At their regular meeting January 10, members of the governing body of Blanco voted to order the election May 12, 2012, for places currently held by Rebecca Howerton, Martin Sauceda, and Al Turner. The term of office is two years. Information on filing can be obtained by calling city hall.

In the Public Comments portion of the meeting, resident Mary Ann Millard complained about the poor quality of paving on Blanco Avenue and Jones Avenue. She questioned whether that method of paving would continue to be used in Blanco, since the paving of Blanco Avenue, completed in November, is already beginning to deteriorate. Mayor Chuck Homan said that Public Works Director Nathan Cantrell, who was not present at the time, would have to respond to her concerns. In a phone interview Cantrell responded that the process used, chip-sealing, is standard practice, and is all the city can afford to do. He also said that most of the roads in Blanco County are paved in this manner.

In his comments, Mayor Homan asked citizens to be patient and excuse the mess while city hall undergoes what he called a “shoestring budget remodeling.” The interior of the building is being reconfigured to make it more convenient for staff to use. The space formerly occupied by the Blanco Police Department will be made more accessible by opening up a wall in the center of the building, and old carpet will be replaced.

The mayor also announced a benefit for council member Al Turner, who will be beginning a regimen of chemotherapy soon. The benefit, held at the Redbud Café Friday, January 13, was to help defray some of Turner’s expenses. Local musicians were expected to play, including Blanco’s own Bobby Mack.

Police Chief Milton Willmann reported that the Hill Country One Hundred Club has donated $855 to the Blanco Police Department. “If you see those folks, thank them,” he said.

The Blanco Police Department has lost two officers—Tammie Ross and Johnny Whisenant—who will be replaced after interviews beginning next week. The field of 17 to 18 applicants will be narrowed to six or seven by next week, he added.

He called Blanco “a training ground” for officers, who then move on to other jobs. He expressed special regret for the loss of Officer Tammie Ross, who hopes to pursue a college degree and work with child advocacy. “I encouraged her,” he admitted ruefully. “It was my fault.”

The department’s call volume was down in December, and patrols are keeping it down, he said.

“The reserves are doing a good job,” in the absence of the two officers, he concluded.

Since there was no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:09 p.m.