At its regular meeting on December 8, County Commissioners considered whether or not to pay an invoice submitted by the Colorado River Flood Plain Coalition. By paying the amount of $1,000, Blanco County can continue for another year as a member of the Coalition.

Judge Bill Guthrie and Commissioner James Sultemeier noted that the Coalition operates under the auspices of the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA). It was originally established to provide education about existing flood plains and to map them throughout the Region.

“Over the years,” said Judge Guthrie, “we have paid in about $10,000 and have received very little benefit.” He indicated that other counties seem to receive far more benefits from the Coalition than does Blanco County. “It’s always ‘next year’ for us. The original idea was good but the benefits of our membership have not materialized.”

Pending further study, Commissioners opted to leave the Coalition’s invoice out of those bills to be approved for payment. This item will be placed on the agenda of a future meeting to determine whether or not any benefits justify continued membership.

On another item, Judge Guthrie informed the Commissioners that application forms had been received from the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) for the construction of a 25-foot wide driveway needed to provide access from Highway 281 to the new County Jail facility. He indicated that a request for the application had been submitted to TXDOT by the County Engineer.

There are presently two driveways into the property that will cease to be adequate and that will have to be replaced by the new entrance. Some concerns were raised about compliance with State guidelines in regard to runoff water from the County property via the new entrance.

A drainage problem already exists and there is some concern that the County will have to expend resources on resolving a problem that TXDOT should have previously addressed. “There is already a problem with the pooling of water,” said Judge Guthrie. “It will be necessary to put in some sort of water collection facility to include both rainwater collection and diversion.”

Commissioners determined that it was important that Judge Guthrie be authorized to sign the application at this time even though, as Commissioner Liesmann pointed out, a final site plan has yet to be approved.

The motion carried unanimously with Judge Guthrie abstaining.