Commissioners Court - Regular Meeting

Good morning again. The regular session of Comel County Commissioner's Court will be called to order at 8.30. Let the record reflect that all members of the court are present this morning and there is a quorum. We will begin with action agenda item number one, which is to approve the claims.

Judge, I move to approve the claims as presented for August the 20th, 2026. EFT is $1,470,969.78. Regular claims is $731,940.86 for a total of $2,202,910.64. Second.

We have a motion to approve claims by Commissioner Hogg, with a second by Commissioner Leacock. Any discussion or questions? All those in favor, please raise your right hand. Motion carries. Item two, discuss and consider acceptance of check donations from the following for the Junior Deputy Academy to be deposited into line item 010-000-2348, Junior Deputy Academy donations. Number one, Gail Gray, New Braunfels, in the amount of $650. And number two, strategic heating and air, Trevor Spencer, LLC, Sprint Branch, in the amount of $200.

Good morning, Judge and Commissioners. We're seeking acceptance of donations for our Junior Deputy Academy.

Move to approve action agenda item number two, number one, and number two.

Second.

There's a motion to accept both check donations as presented by action item number two by Commissioner Hogg with a second by Commissioner Leacock. Any discussion or questions?

I just want to congratulate you all on this continuously successful program. And what a great testimony to the value that it has in the community when people donate to it. So kudos.

All those in favor, please raise your right hand. Motion carries. Thank you. Thank you. We will move into our workshop agenda. If there's no objection, I would like to begin with item number two, which is reports by county staff and elected officials on items of community interest.

Good morning. Good morning, judge and commissioners. I'd like to take a few moments to recognize and acknowledge Lori Means for her service to Commissioner's Court in Tacoma County. Since January of 2023, she has faithfully, with a very sweet smile and very quiet disposition, similar to me, serve this community. There's a lot that we could say about her. I thought about trying to count up the number of projects, but quite frankly, I ran out of time to try to count it. But it's been since countless contracts, unlimited public information requests, never-ending agendas. As I said, she's faithfully, with a smile and a positive attitude, served our community and made our county better. Lori is leaving Coma County for an amazing opportunity, and we're so proud of her, we're so grateful for her, and I just wanted to take a moment to acknowledge her impact and her service to this community.

OK. Thank you so much. OK.

Thank you, everyone.

Also, thank you, judge and commissioners. It's been a great opportunity to work with all of y'all. And I've really, really appreciated just getting to know each one of you and work with each one of you on all of these projects. So I will miss it here. But hopefully, at some point, I will come back and be able to visit. So thank y'all.

Well, Ms. Tharp, you said it all very accurately. Faithfully, with a smile, you're always positive. And any challenge we gave you at the tax office within our local agreements, you never hesitated to dive right in and figure it out. So you will be missed. And we wish you the best moving forward with your next venture.

Thank you. Thank you, Lori.

Thank you. We're going to do it.

Oh, OK. Let's deal with it.

Do you mind with the court real quick?

Okay, everybody. Ready? We're going to get a couple of these. Ready? One, two, three.

Ready?

Are there any other reports by county staff or elected officials this morning? Seeing none, we will move into workshop agenda item number one, which is citizens' comments. Public comments may address items of public interest and concern, or a specific agenda item are listed at three minutes per person. What I would ask is that if you are here to comment on the budget hearing or the tax rate hearing, that you hold your comments until that agenda item. At this time, we would accept any other public comment, as well as anyone here to speak in celebration of Mr. Hornset's retirement. OK. So no citizens' comments. We will move on to action agenda item number three. And again, this will be our opportunity to celebrate the retirement of Tom H. Hornseth. Item three is discuss and consider approval of a proclamation and decree honoring County Administrator Thomas Holman Hornseth, PE, on the occasion of his retirement.

And the proclamation reads, whereas Comal County, Texas is a community rich in history, tradition, natural beauty, and a strong spirit of service. And whereas the Comal County Commissioner Court recognizes that strength of county government rests upon the dedication, integrity, knowledge, and commitment of the men and women who devote their careers in serving the citizens of Comal County. And whereas Thomas Howman, Tom Hornceff, began his service in Comal County in 1992 as county engineer and has devoted over 33 years of distinguished public service to the safety, infrastructure, prosperity, and quality of life of the citizens of Comal County. Whereas through his tenure, Tom accepted responsibility for many of the county's most essential functions, including road and bridges, subdivision and floodplain administration, addressing geographic information systems, environmental health regulations, parks, rural recycling, transportation planning, development and implementation of regional habitat conservation plan, and major county construction projects. And whereas Tom's career coincided with the period of extraordinary growth and change in Comal County, requiring thoughtful planning, innovative problem solving, responsible stewardship of public resources, and a sustained commitment to preparing Comal County infrastructure and services for generations to come, And whereas during the devastating floods of 1998 and 2002, Tom and the county engineering and road department employees worked tirelessly to restore damaged infrastructure and protect the traveling public as he subsequently helped advance significant flood mitigation efforts, including drainage and bridge improvements, regional flood studies, real-time monitoring of low-water crossing, and the dry Kamauk Creek flood control project. Whereas Tom provided critical leadership in the renovation and presentation of the significant county facilities and landmarks, including the historic Fowth Street Bridge, historic Comal County Courthouse, the land of building, and the Comal County Annex, leaving a lasting mark on the infrastructure and public institutions of Comal County. And whereas Tom provided instrumental leadership in the planning and delivery of major county capital projects, including the Comal County Jail and Sheriff's Office, Churchill Annex, and Mental Health Extended Observation Unit, strengthening Comal County's public safety, emergency preparedness, and essential services for generations to come, And whereas in recognition of his leadership, innovation, technical expertise, and commitment to county government, Tomna was named the 2018 County Road Engineer Administrator of the Year by the Texas Association of County Engineers and Road Administrators. In RAS, after more than three decades of service as County Engineer, Tom was appointed the first Comal County Administrator, effective January 1, 2024, bringing his extraordinary institutional knowledge, experience, sound judgment, and commitment to public service to the administration of Comal County Government. Whereas amongst Tom's most meaningful contributions to Gamal County is the investment he has made in its people and his trusted source of knowledge, perspective, and guidance for countless county employees, taking the time to teach what he knew, share what experience had taught him, and prepare others to lead and serve well after his retirement. leaving Comal County not only in better because of what he has accomplished, but stronger because of the people he influenced along the way. Now, therefore, it be proclaimed that the Comal County Commissioner's Court hereby recognizes and honors Thomas Hellman Tom Hornseth upon his retirement for over 33 years of faithful and distinguished service to Comal County and its citizens. And therefore be it decreed that the historic Comal County Courthouse stands as an enduring symbol of public service and the relationship between county government and its citizens. And in recognition of Tom's extraordinary contributions and lasting place in the history of Comal County, he is hereby bestowed with a key to the Comal County Courthouse Representing the trust, respect, friendship, and gratitude of the community, he has faithfully served for more than three decades. And be it further ordered that the Comal County Commissioner's Court hereby names the Comal County Engineer's Office the Thomas H. Hornseth Comal County Engineer's Office as a lasting tribute to his more than 33 years of distinguished service, steadfast leadership, and unwavering dedication to Comal County and its citizens, and so that his legacy of service will endure for generations to come. Judge, I move to approve the proclamation just read.

