Hays County Commissioners Court Extends Disaster Declaration

Terra Rivers | Managing Editor

On Tuesday, the Hays County Commissioners Court voted to extend the Local Disaster Declaration originally proclaimed on March 15, 2020.

According to Mark Kennedy, Legal Counsel for Hays County, the Disaster Declaration was set to expire on December 15.

Kennedy said it was up to the court how long the declaration would be extended, but he recommended 60 days.

The commissioners voted 4-0 to extend the declaration into February with Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe-Gonzales absent.

Kennedy said the declaration can be rescinded at any time by an action of the court.

In other news, the commissioners voted 4-0 to appoint Commissioner Walt Smith to serve on the Core 4 Policy Group.

The appointment replaces the Hays County Position presently filled by Commissioner Ingalsbe.

In February 2020, the county executed a memorandum of understanding with the City of San Marcos, Texas State University and the San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District for the creation and joint funding of a youth services director to administer youth services and programs.

The group is slated to meet quarterly after the initial startup to review information from the Core Four Task Group and the direction and progress that the group and Youth Services Director have taken.

Commissioner Lon Shell noted briefly the appointment was due to Commissioner Ingalsbe having issues participating.

Commissioner Smith said he would be happy to serve.