At its regular meeting on September 8, 2009, Blanco County Commissioners ratified the resolution by the Board of Directors of the Blanco County Appraisal District to “purchase land, construction of an appraisal district office facility, construction of improvements and for a permanent loan and establishing an effective date and compliance with the Texas Open Meetings Act.”

Judge Guthrie read a letter from the Court’s attorney indicating that the process leading to the approval of the building had been “confusing” but that action by the Commissioners Court to approve an August 31 resolution by the CAD would be seen as an attempt by the Commissioners to rectify the situation.

Citizen Milton Hawkins addressed the Court and made a final plea to include the Appraisal District facility in the new County Annex building thus saving the taxpayers of Blanco County the expense of providing two separate facilities. His plea fell on deaf ears as Commissioners voted unanimously to proceed. (Commissioner Liesmann reclused himself due to the fact that his company hoped to build the facility should it be approved).

Judge Guthrie indicated that Hollis Boatright, County Tax Assessor-Collector, had committed to following procedures from now on “to the letter of the law.” She was present and heartily nodded her concurrence.

Architects presented modified preliminary plans for the County Annex and Courthouse complex. The plans included smaller office spaces for employees and separate buildings for the Annex itself and the Courthouse. The two buildings would be connected by a covered breezeway. They are architecturally compatible with the present County Courthouse. The facilities can be expanded should future needs require it. The new concept was approved by the Commissioners. According to Judge Guthrie, the new plan will save 10% over the previous plan’s $2.5 million cost.

Commissioners authorized County Judge Guthrie to sign a contract with Burns Architects for architectural services for the Blanco County Jail/Law Enforcement Center project.

This $5.5 million project is also being “tweaked” in order to reduce costs.

Election judges and clerks will be receiving a pay raise from $7 to $8 per hour.

The effective tax rate for fiscal year 2009-2010 was set at 0.3388 of which .057300 is for debt service and 0.2815 is for maintenance and operation. The total general fund and grant revenues for the County amount to $5,840,240.00. A copy of the approved budget may be viewed at the Blanco County Courthouse in Johnson City.

Guess what! The burn ban has been renewed for another 90 days. If it rains, it can be canceled, but until then…