Second.

We have a motion to approve action agenda item number three by Commissioner Hogg, with a second by Commissioner Leacock. Any discussion or questions?

I think we all have a lot to say. No.

Well, we've talked a lot about, over the years, the worst part of this job and working here is when good people leave. And today, of course, is one of those days. I know you're an engineer, and you always act like it's all about the work and not about the people. But we've seen your heart, and we know how much you care about people. And that was most evident in relation to Sherman. And he would have loved today. He valued ceremony and formality and would have been all about the proper respect, to show the proper respect to you and your distinguished career and service to the county. I know you're going to find being the center of attention unpleasant, but these events exist to show that lives of service like yours should be celebrated and held out as an example of what we can be as people. Thank you for working here for so long and being honest, humble, fair, efficient, and so smart, and having that ridiculous memory. I don't know how we're even going to find the keys to stuff around here after you're gone. And for your willingness to do the hard things. You're the standard for Gamal County, and everyone who has worked with you is better for it. You're one of a kind, and there will be no replacing you. I saw Carl earlier. Thank you so much, and Kyle, for sharing him with us all these years. I know he's probably a pain to live with, like we all are, but he's meant the world to us here. He's made a huge difference in our community and helped so many people. I hope these next years are the best years of your life. That's what you deserve. Godspeed, Tom. You're loved, and you will be missed.

Tom, that was the longest proclamation that I've ever read. But the good part about it was all those words in there that describes you were actually, all of them were spot on. I've appreciated the past 16 years of your kind friendship, your... your leadership, and guiding us, guiding me in being a better person. Somebody said, when you tear up, it means that you actually mean it. And I do. Thank you, Tom.

My turn. Tom, I want to thank you for being a mentor. You're a steady, consistent, and constructive leader. And no matter how frustrating something that comes up that you deal with, you've always handled these things in stride. I've never once seen you show anger. And I've never once seen you treat anybody with anything less than dignity and respect. What I've witnessed in my years here, and even in the years before I took office, are traits of a good, strong, admirable character and traits of steadfast leadership. All these traits in one person is an absolutely exceptional combination, and you, sir, are exactly that. An exceptional person and public servant, and it's been an honor to serve with you. We're so lucky for this time that we've had with you. Your mark on this county will be forever remembered and revered, and appropriately so. I don't think there's a single department that you haven't touched. Few people serve in such a meaningful way that their impact is remembered for generations, but I do believe your mark on this county is exactly that. I know that I'm also a better commissioner because I've been able to serve alongside you in your mentorship and guidance, and I thank you for that. What a legacy, sir. Congratulations on a job well done. We're going to miss our walking encyclopedia, and I second the prayer. Don't you dare change your number.

It didn't take long being here to know, even before I was sitting in this chair, that all the information is just held in that body, in that mind. And man, it's been a blessing to have you here and to be part of the organization. You've been instrumental in learning and continue to learn. And it's clear by everybody in this room understands that you can't possibly know everything that you've been able to take in over the past 33 years. And I was serious about the phone number, and I'm sure we're all going to greatly miss you. And a friend. But I want to say thank you for your leadership and your support and your willingness to provide information every day. It makes a world of difference, that's for sure. Thank you.

Only five short months. That's all I got. But I am here, we all know, under somewhat tragic circumstances. Out of that has been one of the greatest blessings for me in my time in the county in public service. I've told this story, but when I became tax assessor, I walked in and I wanted to meet everybody. I was eager. And I looked at Tom like Commissioner Crownover described him as this, you know, example, his role model is, oh, he has so much knowledge. I want to get to know him. And I walked up to him and I said, hi, I'm Kristen Hoyt. I'm the new tax assessor. And he was like, oh, OK, well, I don't really do much with the tax office. Now, having this opportunity for five months to work alongside you, I totally get why you said that. And I respect it. And it's been a blessing and an honor to have these short months to work alongside you. The impact you've made on my life and this role is incredible. is more than I could have hoped for. So you will be tremendously missed. It is not often these days you hear of anyone sticking around a job, whether corporate or public service, for 33 years. And I think that's just a true testament your dedication and your passion and your commitment to the county and not just here at the courthouse, but the people that live in this county that started off as, you know, tens of thousands and now we're hundreds of thousands. You could have gone elsewhere. You probably could have made a lot more money. You probably could have had more time at home maybe. But you chose to be here with us. And though I was not here during those years, I feel 33 years later the impact of the decisions and the leadership that you So I cannot thank you enough. My only regret is that I don't get to spend more time with you and learn from you along the way. But thank you very much. OK, so we have a motion, and we have a second. All in favor, please raise your right hand. Motion carries.

Okay. Thank you.

All right. My name is Robert Boyd. I'm the county engineer in Tom's shadow. And Tom, we've prepared a video for you, and then we'll continue our presentation here.

I was hired by Tom in 1994. I was filling out the application for the job, and Tom watched past the counter. He looked so young, I thought he was summer help.

So, Tom Jr., what do you think about Thomas?

Tom's been great to work with. He's been a great boss, and I really appreciate him as an engineer and also as a person.

He comes on and he'll tell you the story Hand me down my walking shoes He comes on with the power and the glory Backbeat, talk and move He got the action, he got the motion Yeah, the boy can play Dedication, devotion It's in and out of night time, it's in the day The sun is about to set on the moon If you decide singing oh he's cold as me papalula baby what I say he comes on he's singing I got a woman down in the tunnel trying to make you pray he got the action he got the motion where the boy can relate the dedication the potion he's turning all the night time into the day and after all the violence and double talk it's just a song and only trouble and the strife you can go on yeah you do the walk on the line

When I started, I didn't realize how much it would be to pronounce his last name, but people sure have had trouble with it. We've had some strange ones. We've had Hornspeck, Horniseck, Seth Horn, Oransor, Horshack, and one of my favorites is Hornsniff.

