An agenda packet containing detailed information on the items listed below is distributed to the County Judge, Commissioners, and County Clerk the Friday preceding the meeting. The agenda packet is also posted on the county website at  www.burnetcountytexas.org, under Public Meetings.   A hard copy of the agenda packet is available in the County Clerk's office. Our Mission Statement: The mission of Burnet County is to maintain overall efficient and effective management of county resources while providing the services mandated by state and federal law and desired by the citizens of Burnet County.
 
   
1. Call to Order
 
2. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance to the flags.
 
3. Public Comments.  Any person with business before the Commissioner’s Court not scheduled on the agenda may speak to the Court.  No formal action can be taken on these items at this meeting. Comments regarding specific agenda items should occur when the item is called. There is a 2-minute speaking limit. 
 
4. Discussion and/or action regarding an update from Herb Krasner on Connected Burnet County and the State Broadband Department Office (Dockery)
 
5. Discussion and/or action regarding the FY24 Holiday Calendar (Dockery/S. Luther)
 
6. Discussion and/or action regarding banning the installation or use of the social media service Tik Tok from Burnet county owned devices (Dockery/S. Luther)
 
7. Discussion and/or action regarding potential findings and orders to be issued by the Burnet Commissioners Court regarding nuisances as defined by Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 343 existing at Jennings Ave. and Loop 308 in Briggs, Texas BCAD Property ID #6124 which is within the confines of Burnet County (Dockery/Arredondo)
 
8. Discussion and/or action regarding the adoption of a Countywide Disaster Declaration for extreme drought (Dockery/Marchio)
 
9. Presentation regarding the adoption of a Countywide Disaster Declaration for extreme fire conditions (Dockery/Marchio)
 
10. Discuss and/or action regarding the approval of Administrative Assistant/Crime Analysis position for the HOT ATTF grant (Dockery/S.Luther)
 
11. Discuss and/or action regarding the adoption of FY24 Compensation Plan (Dockery/S.Luther)
  
12. Discuss and/or action regarding juror rate of pay beginning 9/1/23 (Dockery/Crownover)
 
13. Discussion and/or action regarding the donation and acceptance of the donation of the Briggs Community Center building to Burnet County by Briggs Community Center, Inc. (Beierle)
 
14. Discussion and/or action regarding matters pertaining to the Tuesday, November 7, 2023, Constitutional Amendment Election: (Dockery/Ferguson)  
15. Discussion and/or action concerning the final plat approval for Cardinal Trail, a public subdivision consisting of 15 lots on 39.648 acres located at the southwest intersection of CR 206 and 207 (Beierle)
 
16. Discussion and/or action concerning the release of the maintenance portion of CB 20-8-25-2 in the amount of $26,565 for 7 Creeks Ranch, Phase 6 (Beierle)
 
17. Discussion and/or action concerning the release of the maintenance portion of CB-20-8-25-1 in the amount of $30,896.25 for Hurst Place, Phase 2 (Beierle)
 
18. Discussion and/or action concerning HB 3697 and the possible review and adoption of TLGC 232.103 and 232.104 and requirements to do so (Dockery)
 
19. Discussion and/or action regarding all current Collections Contracts with Burnet County to include the potential to terminate one or more agreements, consolidate all agreements into one contract, and/or seek proposals from law firms specializing in collections. (Dockery/Arredondo)
 
