Brenda Bell

The Commissioners' Court meeting covered several significant actions. The Court approved accounts payable claims totaling $949,821.62 and proclaimed February 2026 as "LOVE Kendall County Kids Month." Key orders included adopting an order revising the payment schedule for Volunteer Fire Departments allocations for FY 2026 to quarterly amounts (40% in Q1, 20% for subsequent quarters). Financial reviews involved approving the cash summary for December 2025 and the Investment Report for the 1st Quarter of FY26. The Court directed two Commissioners, staff, and legal counsel to review applicable staff compliance procedures and provide peer-county comparisons and best-practice recommendations. Furthermore, the Court approved a budget adjustment for the Mental Health for First Responders Grant FY26, removing a matching requirement, and approved a contract with Hill Country Family Services (HCFS) up to $100,000.00 for behavioral health services for first responders. Non-elected supervisors were ordered to attend a Job Descriptions workshop. The Consent Agenda, excluding maintenance bond releases for Corley Farms Units 1 and 2, was approved, which included accepting January 2026 donations and approving the Auditor's Monthly Financial Report for December 2025. Contractual actions included accepting the 2025 Racial Profiling Reports for the Sheriff's Department and Constables Precincts, extending an Interlocal Agreement with Blanco County ESD No. 2, and approving Mutual Aid and Interlocal Agreements concerning fire protection services with the City of Boerne and Bexar County ESD 4 Fire Rescue. During a closed session, the Court consulted with counsel regarding pending litigation, resulting in the approval of a settlement agreement with Turner Construction Company.

The Commissioners Court meeting agenda includes multiple discussion and action items. Key discussions involve receiving reports from commissioners and department heads, consideration of accounts payable claims, and presentations from local entities such as the Hill Country Crisis Council and Hill Country CASA. Action items include the consideration of an Order to prohibit outdoor burning due to public safety hazards, approving resolutions related to accepting the Hill County Alliance Night Sky Preservation Grant and the Kendall Appraisal District building renovation proposal. The agenda also features a public hearing regarding the recommendation to purchase conservation easements on several properties using Proposition A funds. Further action items cover staff purchases for fencing at the Burdick Center, appointing court representatives for intersection improvements, reclassification of a Health Department position, and approval of various consent agenda items, including prior meeting minutes from February 10, 2026, and adjustments to the FY2026 budget. Additional items include contract amendments, awarding a pest control services contract, adopting a policy for videoconferencing participation, appealing a FEMA determination letter, approving agreements for juvenile diversion programming, and plat approvals for the Town of Comfort. The session also scheduled a Closed Session to consult with counsel regarding pending or contemplated litigation.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included receiving reports from various departments, such as the annual filing by the Tax Assessor-Collector and updates from the County Engineer's Office. The Court approved accounts payable claims totaling $652,216.70. Employee service awards for December 2025 and January 2026 were recognized. Major orders included the removal of the current Burn Ban, and the approval of multiple grant applications by the County District Attorney for funding such as the Continuation of Violence Against Women Act Grant, Victims of Crime Act Grant, Justice Assistance Grant, Testing of Forensic Evidence Grant, Peace Officer Mental Health Program, and the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG) Mobile Radio Replacement Grant. Resolutions were also approved to accept TDEM grant awards for bridge projects. In planning and budget matters, the Court approved funding assistance for the Boerne Kendall County Economic Development Corporation (BKCEDC) regarding small business financial needs in Comfort, and established a new policy for funding fire departments quarterly. A discussion was held regarding adding developments to the 391 Commission to engage with the TCEQ on permitting. The Court approved the purchase of a K9 and training course for the Sheriff's Department, and entered into a Farm and Ranch contract to purchase 310 acres known as the "Guadalupe River Ranch." The meeting concluded with a Closed Session to consult with counsel regarding pending or contemplated litigation.

The regularly called session of the board commenced with a moment of silence to honor the memory of Investigator Tommy Singh. Key discussion points included encouraging early voting for the upcoming March 3rd election and welcoming a local 4-H member to lead the pledges. Commissioner McCall provided an update regarding the voluntary halting of the Rock Creek Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project in Comfort, attributing this success to local opposition and stringent fire code compliance efforts. Commissioner Carpenter noted citizens' interest in joining the 391 group concerning a proposed 3,000-home development. The board approved accounts payable claims totaling $949,821.62, which included the earnest money and option fee for the 310-acre Guadalupe River Ranch property purchase using Prop A funds. Commissioner Chapman clarified that the property has not yet been fully purchased pending an environmental assessment. The court also proclaimed February 2026 as Love Kendall County Kids Month. A briefing was provided on the local burn ban status, noting that while burn data does not currently support a ban, an increase in grass fires due to dry surface fuels warrants continued monitoring and potential emergency declaration if conditions worsen.

The primary focus of this special call meeting was to consider and possibly take action on Order number 020260218-1, which pertains to prohibiting outdoor burning for a period of up to 90 days. The request was necessitated by a rapid deterioration of fire conditions, including an increase in uncontrolled burns and resource exhaustion among fire departments, despite prior assessments suggesting a burn ban was not warranted. The discussion referenced worsened burn indices, reports of multiple fires per day, and an extended period of extremely dry weather forecasts with critical fire danger. The Court ultimately voted unanimously to enact the order reinstating the burn ban for a period not exceeding 90 days.