So Tom, I'm going to speak on behalf of the engineer's office, the road department. And one of the things we did make for you as a guide sign, so you always know where the Thomas Hallman H. Hornseth County Engineer's Office is. And so we'll present that to you here, David, to bring that up here. But just a few words from me as well. So Tom hired me in 2003 as the Kumai County Assistant Engineer. If I'm honest, the primary reason I took the job is that I had two kids under two and a third on the way, and driving to San Antonio every day meant more time away from my family. So I took the job and started my career at Comal County under Tom Hornseth. I don't think I could ask for a better mentor to develop under professionally, and I want to tell you why. First, Tom has a deep respect for the term public servant. You can make a lot more money in the private sector, but Tom showed me that there is more to your professional development than making money. He showed that we can take great pride in serving the public through our work at the engineer's office. He embraced GIS and paperless office well before it was common. When we present at conferences, other counties think for sure that we're from the future because of all we have accomplished under Tom's leadership. Second, Tom has several unique phrases to describe the world around him. How many of you have heard, I see the writing on the wall, this is a little tempest in the teapot, or don't get left holding the bag. My favorite is a term he coined, and it is bonus employee. Tom describes work with our employees as a contract. We ask the employee to fulfill their job description. In return, we pay them. But sometimes you get the bonus employee. That's the person that does far beyond their job description, but for the same pay. I don't think it's dumb luck that the engineer's office has a boatload of bonus employees, and I think that is due to the example we saw leading us every day. Finally, Tom doesn't like to show it, but he's got a ton of empathy. He wants you to believe he is Mr. Spock with his robotic brain that remembers literally everything and his logical response to every situation, but he deeply cares about his employees, his co-workers, his friends. He took an interest in my family and watched them grow up. His advice was not limited to just being an employee for Comal County, but also general lessons about being a man, a husband, and a dad. I'm so glad that your wife and son are here today to see how you devoted your career to serving others. I'm thankful for the mentor, friend, and example you've been for 23 years. I'll miss seeing you on a regular basis, but I'm excited about your next adventure. You truly are the greatest bonus employee that Coma County has ever had. Me and other county engineers to follow will always be in your shadow while simultaneously standing on your shoulders. I know you'll hate it, but you're more than deserving of every accolade you'll receive today. Thanks.

This is the guide sign.

I guarantee Tom's looking at it going, that's not the right green. Actually, he's colorblind, so he doesn't know. At this time, I'd like to invite former county judge Danny Shale up to share some words.

Good morning. I had the pleasure of coming to work for this county in 1995 as a county commissioner and retired as a county judge in 2012. I had 16 years of the pleasure of working with Tom. Jennifer called me a couple of weeks ago and told me that this was coming up, so as old as I am, I started putting my stuff in writing so I don't forget something, so I'm going to take the time to read this to you. Tom, I want to take this opportunity to congratulate you and, more importantly, to thank you for the 34 years of dedicated service you have given to Comal County. I first had the privilege of working with you when I became County Commissioner in 1995 and then again when I served as County Judge from 1999 through 2011. During all those years, I could always count on you to be there when the County needed you. You were available, knowledgeable, and willing to tackle whatever problem was put in front of you. That's something you cannot take for granted in public service. I especially remember the work involved in widening Highway 46 and working with TxDOT. That was no small undertaking, and your knowledge and persistence were important in getting the job done. I also remember the flash floods of 1998 and 2002. Those were difficult and trying times for our county, and you were there doing what needed to be done without looking for recognition or making excuses. That to me says a great deal about the kind of public servant you have been. You understood the job was to make the people of Comal County and to do it right. You brought good judgment, common sense, and strong work ethic to the job, and those qualities are becoming harder to find these days. Over the years, I very much enjoyed working with you. I respected your knowledge and your willingness to help. I always knew that when I called on you, you would give me an honest answer and do the best to find a solution. Comal County has grown tremendously over 33 years, and the one thing I really regret, Tom, is that we didn't get that outer loop done. And you have served it, and you can take great pride in knowing that you played an important part in part of that growth. Your work has left a lasting mark on this county, and the people of Comal County are better off because of your service. Congratulations, Tom, on a remarkable career. I wish you and your family all the best in the years ahead. You've served Comal County well, and you have earned the respect and appreciation of those of us who have had the good fortune to work alongside you. And I appreciate it very much. Thank you. I now have the honor to introduce our former county judge's wife, Melissa Krause. Melissa, I love you, but I sure wished I could be introducing the Shermanator now instead.

Good morning. Tom, what a fantastic day for you. It is a privilege to be here with you this morning, and if I am being completely honest, it is also going to be quite difficult. Because if I know that Sherman were standing here today, he would have stories. He would have a lot of stories, and I bet you some of them he wouldn't want us to talk about. Sherman passed away unexpectedly in February, and so today I have this bittersweet honor of speaking on his behalf about someone who was an important part of both his professional life over the years as well as his personal life. The Krause and Hornseth families met more than 30 years ago when our children began their schooling journey at New Braunfels Christian Academy. And over the years, I have watched that relationship grow into a professional one between Sherman and Tom. It was something that has become quite meaningful. Tom, you became one of Sherman's most trusted colleagues. And more importantly, a cherished friend. This friendship wasn't just about county business. It was about sharing recipes, it was about sharing cookies, talking about the yard, talking about landscaping, comparing notes on important projects about the home and with your family and our family. It was Sherman asking you for some expert opinion on something complex that he needed to do at the house. Because I guess being county engineer also meant you were the go-to guy for his personal needs. It was Jimmy John's lunches. It was Grandzine's lunches. And I think every time that y'all had the opportunity to do that, he's like, hey, I had a great lunch with Tom today. Those things may sound really insignificant compared to a career spanning more than three decades, but they tell you something very important about Sherman. Sherman loved his county family, all of y'all. He loved all of y'all so much. He valued relationships, and when he trusted someone like you, Tom, he truly valued that friendship. Tom, you became part of our family. You are a regular topic of my and Sherman's daily conversations, and we share the highlights of our day's work. I always look forward to hearing about you and Carla and Kyle. And I know Sherman considered you much more than a colleague. For more than 15 years, Sherman served as county judge, and during much of that time, Tommy served as county engineer and in 24 became the county administrator. Together, you two worked through one of the most extraordinary times in this county's growth. The changes it has experienced are extraordinary. The population grew tremendously. The demands on roads, drainage, public safety, the courts, the facilities, and virtually every part of county government grew with it. And through all of that, Sherman trusted you. If I had to choose just one word to intertwine through the years of experiences he had with you, it was complete trust. Whether it was a major project, a flood, a winter weather event, or a challenge that needed attention at any hour on any day, I might add, he knew that he could rely on your experience, your judgment, and your commitment. You were someone, Tom, who knew... You would state the problem. You would stick with the problem until it was solved. And that trust is earned over many years. I think one of the best testaments came in 2018 when you were nominated for the Texas Association of County Engineers and Road Administrators County Engineer Road Administrator Award of the Year. Sherman recognized your leadership, your innovation, your technical experience and expertise, use of technology, management of major construction projects, and commitment to improving county government. Tom, you didn't simply maintain Comal County, you helped move it forward. Your career is measured in much more than projects. There was something less visible but just as important. Tom, you taught people. You shared what you knew. You helped develop the next generation of people who would carry that knowledge forward. And I think that that may be one of the greatest measures of a career. Not simply what you accomplish yourself, but what you leave behind in the people you have helped along the way. Even during some of the county's most difficult moments, you didn't simply ask, how do we respond to this crisis? I think you always looked at it through the lens, and I gleaned this from talking to Sherman, What can we learn? What can we do differently? How can we make the county safer for the next time? That is the way. He approached work, you approached work, looking beyond the immediate problem and preparing Comal County for the future. And then in 24, you took on another challenge, becoming the county's first county administrator. That transition says a great deal about the confidence people have in you. You weren't simply being asked to continue what you've always done. you were entrusted with helping to lead the entire county. Sherman was incredibly proud of that. Because Sherman understood that leadership isn't about being the person in the room with all of the answers. It's about knowing how to bring the right knowledge, the right experience, the right people together to make good decisions. Tom, you have spent a career doing exactly that. And then there's this key that you've been given today, a key to the courthouse. Very few people have been given that symbolic honor. As I think about it, that key represents access, trust, and responsibility, and in your case, more than three decades of service. I know Sherman would have been so very proud of you and that he would have been so pleased to be the one handing you that special key today. And then there's this naming of this building. I know that makes you uncomfortable. Because you're a lot like Sherman that way. But for those of us who know and respect you, it is something to be incredibly proud of. Generations of people will walk through those doors and see your name. They may never know the project, the every late night, the every difficult decision, or every problem you helped to solve. But they will know that you, Tom Hornseth, gave more than three decades of your life making Comal County better. That is a legacy worth memorializing. Tom, I believe Sherman would have been very proud to be here today, and in some way, he is with us today. I can't tell you exactly what he would have said, but I know my husband. He would have looked at you, he would have smiled and probably told a story or two, and then simply said something like, Tom, well done. Comal County is better because of your years of service. You have set the bar high for others to lead in the future. Enjoy what's next and where you're going to report to. He told me you needed to report somewhere, and it sounds like you've got a great place to go and report to. So thank you. Thank you, the Hornseth family, for sharing Tom with Comel County, sharing him with every leader to make every leader of this county better. I wish you all the very best in the next chapter.

