents to foster a community of understanding, resilience, and hope for individuals and families impacted by trauma. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Bexar County Commissioner's Court hereby recognizes and proclaims Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD Awareness Month in Bexar County and encourages all residents to recognize the importance of mental health awareness, support those affected by PTSD, and promote access to effective treatment, resources, and community support services. Signed by your Commissioner's Court. Love to hear from you.

Thank you very much. I'm Dr. Alan Peterson. I'm a professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Some of you probably heard that UT Health San Antonio and UTSA merged this last year. So we're now one institution being referred to as UT San Antonio. I am the director of the Strong Start Consortium here. I'm also a retired Air Force clinical psychologist. I was on active duty for 21 years and deployed three times after 9-11. It was my third deployment in Iraq in 2004-2005. I started to see all of the invisible wounds of war, including post-traumatic stress disorder. So after that deployment, I decided to retire from active duty, move to the medical center here, and I've been doing full-time research in PTSD since then. Thank you for this proclamation and for highlighting the importance of post-traumatic stress disorder. We are Military City USA and now being referred to as Military Medical Center, Military Medical City USA as well. Some of you may not have heard of Strong Star, may not know the gem that we have right here in San Antonio. We're actually the world's largest research consortium that's focused on developing and evaluating effective treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder and active-duty military veterans, and we're now expanding to first responders and civilians. There was a scientific publication earlier this year that reviewed the past 10 years' worth of research worldwide research. It looked at over 2,000 universities worldwide doing research in this area, and UT Health San Antonio was ranked as the number one university in the world related to this research. That same publication reviewed over 5,000 investigators around the world that were doing research in this area, and the top five most productive investigators in the world We're all part of the Strong Star Consortium. So again, we have a gem here in San Antonio. Most of what we've done has been research, developing and evaluating effective treatments. With the support of the Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio, effective the 1st of July, we are actually going to open up a free clinic at the Health Science Center. It's available for service members, for veterans, for first responders, and for civilians. So for the very first time, Many of the treatments that we've developed through the Strong Star Consortium that currently are not available anywhere else in the world will become available to the citizens of San Antonio. So thank you for this proclamation for highlighting the importance of post-traumatic stress disorder for Military City USA. Thank you. Thank you. Would you come forward and accept the proclamation?

Alright, that concludes the ceremonial. Court, let me alert you. Let's take a Agenda item number five, which is special presentation. So I'm teeing up the Generation Next Bexar County Arts and Funding Program. We need to go back to time certain. Agenda item number six, A, B, and C. Then we'll go back to those individual items that we need to cover out of consent. All right? So in that order, the court will call up presentation or agenda item 5A. Presentation Introduction 2026, Generation Next Bexar County Art Funding Internship Program. Nicole.

Good morning, judges, commissioners. Nicole Erford, Office of the County Manager. We're here to introduce this year's Bexar County Arts Internship Program, which is managed by the Tobin Center. This program provides 14 local arts organizations with an intern for a 10-week period. Since its inception in 2013, Bexar County has funded 147 interns to support the local arts organizations. So I'll turn it over to the Tobin Center now.

Hi, good morning, Judge Sakai and commissioners. My name is Cecily Cadillis, and I am representing Generation Next in the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. With me today is our CEO, Mike Fresher, CFO, Jeff Lasante, and Affiliate Director and Education Manager, Angela Garcia. I would like to thank you all for your continued support of the Bexar County Arts Internship Program. Through this partnership, 14 undergraduate students have the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience working with nonprofit arts organizations across our community through a paid 10-week internship program facilitated by Generation Next.

Good morning. Thank you for having us today. I'm Mike Fresher. I'm president and CEO of the Tobin Center for Performing Arts. On behalf of our board of directors, we are, again, proud to facilitate the Bexar County Arts Internship Program for the sixth consecutive year. This is the sixth year that we've been in front of you all. It provides undergraduate students with hands-on experience in nonprofit arts organizations across our community. We've seen firsthand the impact of this program, with several interns going on to secure all full-time positions at the organizations where they interned. It's more than an internship. It's a path to a meaningful career. By investing in local students and connecting them with our arts community, we're helping build the next generation of arts leaders while strengthening the cultural and economic vitality of Bexar County. We could not do this without the support of you and the county, and we're happy to partner with you on it.

You all have received invitations to our luncheon on August 4th, where we will recognize the interns and we would be very honored to have you all join us. This event provides an opportunity for the interns to share their experiences and reflect on what they have learned throughout the program. Representatives from each participating organization will now briefly introduce their organization and their intern, followed by the interns sharing their area of study and what they hope to gain from this opportunity. At the conclusion of the presentations, with your permission, we would love to take a group photo of the 2026 internship cohort with the Commissioner's Court. Thank you.

I'm going to introduce you some.

Good morning. I'm Dr. Sammy Serrano-Basig, and I'm the director of education at Classic Theater of San Antonio. We are a nonprofit organization that puts on straight plays throughout the year, and this is our intern, Elle.

Hi, I'm Elle. I'm a technical theater production student at Texas State. I'm the intern and... Production intern? Yeah, the production intern. And, yeah, yeah.

Good morning. My name is Sarah Cobb. I am the education director at the Wonder Theater. We are also a nonprofit community theater here in San Antonio. We run a very large kids program, and we are so excited to have one of our former students, Miss Mia Lopez, as our intern this summer.

Hi, I'm Mia Lopez. I'm a student of psychology and women's and gender studies at Pace University in New York City, and I hope to gain experience in children's theater education for my future career as a children's counselor.

Hi, good morning. My name is Yari Puente, and I'm the founder of Art Van Gogh Therapy. We provide expressive forms of therapy such as art, play therapy, and somatic therapy to children who have experienced trauma in the foster care system. We work very closely with foster families and children to help them heal from their past experiences, and we also hold a light so they might be able to see that they are safe and well and loved. And today we have Olivia, who is our wonderful intern. I'll let her present herself.

Hello, Court. My name is Olivia Raffinello. I'm a psychology and communication media double major at Trinity University. And thank you to the Court for this opportunity.

Good morning. I'm Miriam Good, Chief Impact Officer at the Orchestra San Antonio. We are the resident orchestra at the Tobin Center, and we have a mission to make classical music accessible to all through education and performances. And I'm thrilled to say that Josiah is our summer intern who's going to play a critical role in strengthening our fundraising infrastructure. Josiah.

Hi, Commissioner's Court. I'm Josiah Benavidez, and I'm currently a marketing student with a minor in nonprofit management at the University of Texas at San Antonio. And I can't wait to gain hands-on experience in development to help me in reaching my future and helping make nonprofits in San Antonio and around the country be viable and have long-term success through fundraising. So thank you.

Good morning, my name is Chloe Walker. I'm the education programs manager at ArtPace San Antonio. ArtPace is a nonprofit artist residency program which supports Texas national and international artists in the creation of new art here downtown. Our intern Sophia will be working in education this semester focusing on developing programs as well as creating resources that make our archives and San Antonio's art history more accessible.

Hi, my name is Sophia Salmon, and I am an art and communication double major, minor in new media at Trinity University. And through my internship at ArtPace, I hope to gain experience in how what I'm learning in classroom setting can be used to benefit the community at a nonprofit art institution. And I would like to thank you for providing students like me with this opportunity.

Good morning. I'm Nicole Wong. I'm the executive assistant with Cactus Pear Music Festival. And we seek to enrich our cultural community with world-class chamber music concerts and mentoring young musicians and just building community through music. We want to thank you, Judge Sakai and commissioners, for your continued support. We really couldn't do this without you. And this is our intern, Grace Rober.

Good morning. My name is Grace Rober. I am a student at Abilene Christian University studying instrumental music education and vocal performance. I will be interning at the Cactus Pier Music Festival, and I just want to thank all the members of the court for your continued support with this program. Thank you.

Good morning, Judge Sakai. Commissioners, thank you very much for this opportunity. I'm Corey McRae for Alamo City Arts, one of Bear County's largest multidisciplinary arts organizations, serving over 89,000 residents of Bear County. And it is always my pleasure to be able to pass on an experience to upcoming artists and individuals like Abram Estrada here.

Hello, CORE. My name is Abram Estrada. I'm a student at Texas A&M San Antonio with a master's degree in communications. I'm really excited to be a part of this, and thank you so much for supporting the program and being able to give me the experience to be hands-on and learn how to run live sound, which is something I'm very passionate about, and the different ways of a production is put on and is worked on by the amazing people of San Antonio. Thank you so much.

Good morning. My name is Leah Gransbury. I'm the development director for the Children's Chorus of San Antonio, a wonderful nonprofit that inspires and transforms young lives through choral music education and performance opportunities. And we are very appreciative of this court, this program, and our intern Zoe, who is already propelling our mission forward.

Good morning. Thank you for having me here. I'm Zoe. I'm a vocal music education major at Oklahoma City University. Go Spurs, though. And I am hoping to experience more hands-on things with teaching kids about music. So thank you.

Hi, I'm Jenny Villa. I'm with Agarita Chamber Players. Our organization is an ensemble founded by four local musicians dedicated to making classical and contemporary music accessible to our community. Our new intern is Ryan Healy. Agarita is happy to welcome him to our team. What stood out most about him during our selection process was his genuine curiosity and enthusiasm for understanding how a nonprofit truly operates. Agarita would also like to thank the Tobin Center, the commissioners, and Judge Sakai.

Good morning. Thank you for having me. My name is Ryan Healy. I'm currently a student at the University of Houston pursuing my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting. Opportunities like this are critical in helping young artists such as myself understand what it means to pursue a career in the arts. So I want to thank the Corps as well as the Tobin Center for this opportunity. Thank you very much.

Hi, good morning, Commissioner Court. My name is Brianna Morales, a local actor, theater director, and theater arts educator. We're here to represent Teatro Audaz, a local theater company dedicated to raising the voices of underrepresented and marginalized communities through innovative theater and educational programming. And on behalf of Teatro Audaz, we thank Bexar County and GenNext for their support through this grant program. because this funding has now allowed us to hire a full-time intern to help strengthen our capacity and expand our ability to serve our community through the art of theatrical performance. Ms. Abigail Padilla, a theater education undergrad student at the University of Texas at Austin, has already become an invaluable member of our team in just the two short weeks that she's been with us.

Hello, good morning. My name is Abigail Padilla. I'm a theater education student at the University of Texas at Austin, and I wanted to say thank you so much for this opportunity, and I'm so excited to bring new skills to my future classrooms.

Good morning, my name is Madeline Elizondo and I'm the Director of Education Outreach with Opera San Antonio. So in addition to two major productions, we actually do 80 plus events annually and we're super excited to have an intern this summer to help us bolster our marketing efforts in reaching the community and providing more access and just awareness, basic awareness of what it is that we do. So it is my pleasure to introduce our intern this summer, Akemi.

Hi, I am so excited to be here. Thank you so much for having me. My name is Akemi Nunez Martinez, and I'm a student at UT San Antonio studying music marketing. And I'm so excited to work with Madeline Elizondo and the Opera San Antonio. So I'm a little bit by myself. I'm a violinist, so I'm so excited to get a glance of what it's like to work for a performing arts organization. So thank you all so much for your support. And yeah, thank you for making this happen.

Hello, good morning. My name is Patricia Fernandez, and I'm the treasurer and the grant manager for the nonprofit Texas Fashion Industry Initiative. And the TFII is the state's official nonprofit dedicated to the positive growth of the Texas fashion industry through career development and empowerment programming for fashion artists and entrepreneurs. Through the Bexar County Arts Internship Grant Program for 2026, TFII is able to provide a paid internship to our very own intern, Violet Sapien.

Good morning, Judge and Commissioners. I am Violet Sapien, a marketing student at UT San Antonio with a strong passion for fashion, media, and creative storytelling. I have experience in creative direction, digital branding, a social media strategy, and event coordination with a particular interest in helping grow and modernize the Texas fashion industry. Through this internship with TFII, I hope to further develop my industry experience while contributing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the evolving fashion landscape in Texas. I am passionate about building meaningful connections through community connections and fashion, creating content that feels both culturally relevant and visually impactful. Thank you for this opportunity.

Hi there. My name is Omar Hilario, and I'm a programming coordinator for Sonanta Cultural Arts. We're an arts organization that empowers youth with community programming, which includes our art-focused summer camps. And helping with that is our summer intern, Marcela Hernandez.

My name is Marcela Salome Hernandez. I use they, them pronouns. And I'm an incoming senior at UT San Antonio majoring in Mexican-American studies. I'm honored to foster connections with the youth on the west side of San Antonio and further my involvement with SACA and UMR. It's my hope that our kids are given every opportunity to thrive because it is what they deserve. And I want to express my deepest gratitude to you all. Thank you very much for making this happen.

Good morning, my name is Casey Lomeli. I'm the New Media and Communications Coordinator for Contemporary at Blue Star. Founded by artists and grown from a grassroots art exhibition in 1986, we are the first and longest running nonprofit space for contemporary art in San Antonio. I'm here with our intern, Catherine, who will be spending the summer helping us advocate for the value of arts and culture in San Antonio.

Hello, my name is Catherine. I'm currently a student at UTSA majoring in art history, and I hope through this internship to learn more about arts communication and arts advocacy. Thank you.

We'll close it out and get a picture here. But as county judge, this has been one of the great partnerships between Bexar County and the Tobin Center for Performing Arts and Mike Fresher over there. Thank you. This is an example of great public-private partnership, especially with our nonprofit community and the internships that have been created and the people that have been participating in order to create that foundation of what's truly important for our community, and that's the arts, that's the music, that's the theater. It's what makes this community such a strong, strong community. in our local nonprofits. I have attended several program graduations with my team. Each year, I'm impressed by the caliber of these creative students, the stories of their growth working with these organizations, and the launching pad the program provides for careers in the arts and the nonprofits. So thank you very much for what you do for our community. Never underestimate the power you do as an individual. Let's give them all a round of applause. Nicole, do you want to close it out?

Y'all want to come over here?

Let's get a picture.

I'll take photos of this.

We need a wide angle, Isaac.

All right, that's right.

We've got Isaac up on top there, guys. We've got Scooch in. Scooch in. We need somebody on this side. Scoot down. We've got some people. Come on to the right, to my right. Some people come over here. Come on. On this side. We've got to get some people over on this side. There we go. There we go. Do we got it? Do we need to balance it out?

Everybody ready? Ready. Come here. And one, two, three.

Thank you all very much.

Good to see you, Mike. Keep up the good work.

All right, let's get back to time certain. Let us take up presentation discussion of Federal Opportunity Zones 2.0. program to outline eligible local census tract, review the county's process to prepare and submit nominations for final recommendations that will be submitted to the Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office within the office of the governor. Commissioner's Court invites public commentary to receive community feedback and input. Miss Carter, let me go ahead and allow you to open. And then I do believe we have some people that have been signed up for this particular item. And you have the floor.

Thank you. Thank you, Judge. Thank you, Commissioner Sport. I appreciate all of the time and the meetings that we've had to discuss this item. If we could get the PowerPoint projected. If the AB team would please project the PowerPoint for us.

Read the PowerPoint.

Thank you. All right, so I'm Deborah Carter. I'm the Director of Economic Development with Bexar County. I'm here to talk about Opportunity Zones 2.0. So Opportunity Zones are economically distressed census tracts designated by the federal government where investors can receive tax incentives for reinvesting their capital gains into local businesses and real estate. The program is designed to stimulate economic development and job creation in low income communities. Eligible census tracts must be less than or equal to 70% of the San Antonio-New Braunfels metropolitan area's median family income, which is $61,950 annually for a family of four, or a tract that has a poverty rate of at least 20%. There are 2,420 eligible census tracts in the state of Texas and 146 of those are in Bexar County. The governor can nominate up to 25%, which is 605 eligible tracks for Texas to the U.S. Department of Treasury. Bexar County can nominate up to 80%, which is 116 eligible census tracks to the Texas Economic Development and Tourist Office. So Bexar County's approach. We support the city of San Antonio's 69 recommended census tract nominations and will not duplicate. However, you'll notice there's an asterisk here because the city is still may fluctuate that number. So it may go up a bit, may go down. They are still having those conversations. Bexar County recommends submitting the remaining balance of the 47 eligible census tracts, again that number may fluctuate depending on the city's recommendation, to make up the 116 to maximize our nominations for the county. We are also prioritizing the six eligible census tracts in the suburban cities. That includes Balcones Heights, Kirby, Leon Valley, Somerset, Vaughn Army, and Windcrest. We will nominate the eligible census tracts that score the highest per the governor's scoring matrix. And Greater SATX, our local EDO, will be submitting Bexar County's nomination packet to the Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office. Our timeline. So today we are here on June 9th to do the special presentation. On June 23rd, we will be bringing this back on consent for the court to motion on. June 23rd through the 26th is when greater SATX will be submitting our nomination packet. By August 3rd, the governor's office will send their final selections to the U.S. Department of Treasury. And by the end of the calendar year, the U.S. Department of Treasury will announce the qualified Opportunity Zones. So this is a map of the 146 census tracts that are eligible opportunity zones. In precinct one, there are 40. Currently, City of San Antonio is recommending 17. Through the matrix that we put together, we are recommending an additional 16 for a total of 33. In precinct two, there are 59 eligible opportunity zones. 31 are being recommended by the City of San Antonio, and Bexar County is recommending an additional 10 for a total of 41. Precinct 3 has eight eligible opportunity zones. The City of San Antonio is recommending four. Bexar County is recommending an additional one for a total of five. And Precinct 4 has 39 eligible opportunity zones. The city of San Antonio is currently recommending 17. The county is recommending an additional 20 for a total of 37, which brings us to the maximum nominations of 116. But again, note the asterisk because the city of San Antonio may fluctuate their number in between now and June 23rd. Now we're going to break it down by precinct. So Precinct 1, this is a map that reflects Precinct 1. The census tracts that are highlighted in purple are recommended by the City of San Antonio. The tracts that are in green are recommended by Bexar County. And the tracts that are in gray are not recommended because they did not score high on the matrix. This is a representation of precinct two. Again, same formula or coding. Purple is the City of San Antonio's recommendations. Bexar County is in green, and gray is not recommended. I will note, Commissioner Rodriguez, the gray we overlapped with a map, and they are mostly residential areas that don't have an opportunity for investment. They're rooftops. Precinct three, in purple, is the City of San Antonio's recommendation, and in green is Bexar County's, and then there are three that are not recommended. You will see the census tracts do not stop at the precinct line, so there are some overlays. We looked at where the majority of the tract was, and that's how we counted which precinct it was in. And then, pardon me, precinct four, again, the purple are in the city's recommendations, the green are Bexar County recommendations, and then there were two that did not score high that we would not recommend. And that's the conclusion of my presentation. But I would also like to highlight the team members that participated in this. Francisco, Natalia, and Marshall helped us build the matrix based on the governor's matrix and were extremely valuable through this process so that we made a data-driven decision. Thank you.

