Commissioners could name a new fire marshal

The appointment of a new county fire marshal and a change in plans for the co-located emergency communications/911 center are on the agenda for the Hays County Commissioners Court this morning.

County staff is recommending the appointment of John Scott Raven as county fire marshal after conducting an application and interview process. Raven would step into the vacancy left by John Browning, who resigned as fire marshal last fall.  

The commissioners are also slated to discuss and consider a change in the location for the future co-located emergency communications/911 center. Currently, the center is planned for 810 S. Stagecoach Trail, adjacent to the Hays County Government Center. The center is part of the county’s 2016 public safety bond project, and its construction was approved in 2017. It is meant to provide 911 dispatch and emergency communication services for Hays County, the Buda and Kyle police departments, the constables’ offices and most fire and EMS services in the county. 

In other business this morning, the commissioners will consider appointing Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra to the Central Texas Clean Air Coalition. Becerra would replace former Commissioner Ray Whisenant in that position. Commissioners are also set to consider appointing Becerra to replace Precinct 1 Commissioner Debbie Gonzales Ingalsbe on the Capital Rural Transportation District’s board of directors. 

The commissioners will also discuss and consider action to promote and fund Health Check 2019 for Hays County employees and eligible dependents. A community-wide event, Health Check offers health screenings including a complete metabolic panel, lipid panels and other blood tests. Participants can get hundreds of dollars worth of tests for $30 per person. For the last 12 years, Hays County paid 100 percent of the participants fees for county employees, and dependents over the age of 18 covered on the county health plan were allowed to participate at no cost (with the exception of the additional tests). The requested amount of $3,030 for 2019 would cover 101 employees (a 15 percent increase over last year’s participation of 88 county employees) and would come from the county’s self insurance fund. 

The Hays County Commissioners Court will meet at 9 a.m. on the third floor of the Hays County Courthouse, 111 San Antonio St. Meetings are also streamed live.