Commissioners Court tackles lengthy agenda during March 24 meeting

The Kerr County Commissioners Court addressed a variety of issues during its March 24, 2025, meeting, ranging from public input on animal welfare to approving contracts and setting public hearings.

Susan Cruz voiced concerns about animal welfare in Kerr County during the public input portion of the meeting. Commissioners then provided updates on topics including recent rainfall and the ongoing burn ban, a structure fire caused by illegal burning, noise complaints from a motorcycle rally, hail damage, attendance at a public information training, airport board independence, a cyber security tabletop exercise, and the judge’s disaster declaration.

On the consideration agenda, the court approved the Kerrville Ministerial Alliance’s request to use the courthouse grounds for the National Day of Prayer on May 1, 2025. They also approved a general contract with Petroswift, LLC for repairs to the Ingram Boat Dock in Precinct 4. The court further approved a request to use Flat Rock Park for a car show on July 19, 2025, with proceeds benefiting the Texas Lions Camp. Additionally, the Alamo Letter Society received approval to place a bronze plaque containing Col. William Barrett Travis’ “Victory or Death” letter on the courthouse grounds.

The commissioners accepted $520 in donations to Kerr County Animal Services for February 2025 and approved the 216th District Attorney’s Office 2024 Racial Profiling Report. They approved the re-issuance of Requests for Qualifications for engineering services related to the 2021 Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grant and approved the justification for Sole Source procurement of products and services from ShaiderTech LLC for the Stone Garden Grant.

The court discussed an update on matters related to the Hill Country Energy Sub-Regional Planning Commission, including correspondence with the Public Utilities Commission and LCRA. They approved Amendment No. 1 to the Interlocal Governmental Cooperative Agreement between Kendall County and Kerr County regarding the HCESRPC, setting the effective date. Commissioner Jones was appointed to perform the investigation under Section 751.005 of the Texas Health and Safety Code for the Easterfest mass gathering permit and was appointed as a Kerr County representative on the Hill Country Regional Public Defenders Office Oversight Committee, replacing Jonathan Letz.

Commissioners determined not to pursue grants from the Texas Historical Commission’s Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program at this time. They accepted the quarterly report from the Veteran Services Advisory Committee and approved the reappointment of members to the committee. HCTC donated 400 water bottles for the Memorial Day Event, and the court approved the donation.

The court set public hearings for 10 a.m. on April 28, 2025, for a Revision of Plat for Kerrville South 2 Lot 16 and for a Revision of Plat for Elm Pass Ranch No. 2 – Lots 105, 107-115. They approved a 5-year lease with D&M Commercial Leasing for a 1-ton truck with a landscaper’s dump bed for the Road and Bridge Department and approved the surplusing of equipment and miscellaneous items from the department for auction. The court approved the Budget Calendar for FY 25-26 and a plan to maintain official recordings and records of meetings using electronic recordings, with a provision for certified shorthand reporters when legally required or for appeals. They approved an amended motion to extend the Declaration of Disaster and Order Prohibiting Outdoor Burning in Kerr County until 8 a.m. on the following Thursday. Cynthia Hernandez was added to the OASys Access Agreement with the Texas Association of Counties and Employee Benefit Pool as an Administrator. The court approved amending resolutions to reflect the correct grant numbers for the FY26 Rifle-Resistant Body Armor Grant and the FY26 Operation Lone Star Grant. They also approved bringing on an intern from Schreiner University to aid the IT Department.

On the approval agenda, the court approved budget amendments, paying the bills, and Court Orders number 41161 through 41179. They noted no late bills or auditor reports. They accepted monthly reports from various offices.

The court received status reports from the Veteran Services Office, Victim Services, the Director of Environmental Health and Animal Services, the County Clerk, the Sheriff’s Office, and Liaison Commissioners. The Commissioners’ Court reserved the right to adjourn into executive session, but no specific matters were reported out. No specific action items followed the executive session.