New judge could be named today

The Hays County Court-at-Law Number 3 was created last year, and this morning the position for judge in that court could be filled.

At its meeting this morning, the Hays County Commissioners Court is set to discuss and possibly take action to fill the office of Hays County Court at Law No. 3. The county began accepting applications for the judge position in the new court in mid-August, with a deadline of Sept. 14. The appointment of eligible candidates was originally set for a commissioners court meeting on or before Oct. 2.

The new county court-at-law was created in Senate Bill 1329 in the Texas legislature last year. The legislation contained language stating that the court would not be created until Oct. 1, 2018. 

In other business this morning, as part of its consent agenda, the commissioners court will approve the acceptance of funds from the governor’s Homeland Security Grant Program for several purchases, including a command vehicle, hazmat equipment and SWAT night vision binoculars. The commissioners are also set to accept an Emergency Management Performance Grant of nearly $44,000 from the Texas Department of Public Safety. The funds will be used to support the salary and benefits of five positions in the county’s emergency management department.

In other business, the commissioners are set to approve the submission of an application for a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for portable chemical and radiation detectors for first responders. The grant is for $46,648 and requires a 10 percent match from the county.

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