Criminal justice and hazmat on court agenda

Hays County’s approach to criminal justice issues and the county hazardous materials (hazmat) team figure prominently in the commissioners court agenda for this morning. 

The commissioners are set to hear a summary of the Criminal Justice Summit that took place on March 8. At the summit, participants from all areas of criminal justice — law enforcement leaders, judges and others — gathered to find ways in which the county can streamline its criminal justice system to both save tax dollars and provide better services to Hays County residents.

This morning’s agenda also includes discussion of the newly formed criminal justice commission, which will have the task of prioritizing suggestions and/or recommendations for criminal justice reform in Hays County. The discussion will give commissioners a chance to pick individuals to serve on the commission. 

The commissioners will also consider several agenda items related to the hazmat team, including the purchase of replacement items for the hazmat truck. The court is also slated to consider interlocal agreements with fire departments regarding hazmat incidents and an agreement with First Responders Solutions LLC to help recover funds spent in responding to hazmat incidents.

In other business, the commissioners will receive a report on the Hill Country Mental Health and Development Disabilities board meeting that occurred March 5. Charlie Campise, the Hays County representative on the board, will present the update. Commissioners are also slated to vote on a measure to change the public posting of the weekly commissioners court agenda to give citizens more time to review it and prepare comments. According to the agenda item, the change would mean posting the agenda at least five business days in advance, with a 72-hour window for adjustments.

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.