Good morning again. I am here to read a letter from the former County Judge Carter Castile, who was unable to be here today. I would love to impersonate her with her accent, but I don't think I can get it. We can all hear it, though. Dear Tom, in my long lifetime, I've had a few opportunities to meet really great people, and when I did, the world in which I lived became a much better place. I had the privilege of interviewing, along with the rest of the Comel County Commissioner's Court in 1992, a young man for the position of Comel County Engineer, Tom Hornseth. The court had very interesting members that were very opinionated. The hiring of Tom Hornseth was unanimous. We did not make a mistake. Our court did a great thing for Comal County, and many wonderful things began to happen. Tom was determined, dedicated, enthusiastic, caring, disciplined, patient, and could work with anyone. Believe me. I could name many things that occurred because of him, but if I did, my letter would be 30 pages long. Let me mention a few of the things that I remember as interesting, funny, and determinative. Groundbreaking for our county was the Hidden Valley Sports Park beneath Canyon Lake, which was a very unique story and somewhat related to my family. I wanted Comal County to have parks because there were none. Starting in 1992, it was Tom's patience and work ethic that made that dream come true. The Jumbo-Ebbin Sports Park also happened on Highway 281 in the 1990s. Both parks have served families and children in the Sattler, Canyon Lake, Wolverty, Startsville, and Spring Branch areas. The Fowl Street Bridge in New Braunfels was restored and dedicated on October 1, 1998. The idea came from a citizen. I asked the Comel County Historical Commission to weigh in with advice and support. I worked with Precinct 3 Commissioner Christina Zamora at the time and got the court's approval, but Tom made it happen. He secured a grant for approximately $400,000, and the bridge was restored. Tom got the bridge done in a matter that would be acceptable. I did the politicking with my friend, Mayor Jan Kennedy, the New Braunfels City Council, and City Manager Mike Shands, and the bridge was dedicated to the City of New Braunfels and accepted into the New Braunfels City Parks Department. But again, it was the magic of Tom Hornseth that made it happen. A side note is that on October 18th, the flood of 1998 occurred, and I kept thinking, bridge, you better not cater. Crater. The bridge stood strong and sturdy through heavy storms and record high water. Today, the Fow Street Bridge remains a focal point of the City of New Braunfels, Comal County, Texas. The restoration of the Comal County Courthouse back to its original design was a dream of Commissioner Jan Kennedy. I was on the Texas Historical Commission Committee that dealt with money for restoration of courthouses. Comal County missed the first round, but Commissioner Kennedy did not give up and had Tom with her working his steady hand. Success again, and Tom was meticulous about every detail in that restoration. Comal County Landfill was Commissioner Schwab's dream. He had Tom with him. Comal County became the envy of Texas for its vision in protecting the environment. There are many things that Tom has done for which he will be remembered by various administrations and various people. As I think about Tom's impact on Comal County and his legacy, I'm simply amazed at how lucky we were in 1992 to hire him and that he never gave up on us. Remember, he worked for the Commissioner's Court. All politicians. I can hear her saying that. Tom was the doer. Tom was the historian. Tom was the calm and the patient person in the room. He dealt with a lot of different interesting members of court. We as public servants may have had some of the vision, but trust me, it never would have happened had it not been for Tom Hornseth. He was and is the most patient man. I'm laughing to myself as I remember old times. He dealt with me in my court with its various members and then many others after me. But Tom never varied. He remained steady, calm, patient, strong, and dedicated. My wish for the citizens of Comal County and all citizens is that you be a Tom Hornseth. Sincerely, Carter Castile, County Judge, November 1990 to December 31, 1998. So at this time, we would like to invite Tom up so that we can give you the key and other items. So we will begin with the recognition. Upon the occasion of your retirement and recognizing service of 34 years and dedicated service to citizens of Pumal County, thanks for a job well done.

This key to the courthouse was stowed to you. Okay. We have a couple other items here. He's putting it in his pocket.

Okay, this gets from that work.

Oh, boy.

I'm not done.

For those of us who are going to miss Tom, we have our courthouse Bobble Tom and our road department Bobble Tom.

If you need any assistance in meetings, we can ask him for advice. If you don't answer the phone, we'll just do what he says.

So at this time, we would like to invite folks up if you want to be part of the photo. Anyone from the Jennifer, anyone that wanted to come up and take a photo with Tom? And the family. And the family, of course. Oh, yes. I'm sorry. Yes. We're not done yet.

We have more. But wait. There's more.

We have, we're fortunate to have a representative from Senator Campbell's office here today. This is Miss Sonia Chapa, and she has something very special to present to Tom.

Here you go, sir. No, I'm good. So on behalf of Senator Donna Campbell, she had the Texas flag flown over the state capitol on your behalf, thanking you for a job well done as a standing citizen and all that you've given as an engineer, as an administrator, and just a big thank you.

Thank you. Even though we had to do it. We need more people on this side.

Look, and he's wearing a matching outfit. So proud.

Well, that was really nice of everybody. I don't know what I could add to that. You guys did a good job. I tend to agree with all of it. I'd like to point out my family here, my wife and my son. And when you guys hired me, you hired a family. My wife took care of the house, allowed me to do this work. and dedicate myself to this.

And you got two for one when you hired me.

