Hays County Commissioners Court discusses dismissing COVID-19 state of emergency

Sierra Martin | Managing Editor

HAYS COUNTY — The Hays County Commissioners Court discussed allowing the Local Disaster Declaration that was originally proclaimed by Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra around March 15, 2020, to expire. 

Since the Local Disaster Declaration was put in place, the court has been extended by the Court on July 14, 2020, September 15, 2020, December 8, 2020, February 16, 2021, and April 27, 2021.

County commissioners discussed if Hays County should maintain the declaration and if it will be beneficial to the community.

“I went to the commissioner’s conference two weeks ago, that was the topic of discussion amongst many of our colleagues,” said Commissioner Walt Smith.

According to the discussion during the meeting, letting the Disaster Declaration expire would not impact the amount of federal funding the county will receive. Additionally, the county can make another disaster proclamation at any time in the future, if necessary. 

“There is a point where I think we’ll want to allow it to expire and that’s really a policy, what I endeavored to do yesterday and over the weekend is give you the information that would allow you to make the policy decision,” said Hays County Attorney Mark Kennedy.

This is an ongoing story. San Marcos Corridor News will keep the community updated as the story develops.