VERY MUCH, DEBORAH AND TEAM, FOR YOUR WORK. I WANT TO DELVE INTO THE NOT RECOMMENDED IN THE SOUTHEAST, BECAUSE I'M HAVING A LITTLE BIT OF TROUBLE ON THE GRAY. IS THAT THE ONLY TWO CENSUS TRACKS IN THE PRECINCT THAT WERE NOT RECOMMENDED? CAN YOU GIVE ME SOME GEOGRAPHIC UNDERSTANDING OF WHERE THE STREETS ARE? REALLY, MY QUESTION IS THIS. ARE THE RECOMMENDED CENSUS TRACKS INCLUDING PECAN VALLEY GOLF COURSE AREA OFF OF SOUTH CROSS?

Yes, sir. We did map that, and that is included.

Okay. So I'm looking at the southeast non-included. Can you give me an indication of where is this exactly? Because I can't see street level.

COMMISSIONER, I MAY NEED TO GET BACK WITH YOU ON THAT BECAUSE I DON'T HAVE THE STREET LEVEL IN FRONT OF ME. HOWEVER, THEY DID SCORE THE LOWEST ON THE MATRIX. THAT DOESN'T MEAN WE STILL CAN'T NOMINATE THEM, BUT MAYBE WE HAVE A SIDE MEETING TO LOOK AT THAT AND REARRANGE THE CENSUS TRACKS AND PRECINCT 4 THAT ARE RECOMMENDED.

NEW SPEAKER, LET ME ASK IT A DIFFERENT WAY. IF I'M LOOKING TO THE EAST OF THE GRAY, THERE'S A LARGE PURPLE ONE. The city of San Antonio is recommended, and there's some green ones on the western, northwestern. Do you know what those, any streets from those census tracts, anything, ring a bell?

I apologize, Commissioner, I didn't bring that level of detail with me today.

And so the non-included were based upon our matrix, the governor's matrix, or a different matrix?

It's the governor's matrix, and so I can read what those matrix are. They're local support, so we included any 381 agreements, tax abatements, skills development grants, innovation grants. project viability so projects that are shovel ready land which we got some really rich data from the city of San Antonio we appreciate their partnership and sharing that information with us and then geographic balance so if there was a natural disaster in that area which we found that there were three state declared natural disasters but they encompassed all of Bexar County so we didn't have a census tract that received additional points in in that category.

Okay, recognizing that we can amend this, let me just try to understand something. So this to me is kind of like being a business with a decision with respect to do I avail myself to accept credit cards or do I only accept checks and cash? And the reason I say that is because there are There really is no downside. I mean, gentrification may be something that people are concerned about or other undesirable industries. People may be concerned about investing in the area, but there are really no downsides to maximizing the census tracts that we use.

I agree, sir. And that's why we want to maximize at the 116 that we are allowed to submit. Just to refresh, there's 146 eligible in Bexar County, but the maximum we can submit is 116.

So we are not at 116. We're close to it, though.

No, we are at 116. We are at 116. Current recommendations.

Yes, sir. Okay. All right. So I just want to go and look at, you know, the southeast area that we're not including just to, you know, really double check our thought processes around it. And your team can get back to me on that. where those geographically are.

We'll do. Appreciate it.

Okay. Thank you very much.

Yeah, I just want to thank you guys for meeting with me and answering all my questions. And a big applause to your team, your data team. So... To be able to put all this together, and I think Marcus wants to connect them with another department so you can put some pictures to make it easy. So thanks for the work you're doing. I also want to recognize former Councilwoman Adriana Rocha-Garcia, who's here, who's now, you can wave and stand, who's now over chest, who works for preventative health work in the southern sector of Bexar County and I know has worked closely with you guys. So thank you for being here.

And she signed up to speak, so we'll be hearing from her.

Anything else? Deborah, in meeting with me and my staff, we wanted to make sure that our suburban cities were integrated into this process. Can you tell the court how you and your staff did that?

Yes, thank you, Judge. So we did send all of the mayors of the suburban cities within Bexar County a letter notifying them if they did have an eligible census tract within their suburban city or if they did not. And we had six suburban cities that did, and we have asked for letters of support from them to include in our nomination packet, and we are fully supportive of recommending those census tracts.

And we also wanted, from my perspective and from my staff, was to focus on the underserved area, especially the unincorporated, the more rural areas. And we did a thorough sweep of those. And that's the reason why, on paper, Precinct 3 is perhaps not included in a lot of census tracts because of that dynamic. Is that a true statement?

Census 3 had the least amount of eligible tracks, and so they just didn't meet the requirements, the federal requirements.

All right. We're just taking discussion, correct? We're not taking any action today, and we'll come back in a couple weeks on the June 23rd meeting for approval?

That's correct.

And I assume, commissioners, you all will have an opportunity to get the final... presentation all locked down, all right? That'll be up to y'all to do that. So with that, let us now go to the, I believe we go to the public hearing, public presentation, although it's not listed, but I'm going to call up those that have signed up. And first, we'll go with former Councilwoman Adriana Rocha-Garcia from the CHEST nonprofit.

Yes, good morning, Judge, commissioners, and everyone. Thank you for allowing me to speak. The Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of CHESS, the Center for Health Empowerment in South Texas, strongly supports the Opportunity Zone 2.0 nomination package we submitted in consideration for census tracts across Bexar County. You all should have received them. The nominated tracks represent some of the most economically distressed communities in San Antonio, with poverty ranges from approximately 22 to 45.6%, far exceeding statutory thresholds and reflecting longstanding structural inequities. These communities also experience profound disparities in health outcomes, including a life expectancy gap approaching 20 years between underserved neighborhoods and more affluent areas of the county. CHESS nomination is not a collection of isolated projects. It's a coordinated place-based investment strategy anchored by real shovel-ready initiatives and a strong backbone. CHESS serves as a cross-sector convener aligning healthcare systems, educational institutions, nonprofits, and public agencies to achieve measurable improvements in community health and economic mobility. Each of the proposed clusters demonstrates clear readiness, viability, and long-term impact. They include the San Antonio South Health Empowerment Zone, the Southwest Medical Corridor, which we have seen investment in from University Health recently, and we'd like to thank Commissioner Clay Flores for her prioritizing of those projects. The Brooks City-Basin Cast Med Pipeline, which represents a unique national model connecting middle school, high school, and career pathways. The East Side Innovation District at Velocity, Texas, supported by its bioscience investment and federal funding. Thank you, Commissioner Calvert, for all of your work on that. And the West Side Cluster, which includes clusters with poverty rates above 45%, reflecting the most urgent need and addressing great opportunity for equitable anti-displacement investment. And we want to thank Commissioner Rodriguez for his thoughtful re-engagement of the conversation around ZIP Code 78207. These clusters are supported by significant public and private commitments, including federal grants, local government investment, philanthropy, and institutional partnerships. The designation of these tracks under Opportunity Zone 2.0 will not only attract capital, It will align that capital with measurable community outcomes, including improved health care access, workforce development, affordable housing, and economic opportunity for residents who have historically been left behind. San Antonio is among the nation's most economically segregated cities, with extreme disparities in income and life expectancy concentrated in its urban core and surrounding communities. The conditions across the nominated tracks are not the result of individual failure, They are the product of decades of infrastructure underinvestment, unfragmented healthcare access, broken workforce pipelines, and the absence of coordinated institutional commitment. And the data speaks for itself. Life expectancies vary by about 20 years. Poverty ranges from 22 to 46%, all exceeding the opportunity zone statutory threshold. Several Westside tracks meet the federal definition of persistent poverty, 20% or more, far more than for 30 years consecutively. The Southside and Eastside bear disproportionate burdens of preventable chronic disease, emergency department utilization, and premature mortality in Bexar County. And Southside of San Antonio faces a growing healthcare workforce shortage with too few community members on the pathway into the healthcare careers. That threatens to widen the health equity gap even as new facilities are built. Opportunity Zone 2.0 is a financial tool that can accelerate the institutional investments already underway across these communities. Each of the five clusters is anchored by major initiatives with committed or active investment. And each has an organizational backbone position to coordinate this capital into measurable community benefits. And we thank you all for the time to consider our recommendations. Thank you, Judge and Commissioners, and we'll be available to take any questions. later on as your staff needs us. Thank you.

Michael Taylor.

Thank you, Judge. I am speaking on the next item. Would you like me to go ahead? Yeah, go ahead. Okay. Well, thank you, Judge Sakai and Commissioners. I'm Michael Taylor, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio. And I want to start by thanking Robert Reyna and Laura Montanez and the entire Community Development and Housing team for their ongoing support of affordable homeownership. And I'm going to request today that the court support staff's recommendation to allocate HUD home funding to support Habitat's affordable homeownership program. These funds will be used to help us acquire eight and a half acres of land that's within walking distance to Southwest Legacy High School, Resnick Middle School, and the new elementary school in Precinct 1. The funds will also be used to help us build out the public infrastructure, so that's streets, sidewalks, drains, utilities, for a total of 47 new single-family homes for hardworking, low- and very low-income families. These funds will leverage millions more in donations from individuals, faith and civic groups, and the business community to make home building possible. Habitat builds three and four bedroom homes for families and sells them at no profit and finances them for 15 to 25 years at 0% interest. That means that monthly payments, including taxes and insurance, are about $900 a month. And our homebuyers work very hard to be a part of our program. They complete 17 homebuyer readiness classes, and they earn a minimum of 300 hours of sweat equity. I also wanted to talk briefly about a big event that we have coming up this Friday. So Friday, June 12th, Habitat will be hosting the Spurs, Spurs Sports and Entertainment, Holt Group, and the David Robinson Fellowship students at our Melody Lane build site. Bexar County contributed $2 million in SLPF and ARPA funds for the acquisition of land and installation of utilities for this 23-home neighborhood. And this is obviously a very busy time for the Spurs, so we are very excited that they will be out in mass to help landscape six homes. And at 10 a.m., we're going to be dedicating these six homes, along with nine others, and our very own Judge Sakai will be there to welcome 15 of our newest and hardest working Bexar County homeowners. So overall, just want to thank you all for your support. Bear County is an exceptional partner and a consistent funder, and that's what helps Habitat to ensure that we continue our production year after year. This year, we're building 52 homes, and that's because we know what we do and we do it well. This is actually our 50th anniversary year. So it's a very exciting time for us. Thank you very much for the opportunity to speak today, and I appreciate your support.

All right. And these comments will be coming up on 6B, which will be taken up right after this. Cindy Smith, you've also signed up for 6B?

Good morning. Thank you. My name is Cassidy Smith. I'm here representing Prospera Housing Community Services and Alamo Community Group. I'm here to express our support for the Commissioner's consideration of the Community Development Block Grant funds for the Springfield Manor Apartments Complex. Prospera's mission is to provide safe, high-quality, affordable housing with support services to those in need. We are a local nonprofit. We've been around for over 30 years now. We'd like to extend our sincere gratitude and thanks for your consideration today, and especially to Commissioner Calvert for his support of the project. These funds, if they were awarded, would assist with the rehabilitation of Springfield Manor Apartments, an affordable housing community in Kirby, Texas. They would serve to enhance the interior and exterior of the community, as well as maintain and preserve affordable housing options for Bexar County residents. Affordable housing is extremely important for the community, and Springfield Manor has stood as an option for Bexar County residents since 1968. It is comprised of 130 units of multifamily housing. This investment would help ensure that the property remains a valuable housing resource for current and future residents. We would also like to thank the Bexar County Economic and Community Development Department for its continued commitment and dedication to the community. It is a true privilege to collaborate with Bexar County staff in advancing service-enriched and affordable housing and supporting residents throughout the county. Thank you again to Commissioner Calvert, to everybody in the entire Bexar County team for your partnership and support. Thank you.

I apologize. It's Cassidy. Yes. Not Cindy. Yes. You have the smallest handwriting there.

I'm so sorry. Thank you so much.

Thank you. Was there anybody else signed up for item six that I did not call up that you signed up for? Otherwise, let us now proceed into the next time certain presentation discussion appropriate action regarding one, approval of the proposed reprogramming action utilizing $300,309.01 a non-expanded program year 21-24 CDBG funds to a public works infrastructure project in Precinct 4.

Mr. Reyna, are you here?

Yes, sir.

You have the floor. Good morning, Mr. Kai and Commissioners. For the record, my name is Robert Reyna with the Bexar County Economic and Community Development Department. And this morning, I plan to present staff recommendations regarding HUD entitlement funds for the 2026 to 2027 program year.

Discuss item number two under 6B.

Is it all going to be one?

So let me call up agenda item number two, the preliminary selection of projects to be funded with CDBG, $3,147,821. Home Investment Partnerships, $920,141.37. An emergency solutions grant, $277,743. A program fund for the 26-27 program year. I yield back to you, Mr. Rainham.

Thank you, Judge. As you know, Bexar County Division administers three grants to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. CDBG, HOME, and ESG. Bexar County receives these entitlement funds on an annual basis from HUD. In program year 2025, we received $4.31 million and in program year 2026, we anticipate receiving $4.34 million, which represents a $34,000 increase over the previous year. Of the $4.34 million we receive, approximately $742,000 is set aside to support our eight-person community development division. The Community Development Block Grant, or CDBG, is our largest federal program. We utilize CDBG to help develop viable urban communities in low- and moderate-income census tracts. With respect to CDBG public service activities, we are recommending a $75,000 allocation to the Somerset Senior Center, $75,000 for the Greater Randolph Area Services Program, or GRASP, $50,000 for Project MEND, and $150,000 for the San Antonio Food Bank for a grand total of $350,000 in public service investments. With respect to CDBG infrastructure, we recommend $656,000 to the City of Sandy Oaks, $239,000 for the City of Vaughn Army, $547,000 for the City of Balcones Heights, $533,000 for Alamo Community Group, and $190,000 for Meals on Wheels. This year we also have REPROGRAMMING FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $300,000. THIS FUNDING COMES FROM UNDERUTILIZED ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS AS A PORTION OF STAFF SALARIES WERE OFFSET DURING THE COVID ERA OR THE COVID PANDEMIC. THIS REDUCED THE AMOUNT THAT NEEDED TO BE DRAWN FROM OUR FEDERAL ENTITLEMENTS CREATING AVAILABLE CDBG FUNDS THAT CAN NOW BE DIRECTED TO AN ELIGIBLE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT. And the project that we are recommending is a public works infrastructure project in Precinct 4. The second grant that we administer is the Home Investment Partnership Program. We utilize home to increase the supply of affordable housing in Bexar County. We are recommending $828,000 for Habitat for Humanity for the Rancho Verano single family development community. And our final grant is ESG or the Emergency Solutions Grant. We use this grant to help people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness regain housing stability. We are recommending $162,000 for Haven for Hope for their street outreach program and $94,912 for rapid rehousing. That brings us to our recommended motion, Judge.

I don't have any questions. Thank you for meeting with me. Thank you for the work that you guys do, your small but mighty team. I'd like to make a motion for approval.

There's a motion by Commissioner Clay Flores. Now, are we, for purposes of clarity, are we taking both agenda items as one, or do we need to separate them?

I can make a motion for approval for B as well.

All right. Motion by Commissioner Clay Flores, second by Commissioner Coveney.

I'm sorry, B1 and B2.

B1 and B2, for the record. Any further discussion? Commissioner Rodriguez, Commissioner Calvert? Right. Anything else? All right. All those in favor of the motion, signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? Motion carries. Thank you very much. Did Commissioner Moody register a vote? Please note. I did, aye. He voted aye, unanimously approved. All right, we'll continue on with time certain. Discussion, appropriate action regarding the presentation by Clifton Larson Allen of the county's FY 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, Single Audit Report, and Government Letter. Mr. Leo Carrera.

