October 9th, 2007-With thirteen items on the agenda, the meeting began at 9:00AM as the minutes of prior meetings were read and approved.

Thirty two continuing education hours for County Judge Bill Guthrie (16 for this year and another 16 to carry over for next year) were acknowledged, then applications for four appointments to the Blanco County Child Protection and Family Advocacy Board were presented to the Court by Diane Beagle, President of the Board: Lerlean Williams, Suzette Connell, Wendy Smith, and Sandy Mann. All four appointments were unanimously approved with Commissioner Sultemeir commending Ms. Beagle “or whomever was responsible for getting these fine applications together,” saying that “we really need them.”

Beagle commented that she believes each candidate will be very beneficial to the Board. Three of the appointments reside in the south end of Blanco County and one is from Precinct Two, according to Judge Guthrie.

District Clerk Debby Elsbury asked that the Court consider adopting a Family Protection Fee in an amount not to exceed $15.00 due to legislative changes under HB764, which has been ruled unconstitutional. This is in regard to a filing fee attached to fees when someone files for a divorce. So far $1390 is in the account, half of which was collected in error according to the Attorney General’s opinion, said Elsbury. All $15.00 will now go to the County with the Commissioners deciding which non-profit organization will be receiving the money.

Elsbury also asked that the Court consider ratifying an administrative order from the 33rd and 424th Judicial District Court to set the compensation of court reporters. Elsbury pointed out that the Commissioners have no control over this compensation as it is set by the District Court; however it is necessary that it be acknowledged by the County

Finally, Elsbury asked that the Court consider accepting new District Court fees in criminal and civil cases as passed by the 80th Texas Legislature. Elsbury said she is bringing this to the Court “in order that everything be documented and included in the Court’s record to allow these items to be easier to find later for anyone following me as District Clerk.” There is only a slight change in the fees, according to Elsbury.

The Court then approved November to be the official Home Health Care and Hospice Month. There was a minor mistake on the August 2007 JP Pct 4 report, (a typographical error) and an amended report was accepted.

Finally, before the Court adjourned, the Commissioners considered nominations to the Blanco County Appraisal District Board. No nominations were made and no action was taken.

The court adjourned.