The Hays County Commissioners Court granted permission to county staff to move forward with completing a U.S. Department of the Treasury grant application for rental assistance at its Jan. 12 meeting.
Hays County Emergency Management Coordinator Alex Villalobos said staff confirmed yesterday the county was eligible to apply for the grant based on Census data. The dollar amount of what the county will receive will be determined once the application is submitted. 
“We have to have the authorization [from the] Commissioners Court because it puts us in a position to share information that is critical to the county business, such as account information and, just you know, how we deposit those dollars based on a number that they approve,” Villalobos said. 
The court also approved $5,800 of the Hays County Sheriff’s Office Continuing Education Funds to be used for out-of-state travel by Fleet Maintenance Supervisor Martin Gonzales who will attend the Harley Davidson Motor Company’s Police Technical training in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, between April 26 through May 13. 
“I think it’d be great to have our technicians up to date on the most, you know, useful and updated technology that it takes to do that,” Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe said.
County Judge Ruben Becerra said he encourages more motors to be included in the county’s constable and sheriff’s offices and believes the technical training is part of that necessity. 
“When a motorcycle is circulating through the community, it’s more efficient on fuel and being able to move around,” Becerra said. “So although the expense and the out-of-state travel is potentially of some concern to folks, I think it’s an investment in our frontline and I want to support that effort.” 
The court also authorized the submission of a renewal interlocal program with the Texas Department of State Health Services for the Immunization/Locals Program FY21 in the amount of $192,341. The renewal will be used by the immunization program for the Hays County Health Department where funds will be utilized to support the salary and fringe benefits of program staff. 
Following approval from the court, the District Attorney’s Office is now allowed to purchase two replacement Dell laptops with accessories valued at $2,358. 
The court also authorized the judge to execute an annual renewal contract between Hays County and American Aerobic Management Systems in the amount of $2,985 for the annual maintenance and inspections of all Hays County septic systems. 
Payments of county invoices, juror checks, United Health Care claims and Jan. 15 payroll disbursements in an amount not to exceed $2,995,000 were approved by the court. 
The Hays County Commissioners Court meets every Tuesday at 9 a.m. For more information visit its website.