Good morning, Honorable Judge Sakai and Honorable Commissioner's Court. For the record, my name is Leo Caldera, a county auditor. Today, external auditor Joel Perez, he's a principal of Clifton, Larson, Allen, CLA, will be presenting the 2025 audited financial results to Commissioner's Court. The county's annual comprehensive financial report, also known as the ACFER, is put together in conjunction with the audit. Y'all should have received a packet last week along with the audit. I'm very happy to report we received an unmodified opinion, or better known as a clean audit. This basically means the county's financial records were found to be accurate and trustworthy. We had no material weaknesses identified, and we continue to receive the GFOA certificate of achievement for excellence and financial reporting. We actually had our comments go down from 15 to four comments this year, so we're pretty happy with that. As you all know, it takes a lot of work for several months to put this ACPA together, all while responding to external auditor requests. I'm blessed with my hardworking staff that successfully gets this done to meet deadlines every year. That said, thank you to my hardworking staff and to the external auditors for their thorough audit contributions. That said, I'm going to hand this over to Joel. He's briefly going to talk about some key high points of this year's audit and specifically two single points. audit findings, single audit findings, and that has to do with grants for this year. Thank you.

Thank you, Leo. Good morning, Honorable Judge Peter Sakai, members of the court. My name is Joel Perez. I'm a principal with Clifton National, and as Leo alluded to, and I served as the engagement leader for the audit for Bexar County for fiscal year ending September 30, 2025. Leo highlighted the results in a very nice and condensed way of the audit. So I am going to focus my presentation on the two findings that he referred to. So while we had no findings as it relates to the financial audit, as you are aware, the audit of the county includes a financial audit and a compliance audit. The findings that I'm speaking to you about this morning relate to the financial to the compliance audit, and more specifically to the state compliance audit. Because the counties are recipient of federal and state grants, there's two separate single audits, one for the federal and one for the state. The findings that I'm reporting to you today relate to the state single audit. The first finding relates to a condition that we found. Basically, the compliance procedures for one of the grants requires that you submit quarterly financial reports to the respective agency, grant or state agency. Those requirements have very specific and rigid reporting timelines and deadlines of when that information is to be submitted on a quarterly basis to the funding agency. The observation we noted, WAS THAT FOR THE QUARTERLY REPORTS THAT WE SELECTED, WE WERE UNABLE TO ESTABLISH THE TIMELINESS OF THE SUBMISSION FOR THOSE TWO REPORTS, AND THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OR SUPPORT, AND THEREFORE THE REPORTED FINDING. SO THAT FINDING RELATES TO THE MANAGED ASSISTANCE COUNCIL PROGRAM AND THE MENTAL HEALTH MANAGED ASSISTANCE COUNCIL PROGRAM. THAT'S THE TEXAS INDIGENOUS DEFENSE COMMISSION AGENCY THAT AWARDED THAT GRANT. WE'RE MAKING A RECOMMENDATION FOR MANAGEMENT TO EVALUATE THE CONTROL STRUCTURE THERE, EVALUATE WHAT TRIGGERED THAT TARDINESS OF THOSE REPORTS AND TO ENHANCE YOUR CONTROLS BASED ON THE ACTUAL SITUATION, HOW IT HAPPENED AND WHY. THE NEXT FINDING, YES, SIR.

I JUST HAD A POINT OF INQUIRY. I WANTED TO MAKE SURE I UNDERSTOOD DEPARTMENTALLY A LITTLE BIT OF, MAYBE IN THE NOMENCLATURE OR MY HEARING, I'M NOT SURE. IT'S FOR THE MANAGED ASSIGNED COUNCIL, IS THAT CORRECT? THIS, YES. AND SO THE GRANTS WERE RELATED TO THE INDIGENT, TEXAS INDIGENT DEFENSE WAS THE GRANTOR, IS THAT RIGHT?

THE STATE AGENCY IS THE TEXAS INDIGENT DEFENSE COMMISSION. The two program names we have listed is the Managed Assisted Assigned Counsel Program and the Mental Health Managed Assigned Counsel Program.

Okay. Was there any deeper look at the financials in terms of anything other than reporting that might have been an issue? The financials of the county? Of the department that you're looking at, the Managed Assigned Counsel Department?

So this relates to the compliance of how the county spent those dollars. That was the scope of the compliance engagement that we were engaged for.

If I could, I thank Commissioner. Calvert, I think if I got your question, good question. Was the money not only, okay, he's pointing out the compliance, obviously, they didn't get the report in on time. It didn't hinder funding, so we still received money from that grant, and everything the auditors looked at, it was in compliance. That grant in particular is mainly to cover salaries for a lot of the attorneys, so it was in line with the compliance for that grant.

The deeper question is, Mr. Caldera, is What is a consequence of not meeting the grant requirements? And I think for purposes of accountability and making sure that the county doesn't get penalized with grants, and that's always the accountability piece, what are the consequences of the failure of whatever happened here, which is, I believe, just filing timely reports. So, Mr. Pettis, why don't you go there? You're a numbers guy, and you're making sure that we're meeting all the requirements. I want a discussion of what happens when we don't, because these departments who get grants have to understand that there is a fiduciary, there's an accountability for every grant they get. And I'm putting on record that either they work with the Commissioner's Court and the Budget Office and the Grant Department, or else they're on their own. And if they're on their own, they may well incur liability on behalf of the county. So let's have that discussion for purposes of making sure everybody understands what this is all about other than just a report.

I can speak to that, if I may. Yes. So the finding, the severity of the finding is a documentation gap. WHAT YOU WANT TO STAY AWAY IS FROM, AND LET ME BACK UP, IT'S A DOCUMENTATION GAP THAT WE COULDN'T FIND SUPPORT FOR THE TIMELINESS OF THOSE SUBMISSIONS, RIGHT? THE CLASSIFICATION OF THE FINDING IS NOT A MATERIAL WEAKNESS BUT A DEFICIENCY BELOW THAT WHICH IS A SIGNIFICANT DEFICIENCY. IT IS ALSO NOT CONSIDERED A MATERIAL NONCOMPLIANCE. IT IS REGULAR NONCOMPLIANCE. And the situation that we encountered here also did not trigger a question cause. That's when the local government needs to evaluate whether funds need to be remitted back to the funding agency because of potential material weaknesses and material noncompliance. That's not the situation here. The situation is a level below that, where the compliance requirement dictates some DATES THAT QUALITY REPORTS NEED TO BE SUBMITTED BY, AND THOSE WERE NOT ADHERED TO. OR AT LEAST DOCUMENTATION AVAILABLE DID NOT SUPPORT THAT.

I WANTED TO JUST FINISH MY LINE OF QUESTIONING. THE LAST LINE OF QUESTIONING WAS, WERE THERE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM YOUR FIRM FOR THE, TO GET US INTO COMPLIANCE? AND IF THERE WERE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM YOUR FIRM, WHAT WERE THEY FOR THIS DEPARTMENT?

The recommendation was that the county should implement and strengthen internal controls to ensure timely preparation and submission of all required performance reports in accordance with the grant requirements and retention of adequate supporting documentation. EVIDENCING THE SUBMISSION OF OUR REQUIRED REPORTS, INCLUDING THE STAFFING REPORTS.

THAT GIVES ME ANOTHER LINE OF QUESTIONING FOR THOMAS. SO WE'VE HAD A GAP IN TERMS OF OUR GRANT DEPARTMENT THAT WE'VE RECENTLY FILLED, I BELIEVE. SO IS THAT PART OF THEIR OVERSIGHT OR IS THAT YOUR FISCAL AGENTS OR WHO IS OR IS THERE NO ONE? HOW DOES THAT WORK?

Commissioner, I think the staffer you're referencing was our grant writer. That's not the compliance individual. That individual

Thomas, I'm sorry. I'll weigh in on that, Commissioner. That's with the MAC. So that reporting and compliance, that is with their actual grant. So that would be, Mr. Beth, he's here to speak on that. So that would be the actual administration of that grant once they receive it, not with Thomas or Tina or the grant. They may have written the grant. So I think I'll let Mr. Beth.

But I think high level, there needs to be a consideration of whether there is another level of supervisory authority efforts related to our grants because, you know, the buck stops with the court and we lead to you to make sure that the bucks are flowing the right ways, right? So typically I think what you all do is you've got a compliance manager designated for the county, I guess in department or has it come in budget in any way in the fiscal year?

So there's three different components. There's the financial piece, which is generally handled by the auditor's office. So they have a team that works on that. Then there's the budgeting, which is what we handle. So making sure all the grant budgets are compliant. And then there's the programmatic, which is the responsibility of the receiving, whoever's managing the grant. So in this case, it would be managed assigned counsel. So there's three different components.

And the auditor's office.

Yes, they handle the financial part.

Okay, so from the auditor's office standpoint, do you have the staffing to do the oversight compliance, or is it mainly as a result of a test, like in the case of this auditor coming and saying, you know, and then you're able to kind of get into it, or do you have a standing oversight process?

Yeah, Commissioner. So we do have procedures in place to review and, you know, help ensure things are coming on side. But obviously, you know, and thank you for asking for staff. Right now, I do feel we have a good amount of staff to cover that. But to your point, the county this past year, we have a little over $90 million in state and federal grants. So obviously, that's a lot, right? And to Tina's point, on the programmatic side, YOU KNOW, THERE'S A LOT OF COMPLIANCE TO ENSURE, YOU KNOW, THE SALARIES ARE BEING USED IN THE CORRECT WAY, YOU KNOW, THE QUARTERLY REPORTINGS. AND ALTHOUGH WE HAVE FOLLOW-UPS, AGAIN, NOT TO PASS THE BUCK, AND WE DO FOLLOW UP, JUST ABOUT THE SHEER AMOUNT, WE RELY ON THE DEPARTMENTS TO HELP ENSURE THAT THE CLIENTS ARE GOING TO BE, BECAUSE THEY'RE THE ONES THAT ARE GOING TO KNOW WHO'S GOING TO KNOW BETTER, RIGHT, WHERE THE MONEY IS GOING TO BE GOING, HOW IT'S GOING TO BE USED. WE DO LOOK AT THE DOCUMENTATION ON THAT. And we do have things in place, but to just bluntly answer your question, it's difficult for us to handle all of that, the programmatic side and the financial side. But I don't know if that answers your question.

No, it does answer the question. To some extent, it's a matter of risk tolerance of the county. What is our risk tolerance? Do we feel comfortable with that arrangement or not? Do we look at additional staffing in the auditor's department, or do we look at it like an inspector general kind of department that may be available in the future? So we have to marinate on it as a body and just kind of determine what's our risk tolerance. In this case, this is not a, as you said, I can't remember the accounting term you used, but

material noncompliance thank you yeah so anyway we'll move on i just was trying to understand where we're at and commissioner you're spot on but i'm going to reframe it i don't think people are going to like what i hear and that is the response i just heard shows the material weakness of our situation i know nobody wants me to put that on the record and i'm looking at mr pettis or the county auditor or everybody who's spoken today Ultimately, Commissioner said it, the buck stops here at the dais, and it shouldn't. It should be where staff has reviewed this, and I've yet to hear who is responsible. I realize we have Mr. Bethke here. I'm sure there'll be a reason what happened here. But to have the legal, the auditor, the manager's office, our independent auditor go, well, there's a problem. It's not a risk assessment. It is, I believe, a situation that needs to get corrected. And so my question out loud is, how are we going to fix it other than is it a risk tolerance? No, we're going to get hit with some grant issues if we don't have a process and an accountability. Somebody's got to step up and say, we'll fix this. Now, who's going to do that? Mr. Ivar, you want to start?

Yes, Judge. I think the best approach is to revisit our grant policy and make sure that all those accounting and that accountability is written in there and that when departments are Seeking these grants, we have a very clear understanding of those timelines, as our independent auditor has mentioned, that those are closely monitored, that those are reported back in. So I think the first step, judge and commissioners, is revisiting that policy, finding where we can strengthen that for that accountability.

Give you a little modification to what you said. I think that we have to do what the judge is asking. We have to put an operational plan in terms of who is responsible for what by when. And in my mind, there are two potential departments that could be responsible. One is the auditor's office with maybe additional staffing. I don't know. We have to assess that. The other is the grants department. Since the grants department follows a lot of this process of writing, they also have an interest in ensuring compliance. And so there may be a level of grant monitoring and assistance, right? I mean, this is not meant to be punitive. This is meant to be compliant. And so perhaps those grant department folks could assist with the reporting if it's behind. They're like a technical resource that also knows about grants, was probably involved in the process of it in the beginning, and can assist with the compliance. So that would be a thought, but we can flesh it out later.

Judge, if I may for a second, I know that I've worked with your office and we've tried, and Thomas as well, grants have been an issue and we've tried to really try to move it in another direction, as you know, and we can continue to do that, especially with the way that grants are currently being handled. There's so many of them. I think departments have gotten used to handling them a certain way outside of the court, kind of unofficially and we've been working on trying to manage some of that with the court support. I think we can really create a new process. Commissioner Calvert, I think you brought up a very valid point. We can put together a plan and we would love the court support for that. Absolutely. And we can do that. And we've already tried to do some of that officially by bringing those grants before the court, making sure the court's aware of it, making sure those grants are filed in the minutes where they weren't before. So Commissioner Calvert, I think you bring up a very valid point. We would love the court support to do that. We've already tried to start doing that, but we need the support of the court as well as the departments to really do that. And if the court is willing to back up Thomas and the budget department, we can do that.

A week. By next court meeting, we'll bring you our plan.

Make sure it's thorough and comprehensive. Thank you. I see Mr. Bethke here. I want to give him an opportunity because we've obviously... So, Mr. Bethke, I believe this conversation has been at a much higher level, but what do you have to say for the record?

Thank you, Judge Sakai, commissioners, public. I'm Jim Bethke, director of the Managed Signed Counsel Program, and I appreciated the auditor's office reaching out and working with the manager's office on it. I want to say unequivocally that the county is in no jeopardy whatsoever of losing state funds. We were in constant communication with TIDC, but instead of trying to fight the particular provision, we took it as an opportunity to strengthen our internal controls so that Two areas that the audit report found we've addressed both of those items, and I think one of the items Thomas and I can get with you is there's quarterly reporting and that's on the mental health grant. we've got it there's two more years left on it we've got it set on the calendar. I've got specific people that are responsible, so if somebody's out on vacation, plus the one additional step that we've implemented that I think will be helpful is when we submit that report, it's just copy the grants team. And in addition to that, I'm just listening to the comments here, what we will do is send the reporting schedule TO THE GRANTS TEAM, THAT WILL PROVIDE AN EXTRA COPY. ALL OF THE REPORTS HAD BEEN SUBMITTED. IT WAS JUST THE TIMING. WE'RE WAITING FOR SOME CLARIFICATION FROM TIDC ON SOME THINGS LIKE THAT. SO I THINK ALL VALID CONCERNS, AND WE DID, WE TOOK THIS AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO JUST STRENGTHEN OUR INTERNAL CONTROLS TO ENSURE THAT, YOU KNOW, SOMETHING IN THE FUTURE DOESN'T HAPPEN.

Yeah, so I just wanted to comment. Leo, you said there were no major findings, correct?

Yes, Commissioner, because this is the grant site.

That's all I need to know. So I just want to say we have a $3 billion budget out of the millions and millions and millions of grants that we so graciously receive and need for our constituents. For so many programs, we just passed one of those with Robert, Raina, and Laura. All the work that you do through the MAC to help us more efficient with all of the grants that we have from the levels of the judges to our departments. We have no major findings, and I think that is huge and worth applause for the auditor's team. Yes, you can clap. Un fuerte aplauso, por favor.

Yes.

For the auditor's team and for the work that the MAC does do, that's why we put the MAC into action. So we deal with We have a $3 billion budget. Who knows what the budget's going to be this year? Maybe that's why David's not here today. I don't know. But we deal with a lot of money, and we try to be good stewards. I'll speak for myself. I try to be a good steward of taxpayer dollars for my constituents. And the fact that we have all this money coming in and out, all the contracts that we do from small nonprofits to large nonprofits, and to say that there are no major findings, I think is huge. So I just wanted to acknowledge that and thank you for your work. No comment.

I think we have a second issue that needs to be discussed.

Thank you. Mr. Pettis, come back. Thank you, Mr. Bethke. Let's get all those reports done.

The second finding relates to the state agency is the Texas Governor's Office. The state program is the San Antonio, Texas Anti-Gang Center. And the finding is a procurement finding relating to sole source purchasing. Essentially, there was a purchase of some equipment and related services from a vendor in the amount of $249,500 that was tacked as a sole source procurement purchase type method. When we evaluated the supporting documentation behind that purchase in comparison with the policies and procedures, not just by the county locally, but also by procurement laws and regulations governed by grants. WE NOTED THAT THE COUNTY DID NOT ADHERE TO THE ESTABLISHED PROCUREMENT PROCEDURES FOR SOLE SOURCE PURCHASES. THERE WAS ALSO A REQUIREMENT IN ACCORDING TO THE PROCEDURES THAT ANY SOLE SOURCE TYPE OF TRANSACTION BE PROCURED OR BE PRESENTED TO COMMISSIONER'S COURT FOR THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL AND THAT PROCEDURE THAT IS REQUIRED BY YOUR POLICIES AND PROCEDURES WAS NOT ADHERED TO. So that's the essence of that finding relating to a sole source purchase. I will say, consistent with, for comparison purposes, consistent with the classification of the previous finding, this one is also NOT A MATERIAL WEAKNESS, IT'S A SIGNIFICANT DEFICIENCY, SO IT'S A LEVEL BELOW, AND IT'S ALSO REGULAR NONCOMPLIANCE, MEANING IT'S NOT MATERIAL NONCOMPLIANCE, NEITHER ONE OF THE FINDINGS. SO I LOOK AT THIS AS SIMILAR TO THE OTHER ONE, IT'S A DOCUMENTATION MATTER THAT WAS REQUIRED BY YOUR POLICIES AND PROCEDURES THAT WAS NOT ADHERED TO. THIS ONE EXCEPTION ALSO DID NOT TRIGGER A QUESTION COST, WHICH going back to my comments before, is when you have to coordinate with the agency whether the funds need to be remitted back or not. So that's essentially the description of that, finding number two.