20. Public Hearing at 9:30 a.m. on the County Clerk Records Archive Plan (Dockery/Smith)
 
21. Public Hearing at 9:30 a.m. on the 2023-2024 Budget (Dockery/Smith)
 
22. Discuss the 2023-2024 Budget and take action as necessary (Dockery/Smith)
 
23. Consider and take action on the adoption of the 2023-2024 Budget (Dockery/Smith)
 
24. Public Hearing at 9:30 a.m. on the 2023 Tax Rate which will fund the 2023-2024 Budget (Dockery/Smith)
 
25. Consider and take action to adopt the 2023 Tax Rate which will fund the 2023-2024 Budget (Dockery/Smith)
 
26. Consider and take action to ratify the 2023 Property Tax Rate (Dockery/Smith)
 
27. Executive Session.  Discussion with Burnet County Commissioner’s Court and the County Civil Attorney(s) and/or the County Attorney in accordance with Texas Government Codes 551.071.  The Commissioners Court reserves the right to adjourn into Executive Session at any time during the course of this meeting to discuss any matters as authorized by the Texas Government Code including, but not limited to, Sections:  551/071 (Consultation with Attorney), 551.072 (Deliberations about Real Property), 551.073 (Deliberations about Gifts and Donations), 551.074 (Personnel Matters), 551.076 (Deliberations about Security Devices), 551.087 (Economic Development), 418.183 (Deliberations about Homeland Security Issues), 551.0725 (Contracts being negotiated).      
           
28. Reconvene in Open Session. 
 
29. Discussion and/or action regarding items discussed in Executive Session and take up for Consideration and possible action, pursuant to Chapter 262, Texas Local Government Code.         
 
30. Discussion and/or action regarding Department Updates. 
 
31.  Acknowledgement of Receipt: 
           
32.  Discussion and/or action regarding contracts, agreements or grants to be approved and/or ratified:              
33. Discussion and/or action concerning calling for Bids and Bid openings, request for   proposals/qualifications and related openings:
             
 34. The following items are part of the Consent Agenda and require no deliberation by the Commissioner’s Court.  Any item from this agenda may be considered separately:            
35.  Discussion regarding any previous agenda items.
 
36.  Calendar Review.
 
37.  FY 24 Budget Workshop:  The members of the Commissioners Court will meet to discuss and/or take action in the preparation of the FY 24 Burnet County Budget, including but not limited to, addressing all Burnet County government department budgets and/or requests, county policy, county procedures, county goals & philosophies, budget timelines, plus compensation benefits and/or priorities (Dockery/Smith)
           
38.  Adjournment.
 

 
                                                              
Joe Don Dockery, Comm. Pct. 4
 
                                                                                               
Reviewed by:  Eddie Arredondo, County Attorney
 
 
The Commissioners' Court  reserves the right to adjourn into Executive Session at any time during the course of this meeting to discuss any matters as authorized by the Texas Government Code including, but not limited to, Sections: 551.071 (Consultation with  Attorney) 551.072 (Deliberations about  Real Property), 551.073 (Deliberations about Gifts and Donations) Deliberations about Security Devices), 551.087 (Economic Development), 418.183 (Deliberations about Homeland Security Issues). Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Burnet County will provide for reasonable accommodations for persons attending Commissioners' Court. To better serve you, requests should be received 24 hours prior to the meetings. Please contact Ms. Stephanie McCormick, Commissioners’ Court Coordinator, at (512) 715-5276. Please note, the location of the meeting is subject to change based upon availability of the Courtroom. If meeting location is changed, notice at the above meeting location shall be posted to ensure public access to meeting is granted.

Commissioner Dockery called the meeting to order at 9:02 a.m.

Commissioner Beierle led the court in Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance to the Flags.

No public comments 

The court discussed an update from Herb Krasner on Connected Burnet County and the State Broadband Department Office.

Herb Krasner with Connected Burnet County & State Broadband Department Office updated the court with a presentation about broadband.

The court discussed the final plat approval for Cardinal Trail, a public subdivision consisting of 15 lots on 39.648 acres located at the southwest intersection of CR 206 and 207.

Motion is made by: Commissioner Precinct 2 Damon Beierle, Seconded by: Commissioner Precinct 3 Billy Wall to approve the final plat approval for Cardinal Trail, a public subdivision consisting of 15 lots on 39.648 acres located at the southwest intersection of CR 206 and 207.

Vote: 4 - 0 Passed - Unanimously

The court discussed the release of the maintenance portion of CB 20-8-25-2 in the amount of $26,565 for 7 Creeks Ranch, Phase 6.

Motion is made by: Commissioner Precinct 2 Damon Beierle, Seconded by: Commissioner Precinct 1 Jim Luther, Jr. to approve the release of the maintenance portion of CB 20-8-25-2 in the amount of $26,565 for 7 Creeks Ranch, Phase 6.

Vote: 4 - 0 Passed - Unanimously

The court discussed the release of the maintenance portion of CB-20-8-25-1 in the amount of $30,896.25 for Hurst Place, Phase 2.