So I really want to give credit. And then Kyle came along. Or he was here at the time, I guess. And I remember taking him to night meetings and having to put some chairs together. And he would sleep while I was doing meetings. And so he's been along for the ride, too. uh county engineer is a full-time job it's 24 7 365 and up at night a lot watching the weather keeping track of things and these guys were always helping me out so you really got to give credit to those these two folks I just have a couple comments. I know it's getting long. But I do want to, some of those stories I heard kind of reminded me of a few things. And I told this story to the folks downstairs. But when I got hired back in 1992, I interviewed, I think, in either December or November of 91. And I drove down here and met with the commissioner's court. And the way they did their interviews is you would stand at the podium, and they were at the dais. And it was kind of intimidating, and it was kind of a weird interview. But anyway, got through it and started. As I was leaving, Carter looked at me and she goes, OK, Tom, are you willing to work with these four grouchy old men and this cute broad here, meaning herself? And I thought that was kind of odd. And I said, yeah, I think I could probably work with you guys. But it was kind of interesting. And one last thing I'll say, really not important, but the deal with Sherman and the County Engineer of the Year deal, that was, Melissa left out a kind of important deal. Sherman pulled a real fast one on me. He did not tell me what was going on. In fact, he convinced me that I was going with him and Jeff Kelly, our emergency management guy, to give a presentation on point-to-point housing for hurricane victims. So he asked me to put this PowerPoint presentation together for Jeff Kelly, which I did. And so I get in the car, and we're all three of us going, and I'm just going kind of as a technical guy to make sure the PowerPoint thing works. And we get there, and he was kind of nervous because he had pulled this off, and I had no idea what was going on. And so I walk up to the guy, like I always do at various conventions when I'm making presentations, and I give him a little thumb drive, and I go, here's my presentation that Jeff Kelly's going to present, and I want you to cue it up on your computer. And the guy kind of looked at me like, what are you talking about? And so Sherman was kind of off to the side, just kind of going, you know. And so they took it, and they kind of went away. And then the ceremony started, and they said, you know, Tom Hornseth is the County Engineer of the Year, which totally surprised me, and he totally fooled me. But I will say, I spent a lot of time on that presentation. And he made me spend four or five hours putting that thing together, which it obviously wasn't ever used. So I definitely owed him. He owed me or I owed him for something there. But I was never able to get back to him on that. Anyway, I really appreciate all the recognition. I've had a fun time working here. It's been a good job. A lot of things people pointed out happened, and we did a lot of construction, a lot of projects. Almost all of them were successful. A lot of hard times, though. Anytime you do a deal like this, you got a lot of difficult legal matters and complex contractual issues and some tough decisions and hard talk sometimes. But we got through it all and accomplished a lot of good things. So thank you for everything. I think we need to stop this. We've got a long agenda. We need to get it finished. So let's get on with it. Thank you.

One final thing. One final thing. Today at 1130, we're hosting out of the road department a luncheon in Tom's honor. And so our road crews have been cooking all morning. And we're going to have a great time out there honoring Tom and his family. So I hope you can make that. So thanks, Tom, for everything.

We are going to take a 10-minute recess, so everyone can come grab photos and speak with Tom. We will be going into recess at 927, and we'll return, let's say we'll return at 940. We'll turn to 940. Thank you. Thank you.

Then my damn phone went off

I didn't want to. And I didn't want to reach over and then throw you off because I saw it. It beeped and it threw you off. And the last thing I did was go over. I almost went.

Instead of saying this part, please keep it on the front burner for as soon as possible.

I knew what we were doing. We were killing bugs before we started.

It was here and then it was there and then it was here.

He's watching you. Cool.

We are returning from recess at 9.41 AM. We are in our action agenda. Next up on the agenda, you'll notice, is the taxpayer impact statement. This is a statement that is required by statute, Texas government code 551.043. I will not be reading it, but we've done our duty and had this posted on the agenda and noticed. So we'll move to item number four, discuss and consider setting proposed salaries and allowances for elected county and precinct officials for fiscal year 2027. Oh, I'm sorry. So just as a recap, on August 6th, this was the proposal from the county judge's budget for the elected official salary increase. This was posted in the paper for the August 8th and 9th edition. And today we would take action to set these salaries.

Move to approve action agenda item number four. Second.

We have a motion to approve action agenda item number four by Commissioner Hogg with a second by Commissioner Leacock. Any discussion or questions? All those in favor, please raise your right hand. Motion carries. Item five, public hearing on proposed 2027 Comal County budget. Okay, so before we begin, I would like to briefly recap the proposed budget from August 6th and the principles that guided its development. As many of you have seen, my focus throughout the budget process this year has been on the basics. That, along with added communication and increased transparency. And when I speak of basics, I mean more than just essential services. County government serves as an administrative arm of the state of Texas. And many of our most fundamental responsibilities are established by the Texas Constitution and state law, from our courts and jail to elections, public records, public safety, and county infrastructure, just to name a few. This budget began with straightforward principles. To first meet the obligations entrusted to us as a commissioner's court, protect the essential services our citizens depend on, and carefully analyze everything else. As a reminder, here is the tax rate slide, the itemized slide presented on August 6th. This year, slower growth and lower property appraisals in many areas have created a more challenging financial environment than in years past. At the same time, the costs of meeting those obligations, they continue to rise, and so does the need to address critical infrastructure. This slide shows the no new revenue rate, the voter approval rate, and the proposed tax rate, the .305015, which is the same tax rate as last year. Part of protecting essential services is retaining experienced employees who provide them. When we lose our good employees, we lose experience and institutional knowledge. And taxpayers bear the additional cost of recruiting, hiring, training, and training their replacements. For that reason, I have recommended a 4% cost of living adjustment for all county employees with an additional 2% adjustment for law enforcement. Retaining experienced employees, particularly those entrusted with public safety, is both an operational necessity and, I believe, sound stewardship of taxpayer dollars. I've also recommended the use of reserves. You'll see at the bottom of this slide, the use of reserves for one-time capital investments, including design work for the jail and precinct for annex, as well as a tax office renovation. Using one-time funds for one-time needs allows for us to address critical infrastructure without placing an additional recurring obligation budget on future budgets. So I also recognize that over the past two weeks, I've visited with many departments. I recognize that there are worthwhile projects and legitimate requests that were not included in my proposed budget, nor included in the changes that will be displayed in a minute. The absence of a request from my proposal should not be interpreted as judgment, that it lacks merit or importance. But my responsibility was to present a budget that I believe meets our obligations, balancing competing needs, and remains mindful that every dollar we spend ultimately belongs to the taxpayer. We now have the opportunity as a court today to consider those priorities together and determine where adjustments may be appropriate. As previously committed, I do intend to work with our legislators this session to address unfunded mandates. We at the county accept the responsibility to carry out the duties established by the state of Texas. But when additional requirements are imposed upon counties without the resources necessary to fulfill them, the obligation may come from the state, but the bill is ultimately paid by our local taxpayers. If we are committed to keeping county taxes low, we must control costs here at home while also addressing the costs passed down to us from the state. Together today, I believe that we can all refine this proposal and find the responsible balance between what the county is obligated to provide, what our county truly needs, and what we can reasonably ask our taxpayers to support. If we approach these decisions with discipline, respect for one another, and a shared commitment to the people we serve, I am confident that we can adopt a responsible budget that fulfills our obligations today while positioning Comal County for success tomorrow. Today we consider the court's budget, proposed budget, and an important part of that process is listening to each of you. This slide includes the requested changes by each department discussed since August 6 to be considered in item six. This is a slide showing the use of reserves. And here's a reminder that a final public hearing for the adoption of the budget will be held at 8.30 on Thursday, September 17 in this courtroom, Commissioner's Court, 100 Main Plaza, New Braunfels. And that vote, again, will be taken to adopt the budget formally. We will levy taxes at that time. So with that being said, we will open the public hearing today. Please limit your comments to three minutes. Is there anyone here that would wish to address the court regarding the fiscal year budget for 2027? Is there anyone here?

