Criminal Justice, Safety And Budget Amendments Slated For Hays County Commissioners Court Tuesday

By, Terra Rivers, Managing Editor

Criminal Justice, safety and budget amendments are among the topics to be addressed by Hays County Commissioners at Tuesday’s, March 12, regular meeting.

Commissioners will consider the acceptance of a $50.00 donation for the Community Outreach Program.

According to the agenda, the Hays County Sheriff’s Office received a donation of $50.00 from Marcello and Virginia Rodriguez; the donors have requested the money be added to the funds used for supplies and materials for the Junior Deputy Academy.

The Hays County Office of Emergency services has requested permission to purchase supplies for the Hays County Hazmat Response Vehicle.

The agenda states that the Hays County Hazmat Response Vehicle has responded to several incidents since January and needs replacement consumable items.

According to the agenda, the request is a one-time case as future expenses “should be covered through the Hazmat billing company once the contract is executed.”

The requested funds from the general fund will allow the Office of Emergency Services to purchase Class B’s Splash Suits, Boots,  neoprene rubber gloves, a box of 55-gallon trash bags, a case of medical gloves, a gallon of decontamination solution, a package of bins for cold vests/boots, absorbent pads, brooms, syntho-plug golf ball patch kit and syntho-plug football patch kit. The full list and quantities of the supplies can be found here on page 312.

The total cost of the supplies is $2,400. Commissioners will hold a discussion and consider authorizing the OES to purchase the supplies from county-wide contingencies and amend the budget accordingly.

Commissioners will also hold a discussion and consider possible action approve “the form of an Interlocal Agreement between Hays County and Fire Departments throughout the county to protect the public, property or the environment from the adverse effects of released hazardous materials (HazMat), chemicals or substances.”

In other news, the Hays County Chief of Staff will provide commissioners with a summary on the Criminal Justice Summit held March 8. Commissioners will also discuss the newly formed Criminal Justice Commission.

Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra will open the discussion and allow commissioners an opportunity to nominate an individual to serve on the newly formed commission.

The Criminal Justice Commission will be tasked with helping prioritize suggestions or recommendations for criminal justice reform in Hays County and report periodic findings to the Commissioners Court.

Commissioners Court will convene at 9 AM this morning.