Hays County Commissioners Court Updates Personnel Policy, Swears In Pct. 3 Commissioner

According to staff, the Hays County Personnel Policy has not undergone a complete review and update for “many years.” The process included input from many county elected officials, department heads and employees as well as General Counsel review.

Staff Reports

On Tuesday, December 18, the Hays County Commissioners Court considered the approval of updated personnel policies.

The meeting opened with recognition of Hays County employees celebrating their 5^th, 10^th and 30^th anniversary with the county.

According to staff, the Hays County Personnel Policy has not undergone a complete review and update for “many years.” The process included input from many county elected officials, department heads and employees as well as General Counsel review.

Six addendum policies were included in the update: Antifraud policy, whistle blowing policy, use of county equipment and vehicles policy, landline and cell phone policy, email policy and social media policy.

The updated Personnel Policy and addendum polices passed with a 4-0 vote and will take effect on January 1, 2019.

Commissioners also authorized the execution of an interlocal cooperative agreement between Hays County and Walker County regarding the transfer and housing of inmates.

The agreement will allow the transfer of inmates to Walker County when Hays County Jail is at capacity, so long as Walker County has space. Hays county will pay Walker County $39 a day per inmate, which is a $2 increase to the rate, according to Hays County Legal Counsel, Mark Kennedy.

In other news, Commissioner Lon Shell, Precinct 3, was sworn-in. Shell was appointed by County Judge Bert Cobb, M.D., in October 2017 to fill the unexpired term of former Commissioner Will Conley, who resigned his seat. Shell had previously served as the County’s Chief of Staff.

“I’m honored to continue to serve the citizens of Precinct 3 and Hays County as their elected commissioner,” Shell said. “I was humbled by Judge Cobb’s faith in me when he appointed me to fill the position last year, and I want our citizens to know that I will continue to work hard to resolve the issues we currently face and will face in the future.”

Shell’s term will expire in December 2020.

In addition, Commissioners also recognized the retirement of several County employees including Judge Bert Cobb and Commissioner Ray Whisenant.

In other news, County Judge-elect Ruben Becerra and County Clerk-elect Elaine Cardenas will be sworn-in at 10 AM on January 2, 2019, at the Hays County Courthouse. A reception will be held in the Judge’s office immediately after the ceremony.