Donna Ermis

Key discussions included public comment regarding construction work proceeding without a contract and subsequent need for new plans, leading to calls for greater transparency. The Court addressed the fiscal year 2026 interlocal agreement with Alamo Regional Transit for county connect routes, which involved an amendment to the initial agreement amount for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The Court also acknowledged a $4,500 donation from Devon Energy, to be equally dispersed among K County EMS, the Sheriff's office, and Emergency Management. Other items included the approval to amend pay rates for EMS regular variable hour (PRN) employees, establishing a general ledger code for donations expense for Emergency Management, and acknowledging the fiscal year 2026 salary orders for the County Auditor and assistants, as well as for the 81st and 218th District Court reporters. Finally, the Court canvassed the November 4, 2025 constitutional amendment special election results, noting high voter turnout and successful post-election audits with no discrepancies.

The meeting commenced with a regular session, opening with a prayer and pledge. Citizens addressed the court, including the superintendent of Runyi ISD, who provided an update on significant enrollment growth (12% increase) and academic achievements, highlighting soft skills development and extracurricular successes, such as the football team's first district championship in 30 years and the marching band's first state finals appearance. Another citizen discussed matters concerning Alamo Regional Transit service routes, records building concerns, and the placement of county commissioner offices. The court acknowledged numerous donations for community events like National Night Out and Halloween events. Sheriff Miranda reported on successful operations facilitated by new in-car camera technology, including thwarting a theft ring targeting heavy-duty trucks for drug cartels and the successful Lonear Task Force operation which resulted in felony warrant arrests, narcotics arrests, and encounters with 26 individuals illegally present in the country. The court also approved an amendment to a Senate Bill 22 grant line item to allow flexibility in using funds for vehicle or equipment upgrades, and approved the transfer of a 2015 Ford F250 pickup truck from the A extension office to the Office of Emergency Management. Finally, the court acknowledged a $1,000 donation from Purdue, Brandon Fielder, Collins, and Mott LP for the county employee holiday luncheon.

The meeting, identified as the last of the calendar year, began with an opening prayer and pledge. Public comments included concerns raised about community representation and constituent responsiveness among commissioners. Key agenda items addressed the adoption of a resolution nominating a candidate for the Karnes County Appraisal District Board of Directors for the 2026-2027 term. The court also discussed and approved extending the current burn ban for an additional 90 days, acknowledging the extreme dry conditions despite favorable short-term fire danger forecasts. Furthermore, the court approved a budget amendment to move a $1,000 donation, previously acknowledged in November, into the employee appreciation expense line item for use in paying expenses for the county employee luncheon. Finally, the proposed EMS fee schedule for calendar year 2026, recommending a 2% increase based on the ambulance inflation factor, was discussed and approved. The court also appointed Randy Dimming to the Karnes County Emergency Services District Number One board of directors to fill a vacancy.

The Karnes County Commissioners Court meeting included discussions on various topics. These included final construction documents for the Precinct 2 service center and JP office, the need for community involvement in establishing EMS substations, and addressing the leaking roof issue. There was also discussion of the county's archives building. The court also discussed repurchasing ballot marking devices and scanner kits, as well as the countywide polling program. The court also acknowledged the official bond and oath received for Bite Schwarz, County Treasurer, and an anonymous donation to the KS County Veteran Services Office. Additionally, the court discussed placing flood data tracking equipment on County Road 344 and a rental service agreement with South Point Rentals for portaotties at the DPS way station and the food bank distribution at the KS County show Barn.

This Hazard Mitigation Action Plan for Karnes and Wilson Counties aims to protect people and property from hazards and disasters, ensuring a resilient and enduring future. It outlines a comprehensive strategy to minimize long-term risks and break the cycle of high-cost disaster response and recovery. The plan identifies and assesses 11 key hazards, including hurricanes, floods, droughts, windstorms, extreme heat, lightning, tornadoes, hailstorms, wildfires, severe winter storms, earthquakes, and hazardous materials incidents. Key objectives include aligning risk reduction with federal, state, and community goals, fostering partnerships, securing funding, and enhancing public education and awareness regarding threats and vulnerabilities.