Was the material deficiency, well, not the deficiency. It is not a material deficiency. Not material deficiency, but deficiency is the fact that this particular procurement was not a sole source. or that it lacked the documentation to support a sole source, which would be a statutory violation of the open competitive bidding process, correct?

Correct. So what is it? It's the latter. The procedures call when you identify a sole source, it's got specific procedures, one of them being it be identified and brought forth to the court for the review and approval. And that procedure was not adhered to.

Mr. Galloway, you're standing right behind him. Does that refer to your office? Yes, sir.

Your Honor, Commissioners, good morning. Greg Galloway, Bexar County Purchasing Agent. I have a prepared statement for this, and I worked with Mr. Leo in the auditor's office regarding this. At some point prior to my arrival, this purchase was initiated, and then during the transition of the- What was this issue? It was for Bexar County Sheriff's Office. It is license plate readers that they purchased. Okay. So go ahead, explain it. So prior to my arrival, this was initiated. And during the transition, there was a lapse in oversight. Upon receiving my signature authority, my department had a backlog of purchase orders that needed to be released. Not to make excuse for that, what I have prepared is the process and implemented the process so that this does not occur. What I'll read off to you is this. The purchasing staff recognizes the oversight and the implemented best practices in the following to ensure proper compliance and approach with regard to the source selection. Upon receiving a purchase request and or solicitation request, purchasing staff will set up a discovery meeting with the requesting department program or program to understand the defined scope of work, deliverable objectives, and the funding agency requirements. That's the key piece there. Upon completion of the discovery meeting review, purchasing staff will present to the purchasing management FOR FURTHER IN-DEPTH REVIEW OF THE CONFIRMED SCOPE, FUNDING AGENCY REQUIREMENTS, AND THE EXPECTED BUDGET TO DETERMINE THE APPROPRIATE COMPETITIVE PROCUREMENT METHOD, WHICH WOULD BE YOUR RFP, YOUR RFQ, INVITATION FOR BID, AND ENSURE THAT IT'S CLEARLY COMMUNICATED TO THE ASSIGNED SENIOR CONTRACT SPECIALIST AND THEIR TANDEM. PURCHASING STAFF WILL CONDUCT THEIR STANDARD BUSINESS UNDER ROUTINE BEST PRACTICES WITH OVERSIGHT BY THE PURCHASING AGENT, ASSISTANT PURCHASING AGENTS, AND MANAGEMENT STAFF. So, again, prior to my arrival, this had been initiated, and at some point, the funding source changed, which would have dictated a different approach, understanding the grant requirements, and then having the background specific. WE'LL GO ON RECORD AND SAY THAT I DON'T AGREE WITH SOIL SOURCE SELECTION IN THIS CASE. DEFINITELY WE COULD HAVE LOOKED AT SOME OTHER OPTIONS IF THIS WAS SPECIFIC. AGAIN, BARRICADO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE HAS SOME VERY SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS IN HOW THEY, BCSO, YES. IT'S LICENSED PLACE READERS FOR THE VEHICLES.

JUDGE, I THINK THIS IS A GOOD TIME FOR US TO DO SOME ANALYSIS. housekeeping. I have seen across my agenda a number of items in the Sheriff's Department that didn't seem just as a layman and just as a bird's eye view as sole source. And I'd like to get from your department a look. We'll start with the Sheriff's Department's sole source over the last couple of years that have come. I think we should, Commissioner Rodriguez, I think we should talk about it in The purchasing board, just to double-check the things that have been said to be sole source, that have come across this, because we could get into some serious stuff, because we deal in this world with DOJ grants, we deal with AG grants, we deal with some serious... entities that give us these funds?

Well, Commissioner, I can also add some context on their defense, right? On what? Some of the specific equipment that they utilize is very specialized or very sensitive.

Yeah, I hear that, but trust but verify is my thing, is I think that we need to go back and just... do an assessment and analysis of some of that? Because some of the stuff was, I mean, you know, weapon stuff. I mean, you know, bullets. I mean, I can't remember all of what it was, but it didn't strike me as sole source, just as a bird's eye view. And I could be completely wrong, but I think we need to clean this up. So let's take a look at what's going on, and let's take this to the purchasing board for more private, and we'll come back to the commissioner's court if we need to. Okay? Thank you, Judge.

Again, Commissioner Calvert, you're spot on, and I know staff are not going to like this comment. So in light of your representation today, in light of the timing where you were obviously in transition, was this grant process and the contract for this particular procurement approved without the review of the purchasing department because of whatever, or was it approved by your department and It happened. Because obviously today you're saying this should not have happened.

That's correct. It should not have happened. It happened. Yeah, but answer my question.

Was it approved by purchasing or not?

Purchasing approved it, yes. Okay. Yes, Your Honor.

So again, so let me go to the accountant. What's the checks and balances so that we can, as Commissioner Calvert is saying, how can we start the conversation of, How do we improve the process? And I think it follows through on what I heard from counsel, Mr. Roberson, it's a process that we have tried to put into effect. And I'm looking at Mr. Guevara and the manager's office to say, okay, here's another example of where's the process? How can we avoid these type of oversight. Let's leave it at that.

Judge, before we get into that, I actually agree with Commissioner Calvert. I think that there are some very, you know, those exceptions are for Commissioner's Court to approve. And the sole source, I think they are misused, but those decisions are for the purchasing agent. So when you start implementing processes and you start putting that weight on the auditor's office, I mean, Thomas and I review that agenda. Well, Thomas and Kate and I review that agenda every week, but we can't make those decisions for the commissioner's court. That's what you hired the purchasing agent to do. And Commissioner Calvert is right. I actually agree with him completely is that he has seen a number of those purchases that are, while not unlawful, they are questionable. I agree with that. I've seen a couple from different departments that may be in a gray area, but are difficult to justify. And so I want to just... Caution, it's not the auditor's department to make that, it's not for them to make that decision as to whether a justification is, it's for the court. And so I don't really know, and we talk about this all the time. Kate and I have this conversation. Thomas and I have these conversations. We call those questions, but we don't have the information to make those decisions. So when you try to implement a process, we are second-guessing the individuals that you all hired to make those decisions, and we have to argue with those individuals who you all hired. Well, through the purchasing board, actually. So Commissioner Calvert and Commissioner Rodriguez hired to make those decisions. So I just want to give that court the background to court the background. And we will continue to do that on behalf of the court. But ultimately, it is the court who when you see those items on the agenda and Commissioner Calvert's right on this. There are a number of issues that, you know, I don't we don't agree with, but we don't have the authority to demand that they be. But you do. So just with that background, I'll let the auditor continue, because these have been some really difficult conversations.

Good report, but let's leave this on a positive note, Mr. Bettis. What would be some of your feedback from an independent auditor perspective on this issue?

I think you've... If management follows through with the – so we gave you a recommendation and I spoke to one of them. This one is no different. You've got to go back, evaluate your sole source procedures, policies, practices, and ensure it's properly documented and it fulfills the requirements of a sole source. And if not, it's okay. Then you go through the regular procurement process, right? There was documentation gap in why did it not make it to Commissioner's Court. There needs to be a system of checks and balances that supports, hey, this is a sole source in relation to the policies. We need to take it to the court, like all your other procedures. But I think if there's proper follow-up to the recommendations we're making, there is also a corrective action plan that was prepared by management that is attached to this report. WHILE WE DON'T AUDIT THE CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN, WE DO COME BACK NEXT YEAR AND EVALUATE IF IT WAS PROPERLY ADOPTED, IMPLEMENTED, AND IF IT'S FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED. WE DID THAT LAST YEAR WITH THE FINDINGS FROM LAST YEAR, AND THEY'VE ALL BEEN CLEARED, RIGHT? SO I WOULD ASK THAT THEY KIND OF DO A PROPER FOLLOW-THROUGH OF THE CORRECTIVE ACTION TO ALLEVIATE THE RISK THAT WE'VE IDENTIFIED.

Yeah, thank you. This has been a great discussion. Well, thank you. Is this year two for you guys, right, as the outside auditor? You know, I think to kind of underscore some of the points my colleagues have made, this is a clean audit, but it's not a perfect audit, right? We have some room for improvement, which is not necessarily a red flag unless we choose to ignore it. And I think your point is there is some things to look at more with more scrutiny. I think it's incumbent on Thomas and Smith and Tina to take that feedback and give us some recommendations on how we could make the process better. And I think that's I think the lesson learned here. But I think I agree, Commissioner Calvert, there's some things probably with the purchasing board that we could tighten up and look forward to those discussions but well thanks for your work on this and Judge I think we need I don't know if you're done with your report but this concludes my presentation yeah so I'll make a motion to go ahead and approve the the single audit report and governance letter from the outside auditor.

Let me just clarify on the motion. I think audits are things where we affirm, like the reading of the audit or something. We don't necessarily make a motion to approve it, or do we?

Maybe adopt. I'm not sure if it's approved. Maybe adopt it or at least affirm it. Yeah.

Maybe the motion would be to accept the audit report. Yes.

Motion by Commissioner Rodriguez, second by Commissioner Calvert. Any further discussion? I have a comment.

With Greg, y'all are talking about the issues or whatever, and of course y'all report to a board. So I don't know when the last time that board has met. I think y'all said Commissioner Calvert's on it. So maybe Commissioner Calvert, y'all need to meet more often to have that oversight. All right. Any further discussion?

Hearing none, all those in favor of the motion, signal by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed?

Aye.

Any abstentions? Motion carries. Thank you very much. Okay. Let's go back to then the individual items. Correct, Kate? First one. Yeah, you're right. We still have individual items? Yes, you're right. Not individual agenda, but individual... Agenda item number 6, authorizing the continuation of month-to-month services with inmate calling solutions, DBAIC solutions, in the amount of $14,583.33, yearly amount of $175,000 for the purchase of inmate video visitation support services and the public point and inmate phone services as requested by the Bexar County Sheriff's Department, while the purchasing agent revises the scope of work in order to re-advertise a request for a proposal. to combine inmate video visitation support services and revenue-generating public coin and inmate phone services. Mr. Galloway.

Your Honor, Commissioners, good morning. I'm here on behalf of multiple departments, the purchasing department, BCSO, juvenile probation, and our partners at BCIT, who had a significant hand in working through the framework for this new re-solicitation request. I can tell you, Commissioner, that the The end game is very near. We intend to come back to Commissioner's Court next month for the re-solicitation approval so we can get the new RFP out. I'll start with where we're at right now and then go back to what kind of occurred that's hindered or slowed the progress of this particular solicitation. So the last time this agenda item was

Mr. Galloway, if I could, please, since I pulled this item, just to provide some context. You know, that's obviously my concern and the reason for pulling this. If I remember correctly, this came before the court. I don't know, 18 months ago. You can help me with the timeline. And there was a question at that time that if we looked for bids for the individual services or a bundled service. There were two services. We might be able to get a better deal for the county. And, you know, so my understanding was it was supposed to go back out. But my as I understand the timeline, that was 18 months ago. So I think you were getting into it. But that's obviously my concern with what has held this up so long.

Got you, Commissioner. Absolutely. So let me give you the context on that. The last time this was presented, it was tabled to request two separate services to be combined into one new scope of work. BCIT has combined the inmate phone system along with the video visual system requirements into a single scope service and has completed the final revisions. Going back to what happened and what occurred to slow this, there were missing IT requirements in the prior solicitation. BCIT determined that the previous solicitation lacked necessary technical requirements. New BCIT requirements documents had to be created from scratch in 2026. Those updates required BCSO's metrics to be revised. BCSO updated all performance metrics to their latest versions, and these updated metrics are required input before the solicitation could be released. The extended stakeholder scope. So during the middle of reworking the solicitation, The juvenile probation department needs were added into the middle of this process, then refined again in August of 2025 when the JPD shifted to remote-only visitations. This was significant. This changed requirements to multiple revisions to the combined scope. The operational changes after COVID, the public visitation center remained closed and it still remains closed. And there's 64 public kiosks that were removed and stored. Reassessing the kiosks now moving forward in 2026, the placement and then the IT infrastructure that's required REQUIRED ADDITIONAL COORDINATION STEPS. THERE'S ALSO ONE ADDITIONAL, WHICH IS THE INCUMBENT ICS PC THAT NEEDS TO BE INSTALLED AND THERE'S ADDITIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING THAT WAS REQUIRED FOR THIS SPECIFIC NEW KIAS LOCATION. So with multiple changes, multiple revisions, and then combining the scope, this is a very complex, and it's multiple departments. It's not just one set department. It's BCSO, juvenile probation, and then working with BCIT to combine the complex scope of work. All right. So the request is, going back to item 16, is authorizing a month-to-month service so that with the intent of next month to re-approach court, bring the re-solicitation, gain the re-solicitation approval, host that for 30 days, close that down, and then hopefully we can make that source selection within the next 60 to 90 days. But we need the continuation of the current contract. Okay.

I'll move approval for the item with the expectation that we bring this back for the bundled bid that we had talked about some time ago. Second.

Second by Commissioner Rodriguez. Just, again, further clarification. I think you've said it, Mr. Galloway, but, again, the motion is to continue the month-to-month with the current provider. You will be bringing back the final, I guess, language for the RFP by next month to the court. Okay. Thank you, Judge.

I'm going to call for a vote. All those in favor of the motion, signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? Motion carries. Thank you, Mr. Galloway. Yes, sir. We'll take up the second individual item off consent. 31, approval, execution of First Amendment to the grant agreement between Bexar County Haven for Hope. For the capital improvement project at the county-owned facility located at 1231 West Martin Street, which is operated and maintained by Haven for Hope in Bexar County, this amendment extends the agreement term by three months through September 30, 2026. All other terms and conditions remain unchanged. Commissioner Rodriguez, you had pulled this matter.

I did, Judge, and I'll be brief. Robert, I don't need a presentation. Just wanted to highlight this. If I remember correctly, this was part of some discussions and work we did back during COVID. And I think it was roughly $800,000 or $900,000 that we allocated for the resource center at Haven. So I just wanted to highlight it because it's taking a little bit longer, I know, than we anticipated. But this was something back then that Mary Rose Brown, may she rest in peace, was a huge advocate for, was in my office pretty frequently advocating for this. And I see our Haven partners here. If you want to talk briefly about the timeline on this, Robert, or them, but again, I just wanted to highlight it because it's important work to our houseless population, getting them back on their feet with all kinds of resources. So I don't know if you have an updated timeline on the completion of this or if anybody could speak to that. I hope so.

Morning. Good morning. Good morning, Judge, Commissioners. My name is Peter Ramirez. I'm the Director of Facilities there at Haven for Hope. Our timeline stands by the 90-day extension will be completed by September 30th, by or before September 30th.

Wonderful. Thank you so much. We appreciate you being here. Judge, I'll make a motion to approve.

Thank you. Mr. Rodriguez, seconded by Commissioner Clay Flores. Any further discussion? Hearing none, I'll call for a vote. All those in favor, signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstention? Motion carries. Get it done. All right. I believe that concludes the consent agenda. Correct, Kate?

All right.

Court will take up seven filing for record the following legal administrative documents directed at the Criminal District Attorney's Office to take action necessary. A through F. Court will take up eight approval of Commissioner's Court minutes for Tuesday, May 26, 2026. Is there a motion? Motion to approve. Motion by Commissioner Rodriguez. Second. Second by Commissioner Clay Flores. All those in favor, signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Aye. Any abstention? Motion carries. Citizens to be heard. Let me take up, there were a couple that were, I should have called it earlier, they were on the consent. Are you still there? Terry Kilmer, I know you were here for the ceremonial. I'm sorry, I should have probably called you earlier. Terry Kilmer? Terry Kilmer? Okay. How about Jeff Butts? You were here on agenda item 32 that was approved during the consent vote. Jeff Butts, are you still here? Jeff Butts, your item was passed. All right. All right. For the record, I have Keith Wilson here, says signed up. Keith Wilson, you have Olga Varial, who's yielded her time. You have Gina Ponce, who has yielded her time. You have Nigel McFarland, who's yielded his time. Jessica Hernandez, who's yielded her time. I'll ask Genevieve Trinidad. It looks like you have yielded your time. Arthur Hernandez, have you yielded your time? You don't have any notation on there. Arthur, or no, Arturo.

Yes. Yeah, well...

Oh, okay. They're not... I don't know. He's out in the hallways. He's got a hurt leg. Is he yielding his time? He is actually going to speak, Judge. Okay.

