Karnes County public meetings in 2024
20 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Commissioners Court
The Commissioners Court will discuss a local state of disaster declaration and the selection of a Construction Manager-at-Risk for the Karnes County EMS Administration/Training Center. The body will also review the 2025 EMS fee schedule and a proposed pay policy change for the Sheriff's Office.
- Authorization of Declaration of Local State of Disaster for Karnes County
- Selection of Construction Manager-at-Risk (CMAR) for Karnes County EMS Administration/Training Center
- Approval of CY 2025 fee schedule for Karnes County EMS
- Proposed amendment to Pay Policy to allow Sheriff's Office to pay overtime instead of comp time
- Resolution certifying commitment of remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds
The Karnes County Commissioners Court approved several items, including a disaster declaration, a pay policy change for the Sheriff's Office, and the selection of Weaver & Jacobs Construction as Construction Manager-at-Risk for the EMS Administration/Training Center project. The court also approved the CY 2025 EMS fee schedule, the FY 24 jail commissary audit, and a resolution certifying ARPA funds. A proposed vehicle exchange between constables was declined, and no action was taken on background investigation reports or a sheriff's department audit.
- Approved Declaration of Local State of Disaster (4-0)
- Approved temporary pay policy change allowing Sheriff's Office overtime instead of comp time (4-0)
- Approved Weaver & Jacobs Construction as CMAR for EMS Administration/Training Center (4-0)
- Approved resolution certifying ARPA funds committed (4-0)
- Approved CY 2025 EMS fee schedule (4-0)
- Approved FY 24 Sheriff's Jail Commissary Audit (4-0)
- Approved consent agenda including reports, budget amendment BA-2025-02, and minutes (4-0)
- Declined Constable Pct #2 and #4 vehicle exchange
Commissioners Court
The Karnes County Commissioners Court will meet to discuss accepting proposals for an Archives Storage Building and to approve routine bills and personnel changes. The court will also acknowledge a $1,000 donation for a county employee holiday luncheon.
- Acceptance of proposals for Archives Storage Building
- $1,000 donation for Employee Holiday Luncheon
- Approval of bills and Treasurer's Report
- Discussion of Personnel Changes
- Upcoming meeting scheduled for December 20, 2024
The Karnes County Commissioners Court approved a $658,639 bid from C&C Custom Construction LLC for the Archives Storage Building, with all four present members voting in favor. The court also approved the consent agenda, the treasurer's report, and payment of bills, all by unanimous votes. Commissioner Dupnik was absent.
- Approved $658,639 bid from C&C Custom Construction LLC for Archives Storage Building (4-0)
- Approved consent agenda including reports and minutes (4-0)
- Approved Treasurer's Report as presented (4-0)
- Approved payment of bills as presented (4-0)
Commissioners Court
The Karnes County Commissioners Court will meet to discuss the 2025 Holiday Schedule, a contract for administrative services for a state grant, and a resolution to sponsor a water supply corporation for a state grant program.
- Discuss 2025 Karnes County Holiday Schedule
- Discuss contract for administrative services for 2025-2026 TxCDBG grant
- Discuss resolution to sponsor El Oso Water Supply Corp for TxCDBG project
- Discuss 2025 Grant Resolution for Texas Indigent Defense Grant Program
- Discuss resolution authorizing submission of 2025/2026 TxCDBG application
Commissioners Court
The Commissioners Court will hold a special meeting to discuss and potentially approve the canvass of the November 5, 2024 General Election. The body will also acknowledge a future meeting scheduled for November 26, 2024.
- Canvass of the November 5, 2024 General Election
Commissioners Court
The Karnes County Commissioners Court will discuss a request for proposals for a construction manager for the EMS Administration/Training Center. The body will also consider contract extensions for road construction projects and a budget amendment.
- RFP for Construction Manager-at-Risk (CMAR) for the Karnes County EMS Administration/Training Center
- Proposed 45-day extension for CR 175 Capital Construction Contract (#202407 11-001) with ABN Construction
- Proposed 85-day extension for CR 182 Capital Construction Contract (#202407 11-002) with ABN Construction
- Budget Amendment BA2025-01
- Special meeting scheduled for November 18, 2024, to canvas election results
Commissioners Court
The Commissioners Court will decide on awarding road and drainage maintenance contracts and a construction manager for the EMS Administration/Training Center. The body will also discuss reinstating a county burn ban and a budget transfer for EMS laboratory accreditation.
- Awarding FY 24-25 road improvement contracts to BRM Trucking & Construction LLC, ABN Construction LLC, and CK Newberry LLC
- Awarding FY 24-25 drainage maintenance contracts to SD Reyes
- RFP for Construction Manager-at-Risk (CMAR) for the Karnes County EMS Administration/Training Center
- Budget amendment and line-item transfer of $15,000.00 for an EMS laboratory technical consultant
- TXDOT status update on bridge replacement projects on CR 230 and CR 326
Commissioners Court
The Karnes County Commissioners Court will meet to discuss and potentially approve contracts for a new Precinct 2 service center and various road improvement projects. The court will also consider salary orders for county staff and the Victim Services Coordinator.