Motion is made by: Commissioner Precinct 2 Damon Beierle, Seconded by: Commissioner Precinct 3 Billy Wall to approve the release of the maintenance portion of CB-20-8-25-1 in the amount of $30,896.25 for Hurst Place, Phase 2.

Vote: 4 - 0 Passed - Unanimously

The court discussed HB 3697 and the possible review and adoption of TLGC 232.103 and 232.104 and requirements to do so.

Herb Darling, Development Services, gave an update on HB 3697.

Motion is made by: Commissioner Precinct 2 Damon Beierle, Seconded by: Commissioner Precinct 1 Jim Luther, Jr. to start the process of adopting TLGC 232.103 and 232.104

Vote: 4 - 0 Passed - Unanimously

The court discussed banning the installation or use of the social media service Tik Tok from Burnet county owned devices.

Sara Ann Luther, Human Resource Director, addressed the court regarding the use of the social media service Tik Tok from Burnet county owned devices.

Motion is made by: Commissioner Precinct 3 Billy Wall, Seconded by: Commissioner Precinct 4 Joe Don Dockery to approve the banning the installation or use of the social media service Tik Tok from Burnet county owned devices.

Vote: 4 - 0 Passed - Unanimously

The court held a Public hearing at 9:30 a.m. concerning the County Clerk Records Management Plan. Commissioner Dockery opened the public hearing.
Vicinta Stafford, County Clerk, addressed the court about Records Archive Plan, which was established in 2018, was to achieve/digitize all the records in the County Clerk's office. The continuation of this plan will be completed in FY 2024. The contract total for this plan is $329,826.47.  It included 2,800 pages of maps/plats; 515 volumes of records consisting of 317,245 pages, and 4,800 pages of probated Wills. The digitizing portion of this project has been completed, and all the original documents are expected back in Burnet County by the end of the year. This project will allow for expedited record searching; provide public information to citizens; and preserve original records by reducing daily usage. 

Motion is made by: Commissioner Precinct 3 Billy Wall, Seconded by: Commissioner Precinct 2 Damon Beierle to approve the County Clerk Records Archive Plan.

Vote: 4 - 0 Passed - Unanimously

The court held a Public Hearing at 9:30 a.m. on the 2023-2024 Budget.

Commissioner Dockery addressed the court and thanked Karin Smith, County Auditor, for her assistance on the budget; he explained about the budget and revenue for the year.

Craig Cosgray addressed the court about his concerns about the budget.
Madeline Highsmith, tax payer, seconded Craig Cosgray concerns about the budget.
Doke Field spoke to the court about concerns on the budget.
Fernando Arbranose spoke to the court.

Commissioner Dockery closed the Public Hearing at 9:57 a.m.

The court discussed the 2023-2024 Budget and take action as necessary.

Motion is made by: Commissioner Precinct 1 Jim Luther, Jr., Seconded by: Commissioner Precinct 2 Damon Beierle to approve the amendments to 2023-2024 Budget.

Vote: 4 - 0 Passed - Unanimously

The court discussed taking action to adopt 2023-2024 Budget.

Motion is made by: Commissioner Precinct 4 Joe Don Dockery, Seconded by: Commissioner Precinct 3 Billy Wall to approve to take action to adopt 2023-2024 Budget.
Roll Call Vote: Comm. Luther, Aye; Comm. Beierle, Aye; Comm. Wall, Aye; Comm. Dockery, Aye.

Vote: 4 - 0 Passed - Unanimously

The court held a Public Hearing at 9:30 a.m. on the 2023 Tax Rate which will fund the 2023-2024 Budget. Commissioner Dockery opened up the Public Hearing at 10:01 a.m. 
Madeline Highsmtih addressed the court to ask about the population from 2023 to 2024 and does not agree with the tax rate.
Karin Smith, County Auditor, spoke about the voter approval rate.
Commissioner Beierle gave his thoughts.
Commissioner Dockery closed the Public Hearing at 10:09 a.m.

The court discussed taking action to adopt the 2023 Tax Rate which will fund the 2023-2024 Budget.