And then what about... Is it Mariah?

Yes.

Chaparral? Yes, Judge. Are you yielding your time?

No. Okay.

Thank you, Judge. All right. So, Keith, you have the floor.

Judge Sakai, commissioners, good morning. My name's Keith Wilson. I grew up in Bexar County. This is my home. I'm a retired soldier and the former director of Bexar County's Department of Military and Veterans Services. I'm grateful to have the friends with me here today standing as I discuss the important issue of homelessness and mental health. Before I do, I'd like to point out we had some great proclamations today recognizing some great things. Elder Abuse Month, Pride Month, Juneteenth, Women's Unlimited Today. I'd be remiss if I allowed us to continue without pointing out that June 12 is Texas Women Veterans Day. I know we didn't have a proclamation, but I would like to recognize I have a couple of women veterans standing with me today. and all the brave women that don the uniform of our nation to serve our country. So we'll think of them as well. Over a month ago, I stood before this court to raise concerns regarding leadership culture and organizational effectiveness within Bexar County. In those remarks, I specifically mentioned my concern about the growing homeless crisis impacting communities across our country. Unfortunately, recent reporting by both KSAT 12 and KINS 5 reinforced those concerns. A few weeks ago, KSAT 12 reported that the city of San Antonio's newly created Homeless Services Department, led by Mark Carmona, identified significant gaps in our current system, including major shortages in shelter capacity, supportive housing and homelessness prevention resources. That report confirmed what many frontline organizations and outreach personnel have been saying for years. The current system is fragmented. It's under coordinated and struggling to keep pace with our community's growing homeless population. And it is growing. We often rely on the point in time count to understand the size and the needs of our homeless population. And the results play a significant role in determining external funding to assist our residents. Did you know that the point in time count typically does not include suburban cities? So ask yourselves, how accurate is that report that we rely upon potentially or particularly for external funding? How accurate is if it's not reflecting the suburban cities? your constituents. And ask yourself, if you didn't know that, why? KENS 5 recently reported on growing homeless encampments in Northeast County near Walsum Road, Precinct 4, where residents expressed frustration that the problem has continued for years with little meaningful improvement. These are encampments that the city of San Antonio does not visit. that our critical community partners typically do not visit. What struck me immediately about that story is that I know that encampment personally. While serving as director of Bexar County's Department of Military and Veterans Services, our team with county and community partners routinely visited that camp and other locations to connect residents with housing resources, health care assistance, veteran benefits and services, and behavioral health support. On one occasion at that very camp, I met a Navy combat veteran. After talking with him, he told me he was ready to get off the streets. Through coordination with American GI Forum National Veteran Outreach Program, one of their representatives was on site within an hour. to get them connected to shelter space and wraparound services. That's what outreach should look like. Actual engagement in the field, connecting vulnerable residents to resources before tragedy occurs. And yet, Bexar County has apparently stopped doing outreach in these areas. Why? While these needs continue growing, Bexar County has failed to engage in effective community collaboration efforts that could improve outcomes for our residents. While I was on directed administrative leave, both the Department of Military and Veterans Services and the Department of Economic and Community Development received invitations from John Ghana with the City of San Antonio's Housing Department, and later from Katie Wilson from Close to Home to participate in collaborative working groups focused on homelessness coordination and comprehensive response efforts. And from all accounts that have been told to me, this county declined to participate. We turned down the opportunity to have seats at the table That's a failure in leadership. Last summer in July 2025, Bexar County initiated what was described as an unhoused initiatives strategy discussion under the oversight of Deputy County Manager Thomas Guevara. Multiple department heads participated. Subcommittees were established. County contracts and services were reviewed. Discussions were held regarding community needs, coordination challenges, and operational gaps. And yet nearly one year later, where are the outcomes? Where is the county strategy? In the military, we had a saying, as a staff, you can create options, you can preserve options, or you can forfeit options. And I'd ask you, what is your staff doing for you? Creating options, preserving options, or forfeiting options? Local reports show that our residents are concerned, is the county. The problem continues growing while the county continues discussing it one year later. In FY 2023, San Antonio conducted approximately 300 abatements in the city limits. In 2025, that number jumped to over 1400. When I looked just the other day, it was close to 900 just this year. Judge Sakai, at your first luncheon with suburban mayors, the topic of growing homelessness was risen. Leaders were concerned about it. And on March 30th, 2024, in your newsletter, you said it was a steadily rising issue. You recognized it and that you're determined not to ignore it. You cited support for Leon Valley Street Outreach Program, Town Twin Village, and a supportive housing project. Yet despite the investments, homelessness continues expanding beyond downtown San Antonio. into areas like Balconies Heights, Selma, Converse, Hill Country Village, Alamo Ranch, and unincorporated Bexar County. Areas like I mentioned that are typically not included in the point in time count and should be. That gap between messaging and outcomes is exactly why residents deserve a published county strategy with measurable accountability. Local officials are concerned about it, our residents are concerned about it, and the local media is reporting on it. Is Bexar County listening? This is no longer just a downtown San Antonio issue. It's a county issue. We continue seeing residents living in drainage tunnels and other unsafe locations. We continue seeing preventable deaths associated with exposure and dangerous living conditions. Over the weekend of January 23rd to 25th of 2026, in response to an extreme cold weather system in the region, Bexar County opened warming centers to support local residents. I was on administrative leave, so I volunteered with the American GI Forum to support their outreach efforts. Over the course of that weekend, between one and two dozen homeless residents came to county warming centers. And then shortly after opening, as the extreme system passed, Those homeless residents were kicked out of the county warming centers back to the streets. There was no coordination mechanism to transition them into shelter space or supportive housing. This was a reactive response to a known inclement weather, not a coordinated plan to support our residents. But it gets worse. I'm going to tell you a quick story about 59-year-old Tammy Suzette Hovland. Miss Hovland was previously arrested on October 1st, 2024, April 13, 2025, September 17, 2025, December 4th, 2025, all for charges of criminal trespass. These are typical charges filed against our homeless residents. Ms. Hovland was one of those residents who visited a Bexar County warming center in late January, only to be forced back to the streets when the warming centers closed and no follow on assistance was available. Then just days after being kicked back to the streets, Ms. Hovland was again arrested for criminal trespass on February 5th, 2026. On February 7th, she was assaulted and strangled by her cellmate in the Bexar County Jail, and she died the following day on February 8th. Tammy Hovland should not have been in jail. Tammy Hovland should have been in a shelter. Bexar County failed Tammy Suzette Hovland. We must ask serious questions about how taxpayer dollars are being spent to assist the homeless. I want to highlight a contract that I believe taxpayers deserve to know more about. On April 8th, 2025, Bexar County entered into an agreement with Haven for Hope, allocating nearly $500,000 of taxpayer funds for jail diversion program focused on homeless residents. This contract guaranteed access to 30 beds and 10 mats. Within that contract, you'll find that approximately $109,000 of county funding was allocated toward covering approximately 29% of the CEO's $333,000 annual salary and $45,000 in additional fringe benefits. So Bexar County paid nearly 30% of that $378,000 annual salary for access to 30 beds and 10 mats. And my understanding is that less than 40% of those the county referred were actually accepted for placement. And that, for the most part, our allocated spots were unutilized. I just received the county records, and it looks like most of the mats were generally never used. and only about 70% of the beds were ever fully utilized. If the contracts that Bexar County writes are not advantageous to the county, then we have to look at who's writing the contracts and who's reviewing the contracts.

We must also ask serious questions about how taxpayer dollars are being spent to prevent homelessness.

Earlier this year, KSAT highlighted Bexar County's rental assistance partnership with Catholic charities intended to help families facing eviction. It was called a housing stability program. Yet reporting indicates that only a very limited number of families have actually received assistance through that program. And that even justices of the peace are expressing frustration that their referrals are being denied. Reporting also shows that a small portion of available funding set aside to assist has actually been allocated and dispersed, while families continue facing eviction and being denied assistance. As someone who directly oversaw emergency financial assistance supporting veterans and their families, I can tell you plainly those are not successful outcomes for the growing need in our community. Which brings me to another issue this court should have been tracking more closely. On May 21st, the Texas Veterans Commission decided not to approve two grants for the Department of Military and Veterans Services to provide emergency financial assistance to include mortgage and rental assistance and peer support programs. Programs that literally kept families and veterans in their homes, kept the water running, kept lights on. and programs that connected struggling veterans to mental health support before crisis occurred. You will hear some of their stories. I warned this court about risks to those grants during my April 28th comments. Yet after all the turbulence that county leadership created inside the Department of Military and Veterans Services, not a single county official made the decision to travel to Austin to advocate for those funds. El Paso County had officials there. Zapata County had officials there. Cass County had officials there. Yet Bexar County, home to the largest veteran population in Texas and one of the largest in the country, chose to send no elected official and no senior executive from the county. The department staff were left to fend for themselves, even after specifically requesting senior county leadership support. This is another failure of leadership. It raises serious questions about the county's true commitment to our veteran community, especially when these programs, having brought in about $1.5 million over the last two years, that directly supported our community and demonstrated measurable success. At a time when residents are demanding more, they demand more outreach, more shelter capacity, more prevention, more accountability. We should ask, is this truly how taxpayers expect funding to be prioritized? Homelessness is not a city of San Antonio issue. It's not a nonprofit issue. And it's not something this county can continue to pass to others to assume responsibility for. It's a county issue requiring comprehensive coordination, true operational leadership, measurable accountability, and genuine partnerships between government and community stakeholders to truly help address the needs that our community has. I've walked the camps, and I've walked the streets, and those of you that have done it know it's not an easy problem to solve, and know it takes a lot more than what I think we're putting into it. You should demand more. The community deserves more. The residents are demanding more, and they deserve it. I know I'll be followed by a couple of folks that participated in the peer support program to give their personal testimony. Thank you, Judge. Thank you, Commissioners.

Three minutes. Hello, everybody. My name is Arturo Hernandez, born and raised here in San Antonio. Honestly, I'll just give you a little bit of history. I didn't have anything prepared. I'm actually just speaking from the heart. So I grew up here in San Antonio, five sisters, one brother. My parents, well, my dad's passed away now, but my mom's still with us. Luckily, she's almost 80 years old. In a way, like my mom's always been kind of like, you know, like a I don't know. She's like a saint to me. You know what I mean? I know everybody says they have the best mother in the world, but I'm telling you, like, she literally, like, never cussed, never smoked, never drank, doesn't do anything. She's waiting to pass on to be with my dad. Visits him at the cemetery, leaves him off to Males, like, you know, Thanksgiving, Christmas, everything on there. Come from a good household. So, like, I kind of separated from her for about 26 years, like, where I was just kind of working, trying to, like, you know, maintain, you know, The whole family kind of like, you know, get away from, you know, basically like after I left the military, like it felt like, you know, they kind of abandoned me. Like you're kind of like you don't know how to transition out. So you're kind of like forgotten about. So that's how I feel like veterans are. But when I got laid off after working for about 26 years, it was probably one of the best things that had happened to me, honestly, because I got to reconnect with my sister that I had lost connection with. I got to reconnect with my mom. And I guess I'm going to call this speech, everything happens for a reason. Okay. So once I got let go, I started actually partaking more in my health, taking care of myself, because working so many hours, you know, seven days a week, you know, never making time for yourself, you kind of lose yourself. And that's where my sister-in-law started dragging me by the year, literally. She's like, what time am I picking you up? We are going to do this, you know, with the peer support group. That was my very first organization after a little bit over a year. I've actually been able to join other organizations as well and met a lot of good people in there. And it kind of saved my life. After I got laid up, I didn't know what to do. I was depressed for two to three months. being with the peers, them coming out, them checking on me, like literally like I was not in a good place. But after that, my sister, I kind of like stopped connecting with her for like 20 years because of a past incident. Well, she became a different person. She brought my mom into like her life again. And then I came back into my mom's life. My sister's running now her own business over there. At the corner of South Cross Roosevelt, she owns a flower shop over there, inspirational floral. My mom hangs out there with her and I've been blessed to like see my mom every day and peer support like really got me through everything on there. And I don't know where I'm going to be going like in life or what I'm going to be doing, but I know one thing for sure is that I don't want to work for a corporation again. I want to, like, take care of small business. Like, you know, because I think, you know, that's where, I think, honestly, I felt like they'd forgotten about me. When I got laid off, they forgot about me, too. So now I feel like, hey, you know what small business is? We connect, you know what I mean? My sister, my mom, all those small businesses right there, I get to see them every single day. And I think it makes her want to keep living. And I think it's going to keep pushing her. And I know she's happy to see me happy. Let's just put it that way. And I'm going to be forever grateful for joining this organization with peer support. And like I said, I've We're just going to go where God takes me. I've always said, so that's why I always said everything happens for a reason. And I'm alive today because, like I said, I was let go and I was not in a good place. So I appreciate your time. And like I said, thank you. That's all I have. Thank you.

Ms. Shapiro, three minutes.

Good morning, Commissioners. My name is Mariah Cummings Chapron, U.S. Air Force veteran, here to read meaningful letters from two of my sister of arms. My weary U.S. Army veteran and Nashae Corbett Singleton, U.S. Army veteran, who both wish they could stand here today, but I stand in their stead. Good morning, Judge and Commissioners. My name is Mai Weary, and I am a United States Army veteran, military spouse, and now a resident of Bexar County. I served for 15 years in the Army as a human intelligence collector and intelligence operations manager. Throughout my military career, I served alongside some of the most incredible men and women our nation has ever known. I've learned the importance of mission, service, resilience, and taking care of the person next to you. But what I've learned since leaving the military is that for many veterans, the hardest battle is not fought overseas. It is fought after the uniform comes off. This year, my husband and I relocated to San Antonio. Like many veterans and military families, we found ourselves navigating a major life transition. new city, new community, new challenges, and the uncertainty that often comes with rebuilding your life after service. At the same time, I was also walking through personal grief and healing, and what I found here was something I did not expect. I found a community. I found people who understood without me having to explain. I found fellow veterans who knew what it felt like to carry invisible wounds, navigate change, struggle with isolation, and still keep moving forward. And that matters. Because San Antonio is not just another city, it is the military city USA. Thousands of veterans retire, relocate, and build their lives here every year. Many arrive without family nearby. Many are struggling with mental health challenges, loneliness, financial stress, transition difficulties, or simply trying to figure out where they belong after military service. Community is not a luxury for veterans. It is a necessity. The organization we are discussing today has become a significant part of my own healing journey and my connection to this community. What makes this program different is that it is built by veterans and for veterans. We are not simply clients receiving services. We are participants helping one another heal. We are building relationships. creating accountability, restoring purpose, and ensuring that no veteran walks alone. This program has served nearly 300 veterans through more than 200 events, surpassing its original goal of 140 veterans. But those numbers only tell part of the story. Behind every number is a veteran who found a reason to leave their house, a veteran who found friendship, a veteran who found resources, a veteran who found hope, a veteran who realized they were not alone. The program also reaches veterans inside the Bexar County Jail, providing peer support, education, creative outlets, and assistance with resources for a successful reentry into society. This is not just service, this is prevention. Prevention of homelessness, prevention of isolation, prevention of recidivism, Prevention of despair. As someone who is pursuing higher education, focused on global studies, community development, and helping vulnerable populations, I've learned that the strongest communities are not built by programs alone. They are built by relationships. This organization is creating those relationships every single week. Today, I respectfully ask that you continue to recognize and support the value of veteran peer support programs like this one. Because when we invest in veterans, we are not only simply honoring their service, we're strengthening families, communities, and Bexar County itself. Thank you for your time, your leadership, and your commitment to those who serve. God bless you. God bless Texas. God bless our veterans. Dear Committee, I, Michelle Corbett Singleton, retired U.S. Army, am writing to express my strong support for continued funding for the Bear Peer Group. As a veteran of living with PTSD, I know firsthand how important this group is. Bear Peer Group has helped me manage stress, cope with the challenges of PTSD, and find support from people who truly understand what I'm going through. The veterans in this group support one another, share experiences, and provide encouragement ENCOURAGEMENT DURING DIFFICULT TIMES. FOR ME, THIS PROGRAM HAS BEEN A LIFESAVER. IT HAS HELPED ME FEEL LESS ALONE AND HELPED ME COPE WITH THE GENUAL CARE ABOUT EACH OTHER AND THE PROGRAMS OF THIS ESSENTIAL FOR VETERANS DESERVE CONTINUED SUPPORT. I RESPECTFULLY ASK THAT YOU CONTINUE FUNDING BEAR PEER GROUPS SO THEY CAN KEEP PROVIDING THESE VITAL SERVICES TO THE VETERANS OF OUR COMMUNITY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND YOUR CONSIDERATION.

All right. I believe that. Is there any other citizen? Constable, I have you on the next agenda item for under 43. Is there any other citizens to be heard? Hearing none, we'll take up 43. Discussion appropriate action regarding approval of use of $114,650 in unexpended salary funds due to position vacancies, underfilled captive positions, and a purchase of two new BMW police motorcycles. and motorcycle equipment in the amount of $51,550 each, $103,010 for two. Constable.

