Federal surplus program gets another look

Hays County is re-enrolling in a program that allows the county to buy equipment from the federal government at a discount.

At its meeting Tuesday, the Hays County Commissioners Court authorized the county judge to submit an application for eligibility to participate in the Texas Facilities commission Federal Surplus Property Program.

“It allows us to purchase military equipment or surplus equipment at a substantially lower rate,” County Emergency Management Coordinator Kharley Smith said. “It’s a really great program — it has a lot of items.”

Smith said the program includes items like blankets and other supplies the county might need in an emergency.

“I love it,” County Judge Ruben Becerra said of the program. “It is the coolest thing.”

Commissioners also authorized the the Office of Emergency Services to purchase four replacement hazmat suits for the county’s HazMat Team for $2,921. The funds are coming from the office’s operating budget.

In other business, the commissioners approved the acceptance of a donation of hazardous material masks for the county’s animal control deputies. The Hays County Citizen Sheriff’s Academy Alumni Association used money from fundraisers to purchase the masks, which are meant to protect the deputies from hazardous environmental conditions they might encounter during animal seizures.

“This equipment is going to come in very handy,” Precinct 2 Commissioner Mark Jones said.

Commissioners also appointed Commissioner Walt Smith to the board of directors for the Dripping Springs Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones No. 1 and No. 2 for a term ending in February 2021.