Motion is made by: Commissioner Precinct 4 Joe Don Dockery, Seconded by: Commissioner Precinct 1 Jim Luther, Jr. to adopt the 2023 Tax Rate at .3541 which will fund the 2023-2024 Budget.
Roll Call Vote: Comm. Luther, Aye; Comm. Beierle, Aye; Comm. Wall, Aye; Comm. Dockery, Aye

Vote: 4 - 0 Passed - Unanimously

Motion is made by: Commissioner Precinct 4 Joe Don Dockery, Seconded by: Commissioner Precinct 2 Damon Beierle to adopt the Debt Service Tax Rate at .0593.

Vote: 4 - 0 Passed - Unanimously

Motion is made by: Commissioner Precinct 4 Joe Don Dockery, Seconded by: Commissioner Precinct 1 Jim Luther, Jr. to adopt the Tax Rate for M&O the General Fund at .2518; Road & Bridge Fund at .043, total tax rate of .3541.

Vote: 4 - 0 Passed - Unanimously

The court discussed taking action to ratify the 2023 Property Tax Rate.

Motion is made by: Commissioner Precinct 4 Joe Don Dockery, Seconded by: Commissioner Precinct 2 Damon Beierle to ratify the 2023 Property Tax Rate.

Vote: 4 - 0 Passed - Unanimously

The court discussed all current Collections Contracts with Burnet County to include the potential to terminate one or more agreements, consolidate all agreements into one contract, and/or seek proposals from law firms specializing in collections.

The court discussed potential findings and orders to be issued by the Burnet Commissioners Court regarding nuisances as defined by Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 343 existing at Jennings Ave. and Loop 308 in Briggs, Texas BCAD Property ID #6124 which is within the confines of Burnet County.

The court took no action on this agenda item.

The court discussed the FY24 Holiday Calendar.

Sara Ann Luther, Human Resource Director, gave an update on the FY24 Holiday calendar and gave her recommendations for Christmas 2023 and the Eclipse event on 4/8/2024.

Derek Marchio, Emergency Management Coordinator, gave an update on the Eclipse event on 4/8/2024.

Motion is made by: Commissioner Precinct 2 Damon Beierle, Seconded by: Commissioner Precinct 3 Billy Wall to approve the FY24 Holiday calendar and added the Eclipse Event on 4/8/2024.

Vote: 4 - 0 Passed - Unanimously

The court discussed the adoption of a Countywide Disaster Declaration for extreme drought.

Derek Marchio, Emergency Management Coordinator, gave an update on the extreme drought for Burnet County.

Motion is made by: Commissioner Precinct 2 Damon Beierle, Seconded by: Commissioner Precinct 1 Jim Luther, Jr. to adopt a Countywide Disaster Declaration for extreme drought.

Vote: 4 - 0 Passed - Unanimously

The court discussed adoption of a Countywide Disaster Declaration for extreme fire conditions.

Derek Marchio, Emergency Management Coordinator, gave an update on the extreme fire conditions for Burnet County.

Motion is made by: Commissioner Precinct 1 Jim Luther, Jr., Seconded by: Commissioner Precinct 2 Damon Beierle to adopt a Countywide Disaster Declaration for extreme fire conditions.

Vote: 4 - 0 Passed - Unanimously

The court discussed contracts, agreements or grants to be approved and/or ratified:

The court discussed all current Collections Contracts with Burnet County to include the potential to terminate one or more agreements, consolidate all agreements into one contract, and/or seek proposals from law firms specializing in collections.

Judge Hurst, JP3, addressed the court about collections contracts and asked the court to give 60 day notice to MVBA.

Craig Morgan with MVBA, addressed the court about the termination of the contract with MVBA. 

Judge Whitehead, JP2, addressed the court and is happy with MVBA and does not want to change her contract with MVBA.

Motion is made by: Commissioner Precinct 4 Joe Don Dockery, Seconded by: Commissioner Precinct 2 Damon Beierle to go out for an RFP for a collection contract.

Vote: 4 - 0 Passed - Unanimously

The court took no action on this agenda item.

The court discussed juror rate of pay beginning 9/1/23.

Karrie Crownover, County Treasurer, gave an update on the juror rate and gave a recommendation for the new rates.