Good morning, boarded on afternoon. May I? Noontime, 12 o'clock. Commissioners, county judge, Commissioner Rebecca Clay Flores, Justin Rodriguez, my commissioner who's, I guess, in the military service right now, and Tommy Calvert, I appreciate your attendance and listening to what we have today. I did ask for some specific information on objections. I had some general information of people who had some information that they'd like to know about this possible use on the motorcycles. But I didn't get any more specifics, so I'm just going to try to handle it as far as I can generally, so we cover everything. This is a Precinct 3 issue, and it's an operational decision that basically should be handled by Precinct 3 within Precinct 3. We each have our designated budgets, which we are approximately the same. IN ALL THE PRECINCTS AS FAR AS ALLOCATED FUNDS, STAFFING, AND OTHER AREAS. IF I HAVE TO LOOK FOR A SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT IN PRECINCT ONE, FOR EXAMPLE, I WOULD BE LOOKING FOR COMMISSIONER REBECCA CLAY FLORES, HER COMMISSIONER AS COMMISSIONER. the constable and the JP in that area, same as I would do for Precinct 4, because you have thousands and thousands of hours of living in the community, listening to community issues. I have about 60,000 hours in Precinct 3. I appreciate the fact that we have budget and budget analysts that are trying to assist us, but when it comes down to actually knowing the ins and outs of everything that we do, it really requires that larger breadth of experience and depth to really understand. One of my points that I'm bringing up a little bit later on will be the fact that Precinct 3 has been more effective in improving over budget recommendations that are just spreadsheet driven because of that depth, the amount of experience that we have in Precinct 3. I know that we have unexpended funds that have been in the past authorized funds for our budget. And we are asking for use of those unexpended funds towards these motorcycles. And alternatively, I think budget has recommended or suggested that we use other funds from the fleet funds to provide these two motorcycles. No staff has been requested for it. The stats support this capital expenditure. Those expenses... THAT WE WILL INCUR ARE FAR EXCEEDED BY THE CAPTURE OF LEGISLATIVELY AUTHORIZED METHODS OF OFFSETTING THE COST OF LAW ENFORCEMENT TO THOSE WHO VIOLATE THE LAW VERSUS LAW-ABIDING CITIZENS. PRECINCT 3 HAS OFFERED THE USE OF PRECINCT 3 BUNCH AS RECOMMENDED BY BUDGET ANALYSTS TO COVER SOME OF THE SHORTFALLS IN GETTING THIS EQUIPMENT. I REQUEST THIS INFORMATION NOT JUST TO INCREASE PUBLIC SAFETY BUT TO FURTHER OFFSET THE COST OF THESE SERVICES TO THOSE PERSONS WHO USE OUR SERVICES OR VIOLATE THE LAW AND INCUR LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITY. We want to make sure that the taxpayers are represented. We also want to make sure that for every dollar that we can save by offsetting these funds from legislatively authorized uses, i.e., the legislature specifically gives us the ability to bring in civil process fees as well as fines fees from traffic and warrant fees to offset our costs. For all those dollars that we can offset, that can go to other areas that the budget requires attention to that may not be adequately funded. When we look at the chart that I had provided, it's basically a 13 year look at what the budget for precinct three looks at. When we look at what are the sources of revenue and how much that the taxpayers actually have to pay. If you look into fiscal years 14 and 15, we were at between 4% and 1% that taxpayers had to provide. That's that red portion in there. Various things occur in that timeframe. One is we had a decision to cut budget staff in 2016. That was a budget recommendation to eliminate positions to save money. If you'll look at the increase on the charts, you'll find that it actually increased our cost to about 38% in that year because we lost revenue on AG and other areas. Instead of being able to offset those things, those are now things that taxpayers had to function. The yellow section is traffic and fines, including the warrant fees. And you'll see that varied quite a bit there because that judgment of budget to cut six positions were my traffic officers. We could not continue to operate with traffic. That cost the county about $9 million overall going across that 13-year time period. But even when we account for... The savings that we had from $330,000 from deputy constables who were dismissed, including purchasing of capital costs at five years, for example, replacing the cars that they're driving, we still left about $1.3 million on that decision. My point is not to criticize budget. They have a tough job, you all have a tough job. We have 4,300 full time employees, probably another 1,700 that are part timers. And managing a $2.8 billion budget is a tough deal. We do ask that you look at the precinct level officers as you are for our commissioners that let us use our expertise to see where we can offset those costs further on. If we look a little bit further into there, we saw a huge increase in 2017, fiscal year 2017, where we added more AG papers to our workload. I asked for that. I went to them and solicited their business. They had that done by private process, and we thought we could do a better job, and we did. We saw a huge increase in our silver revenue. where we again brought down our costs to taxpayers to about 7% in 2018, 2019. Then of course, COVID hit in 2020 and everything had a little bit of a downturn as we looked at the chart and our costs increased to 36, 39%. We show an increase again coming back up though in 2022, where we had been working additional AG papers where the other consuls had come in and started taking over their precincts, and some of them declined to continue that. We took up some of that slack, which increased our civil process revenue, but we were also straining our officers by overworking them, trying to cover more than one precinct at one time. So we then decided, as a Precinct 3 decision, to go ahead and only accept those charts that came in from Precinct 3 to use. We dropped those papers. That shows that drop in the percents. We should increase our cost to about 32%. If you notice about that same area in 2024, there's a green section up there for our SRO budget. We didn't include that. It was in our cost because those are being paid for by another area, by the... Taxpayers are using it who actually use those services up there. This request is just for equipment, no additional staff. Funding is unexpected salary funds. We looked at it. We found that we had over $114,000 in unexpected salary funds this year. We've actually revised that now to about $185,000. Just from openings that we had that it takes us such a long time to vet and bring people in, that additional accumulation of salaries occurred. We also had $321,000 in the previous year. and $253,000 in the year prior to that, which we were not able to use in our budget. These salary funds are not unusual to be used and expended. The district attorney's office, for example, routinely uses it to provide overtime pay even to salaried employees, which is an unusual use. No explanation to the amounts, the natures of the budgetary transfers in our budget that for some reason that would say that that $185,000 no longer exists. I would at least think as the office holder that I would at least know what was being deducted from the budget so I could at least ask about it. These are not expenses. We were told that the expenses are going to be for salary increases on the anniversary date due to the pay plan, which I am appreciative that y'all passed for us about three years ago. But these areas are easily accountable as an increase in funding every year. It's actually shown as a line item in the budget, but it's shown as a $0 amount, which probably that means it needs to be addressed to where we can actually place it in the accounting and actually account for it properly. The reason we want to look at motorcycles again, we had them previously. We had to get rid of them when the county cut our staffing and said they were no longer going to use traffic as a metric. So the hours that my officers put in would not count, would have to be used as a further reduction of our staffing in the following year. From our experience, motor officers are much more effective than... an officer in a four-wheeled vehicle. They can reach areas that we can't get to for the higher value citations that we are looking for. School zones, highly congested areas, people who run red lights in intersections. That's something that motor officers are expert at getting at. Bear County Sheriff's Office has maintained motorcycle units for decades. As a matter of fact, their shift to BMW motorcycles was in part from the motorcycles we turned in, and now BMW motorcycles are the standard operational standard for the San Antonio Police Department and the Bear County Sheriff's Office. The motorcycles requested in this proposal are virtually identical to the BCSO fleet. There were some concerns. They're only different as far as I know in agency graphics and something of a minor issue, but they were taken off the BCSO bids. Given that maintenance was performed by BMW, the motorcycles using the same platform equipment and components, the minor differences between agencies operating the same make and model have little operational significance in this request. National findings, as well as our local findings, that motorcycle officers produce a higher number of contacts per hour. They also create a higher deterrent value. When you see a police motorcycle, you know that's a traffic officer. We get a huge amount more from the visibility of an officer through Waze and these various computer steps that tell people what's going on in an area, and that helps reduce traffic fatalities and traffic crashes, which is our goal. San Antonio Police Department doesn't. Houston Police Department has the motors. Austin PD, Fort Worth PD, constables in Harris County, and also Fort Bend County all have motor units that perform similar functions. Again, our operational experience with motors, we brought it up to about, it's actually about twice as effective for a motor officer than it is for a four-wheel drive officer to be operating out there. Gets us access to those school zones and other areas. This funding request identifies unexpended salary funds that we have, which now I believe are closer to $185,000, unless there's something that can show us where that money has been diverted. that we would like to be able to use to purchase these motorcycles. We also had additional funds in Precinct 3 funds that we were asked to provide through our budget analysts for miscellaneous equipment, safety equipment, and we found that money in that budget, and we have put that in that kitty. The financial return, again, for motorcycles, it's a responsible investment. Traffic enforcement generates revenue through legislatively authorized fines and fees, offsetting taxpayer funds. Every dollar we collect through the courts, which we don't collect money directly, the courts collect it, but that goes to offset. It also prefers a deterrence factor from speeding in schools and other issues. Training was an issue that I heard that might have been a question about, can we provide the training for it? During our previous program, we conducted and coordinated our own training program ourselves. I was one of the motor officers, and I actually participated in that training program. However, the Bexar County Sheriff's Office, the San Antonio Police Department, and the Department of Public Safety all have motor units, and they have training programs, and they've all invited us to train with them. Motor officers are a unique subset of policing. They share experiences training, and they train together often. They have a passion for what they do, and we would like to get back into that area, and we have plenty of support in the field to do that. The operational need, obviously, school zone enforcement, traffic compliant responses, high visibility, and the total deterrence value of a motor unit passing by encourages compliance. Questions on whether other precincts may or may not choose to operate motorcycles should be directed to those individual precincts. Each precinct is different. Each office has its own operational concerns. I do have letters of support from Precinct 2 and from Precinct 4 for the support of constable's office in precinct three to get motorcycles we also have that letters if you need to see those as far as it being a precinct three case or issue this precinct three doesn't interfere with decisions regarding other precincts budgets and operationals we don't we don't question commissioner calvert on the juvenile justice center that is a precinct for matter it's within that budget area we don't question anything that we see on the bibliotech or jail death investigations in precinct two or any other county specific functions that are outside of precinct three and we we would like to have that degree of courtesy provided for us when we have this request as well we all have growth every precinct sees large values and increases down the line precinct four is one of the largest growing areas overall including tax valuations but remaining that now prominent precinct three is the dominant source of residential and unincorporated property values in bear county and it contributes a substantially larger share of county tax base than its share of population. That's just a fact. Expected salary obligations, step increases, and compensatory time payouts are routine and are predictable expenditures. They should have their own line item. They shouldn't just sneak up on us throughout the year and say that's what it's being used for. We've talked a little bit about everything down the line there. This is a Precinct 3 operational issue. We will operate it and maintain it according to the standards. We do not violate the agreements that we make with Commissioner's Court. You've asked us to perform traffic services in the past. That's what we were doing. This now is just an increasing ability to where we can do that out in the field. The unexpended funds are within and have been in the past authorized funds for the Precinct 3 budget. and the use of fleet funds have been authorized or could be an alternative as suggested by budget. In a declared budget shortfall, these offsets are more important at all and it tends to allow the precincts to be almost self-sufficient when you look at these different categories across all three precincts. They're all probably close to being self-sufficient and that's one of the things we would love to be able to do is be able to provide the legislatively authorized funding sources to offset that so that taxpayers and Bexar County can use those funds for whatever purposes they need, especially in this shortfall time period. Any questions from anybody, please? Any questions?

I just have some comments. Commissioner Moody.

So, Judge, I think this was a public comment, and have we pulled the item up for consideration? Is there an item that you're going to pull up for the court to deliberate on? Because this was a public comment. Do you want to pull public comment? Or do you want to pull that item?

I called it, didn't I?

Did we call it?

It's an individual item.

Yeah, I think he called it up.

Okay, I'm sorry. Let me call it. If I didn't, then let me call it. Discussion of appropriate action regarding approval. Use of $114,650 in the unexpended salary funds due to position vacancies under filled captain positions to purchase two BMW police motorcycles and motorcycle equipment in the amount of $51,550 each, $103,010 for two. All right. Commissioner Moody.

Well, thank you, Judge, and thank you, Constable Badovich, for being here. I'm just going to try to sum up what I heard, and maybe there's a couple of questions here for staff. But you said BCSO has motorcycles that currently operate, correct?

I'm sorry, I couldn't quite hear the question.

BCSO has motor officers today. Yes, they do. So maybe to county staff, there's no policy in place that says we don't have motor officers in Baird County. Is that correct? Thomas?

Not that I'm aware of, but we don't have a policy on that. No, no commission.

No, commissioner, we don't have a policy on that. Thank you. And what's the cost of a fully outfitted Tahoe? Do we know? Budget?

For the cost of each motorcycle?

No, Tahoe.

I don't know off the top of my head, but I can find out quickly for you.

OK. I want to say it's $70,000, give or take. And what's the cost of a motorcycle fully outfitted?

Well, at least when we would get two of them at about $51,550 each. They are less expensive than a Tahoe, but they are comparable probably in the cost and expenses because motors do have expenses that are similar. Acquisition cost is less, though. Yeah.

So cheaper acquisition costs, as you pointed out, better access when it comes to motorcycles, when it comes to traffic and everything. Highlight that you mentioned you have the support of at least two of your fellow constables in this request. Is that right?

Yes. Both of them submitted, both precinct two and four indicated that they have no objections. Again, somebody had brought up, why do we need them? It's not a matter of fact that the other precincts don't, they may not have qualified operators or they may not have the, they already have their traffic plans already in place. We've used them before and we'd like to be able to use them again.

And we also heard that there's two different sources here of funding. There's the unspent salary compensation that's available more than enough to cover, or there's the fleet fund, which has funds available for these motorcycles as well. So, I mean, this is easy for me. I don't understand. There's no policy against it. Cheaper, better access. The funds are available in the budget. Why wouldn't I defer to my constables? and how he is going to operate, you know, his shop. And I think we should defer to law enforcement, who knows best their jurisdiction and how that they can best do their job. I mean, they were elected to do that job. I think we should defer to them. I move approval.

Motion by Commissioner Moody, second by Commissioner Calvert. Commissioner Calvert.

Judge, I want to thank Constable Vavidich for this analysis chart. This is one of the best financial analysis charts that I've seen in the years I've been here. And we're facing a budget deficit. We're facing choices over cuts, and you're making the argument, based upon data, that the motorcycle, when you had those enforcement mechanisms before, you had more revenue. You lost it after they were terminated. Is that right? I mean, that's what some of your data indicates? Yes. Okay. So in an environment where thousands of dollars, tens of thousands and millions of dollars matter for revenue and... It just seems like a really important innovation that has been brought to us. You've done us a favor in providing us a potential revenue source. And I think, you know, we have a problem with trust in our county, in our commissioner's court, and working with each other. It appears as if we don't trust you or Commissioner Moody to do what's best in your precinct. And I don't know why that is. I mean, I know that there's been some talk in the past that maybe there were some things that, you know, maybe we didn't agree with hovercraft or whatever it is, but that's not this issue. That's not the issue here. The issue here is trusting within a reasonable parameter of the duties of the department to carry forth those duties with a minor... Vehicle change. And we all get calls from constituents who have concerns about school zones speeding and the things that we ask our constables to assist us with. And there's construction everywhere. You've got hills. You mentioned before when you came here, I think it was Stone Oak or something like that. You have areas of small roads made smaller by construction or whatever where only a motorcycle vehicle can be utilized to protect the taxpayers, the public, the children, or whatever that may be. So I'm going to continue to support your ability, you know, Chief Justice Hardberger, former Mayor Hardberger, he had a really good, when he ran for mayor, he had a really good mantra that he lived by, that I've tried to also exemplify, is not to major in the minor. There isn't some major precedent that's going to be created other than maybe the other constables have the ability to do motorcycle patrol which is not you know I mean it's not revolutionary for a department that's traditionally done school zone enforcement that's not like that's not a major deal we've done this in the past we have other entities of the county doing it now and I don't believe you're going rogue I trust you all to uphold the law and if there's a problem a judge is going to dismiss the case or do whatever. I mean, you do have a reputation for good enforcement in Precinct 3. I mean, I'm very careful when I'm coming through Precinct 3 because I got a lead foot and I know that I might get a constable that gets me. But in the interest of the public, the taxpayers, and You know, restoring trust and allowing you to do your jobs, this is something I don't think we should really put a lot of major emphasis in. It's a very minor thing. And you've shown us a way to help us, potentially, with our budget issues. So I just... I can only speak for myself. Thank you for your analysis. It's a very good analysis. I think it will be helpful to us in a tough budget time. More departments will come to us with their... in-depth knowledge of their department saying, hey, look, I know you want to cut this, but this is a revenue source for the county. We need to hear you. We need to listen to that kind of stuff right now. All these suggestions can be very beneficial to our budget process. So that's why I'm supporting you. And I yield the floor, Judge.

You're spot on again in regards to the budget crisis. And in regards to that, we've had this discussion with other purchases of equipment through law enforcement with the sheriff's department, the helicopter. And what we've learned from that experience is what is the cost of maintenance, what is going to be the cost and the true cost other than two purchases of motorcycles, which is what the request is now. I want to know from a budget analyst, have we measured those costs? And does this take two constable deputies off? And is there going to be additional requests? Because we're using, I realize it's unexpended funds, but it is for positions. And I'm going to be real blunt. I have a problem in a tight budget process of making that trade. So therefore, unless I have a budget analysis and I want to know from the budget perspective, the liability issues, that will come with this particular expenditure. Have we done that assessment?

