Caldwell County Commissioners on Tuesday, Aug. 12 put the countywide burn ban back on and discussed license plate reader cameras, creation of a new school zone and potential new days for bimonthly regular meetings.
(Pictured l-r: Pct. 1 Commissioner B.J. Westmoreland, Pct. 2 Commissioner Rusty Horne, County Judge Hoppy Haden, Pct. 3 Commissioner Ed Theriot, Pct. 4 Commissioner Dyral Thomas)
Caldwell County Commissioners voted to put the burn ban back on at the recommendation of Chief Emergency Management Coordinator Hector Rangel, who noted that drought conditions had deteriorated rapidly since the last regular meeting. The average drought index for the area has jumped to 529, less than 50 points under the Keetch-Byram Drought Index threshold of 575, which is when drought conditions are considered present. Some areas of Caldwell County are presenting KBDI values as high as 636.
With no meaningful rain predicted in the near or extended forecast, Rangel recommended putting the burn ban back on. No outdoor burning is allowed at this time.
More License Plate Reader Cameras approved for installation
Commissioners approved a supplemental agreement to the multiple use agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation that allows license plate reader cameras to be installed in the highway right of way. Six new cameras will be installed in the following locations:
The Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office will maintain and operate the cameras. Deputies said they would only search the camera footage when there is probable cause and that the cameras would not be able to see inside vehicles driving past, noting that you can see more details on a closed-circuit camera at a retail outlet.
Data stays in the camera for 30 days, according to the sheriff’s office.
The cameras are being used in Hays, Travis, Williamson, Bell and Bexar counties, deputies said.
The amendment to the MUA with TxDOT was passed 4-1, with Pct. 4 Commissioner Dyral Thomas voting no.
Legislation to likely lead to different day for regular commissioners court meetings
A new state law that takes effect in September will require governmental bodies in Texas to post agendas 72 business hours prior to meetings.
To accommodate the change and to maximize time for placing items on the agenda the week before, commissioners discussed changing the day they hold their bimonthly regular meetings.
Meetings are currently held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month, but that seems likely to change. A draft calendar for Sept. 1 and beyond shows meetings shifting to the second and fourth Thursdays in October and beyond, with exceptions being made for Thanksgiving and Christmas week because both holidays fall on a Thursday.
Under the proposed calendar, agendas would be posted on Wednesdays in September and on Fridays in October and beyond.
The agenda item was discussion only. Commissioners took no action.
- Approved an order that would allow for the creation of a school zone near the new Borchert Loop Elementary School outside of Lockhart. The order authorizes Pct. 1 Commissioner BJ Westmoreland to work with the county engineer to determine the boundaries, speed limit and times for the new school zone.
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Updated the interlocal cooperation agreement between the Lockhart Independent School District and the county that provides deputy constables to enhance protection on school campuses.
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Approved a resolution opposing proposed legislation that, if passed, would prohibit counties from using taxpayer funds to join and support nonprofit organizations that that communicate with state legislators. Current rules allow the Texas Association of Counties to attend legislative sessions and argue on a county’s behalf. Disallowing this would make it difficult and more expensive for county representatives to oppose or support bills during legislative sessions, commissioners said.
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Approved the selection of engineering consultants for the 2024 Caldwell County Road Bond Projects.
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Approved an order of special election for state constitutional amendments.
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Set a date for a public hearing to approve the FY 2026 tax rate. The public hearing will be held Tuesday, Sept. 9.
- Held a budget workshop following the meeting, discussing topics that included the county judge’s salary and the Lockhart Animal Shelter. Watch the workshop here.
This is a brief summary of discussion and action highlights of the Aug. 13 regular commissioners court meeting. See full agendas and official meeting minutes and watch full video of the meetings here.