Karin Smith, County Auditor, agrees with the County Treasurer's recommendation.

Motion is made by: Commissioner Precinct 2 Damon Beierle, Seconded by: Commissioner Precinct 1 Jim Luther, Jr. to approve juror rate of pay beginning 9/1/23.

Vote: 4 - 0 Passed - Unanimously

The court discussed the Administrative Assistant/Crime Analysis position for the HOT ATTF grant.

Sara Ann Luther, Human Resource Director, addressed the court about the grant for Administrative Assistant/Crime Analysis position for the HOT ATTF for Grade 61.

Motion is made by: Commissioner Precinct 2 Damon Beierle, Seconded by: Commissioner Precinct 4 Joe Don Dockery to approve the Administrative Assistant/Crime Analysis position for the HOT ATTF.

Vote: 4 - 0 Passed - Unanimously

The court took no action on this agenda item.

The court discussed matters pertaining to the Tuesday, November 7, 2023, Constitutional Amendment Election: 

Motion is made by: Commissioner Precinct 2 Damon Beierle, Seconded by: Commissioner Precinct 1 Jim Luther, Jr. to approve consolidation of precincts for Election Day to open the AgriLife, Bertram Library, Granite Shoals Community Center, Texas Tech and Briggs Community Center.

Vote: 4 - 0 Passed - Unanimously

Motion is made by: Commissioner Precinct 2 Damon Beierle, Seconded by: Commissioner Precinct 1 Jim Luther, Jr. to approve the number of poll workers for Early Voting, Election Day, and early Voting Ballot Board.

Vote: 4 - 0 Passed - Unanimously

Motion is made by: Commissioner Precinct 1 Jim Luther, Jr., Seconded by: Commissioner Precinct 3 Billy Wall to appoint precinct judges and alternates for the consolidated precincts and Early voting Ballot Board presiding judge.

Vote: 4 - 0 Passed - Unanimously

Motion is made by: Commissioner Precinct 2 Damon Beierle, Seconded by: Commissioner Precinct 3 Billy Wall to approve early voting schedule and locations.

Vote: 4 - 0 Passed - Unanimously

Motion is made by: Commissioner Precinct 2 Damon Beierle, Seconded by: Commissioner Precinct 1 Jim Luther, Jr. to approve the Order the Constitutional Amendment Special Election

Vote: 4 - 0 Passed - Unanimously

The court took no action on this agenda item.

The court took no action on this agenda item.

The court took no action on this agenda item.

Sara Ann Luther, Human Resource Director, gave an update on the Cyber Security training.

No Acknowledgement of Receipts

The court discussed contracts, agreements or grants to be approved and/or ratified:

Motion is made by: Commissioner Precinct 2 Damon Beierle, Seconded by: Commissioner Precinct 3 Billy Wall to approve the Independent VetRide Contract with Rebekah Walker and Clyde Lawrence and Mary Housley.

Vote: 4 - 0 Passed - Unanimously

Motion is made by: Commissioner Precinct 2 Damon Beierle, Seconded by: Commissioner Precinct 3 Billy Wall to approve an agreement for pest control services with Circle S Pest Control, Inc. The amounts are unchanged for FY24.

Vote: 4 - 0 Passed - Unanimously

The court discussed calling for Bids and Bid openings, request for proposals/qualifications and related openings.

Karin Smith, requested to go out for jail medical.

Motion is made by: Commissioner Precinct 4 Joe Don Dockery, Seconded by: Commissioner Precinct 2 Damon Beierle to go out for bids for jail medical.

Vote: 4 - 0 Passed - Unanimously

The court discussed the Consent Agenda and require no deliberation by the Commissioner’s Court.  Any item from this agenda may be considered separately:

Motion is made by: Commissioner Precinct 1 Jim Luther, Jr., Seconded by: Commissioner Precinct 3 Billy Wall to approve the Consent Agenda in its entirety.

Vote: 4 - 0 Passed - Unanimously

The court has no previous agenda items.

No calendar items to review.

The court took no action on this agenda item.

Commissioner Dockery adjourned the meeting at 11:56 a.m. as there was no further business to discuss.