So what we know is that in terms of maintenance, the motorcycles are under warranty for 36 months. In the meantime, the fleet maintenance department will have to identify $12,000 to $14,000 just for your normal wear and tear, tires, oil changes and such.

Where are we going to keep them?

I would assume they would be kept at the constable's office. I mean, if I could, I would like to ask the constable one question, please. Constable, do you have, do all of your deputies currently have vehicles assigned to them?

Not all of them because we have some that are SROs, but for the most of the staff, similar to other precincts, we have one car for each one. One correction, Judge, there's no personnel additions. We're not adding two positions for that. We are using the existing officers in the motor role who are assigned to traffic currently.

So I guess my point in asking that question is all of your deputies currently have vehicles, and so the purchase of these two motorcycles would be over and above what you currently have in terms of staff. Okay, thank you.

Judge, you also mentioned the liability issue, and I don't get into the financial side or the use or the operational, but there is a different liability framework, which we've talked to the court about, because motorcycles do present a different risk profile. There are, you know, should there be an accident, there are CERTAINLY THERE WILL BE MORE SIGNIFICANT INJURIES TO THE DEPUTY, AND THAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED BEFORE IN PRECINCT 3. SO AS FAR AS THE LIABILITY GOES, THAT WILL BE DIFFERENT. AND MOTORCYCLES DO PRESENT A DIFFERENT RISK PROFILE. WE HAVE A LOT OF AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENTS, AND AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENTS, FOR THE DEPUTY CONCERNED, THEY WILL BE IMPACTED DIFFERENTLY IF THERE IS AN ACCIDENT, OBVIOUSLY, BECAUSE A MOTORCYCLE WHICH IS IN AN ACCIDENT is far different from a four-wheel vehicle that's in the same accident. So you asked about liability. I'm just laying that out. I'm not arguing with the constable. But the constable recognizes that a motorcycle in an automobile accident will be impacted differently than an automobile. Correct. That's just laying out the other side of that equation, the human side of that. So for that side of it, that's for the court's consideration. That's just the other side of the argument from the employee perspective. That's just for the court's consideration.

No, sir, we have an...

And the risk profile is the same for the sheriff's office as well. They have, what, 16 motors out there right now, and we would be working with them for training. I agree that motorcycles can be more dangerous, but they are also ahead on the swivel. These guys live and breathe defensive driving because motorcycles are involved in accidents and in severity, but at the same time, even police vehicles with the red lights on are still involved in accidents. So we're cognizant of that fact, and that includes the fact that we want to do recurring training every week with these other agencies. where we work on the factors that cause motorcycles to be injured, motorcyclists in general, and that includes those in the law enforcement role.

I'll just add, if I could, Judge, I mean, just reiterate that point. If we're going to say that liability is a deciding factor here, then what are we doing with the motors in Bexar County Sheriff's Office? And I'm not advocating to take them away, but how can we be talking about liability for two motorcycles in the constable's office when we have 16 motors in BCSO? Well, you've opened the door, Commissioner.

Sounds like a duplication then. Why does the constable's offices and the sheriff's offices need motorcycles? I mean, this discussion, all I'm asking for is a budget assessment so that we know the true cost. And until then, I'm not prepared to move forward.

Well, did we not get just a budget analysis from Tina about the $14,000, $12,000 to $14,000 in terms of maintenance and the three-year warranty? I thought that was directed to try to answer that question.

So, Judge, I would also add, if you're going to implement the program, if you're going to purchase the motorcycles, not an issue for me, but have the training program implemented as well as the purchase so that you don't speculate about what the training program is. It is actually in place so that when the motorcycles, if they are purchased. The training program is in place. You know exactly what the policy is. You know exactly what's going to happen if the motorcycles are purchased. And maybe the constable already has that. I'm not sure. That's a question for the constable. But if he has the program in place, if he has the policy written and drafted, fine. But I suggest that as part of the purchase. So that's for the constable.

Okay. Any further discussion? Hold on. Commissioner Rodriguez.

Thank you, Judge. We're talking about kind of two different things because this would be a one-time cost as opposed to a recurring cost if you hired, filled a position, but The money that you're proposing that you use for this, it basically says it's for unexpended salary funds due to position vacancies and underfilled captain positions. So does that mean that you are fully staffed up? and you have this money left over because there's no need for additional positions?

No. Well, we didn't ask for personnel at all. We're not trying to get a two-officer increase. On the unexpended salary funds, from the time we're authorized a position or somebody leaves and goes to another position, the time that they are vacant, that they're not there, is monies that have been allocated to Precinct 3 for our budget.

Right.

But that position's not filled. Therefore, that money is actually accumulating to a degree less Again, we look at it as about $185,000 now for this year, $320,000 previous year, and $253,000 prior to that. It's just a matter of we're not keeping that position open trying to use the money for something else. It takes that long for us to go through, recruit, get them hired, and bring them on board in that one, two months, three months time period that they're not receiving a salary from Bexar County. That's the unexpended salary portion of it. Yeah. Right now? We have no vacancies right now, Judge.

So if the time is a concern, if I remember correctly, you brought this to us months ago, this same item. Is that... Previous budget, yes. From last year's budget? Wasn't it this fiscal year?

We did, but it was not considered at that time, and we have now brought it back forward using it. We have asked for it.

Yeah, and I'm not trying to... argue with you. I'm just trying to understand your budget concern, because here we are coming on another budget, another fiscal year within the next few months, and I am certain, I haven't seen it, but I am certain you'll be asking for dollars for additional positions. Is that a fair statement? We will have proposals in the new budget as it's time for the presentation. So I guess what I'm trying to understand from a resource perspective is You know, you could have used this money to fill, to add a position. I don't remember when it was, but it was at least six months ago. But you just kind of left the money there. But that's the same pot of money is what I'm trying to understand.

Right. We didn't leave it there. We could not find it. We did not have an applicant for it. Sometimes it goes three months in a process. So for that time period that we're looking for that, it starts to accumulate when you have five or six openings, like we had this particular year.

Yeah.

It's not a recurring expense because this is only the budgeted funds we have this year, and it's the unexpended funds, so we wouldn't have to ask for additional funding. I already have those two officers coming into this next budget year, although we may have other budget needs that we're asking for in the new budget year for you all to consider.

Okay. Well, I'm just trying to make sense of it. I do think, and I tend to agree with the judge, that if we're going to have this discussion, Maybe it should be part of the budget. I have not talked to my constable about this. I just spoke with her this week about something else. But I don't know if she has a need for these vehicles or not. But perhaps it's a discussion that we should have during the budget, which is literally two months away. And if the court decides that, hey, this is something we should do based on all the different things we have to balance, the liability issue, the cost. uh because it is a i know you did it in the past but it is a departure from what has been recent uh history in the constable's office um so so that that's my sense is i'm comfortable having that discussion as part of our budget this uh cycle i'm not comfortable moving today uh forward with this but I do appreciate the fact that you always advocate and you come up with data to justify your position, Constable. But I'm more comfortable making sure we're having kind of a holistic discussion about what the needs are of each constable's office. You guys in the past have worked pretty well together trying to consolidate, be somewhat in sync with some of those requests. So that would be my... editorial on just making sure that if it is a departure from something we've done in the past that we have that discussion, including if it takes a policy on training that Larry mentioned, the liability issue, that we have that discussion. through one through four precincts, whether they want them or not, at least we know that it's covered. And so I think, Judge, to your point, I'm not comfortable moving forward today on this either. Thank you.

Um, Constable, I know we've met before in the past, so I just want to thank you. I know you must have put a lot of time into preparing this. I want to thank you for being prepared and for putting that together. Unfortunately, I cannot support this. So this request doesn't include unfitting vehicles or supplies, and so that's going to be an added, you know, added funding. And I have recently met with Constable Tejeda as well as our Chief Sal, and they did not talk to me about this need either. And EVEN A BIGGER CONCERN OF MINE IS WHAT LARRY MENTIONED, IS LIABILITY. AND SO I CAN'T SUPPORT THIS. SO, JUDGE, THERE'S A MOTION ON THE FLOOR IN A SECOND, SO I THINK WE SHOULD TAKE A VOTE.

COMMISSION COVERED. COUNCILMEMBER, I LIKE MONEY. I LIKE MONEY, ESPECIALLY IN DEFICIT TIMES. THAT'S JUST ME. BUT YOU'VE GOT A NUMBER UP HERE OF TRAFFIC REVENUE LOSS, AND THAT NUMBER IS $9.2 MILLION. You've got another four-time motor, four-time Tahoe estimate of 15.2. Can you just kind of walk us, what am I looking at here?

Well, that was when the decision was made to cut Constable's office and staffing. That was primarily our traffic. By the way, we have not created a new traffic office or division. We are acting on the directions and the agreements that we have with Commissioner's Court. We have agreements with you all. You all gave us positions specifically for traffic. And we make sure that we actually provide 2,080 hours in traffic when we do that. We don't come in and try to undercut it. The lost revenue in that time period was about $9 million. Now, even now, when we come back to it, though, when we go through and we account for the money that would have been saved, which was saved, if you want to look at it that way, from the dismissal of six deputies, and we included the cost of replacing five vehicles in that time frame, we still have $1.3 million left on the table. So the precinct level decision varies from what the budget decision was. And we're not looking to try to make a profit. We're just trying to make sure that we get those authorized funds that the legislature has authorized for us so we can do what we're supposed to do on traffic safety. I don't see a duplication. The sheriff's office has motorcycles, and we would have them. That's not a duplication. We have that mission as well.

If there's a change... By the way, if there were a question about duplication, the court wouldn't have given you traffic people, correct?

I would think so, yes.

Okay, so that point is moot. That's number one. Okay. What I hear mainly is rationalization versus analysis. And maybe it takes us, and that's okay. Maybe we need a little bit more time for a little bit more analysis. But the analysis is about an open mind. Rationalization is about a closed mind. So we can rationalize. the data. But what I'd like to get from you is a bottom line about what revenue would this county potentially have missed based upon your analysis of traffic cops on, excuse me, bike officers versus the Tahoe officers. Can we get that bottom line analysis?

We have that in the ACF. We actually calculated our motor officer productivity back when we had motor officers. And then we looked at what our traffic officers are doing now. And when you look at it from a dollar value, it's about $100,000 more in incidental revenue for the motor officer every year going forward. So you can look at it as a calculation there. Of course, at 36 months, it would be a decision whether or not we replace the motorcycles again, which is a capital expense. But even with the capital expense there.

But that's a $3.6 million difference for 36 months, correct? If it's $100,000 a month... That's 12 months.

That's $100,000 per year. Misheard. Okay, fine. Then $360,000.

Correct. Okay. All right. Thank you. Okay. So... And often when you look at those savings, you also look at your liability profile, your insurance profile, your healthcare profile. You look at all that in a cost-benefit analysis. So certainly you now have a baseline of data that can be used for the fiscal analysis beyond what was already done. As Commissioner Moody said, he had requested some fiscal analysis prior to coming here. So My education in government, you know, looks at some of the things of stimulus versus cuts, stimulus versus cuts. Most governments in austere budget-tightening environment just look at cuts. But I also think that government can innovate. And in the National Association of Counties, there are some folks from Sweden who are facing a tremendous budget deficit. And instead of going to austerity, what they did was looked at all of their assets. And how do we maximize our assets? And so what did that mean? That meant on some buildings, they put a cell phone tower so they could get revenue from the cell phone company. That meant that on their buses, they did advertisement because they got advertising from businesses and they stimulated and created all kinds of revenue for their government. So I believe that was brought to us by the National Association of Counties as an indicator of innovation in government and a different approach to budgets. So sometimes we're, you know, afraid to do things because it's the way things have always been done. But sometimes we've got a lot of data. And I venture to guess if you were to go to CLEED or any number of organizations, they could pull you additional data on motor versus vehicle that buttresses your analysis. So in any event, we may continue this discussion. I think folks are where they are, but I appreciate the analysis that I've done what I can to try to move it forward. Thank you.

Commissioner Cowan, I've got to take a position in regards to your statement of revenue. I will oppose a policy that of revenue based on traffic enforcement. We have issues in regards to disproportionality in regards to that issue and the burden it puts on people that least can afford it. We've heard public interest groups come in here and oppose our enforcement of warrants and these fees that we tack on in our justice of peace court. So I am going to go on record to say a revenue And innovation, I oppose, based on traffic tickets. That's my position today. I'll call for a vote. Any further discussion? All those in favor of the motion, signify by saying aye.

Aye.

All those opposed?

No.

No. Motion fails. We'll take up, thank you. We'll take up item 44, Renee Watson. Presentation, discussion, appropriate action regarding the following. A, approval administrative policy 8.0, small business enterprise, local business enterprise, veteran business enterprise, referred to as SLOVBE, policy for procurement by all county offices, departments, funded entities and facilities in the areas of goods, commodities, equipment, information technology, professional and professional services, maintenance and construction as requested by the small business and entrepreneurship, and And Renee, for purpose of clarity, are we taking up B at the same time? And I will read into the record 44B, addition of Veteran Business Enterprise, VBE, to the Small Business Enterprise and Local Business Enterprise, SBE, LOBE program advisory committee. These initials are driving me crazy, Renee. So clear it up.

Yeah, we call it in our world alphabet soup. So I know it's lunchtime, so everyone enjoys that. And we're calling it the S. Love Bee. That's the way it's going to be the new phrase, S. Love Bee. Small, local veterans business enterprise. So today we are joined. I am joined at the podium by the purchasing agent, Greg. Because we have been working hand in hand with the DA's office, the information technology, all the offices and departments to bring this update to you. There is a couple of issues in the slides that will be coming forth in the updated purchasing policy. As we went through the update, and the reason for the update, the last policy that we had was in March 2022. There have been numerous federal changes since we are recipients of federal funds, as well as we wanted to separate out the purchasing duties from the small business and entrepreneurship department requirements between 8.0, Administrative Policy 8.0, and the purchasing policy, Administrative Policy 8.1. SO THIS IS THE PRESENTATION FOR THAT. WE HAVE A TEAM THAT WORKS IN OUR DEPARTMENT. WE HAVE THREE DIVISIONS. THOSE LEADERSHIP TEAM MEMBERS ARE HERE WITH ME TODAY, JASON BURGOS, LINDA PAPANOPOULOS, AND ERIN ANDRADI. AND WE WORK IN THE TEAM OF OUTREACH COMMUNICATION, DATA COMPLIANCE AND REPORTING, AND THEN SUPPLIER ENGAGEMENT AND COMPLIANCE FOR OUR TEAM. Opportunities that this applies to is everything that we do here at Bexar County. Purchasing department, the office and departments, what we do with our visitors tax projects, our funded entities and facilities to include the Frost Bank Center, the Coliseum, the Center for Healthcare Services, University Health, and then many of our tax abatement projects, which now include JCB and what's happening on that great project on the south side previously with the Toyota and with the PGA TPC. Greg is going to talk a little bit about the thresholds because they'll be coming forth in his updated policy. There has been some changes.

Yes, thanks, Renee, Your Honor, Commissioners. In January, we passed administrative policy for the purchasing 8.1. We then hosted a question and answer period after posting just to ensure that there was an understanding of what had changed, what needed to change, and then we identified specifically two areas in the policy that really needed to be beefed up, if you will. I'M GOING TO GO THROUGH THE THRESHOLDS, THE NEW THRESHOLDS, BECAUSE THAT WAS ONE OF THE AREAS, AND WE REINTRODUCED IN B, THE SPOT PURCHASE, WHICH REQUIRES ONE QUOTE, SORRY, REQUIRE ONE QUOTE, SBE, LOBE, OR THE VBE, WHICH WE ARE REINTRODUCING NOW, SHALL RECEIVE THE PRIORITY CONSIDERATION VIA THE SUPPLIER VENDOR ROTATION PROCESS OUTLINED IN BEAR COUNTY PURCHASING MANUAL. TO GO THROUGH THAT, BASICALLY, WHAT WE'RE SAYING IS THAT WE WANT TO HAVE A PRIORITY EMPHASIS ON THE SMALL LOCAL, THE VETERAN BUSINESS ENTERPRISES WHERE APPLICABLE AND ENSURING THAT WE ARE ROTATING THOSE VENDORS IN THIS PROCESS. THAT WAS UPDATED. THE FORTHCOMING UPDATE WILL BE PRESENTED AT THE SOONEST CONSENT AGENDA ITEM NEXT MONTH.

AND, YEAH, IF YOU WANT TO COVER THE COOPERATIVE PURCHASES.

So Bexar County Procedures procures goods and services offered by suppliers from competitive purchasing agreements or programs in order to take advantage of our lower prices for bulk purchasing and to reduce the administrative costs involved in the bidding procedure in accordance with Texas Local Government Code Chapter 262, Purchasing and Contracting Authority of Counties, Local Government Code Chapter 271, Subchapter F, Cooperative Purchasing Program, BEAR COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY NUMBER 8.1.