- Award contract to DRG Architects for Precinct 2 service center design
- Use SB22 funds for Victim Services Coordinator salary ($67,683.20)
- Award drainage maintenance contracts to SD Reyes
- Award turkey maintenance contracts to BRM Trucking & Construction
- Acknowledge FY 2025 salary orders for county auditors and court reporters
Commissioners Court
The Commissioners Court will discuss the 2024 Investment Policy, FY 24 budget amendments, and a fuel purchase contract extension. The body will also review RFQ proposals for an Archive Building and a real property transaction in executive session.
- Extension of FY 23-24 Bulk Term Contract for Fuel Purchases with Great Lakes Petroleum
- RFQ proposals for Archive Building
- Allocation of $7,032.82 in surplus EMTF deployment revenue to the EMS department
- Reimbursement of $18,042.59 from Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council for Hurricane Beryl response
- TXDOT status update on bridge replacement projects on CR 230 and CR 326
The Commissioners Court approved the 2024 Indigent Defense Grant Program resolution, RFQ proposals for the Archive Building, allocation of $7,032.82 surplus EMTF revenue to EMS, contract extension with Great Lakes Petroleum, adoption of the 2024 Investment Policy, FY 24 budget amendments, consent agenda, and payment of bills. Two agenda items regarding private resale of trust property were tabled. The court also acknowledged a $500 EMS donation and an $18,042.59 reimbursement for Hurricane Beryl response.
- Approved 2024 Karnes County Resolution Indigent Defense Grant Program (3-0)
- Approved RFQ proposals for Archive Building (3-0)
- Approved allocating $7,032.82 surplus EMTF revenue to EMS for FY 25 (3-0)
- Approved extending fuel contract with Great Lakes Petroleum through FY 24-25 (3-0)
- Adopted 2024 Karnes County Investment Policy & Strategies and appointed Investment Officer (3-0)
- Approved FY 24 Budget Amendments (3-0)
- Approved Consent Agenda (3-0)
- Approved payment of bills (3-0)
Commissioners Court
The Commissioners Court will meet to adopt the 2024 Overall Tax Rate, as well as specific rates for the General Fund and Road & Bridge maintenance. The body will also consider insurance proposals and a facility proposal from Atlas Gas Solutions.
- Adoption of 2024 Overall Tax Rate, General Fund Maintenance & Operating Tax Rate, and Road & Bridge Special Maintenance & Operating Tax Rate
- Proposal by Atlas Gas Solutions to construct CNG facility on CR 128 near Choate, Texas
- Interlocal Cooperative Agreement with Dewitt County for legislative consulting cost sharing
- Elimination of a sight restriction on CR 319
- Review of insurance proposals from Texas Association of Counties (TAC) and Acrisure
The Commissioners Court unanimously adopted the 2024 overall tax rate of 0.234499, along with the General Fund Maintenance & Operating rate of 0.200323 and the Road & Bridge Special Maintenance & Operating rate of 0.034176. The court also approved receiving insurance proposals, an interlocal agreement with DeWitt County for legislative consulting, the consent agenda, the Treasurer's Report, and payment of bills. No action was taken on a sight restriction on CR 319 or a proposed Atlas Gas Solutions facility on CR 128.
- Adopted 2024 overall tax rate of 0.234499 (4-0)
- Adopted 2024 General Fund M&O tax rate of 0.200323 (4-0)
- Adopted 2024 Road & Bridge Special M&O tax rate of 0.034176 (4-0)
- Approved receiving insurance proposals from TAC and Acrisure (4-0)
- Approved interlocal agreement with DeWitt County for legislative consulting (4-0)
- Approved consent agenda including budget amendment BA 2024-17 (4-0)
- Approved Treasurer's Report as presented (4-0)
- Approved payment of bills (4-0)
Commissioners Court
The Commissioners Court will hold a public hearing on the proposed budget for the fiscal year starting October 1, 2024. The body will also discuss proposed tax rates for the General Fund and Road & Bridge Special Maintenance. Additionally, the court will consider setting base salaries for elected officials.
- Public hearing for Fiscal Year October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025 budget
- Discussion of 2024 Proposed Tax Rates for General Fund and Road & Bridge Special Maintenance
- Proposed base salaries for elected officials, including $90,000 for Sheriff and $80,000 for County Judge
- Adoption of the FY 2025 Budget
- Proposed $74,000 base salary for County Clerk, District Clerk, County Treasurer, Tax Assessor-Collector, and all four Precinct Commissioners
Commissioners Court
The Karnes County Commissioners Court will discuss several roadway and drainage improvement contracts and the issuance of an RFQ for a new Services Center in Falls City. The body will also review insurance proposals and fund transfers for the Kenedy Public Library.
- Contract for CR 175 improvements to ABN Construction not to exceed $523,629.23
- Contract for CR 182 improvements to ABN Construction not to exceed $413,414.20
- Increase of CR 290 contract with ABN to $2,775,654.99
- RFQ for design and construction of a new Precinct 2 Services Center in Falls City
- Transfer of $1,900 and $1,864 for Kenedy Public Library books and ebooks
Commissioners Court
The Commissioners Court will decide on several contracts, including broadband funding and road material procurement. The body will also authorize the order of election for the November 5, 2024 General Election.
