County of Burnet {} On this the 17th day of July 2025, the Burnet County Commissioners Court met in special session. The following members of the court were present:
- Present:
-
- County Judge Bryan Wilson
- Commissioner Precinct 1 Jim Luther, Jr.
- Commissioner Precinct 2 Damon Beierle
- Commissioner Precinct 3 Chad Collier
- Commissioner Precinct 4 Joe Don Dockery
- Attendees:
-
- Vicinta Stafford, County Clerk
- Madeline Parker, Comm. Court Coordinator
- Eddie Arredondo, County Attorney
- Colleen Davis, 1st Assistant County Attorney
Call to Order
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance to the Flags
Public Comments - Pursuant to Texas Government Code 551.007 and the Burnet County commissioners court Rules of Decorum, any person may make comment on any item appearing on the agenda. Any comments made will not be addressed by the commissioners court during the Public Comments agenda item. Public Comments are limited to three (3) minutes per person.
Discuss, consider, and take appropriate action regarding the District Judges, Statutory County Judge, Constitutional County Judge, District Attorneys, and Court Reporters for the FY26 proposed budget: (Wilson)
b. Consideration of Judicial and District Attorney stipends; and
c. Review and of any other statutory requirements for judges, district attorneys, court reporters, and court staff.
The court discussed this agenda item.
4b.
Motion is made by Commissioner Precinct 4 Joe Don Dockery, Seconded by Commissioner Precinct 2 Damon Beierle to move the District Judge stipend to the new maximum amount of $25,000.00 and to include all other positions that are impacted by statute based on this increase. This will include the District Attorney and the County Court at Law Judge.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
Motion is made by Commissioner Precinct 4 Joe Don Dockery, Seconded by Commissioner Precinct 2 Damon Beierle to move the County Court at Law Court Reporter to be equal to the District Court Reporters for this budget and future budgets.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
Motion is made by Commissioner Precinct 2 Damon Beierle, Seconded by Commissioner Precinct 3 Chad Collier to use the parody calculation for the Chief Public Defender and the County Attorney.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
Discuss, consider, and take appropriate action regarding the following for the FY26 proposed budget for Burnet County employees: (Wilson)
b. Cost of living adjustment (COLA) increase; and
c. Burnet County adopted step and grade structure increase.
The court discussed this agenda item.
Alan Trevino, Chief Deputy, spoke.
Casie Walker, District Clerk, spoke.
Eddie Arredondo, County Attorney, spoke.
Motion is made by Commissioner Precinct 2 Damon Beierle, Seconded by Commissioner Precinct 1 Jim Luther, Jr. to move in the direction of a 2% COLA for all employees and the creation of an additional step of 2% for all current steps in the Step in Grade compensation plan, and to move all part-time library positions to Classification Scale 58.
Commissioner Beierle's motion is amended to a 3% COLA for all employees and the creation of an additional step of 2% for all current steps in the Step in Grade compensation plan, and to move all part-time library positions to Classification Scale 58.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
Discuss, consider, and take appropriate action regarding reclassification of requested positions within Burnet County's Step and Grade policy for the FY26 proposed budget, including consideration of the following: (Wilson)
b. Cost-benefit analysis requirement;
c. Changes in requirements due to statute or state policy; and
d. Changes in responsibilities directed by elected officials.
The court discussed this agenda item.
Several elected officials and department heads spoke.
6c.
Motion is made by Commissioner Precinct 4 Joe Don Dockery, Seconded by Commissioner Precinct 2 Damon Beierle to change the title of Emergency Management Director to Emergency Management Coordinator and Administrative Assistant Clerk to Victim Assistance Coordinator in the District Attorney's office. These changes are reclassifications with no salary adjustments.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
Discuss, consider, and take appropriate action regarding requested new positions: (Wilson)
b. Cost-benefit analysis requirement; and
c. Impact of expanded jurisdiction and new departmental responsibilities.
The court discussed this agenda item.
No action taken.
Discuss, consider, and take appropriate action regarding the following Human Resources financial related matters for the FY26 proposed budget: (Wilson)
No action taken.
Calendar Review.
Adjournment
Motion is made by Commissioner Precinct 2 Damon Beierle, Seconded by Commissioner Precinct 4 Joe Don Dockery to adjourn meeting at 3:52 pm.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