Good morning. Good morning. Good morning, commissioners, Judge Hoyt. Thank you for listening. My name is Erin Murray. I'm with the Spring Branch Tennis Association. And I wanted to plead our case for tennis courts at Jumbo Evans. Over the last several years, our parks have experienced tremendous growth in participation. We believe the growth is a direct result in the investment this court has made in our park system. These improvements have enhanced opportunities for our citizens, and for that we are forever grateful. However, those improvements have also brought a long-standing issue into sharper focus. While other recreational facilities have been expanded and improved, tennis continues to operate with only half of the courts it was originally planned for at Jumbo-Evans. And as a result, our adult players struggle to find court time, our junior programs are at capacity and operating with wait lists, and families who want their children to participate are being turned away, not because of lack of interest, but because we simply don't have the court space to meet the demand. It is important to remember that Jumbo Evans is the only public tennis facility in Como County outside of the city of New Braunfels. For many of our residents, these courts are the only access to affordable tennis. The Parks Maintenance and Improvement Committee takes this responsibility to prioritize these projects very seriously and discussing priorities and making difficult recommendations. For 2027, the tennis courts did make the top of the recommended list for the court, and the committee acknowledges that tennis is the only park organization that does not have their play surfaces. We would not continue to bring it forward year after year if we believed that there wasn't a necessary and justified need. The tennis courts require a significant initial investment, but unlike many other recreational facilities the ongoing maintenance costs are relatively low, allowing the community to benefit from the investment for decades. Commissioners, I am asking you today to consider the 2027 be the year that we finish the tennis facility at Jumbo Evans. It's been 20 years, and the demand is so high, and I don't know how much more the... we as an organization can withstand to just continue to turn people away and turn people away. So respectfully, I hope that you will consider the courts and the top priority project that was submitted from the Parks Committee. Thank you.

Is there anyone else here that would like to address the fiscal year 2027 budget? Yes.

Thank you all for the opportunity to be here this morning. This is my first time here. I have been a resident of Comal County for 26 years. I have spent those 26 years fighting with the appraisal district about high property taxes. In those 26 years, that has fallen on deaf ears. And they have pointed the fingers at city government, state government, and other directions. I find it ironic, one year, I had the opportunity to be the last person at the door. And I had the opportunity to talk to five mediators. And I asked every one of them. I said, do you live here in Comal County? Every one of them said, we do not. I said, why not? They said, we cannot afford to live in Comal County. So I've spent these 26 years filing property taxes at the appraisal district. And so now I'm here to learn the process to find out how the elected officials vote. So my new fight is to expose, make taxpayers knowledgeable about how the city government is voting. I look the way I do because I've been fighting property taxes for 26 years. I should look much younger, but yet I've had to, work way harder, way longer to pay property taxes. And so my new fight is to get educated a different way, because the appraisal district doesn't listen. I should be retired, but I'm just tired. Apparently, God put me on this earth to pay high property taxes. Jesus himself got frustrated with the tax collectors in the Bible in that story, and he ran those guys out of the courtyard. I'm not Jesus, but I'm here to express my concerns about continued high property taxes. So I'm here to see how you guys are going to vote today.

Thank you.

Thank you, sir. Is there anyone else? Good morning.

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. I apologize if I don't know the honorifics, but honorable ladies and gentlemen, thank you very much for allowing me to come here. My name is Andrew Enix. My son has been playing at the Spring Branch Dance Association at Jumbo Evans four years now, five years. He is currently ranked somewhere in the top 30 in Texas for 12 and under and is somewhere in 250 range for the nation. We would not be there if it weren't for you all and SBTA. So first of all, thank you for putting the courts out there. And thank you, SBTA, for the work you guys have put in. It was amazing to watch the foundation that they built to allow him to come in and play tennis and enjoy it. In the last year, we have struggled. The reason being is we had a great elite coach. So my son at 11, 12 years old was training with a lot of the seniors and juniors in the varsity team at Smithson Valley, all at Jumbo Evans. The problem was is they were training late at night. And in the summers, we played in the heat of the day, because we needed four courts to properly train. And those courts, rightly so, were being used by the younger kids in the cool of the day in order for them to train.

So this is pretty typical. We have a family, an amendment to plat and to lots as well. We do have a good application. I recommend approval.

Move to approve action agenda item number nine. Second.

We have a motion to approve action agenda item number nine by Commissioner Leacock with a second by Commissioner Hogg. Any discussion or questions? All those in favor, please raise your right hand. Motion carries. Item 10, discuss and consider accepting amendment number two to irrevocable standby letter of credit number FTFC-24740 as a one-year extension of the surety for construction of roads and stormwater drainage improvements within Canyon Ranch Unit 3. Approve the associated surety agreement between the developer and Comal County and authorize the county judge to sign.

Judge, commissioners, Lennar continues to develop the Canyon Ranch subdivision. Lots of construction out there. This is a really big unit. They need some more time. They've presented the extension, and I'd recommend accepting it and moving on with it.

Move to approve action agenda item number 10. Second.

There's a motion to approve action agenda item number 10 by Commissioner Crownover with a second by Commissioner Webb. Any discussion?

I just want to make sure that we're staying on top of monitoring. I've had a considerable amount of neighbors out there that are claiming to be affected, and I've seen some photo proof that they actually are. So we need to make sure that they're crossing T's and dotting I's out there as they're doing this construction.

Yeah, Andy and I have both been out there. Last inspection was not that many days ago, and Andy said everything was in place. But some of those larger rains, those infrastructures aren't really designed for those really heavy rains, and some stuff to get through, but they're working on all of that.

We have a motion and a second. Any other discussion? All those in favor, please raise your right hand. Motion carries.

Thank you.

Thank you. If there is no objection from the court, we do need to table or move this item to a later date, item 11. Any objection? OK. Item 12, discuss and consider approval to retroactively apply principal ARPA funds in place of interest-earned funds to previously approved project expenditures on the Comal County Mental Health Extended Observation Unit Crisis Residential Unit Facility Project, including change orders, contract amendments, and miscellaneous project-related costs as appropriate.

Judge, commissioners, we did do some of the expenditures previously using ARPA interest earnings. What this is doing is shifting everything back to the principal and then using the interest earnings after the principal has been expended. So our recommendation is to take this action today to allow us to use these funds in this manner.

Move to approve action agenda item number 12. Second. Second.

There's a motion to approve action agenda item number 12 by Commissioner Webb, with a second by Commissioner Leacock. Any discussion or questions? All those in favor, please raise your right hand. Motion carries. Item 13, discuss and consider approval of the Treasurer's Monthly Report for July 2026. Ms. Couch is unable to be here today, but this was provided in advance.

Move to approve action agenda item number 13. Second.