- Budget amendment (BA 2024-17) of $66,968.40 for ambulance chassis payment to Alexander Ford
- Authorization for County Judge to sign order of election for November 5, 2024 General Election
- Application by 'VTX' for Broadband funds on behalf of Karnes County
- Contract extensions for Antex Integrated, LLC, Colorado Materials, LTD, and Mayfield Pipe & Lumber, LTD
- Order regarding transporting of Juveniles for Karnes/Wilson Juvenile Probation Department
Commissioners Court
The Commissioners Court is meeting for a budget workshop regarding fiscal year 2024-2025. The body will discuss the proposed budget and the tax rate for the 2024 tax year.
- Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2024
- Proposed tax rate for Tax year 2024
- Publication of proposed salaries, expenses or allowances for elected county or precinct officials
Commissioners Court
The Karnes County Commissioners Court will discuss and vote on approving a local match commitment for Camino Real Community Services, engaging an auditor for $38,500, and approving a $4,400 geotechnical exploration for an EMS training center. The court will also consider budget amendments and lists of election workers.
- Approval of $38,500 audit services for Fiscal Year 2024
- Approval of $4,400 geotechnical exploration for EMS training center
- Approval of $15,000 and $52,000 budget amendments
- Approval of lists of election workers for two-year terms
- Approval of $4,400 local match commitment for Camino Real Community Services
Commissioners Court
The Karnes County Commissioners Court will meet on July 9, 2024, to consider several infrastructure and budget items. Proposed actions include a no-cost agreement with TxDOT regarding emergency communications and professional services for the historical courthouse. The court will also review KCRB budget amendments.
- Contract award not to exceed $125,000.00 to Ford, Powell and Carson for courthouse assessment
- No-cost agreement with TxDOT to use the Sheriff's Office tower site for emergency communications
- KCRB budget amendment moving $15,000 from fuel to uniform boot allowance
- KCRB budget amendment moving $52,000 from equipment acquisitions to building repairs
- Contract award to C&C Construction to modify a metal building at the KCRB Field Office
Commissioners Court
The Karnes County Commissioners Court will discuss reinstating a burn ban due to wildfire threats. The court will also consider contract extensions for engineering services at the County Annex located at 210 W. Calvert. Other items include tax rate calculations and herbicide application contracts.
- Reinstatement of Burn Ban due to wildfire threat
- Contract extension for Thornton Tomasetti totaling $141,512 with an additional $35,000 authorized expenditure
- $32,600 for ECS Southwest groundwater monitoring services
- Contract award to Antex Integrated, LLC for herbicide application on roads and facilities
- Appointment of Judge Stella Saxon to the AAAPDO board
Commissioners Court
The Commissioners Court will consider an amended ordinance regarding Eight Liner slot machines. The agenda also includes discussions on architectural services for an EMS training center and vehicle monitoring agreements. Additionally, the court will review a work authorization for debris removal at the Falls City Road and Bridge Yard.
- Amended Game Room Ordinance prohibiting Eight Liner slot machines
- AIA agreement with Rawley McCoy & Associates, PLLC for EMS center services
- BRM Trucking work authorization for debris removal up to $16,291.00
- Agreement with Samsara for KCRB vehicle and equipment monitoring
- Licensing and rebate agreements with Bound Tree Medical for EMS
Commissioners Court
The Commissioners Court will discuss pay increases for elected officials and a new step program for employees. The body is also considering a contract extension for repairs to the Karnes County Annex and an ordinance prohibiting Eight Liner slot machines.
- Contract extension with Thornton Tomassetti for Phase 3 Repair Design and Site Inspection of the Karnes County Annex
- Proposed Game Room Ordinance prohibiting Eight Liner slot machines
- Proposed Elected Officials Pay Increase
- Proposed Step Program effective Oct 1, 2024
- Budget Amendments 2024-11, 2024-12, 2024-13, and 2024-14
Commissioners Court
The Commissioners Court will decide on several high-cost equipment purchases for the Sheriff's Department and EMS, as well as jail security upgrades. The body will also discuss federal grant procurement policies and bridge repairs on CR 266.
- Proposed $283,326 for security cameras and intercom speakers at Karnes County Jail
- Proposed $213,127 for Sheriff Department patrol car emergency lights and sirens
- Proposed $128,814.20 for EMS all-band radios using ARPA funds
- Proposed $10,800 for concrete work at 119 North Browne Street
- Proposed budget amendments of $3,000 for programming and $3,000 for books at Falls City Library
Commissioners Court
The Commissioners Court will discuss management bids for the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs HOME Program and a request for qualifications for the Karnes County Historical Courthouse. The body will also consider changing the employment status of three director-level positions to exempt.
- Bids for Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs HOME Program management services
- Flood Infrastructure Fund (FIF) Abridged Application through the Texas Water Development Board
- RFQ for architectural/engineering assessment of Karnes County Historical Courthouse
- Changing Human Resources Director, IT Director, and Elections Administrator to Exempt Status
- Temporary closure of CR 389 east and west of Coon Bridge