The Blanco County Commissioners held a Special meeting on Tuesday, September 23, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. in the Commissioners Courtroom of the Blanco County Courthouse in Johnson City, Blanco County, Texas. All four County Commissioners and Blanco County Judge Bill Guthrie attended the Special meeting.
The meeting opened as the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Blanco County Clerk Karen Newman gave the minutes of the Regular meeting of September 9, 2014. Judge Guthrie asked if there were additions or corrections to the minutes and there were none. After a motion from Blanco County Commissioner Paul Granberg and a second from County Commissioner James Sultemeier the minutes were approved as read; this motion carried.
The Court considered the 2015 Sheriffs’ and Constables’ Fees as required under Texas Local Government Code Section 118.131. Judge Guthrie told the Court that this proposal was the same as in the past. Blanco County Commissioner John Wood made a motion to accept the 2015 Sheriffs’ and Constables’ Fees. This motion was seconded by County Commissioner Chris Liesmann. There was no discussion or opposition, and the motion carried.
Judge Guthrie told the Commissioners, “The official report for August for Constable 1 has been corrected and I am asking that you please approve it.” Blanco County Commissioner Liesmann gave a motion to approve the report and County Commissioner Wood seconded. No discussion followed and the motion passed.
The Commissioners were asked to consider acknowledgement of administrative order from the 33rd and 424th Judicial District Courts setting compensation and expenses of the Blanco County Auditor and assistants. Judge Guthrie asked for a motion and Blanco County Commissioner Sultemeier provided motion to approve administrative order from the 33rd and 424th Judicial District Courts setting compensation and expenses of Blanco County Auditor and assistants. County Commissioner Sultemeier’s motion was seconded by County Commissioner Granberg. The Commissioners were also asked to consider acknowledgement of administrative order from the 33rd and 424th Judicial District Courts setting compensation and expenses of the court reporters. Blanco County Commissioner Wood made a motion to approve administrative order from the 33rd and 424th Judicial District Courts setting compensation and expenses of the court reporters. County Commissioner Liesmann seconded the motion made by County Commissioner Wood. There was no discussion or opposition for these motions, and both motions carried.
Judge Guthrie told the Court, “We have the same leaseholder that we have had for a number of years for the lease of the school land located in Bailey County, Texas. There is an increase in the lease amount of $1400. I ask you to renew the five (5) year lease with T&B Financial Services, Inc.” A motion to authorize the County Judge to sign a five (5) year lease with T&B Financial Services, Inc. for the lease of the school land located in Bailey County, Texas was given by Blanco County Commissioner Sultemeier and seconded by County Commissioner Granberg. No discussion followed, and the motion passed.
The Commissioners Court considered authorization for the County Judge to sign the FY 2015 PSAP Interlocal Agreement with Capital Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG). Judge Guthrie said, “This is the public service agreement point with CAPCOG, and I ask that you provide authority for me to sign.” Blanco County Commissioner Liesmann provided a motion authorizing the County Judge to sign the FY 2015 PSAP Interlocal Agreement with CAPCOG, and County Commissioner Granberg seconded. There was no discussion, and the motion carried.
Judge Guthrie told the Court, “There was a slip-up and there was no Purchase Order (P.O.) provided for travel for August. It is not a problem as far as the amounts but there is no P.O. I would ask that you pay it.” Commissioner Liesmann asked, “Is there a P.O. run on this?” Judge Guthrie answered, “Yes, it was an oversight because there was not one in place at the beginning of the month.” Blanco County Commissioner Sultemeier made a motion to approve payment of the non-compliant travel invoices by the Blanco County Extension Office. This motion was seconded by County Commissioner Liesmann. Judge Guthrie called for discussion or opposition and there was none. The motion carried.
Judge Guthrie said, “Laura [Walla] is the candidate for the office of the Blanco County Clerk on the November ballot. There are no others and it is too late to run others or for a write-in. Therefore, she is effectively the candidate-elect effective October 1, 2014. I ask you to appoint Laura.” Blanco County Commissioner Granberg gave a motion to approve the appointment of Laura Walla as the Blanco County Clerk effective as of October 1, 2014, due to the resignation of Karen Newman. This motion was seconded by County Commissioner John Wood. Judge Guthrie asked if there was any discussion or opposition and there was none. After the motion passed, Judge Guthrie offered his congratulations to candidate-elect Laura Walla.
The Blanco County News has learned that Laura Walla has worked for Blanco County for over 12 years, and she has served with Karen Newman in the Blanco County Clerk’s office for the past eight years. Walla says, “Karen is a phenomenal leader and I have learned lots from her.”
In addition to her work experience with Blanco County, Walla grew up in Blanco County. She says, “I grew up here and my kids are growing up here. It will be fun to serve as County Clerk for the County I hold dear to my heart. I look forward to serving the people of Blanco County.”
The Commissioners Court went on to approve payment of the outstanding bills for $449,177.14. Blanco County Commissioner Sultemeier made a motion for approval of the bills and County Commissioner Granberg seconded. No discussion followed and the motion carried. The Special meeting concluded after a motion to adjourn from Blanco County Commissioner Liesmann and a second from County Commissioner Granberg.
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