There's a motion to approve action agenda item number 13 by Commissioner Crownover with a second by Commissioner Webb. Any discussion or questions? All those in favor, please raise your right hand. Motion carries. Item 14, discuss and consider approval of the Texas Historical Commission Fiscal Year 2026 Certified Local Government Grant Contract, CLG-TX-26-007, and authorize a county judge to sign. Good morning, Ms. Gores.

Judge and commissioners, this is the Texas Historical Commission contract for our CLG grant that was approved. And this is to seek National Register nomination for the Churchill School out on Churchill Drive. It's for $7,500. And this is a matching grant. So the county has approved the matching funds for this grant.

Move to approve action agenda item number 14. Second.

There's a motion to approve action agenda item number 14 by Commissioner Leacock with a second by Commissioner Hogg. Any discussion or questions? All those in favor, please raise your right hand. Motion carries.

Thank you.

Item 15, discuss and consider approval of a grant application under the Texas Local Emergency Planning Committee, LEPC, grant program through the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, TCEQ, and authorized electronic submission. Good morning.

Good morning, Judge, Commissioners. This is a grant opportunity through TCEQ specifically for the Local Emergency Planning Committee to support our responsibilities under ERPCA, which is the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act. The grant does not require county match. We're requesting a total of $34,756.83. The proposed budget that y'all have does not include that $700. We got a last-minute adjustment to that to complete some of this project. which includes two Surface Pros printers for access and use to Tier 2 chemical reporting. That $700 would be to complete the Surface Pros with keyboards to be used. Additionally, public education outreach materials and funding for hazardous materials and emergency planning for not only emergency management staff, but to allow us to offer some of those funds to our local fire departments to send them to training on hazardous materials response as well. We're working to reestablish the Comah County LEPC and these funds are going to give us those basic resources and support to be able to do that. Any questions?

Move to approve action agenda item number 15. Second.

A motion by Commissioner Cronover with a second by Commissioner Webb to approve action agenda item number 15. Any discussion or questions for Mr. Sykes? All those in favor, please raise your right hand. Motion carries. Thank you. Item 16, discuss and consider approval of Department of State Health Services contract number HHS00131110001, amendment number 2, under the Center for Health Emergency Preparedness and Response, CHEPR, for the Comel County Public Health Department and authorize the county judge to sign via electronic signature. Good morning.

Good morning, judges and commissioners. So this is an update from the state. They're just changing some of our statement of work and some of the wording in the grant. And I think they're going to do that across the board, so you might see more of these. It does not change the funding award. But on another note, I would like to mention that me and Ms. Valdez were on a call yesterday with the state, and we had some good news about this grant. They did ask us, would we require further funding? And we did put in a request for further funding because as of right now, this grant funding would run out mid-next year. If the grant, if they award us that extra money, it could be, we might not know November until they send that through. So this November. So we would know as of the end of this year how far into next year that grant would go. So that's kind of some good news and an update on that. And I respectfully ask for your approval of this agenda item.

Move to approve action agenda item number 16. Second.

There's a motion to approve action agenda item number 16 by Commissioner Hogg with a second by Commissioner Leacock. Any discussion or questions? All those in favor, please raise your right hand. Motion carries.

Thank you.

Item 17, discuss and consider acceptance of a grant award under the 2026-2027 Veterans Treatment Court BTC grant program through the Texas Veterans Commission in the amount of $235,000 to fund programmatic expenses and authorize the county judge to electronically accept. Good morning to both of you.

Morning, Judge, Commissioners. This is a continuation, I think, about the ninth or tenth grant that we received through the Texas Veterans Commission. We did get everything we asked for, the whole $235,000. Just wanted to point out, not everybody did. So we're real pleased. We increased it by $25,000 to help with the programming.

Move to approve action agenda item number 17. Second.

Second. There's a motion to approve action agenda item number 17 by Commissioner Leacock with a second by Commissioner Crownover. Any discussion or questions for Judge Stevens? All those in favor, please raise your right hand. Motion carries. Item 18, discuss and consider approval of a letter of agreement, LOA, by and between Comal County and the Caldwell, Comal, and Hayes County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, CSCD, regarding the 2026-2027 Veterans Treatment Court grant and authorize the county judge to sign.

This is also a continuation of using those grant funds to fund one adult probation position.

Move to approve action agenda item number 18.

Second. There's a motion to approve action agenda item number 18 by Commissioner Leacock with a second by Commissioner Cranover. Any discussion or questions? All those in favor, please raise your right hand. Motion carries.

Thank you very much.

Thank you. Item 19, discuss and consider approval of a memorandum of understanding between the University of Texas and Comal County for participation in the University of Texas Cybersecurity Clinic and authorized IT director to sign. Good morning.

Good morning, everyone. This is similar to what we did last year with the Cybersecurity Clinic at the UT School of Law and Information Security Center. Last year, we partnered with them, them being a set of students in their cybersecurity clinic program, to help us revise some of our information security policies, create some new policies for us. And it was a good engagement. And I was contacted by their program director this year to also engage on something slightly different. This year, we will be identifying AI use cases in local government. And through this program, I went to meet with various department heads from our different functional areas with the students and talk about ideas for AI usage within the county and also within IT. for cybersecurity use cases and protection. And so in the end, the students will create a report for us and for their fellow cybersecurity students and other local governments. And so I think it'll be a really good engagement for us. It'll give us a chance to talk with our department heads about this, where they see it's going, excuse me, where they see it's going, where it will be useful for them. And I respectfully request your approval.

Move to approve action agenda item number 19.

Second. There's a motion by Commissioner Webb with a second by Commissioner Cronover to approve action agenda item number 19. Any discussion? More questions? All those in favor, please raise your right hand. Thank you. Item 20, discuss and consider amending order number 567 for the 2026 annual service plan update for the Grove to order number 569.

Judge and commissioners, you approved the acceptance of this annual service plan last week. Unfortunately, there was a misnumbering of the proposed order. The correct order number should be 569. Respectfully request you to amend that.

Move to approve action agenda item number 20. Second.

There's a motion to approve action agenda item number 20 by Commissioner Leacock with a second by Commissioner Hogg. Any discussion? All those in favor, please raise your right hand. Motion carries. Item 21, discuss and consider approval of A, establishing the main early voting location and five temporary branch locations for the November 3, 2026 general election, and B, establishing the election day polling locations for the November 3, 2026 general election. Good morning. Good morning.

Yes, we have our usual six early voting locations, and we added one more to our election day. The Comel ISD wanted their building because of the proposed bond that they have. And I just learned a while ago that there may be another polling location that we could get. I will bring it before Commissioner's Court if we are to get that polling location. It's nice to somebody... Say they would let us be there. It's very hard to find polling locations.

Move to approve action agenda item number 20A and B. Second agenda item number 21, though. Yes, sir. 21. Okay.

There's a motion to approve action agenda item number 21 by Commissioner Leacock, both A and B, with a second by Commissioner Haag. Any discussion or questions? All those in favor, please raise your right hand. Motion carries. Item 22, discuss and consider setting the maximum number of clerks for each Election Day polling location for the November 3, 2026 general election.

We anticipate a large turnout. So for our main locations that get the most voters, I increased to have 10 people at each polling location to help everybody.

