Padilla grant on county docket

The Hays County Commissioners Court is considering a number of items at their meeting Tuesday morning. 

Following the submission of a grant application to the Texas Indigent Defense Commission (TIDC), Hays County has received a $342,720 grant for the funding of the Regional Padilla Compliance Pilot Project. Commissioners will vote to accept the grant, which will provide support for criminal defense attorneys in Hays County and the 3rd Administrative Judicial region to meet their Padilla obligation. 

The court will discuss “positions, duties, responsibilities and regrades” for the County Judge’s Office, according to an agenda item requested and sponsored by County Judge Ruben Becerra. 

The court will vote to adopt a proclamation that declares September 2019 as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. 

The proclamation encourages “all residents to take the time to inquire as to the wellbeing of their family, friends, and neighbors over the next few days and to genuinely convey their appreciation for their existence by any gesture they deem appropriate. A simple phone call, message, handshake, or hug can go a long way towards helping someone realize that suicide is not the answer and that help is available.” 

In other business, commissioners will hear a presentation on Hays County’s Flood Early Warning system from Justin McInnis, the interim director of the office of emergency services. 

The Court will then hear a presentation by Ramsey Arbaca from the Office of Attorney General on Public Information Requests. 

The court will vote to authorize an interlocal agreement with Travis County for a grant award for the Sheriff's Combined Auto Theft Task Force (SCATTF). According to the agenda item, the task force aims to “help reduce auto theft and auto burglary.” 

Commissioners will vote to execute a resolution that certifies county approval of a $13,00 grant to Combined Community Action (CCA) for the upcoming fiscal year. According to the agenda item request, CCA provides “home delivered meals to homebound persons in the county that are elderly or have a disability.”

The Hays County Commissioners Court meets at 9 a.m. on the third floor of the Hays County Courthouse, 111 San Antonio St.