SO WHAT WE HAVE WORKED ON AND WITH PURCHASING IS TO UTILIZE A COOPERATIVE. DEPARTMENTS MUST SECURE A MINIMUM OF THREE VENDORS OF QUOTATIONS FROM THAT LIST APPROVED BY PURCHASING AND WE HOPE TO HAVE AT LEAST ONE OF THOSE QUOTES TO BE FROM A SMALL BUSINESS LOCAL OR VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESS ON THEIR COOPERATIVES. WE HAVE BEEN MEETING AND WRAPPING UP OUR OUTREACH REFERENCE with each one of the cooperatives. I believe we have 13, 14 different cooperatives the county does business with, and then they all have supply chains. Within that supply chain, to include DIR, which BCIT traditionally uses for technology purchases. So as we go through and we update that, we will be doing some tracking and data to see how we're participating on that. Professional services and consulting, as you know, that they're handled a little bit different here at the county, but we do have efforts and partnerships with those offices and departments that issue those and as they work with purchasing to include the SLOVBE in the process for outreach. It is not mandatory for advertisement because they're handled different ways. depending on what they are, but we have been receiving more of them from the Office of Departments over the last year. And as we look at the definitions and changes in our business designations, our non-binding participation objectives, the validation and compliance portion, the vendor rotation, using our in-house contract and data management system for prime contracts and subpayments. We are really focusing on forecast contracts and the payments registers, and then the process to enhance informal purchases, and then training after today if approved by July 13th for implementation for internal and external stakeholder training. Some of the new designations we'll be seeing is the Small Business Enterprise. We're following as set forth the definition from the U.S. Small Business Administration. And they have two categories, the small business and then micro business. Micro business is usually 10 employees or less. And then the Veterans Business Enterprise, which means you present your DD-214, as a former military veteran. And we will be working with military spouses. This, we feel like, is really good for the county because the county clerk's office has a whole initiative to have veterans registered at DD214 with Bexar County. because there's all kind of military and veteran services benefits through that department we are partnering with to help that provide goods and provide services as well. And then our local business enterprise. Our local business enterprise will be defined as headquartered in Bexar County or there's three portions that you have to meet through our compliance. If you have a local branch office, it has to be physically located within Bexar County. That property or the primary product or service supplied for the contract must be produced in Bexar County and you must have 12 consecutive months of operation in Bexar County at the time of the award. A vendor may not qualify by just maintaining a registered address within Bexar County. We track the DBAs filed in Bexar County from the clerk's office every month on our data team, as well as we work with the tax office to look at leases and registered addresses. CHANGE OF BUSINESS DESIGNATIONS. WE WILL BE RAMPING UP OUR VALIDATION PROCESS, AND WE ARE LOOKING AT DESIGNATING BUSINESS AS BUSINESS BEAR. WE WANT YOU TO HAVE NOT JUST LOCAL, BECAUSE LOCAL COULD JUST MEAN KIND OF ALL KIND OF BUSINESSES. WE WANT YOU HEADQUARTERED IN BEAR COUNTY, AND THEN WE WILL BE GIVING YOU A DESIGNATION GOING ONTO A LIST THAT WE WILL PRODUCE AND HAVE ON THE COUNTY'S WEBSITE. WE WILL PROCESS OUR DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS CENTERPRISE APPLICATIONS DIRECTLY THROUGH TEXDOT. with a partnership with UTSA. Right now, there are 20 approved firms because of the reevaluation process that TxDOT is going through because of the change in the federal administration for that program. Their formula was 667 in Bexar County. We have gotten 20 in that process. So TxDOT is working to revamp that program. The hub program with the state of Texas was changed to the vet hub program. It probably will have some conversations during the next legislative session on what will happen to the hub program, historically underutilized business. And then we will process our SBE and VBE in partnership with the SBA. We will publish and maintain a directory on the county website for internal and external access. Because not just doing business with Bexar County, but we want you to do business within Bexar County. All 119 public agencies, the private sector, so we can grow that economic and that commerce. We are looking at non-binding participation objectives. We will maintain our 30% previously in our small business program, 50% in our local business, and then 5% for the veterans. We selected the 5% because that's what the federal government has for veterans, and that is only our baseline. Next year or mid-year, depending on the participation, we will be bringing back you to reconsider that if it's adopted today.

Renee, just a question on the definition. I just want to go back over the local business. It's not just a presence, but it is a headquarter. Is that definitionally, or how does that definitionally work?

So we will have one, could be a headquarter in Burke County. Or two, you have to have, if it's a local branch office, you have to meet the other. You have to be physically located with Enberg County. The primary product or service for our contract must be produced in Enberg County. And then you must have 12 consecutive months of operation in Enberg County. So our compliance team will be going out doing physical checks because we will have, late on in the presentation, we're asking for mandatory vendor registration. So when the vendors register, the suppliers register at the beginning through the county's supplier portal, we will then begin to identify. So this slide here talks about what's in the system now. We have total records 14,000, total records in our supplier portal. 13,000, our data team has identified as being active, 13,485. When we did an email, we've gone through the unsubscribes. We've identified in the county system right now 4,108 who have told us that they're local, 655 who have told us that they're small, and 77 who have told us that they're veteran. Now, our team will be going out to validate and then issue them the appropriate, and then flag that in the system. Because BCIT, our IT department, is looking at how do we come back to the system so the office and departments will now have a validated vendor, not just a self-identified vendor in our directory. And we will be able to do that and accomplish that. But that is going to take us to mandatory supplier registration. So anybody coming forward to the county to do business, we ask them to get registered in this supplier portal. And that includes their subs. Because if anybody is on that contract as a sub-supplier, sub-consultant, or sub-contractor, we want them to be a registered vendor in Burke County. Okay? And then the local preference is a little bit different from local business. So you want to talk about local preference since that's your program?

Absolutely, Renee. LOCAL BUSINESS PREFERENCE OR LBP MEANS THE CONSIDERATION IN COMPLIANCE WITH TEXAS LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE CHAPTER 271.905 OF LOCATION OF BIDDER'S PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS. LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOR PURPOSES OF THIS POLICY MEANS BEAR COUNTY, INSIDE BEAR COUNTY. AND PURCHASING ANY REAL PROPERTY OR PERSONAL PROPERTY THAT IS NOT AFFIXED TO REAL PROPERTY IF THE PURCHASING AGENT ON BEHALF OF BEAR COUNTY RECEIVES ONE OR MORE BIDS FROM A BIDDER WHOSE PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS IS IN BEAR COUNTY AND WHOSE BID IS WITHIN THREE PERCENT of the lowest bid price received by Bexar County from a bidder who is not a resident of Bexar County. The purchasing agent on behalf of Bexar County may enter into a contract with number one, the lowest bidder or two, the bidder whose principal place of business is in Bexar County if Commissioner's Court, which is the ultimate authority, determines in writing that the local bidder offers Bexar County the best combination of contract price and additional economic development opportunities created by the contract award, including the employment of residents of Bexar County and increased tax revenues. This section does not prohibit Commissioner's Court from rejecting all bids.

ARE WE PLANNING TO ASSIGN A MATRIX WITH POINTS TO SAY THAT THE STATUTE IS NOT UP, BUT I WAS JUST GOING TO SAY, CAN WE PUT THE STATUTE BACK UP REAL QUICK? I HAVE IT. YOU KNOW WHAT, I HAVE IT. SO LET'S JUST SAY, FOR EXAMPLE, THAT 25% OR 20% OF OUR EVALUATIONS RELATED TO CONTRACT PRICE AND 25% TO economic development and 25% to employment and 25% to increase tax revenues or is it just subjective?

So what we would do is actually work this into the evaluation of the actual submissions depending on what the service of product is, right? We would look at that and we'll work that into updated forms when we review these evaluations of these bids that come in.

So what I'm hearing you say is there will be a matrix that you are going to have the bidders put a, I guess, a quantification of the factors that, for example, were just laid out in statute. Is that what you're saying?

Commissioner, I don't want to overstep Renee, but I think what we want to do is ensure that they identify themselves in either of these categories or as a local, and then when we're evaluating the proposals is when we can determine if they're within that percentage range, we give the preference to that local vendor over somebody who resides outside of.

So there's a quantification process potentially, right? Because it would be like you have to validate and or declare a certain amount of employees or a certain amount of tax revenue or a certain amount of whatever And that criteria, and that's both a voluntary subjective declaration from the bidder, and then it's another subjective, maybe more objective compliance issue from the county. So it will be hard numbers, basically. It'll be hard variables. Okay, thank you.

Thank you. And then we will continue to use our contract and data management system for reporting, which we do right now. And then we will have the forecasting and the payment register, as we continue to do right now, to bring those forecasts forward, whether it's the facilities, a funded entity, or one of our tax incentive programs. We always get what is the future. And it's not just construction. We want to look at professional services as well as operations, like we do with the Frost Bank Center. We had a contract for 25 years. And every quarter, we're still working with the Spurs on how do they allocate and spend those dollars and all of those revenues. And as we go forward with JCB, we have that same kind of relationship. We had that with Toyota. So same with the University of Health. And our Small Business Advisory Committee receives those reports twice a year. And then our professional enhancements for informal purchases, we're working on. There are some issues with the Lawson Infor supplier system, but we are working to get those updated through these different modules. And that's all we have today. Any questions? Any questions?

So I don't have questions per se. You and I already met and went through this with with my deputy chief of staff, Marcus. So thank you to Greg and to you for working together on this. And I recognize that you guys are county employees and that we are an agent of the state. So you all have to go through this process. But I will say that as elected official representing the constituents of Precinct one will continue to stay and support small minority woman VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESSES, AND OF COURSE LOCAL. SO THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK ON THAT. DOES THIS REQUIRE A MOTION?

YES, AND I SHOULD HAVE THAT.

I'D LIKE TO MOVE FOR APPROVAL.

SECOND. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER CLAYTON FORWARD, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KOVAC. FOR PURPOSE OF CLARITY, WE'RE COMBINING 44A AND B, CORRECT, LARRY?

CORRECT, BECAUSE ONCE WE MAKE THE CHANGE TO THE POLICY, WE CHANGE THE COMMITTEE TITLE.

I also wanted to recognize because Commissioner's Court has gone on longer than anticipated, but I wanted to nonetheless give a shout out to my appointee, Mariana Lujan, who was here earlier. She had to leave because she didn't think this was going to take so long. And also Walter Martinez, who was here, who has done an immense amount of work for small, minority, women-owned, veteran-owned, and local businesses over the decades, well before I was here fighting for this. So I just wanted to recognize them. So thank you for your work with them also. Thank you.

So purpose of clarity, Renee, what are the initials to your new department?

S-L-O-V-B-E. S-L-O-V-B. S-L-O-V-B? All right. Small, local, and veterans. S-L-O-V-B. And we will continue to track, in accordance with the U.S. Census, everyone who registers with the county, and we will be able to present those reports to ensure non-discrimination.

Any other questions or comments? I'll call for a vote. All those in favor, signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? Motion carries.

Thank you.

All right. Yes. A and B. We're included as one part of the motion. Yes, motion for A and B. I need a joint motion for 45 and 46 for discussion. Motion by Commissioner Calvert, second by Commissioner Rodriguez to approve the late file items of 45 and 46. All those in favor, signal by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstention? Motion carries. Let us now take up 45A. Larry, is this something we can do combined, or should we keep it separate in light of the... Separate, okay. All right. I will take them together and call up 45A, Discussion Appropriate Action, regarding approval execution of agreement between Bexar County, Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council to expand the system that currently exists for prevention, early intervention, and treatment of opioid use by incorporating a comprehensive response system for youth and adults who use or overdose on opioids and methamphetamine. The Substance Use Emergency Response System, CERS, will apply a collaborative, scalable, public health approach to identifying, preventing, and responding to problematic substance use and SUD risk mitigation. The term of this agreement is for a period of two years effective on approval by Bexar County Commissioners for an amount not to exceed $1,292,891 to include a budgetary transfer. 46A, discussion, appropriate action regarding approval and execution of agreement between Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council, STRAC, and Bexar County for the purpose of addressing 9-1-1 mental health related calls more effectively by responding with a trained multidisciplinary team to divert individuals experiencing mental health crisis away from jail and emergency departments. The term of the agreement is for a period October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 for an amount not to exceed $1,335,000. Dr. Guerrero, I believe these contracts have been ongoing for many a long time. and we now have come to an agreement. Is that my understanding?

Yes, that is true.

All right. Is there anything you want to add?

Not unless there are questions, but I can give a brief description, but if there are no questions.

I believe, is everybody familiar with the contracts? What are the programs that are being funded

The first for item A on 45 is a new program. It is the CERS program, which is a substance use navigation program that is a partnership between Be Well Texas and Institute at UT Health San Antonio, CHCS, University Health System with STRAC, acting as the backbone organization providing infrastructure as a data partner and resource allocation. 46A? 46A is a continuation of the SMART program that has been in existence for several years.

All right. And I believe we have an agreement with Strat, correct? Yes. Is there any further comment?

Yeah, I do. Thomas, were these on my agenda review?

Trying to remember when your review was.

So just to make a point, of course, Dr. Andrea, I am supportive of these. But as staff knows. Yes. I do my homework. And I need to be briefed. And so if things are late filed, I still need to be contacted. And if I'm not available, my staff will meet with you. So if we can make sure that happens, I'm speaking for myself. This is how I work. So I just need to make sure that's the case because y'all know I like to do my homework. I don't want to sit here and ask a million questions and drag out things. But if y'all can make sure, you know, been here for six years now, y'all should know that. So if you can make sure it doesn't happen, please.

Yes, ma'am.

Happy to support these items. Thank you.

Rodriguez, second by Commissioner Clay Flores. Any further discussion? We'll then take up one vote, Larry, for both. 45A, 46A, two separate contracts. All those in favor, signal by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstention? Motion carries.

Thank you.

All right. I believe, Kate, that concludes. Now we'll go to executive session. I don't believe we have any other action items. So I believe for purposes for the public, we'll go into an executive session. The time is 1.06 p.m. And then I believe we'll come out into open session. And I don't believe there'll be any action taken at that time except adjournment. Go ahead, Larry.

For 48A and B, both of those are contract items that the court has to vote on. Remember those, you have to take a vote to go 48A and B. All right.

So let me read into the record. The court will now convene an executive session. Executive session items may be discussed and act upon an appropriate and open session. Pursuant to 551-071 Texas Government Code, executive session will be held for consultation with the court's attorney for advice regarding a pending or contemplated litigation settlement offers in the matters of Ellison v. Bexar County, Garza v. Salazar, Forbes v. Bexar County, Ledesma v. and Guerrero v. Bexar County. B, legal issues pertaining to matters in which the duty of the attorney for Bexar County and Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of Texas clearly conflicts with the Open Meetings Act. Legal issues related to a request by the Bexar County Appraisal District for Bexar County to intervene in pending litigation related to a suit filed by BCAD alleging a failure by certain housing finance corporation operating in Bexar County to maintain tax exemptions by Texas law. Pursuant to section 551.07.225 of the Texas government could deliberate matters regarding the contract being negotiated specifically, one, to deliberate business and financial issues related to the negotiation of a development agreement or similar document Proposed to be negotiated between Bexar County, a Texas political subdivision, the Coliseum Advisory Board, San Antonio Livestock Exposition, Inc., a Texas nonprofit corporation related to the redevelopment, revitalization of the Freeman Coliseum complex grounds and facilities so long as before convening the closed meeting. One, the court votes unanimously that deliberation and open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the position of the commissioner's court negotiations. negotiations with third persons. And two, the attorney advising the court issues a written determination that liberation open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the position of the court in negotiations with third persons. Number two, to deliberate business and financial issues related to the negotiation of agreement between Bexar County, greater SATX, so long as before convening the closed meeting. One, the court votes unanimously that deliberation in open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the position of the commission's court negotiations with third persons, and the attorney advising the court issues a written determination that deliberation in open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the positions of the court in negotiations with third persons. Is there a motion to go into executive on those contract issues? Motion by Commissioner Rodriguez. Second by Commissioner Calvert. Any further discussion? Hearing none, all those in favor of the motion to go into executive session on those contract issues, signify saying aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposition? Any abstention? Unanimously approved. We will go into executive session. The time now is 1.09 p.m. Mr. Robeson, lead us in the executive session. Are we done? Are we back open? Are we open? All right. The time is 2.37 p.m. No, it's not on? We're not on? Kate, we're on? We're on. All right. Is there any... We come out of executive session and there's no action to be taken. Is there a motion to adjourn? Motion by Commissioner Rodriguez. Second. Second by Commissioner Clay Flores. Commissioner Clay Flores.

I'd like to adjourn in memory of Doris P. Vicks, mother of Olivia Jewel.

Commissioner Rodriguez.

Thank you, Judge. I'd like to adjourn in honor of James Martin, Carmen Chapa, and longtime Express News columnist, editorial board member Gloria Padilla.

Here, here. Commissioner Calvert.

I would like to adjourn also in honor of Doris Vicks, Dan Sosa, who was Lionel Sosa's brother, and Alvin Xavier Waters.

And I would like to adjourn in behalf of Dr. Marvin Forland, MD, MACP. He was a founding faculty member at the School of Medicine at the Joe R. Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine at UT Health. He was a longtime member and a member of this community with the Jewish Federation of San Antonio. And I join in with Gloria Padilla, a renowned journalist who has served the county well. And as I recall, used to keep, walk the halls of the courthouse checking on the judges. That's the way it is. All those in favor of the motion, motion adjourned. I forgot one person. I apologize.

I forgot Margaret Stanley, who spearheaded the renovations of the Majestic Theater.

All those in favor of the motion adjourned, signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstention? We are adjourned.

What a day.

What a day.