Move to approve action agenda item number 22. Second.

There's a motion to approve action agenda item number 22 by Commissioner Hogg with a second by Commissioner Leacock. Any discussion or questions? All those in favor, please raise your right hand. The motion carries. Item 23, discuss and consider approval of an order of appointment for election judges and alternates for a two-year term beginning September 1, 2026.

The election judges are mostly Republican. There is one Democrat, Soya Maldonado, and then the alternates are the Democrats with one, and I can't remember which one it is, Joe Garrison, I believe, as our alternate judges. They will serve for two years, and we're going to need most of them this year.

Move to approve action agenda item number 23. Second.

We have a motion to approve action agenda item number 23 by Commissioner Leacock with a second by Commissioner Hogg. Any discussion or questions? All those in favor, please raise your right hand. Motion carries. Item 24, discuss and consider establishing the Central Counting Station, CCS, for the November 3, 2026 general election with A, Bobby Koepp as CCS manager, B, Donna Dandridge as CCS presiding judge, C, Anissa Correll as CCS alternate judge, And D, Cynthia Jakeway, SCCS tabulation supervisor.

Central count opens on election day. And it's usually when we start counting everything or tabulating everything for the election. So it'll be about 11 o'clock or so. And I request your approval of our workers.

Move to approve action agenda item number 24, A, B, C, and D. Second.

We have a motion by Commissioner Hogg with a second by Commissioner Leacock to approve action agenda item number 24, A, B, C, and D. Any discussion or questions? All those in favor, please raise your right hand. Motion carries.

Thank you.

Thank you. Item 25, discuss and consider approval of the evaluation committee to evaluate responses received for request of qualifications RFQ 2026-570, Executive Recruitment Services. Good morning.

Good morning, Judge Commissioners. On August 6th, we released RFQ 2026-570 for Executive Recruitment Services. We have the proposed evaluation team for approval. The voting members will include Jennifer Tharp, Jerry Heringer, and Jose de Davila, with the non-voting member as Alyssa England.

Move to approve Actions Item 25. Second. Second.

There's a motion to approve action agenda item number 25 by Commissioner Leacock with a second by Commissioner Hogg. Any discussion or questions? All those in favor, please raise your right hand. Motion carries. Thank you. Item 26, discuss and consider approval of the Texas Association of Counties Health and Employee Benefits Pool 2026-2027 Administrative Services Agreement and Stop Loss Agreement, an authorized county judge to sign.

Good morning, Judge. Good morning, Commissioners. These are annual agreements that support the administrative services and stop-loss coverage that is partnered with Texas Association of Counties Employees Benefit Pool. These rates were previously approved by Commissioner's Court on June 25, 2026. The agreements have been verified for accuracy as well as reviewed by our General Counsel, and I respectfully request approval of this agenda item.

Move to approve. Move to approve action agenda item number 26. Second.

We have a motion to approve action agenda item number 26 by Commissioner Webb with a second by Commissioner Hogg. Any discussion or questions? All those in favor, please raise your right hand. All those opposed? Those abstaining? So the motion does carry. Thank you. Item 27, discuss and consider an order prohibiting all outdoor burning in the unincorporated areas of Comal County.

Good morning. It's definitely time to get the burn ban back into effect. I've looked at today's numbers. It's at 553 today. So it's going up still about 10 points a day right now due to the heat and lack of rain. At this time, I'd recommend putting on the burn ban tomorrow morning at 6 a.m.

Move to approve action agenda item number 27 with the effective date of 6 AM Friday, August 21, 2026. Second. Second.

Here's a motion to approve action agenda item number 27 by Commissioner Leacock with a second by Commissioner Webb. That would be action item 27, reinstating the burn ban at 6 AM on Friday, August 21. Any discussion? Did I say that backwards?

There was a second by Commissioner Crownover.

What did I say? I apologize. I wrote Crownover. I'm sorry. OK, so let me reread it. There is a motion to approve action agenda item number 27, reinstating the burn ban at 6 AM on Friday, August 21. The motion was made by Commissioner Leacock and seconded by Commissioner Crownover. Any discussion or questions? All those in favor, please raise your right hand. Motion carries.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Sorry, Commissioner Crownover.

Item 28, discuss and consider approval of the fire marshal's occupational cancer screening for firefighters policy and authorize the county judge to sign.

So this is a new policy we have to come up with for the state has a new unfunded mandate about cancer screening for all firefighters that are licensed through TCFB. While my guys are not firefighters, they fall under this category due to the fire inspections and fire investigations. So it's a new policy we had to come up. I worked with HR and our legal department as well as the auditor's office on this program to make sure we're meeting the requirements.

Move to approve action agenda item number 28. Second.

There's a motion by Commissioner Leacock. It was second by Commissioner Hogg to approve action agenda item number 28. Any discussion or questions? All those in favor, please raise your right hand. Motion carries. Item 29, discuss and consider approval of a line item transfer and fire marshal from supplies to training and education to provide funds for required medical screenings per statute.

So the statute took effect July of this year. So for this year to meet the mandate, I didn't have a line item required for this. So working with the auditor's office, we're moving $1,000 from our supplies budget to this, and then the other half of the cost is going to be coming out of the fire code fund.

Move to approve action agenda item number 29. Second.

There's a motion to approve action agenda item number 29 by Commissioner Leacock with a second by Commissioner Hogg. Any discussion or questions? I do want to share that I appreciate your collaboration and getting with the auditor and Vicki as we budget for next year or two to make sure that we are utilizing not just your funds, but your fire fund as well. So I appreciate it. All those in favor, please raise your right hand. Motion carries.

Thank you.

Thank you. Item 30, discuss and consider approval of a line item transfer in road department from contingency office supplies and hourly personnel to road construction, parts and repairs, fuel, vehicles, and equipment, non-capital equipment, and overtime to cover costs for the remainder of 2026 for paving, parts, fuel, two standard laptops, and overtime.

Morning, judges and commissioners. The way we fund our paving operation, we have funds in our construction line item, and then we have $2.5 million in our contingency line item. So each August, we bring a large budget amendment for you all to consider our, to finish our paving operation. That's the main issue here. The other items, the overtime is to plus up our overtime from what we spent in July in response to the flood. And so we recommend approval.

Move to approve action agenda item number 30. Second.

There's a motion to approve action agenda item number 30 by Commissioner Hogg with a second by Commissioner Leacock. Any discussion or questions for Mr. Boyd? You have some guests in the audience today learning how to do item transfers.

He's always looking for money, so.

Yeah. Your dad spends lots of money. Okay. All right. We have a motion and a second. All those in favor, please raise your right hand. Motion carries.

Thank you. And just as a final thing, we are hosting 1130, the picnic or luncheon out at our office. Paving-wise and parking-wise, we may need to park in the JP office just because of how much we have out there. But looking forward to having everyone and hosting everyone out there. So thank you very much.

Thank you. We will not be going into executive session today. The commissioner's court will not be meeting next week due to a legislative conference. Our next regular meeting will be on Thursday, September 3rd. And unless there is no objection, we are adjourned at 1025 a.m. Thank you.