[1. CALL TO ORDER]
[00:00:07]
JUDGE WE HAVE BISHOP CHARLES RICHARDSON SENIOR FROM CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH, I BELIEVE, WILL LEAD US IN OUR INVOCATION.
I DO IT WHEN I CHECK IN. I DO IT TWICE ALWAYS.
9:04 IS OFFICIAL, PLEASE. SORRY.
>> THANK YOU FOR THE INVITATION TO COME AND PRAY TODAY.
SHALL WE PRAY? DEAR HEAVENLY FATHER, TODAY AS WE PRAY, I PRAY FOR OUR COUNTY JUDGES, OUR COMMISSIONERS, OUR COUNTY, OUR CITY AND ALL OF OUR CITIZENS.
KEEP GIVING THEM THE WISDOM TO LEAD OUR COUNTY, THE COMPASSION TO BUILD UP ALL OF YOUR CHILDREN AND THE HELP AND ENCOURAGEMENT THAT WILL BRING ABOUT LASTING IMPROVEMENT FOR THE PEOPLE OF OUR COUNTY WHO ARE STRUGGLING. HELP THEM TO LIVE A GREAT LEGACY IN NUECES COUNTY FOR THE NEXT GENERATION TO CONTINUE TO BUILD ON. HELP OUR COMMISSIONERS TO PLAN THEIR WORK AND WORK THEIR PLAN THAT WILL BENEFIT EVERYONE IN THE COUNTY IN LOVE AND PEACE, UNITY AND HARMONY.
GUIDE OUR COMMISSIONERS AS THEY GUIDE OUR COUNTY.
BLESS EVERY COMMISSIONER, EVERY JUDGE, EVERY COUNTY STAFF, AND BLESS THEIR FAMILIES. I LIFT UP EVERY AGENDA ITEM UNDER CONSIDERATION TODAY. I PRAY FOR EVERY ITEM ON THE DOCKET TODAY THAT YOU WILL ALLOW IT TO COME TO A PEACEFUL AND HELPFUL REVOLUTION THAT WILL BENEFIT ALL OF YOUR PEOPLE.
I PRAY THAT THIS AGENDA WILL BE IN CONJUNCTION WITH YOUR AGENDA AND ALL OF THE OFFICIALS OF THE COUNTY WILL WORK DILIGENTLY SO THAT THEY CAN LEAD NUECES IN A BETTER PLACE THEN WHEN THEY FOUND IT. I PRAY, THAT YOU BLESS US NOW AND LEAVE THIS PLACE IN LOVE AND NOT IN HATE, IN UNITY AND NOT IN DIVISION, AND LEAVE IT AS A PLACE OF GREAT OPPORTUNITY.
PLEASE RESOLVE ALL OF THE POTENTIAL CONFLICT AND LET IT BE HELPFUL TO ALL OF YOUR CITIZENS THAT WE CAN CONTINUE TO LIVE AND LOVE IN UNITY. I OFFER THIS PRAYER UP NOW IN
JESUS CHRIST'S NAME, AMEN. >> AMEN.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: THANK YOU. >> I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS.
ONE NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL. HONOR THE TEXAS FLAG.
I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THEE, TEXAS, ONE STATE UNDER GOD, ONE
AND INDIVISIBLE. >>JUDGE SCOTT: THANK YOU.
YOU MAY ALL BE SEATED. TODAY IS WEDNESDAY, JULY 26.
WE HAVE A QUORUM OF MEMBERS IN THE COURT.
COMMISSIONER MAREZ IS ON HIS WAY AND COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ IS IN HIS OFFICE. HE WILL BE STEPPING IN IN JUST A SECOND. HE MUST BE DEALING WITH AN ISSUE OR SOMETHING. THE LOCATION IS NUECES COURT HOUSE 901 LEOPARD AND I WILL CERTIFY THAT WE HAVE A QUORUM AND WE CAN CONDUCT BUSINESS. MOVING ON TO ITEM D, ANY ANNOUNCEMENTS OF CONFLICT OF INTERESTS.
IF YOU WILL SHOW, PLEASE, BOTH COMMISSIONERS JOINING US.
IF THERE ARE ANY CONFLICT OF INTEREST, YOU CAN STATE SO IF IT COMES BACK UP. I ENCOURAGE TO YOU DO SO IF YOU
[E. Introduction of Chief Executive Officer of Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority (CCRTA), Derrick Majchszak.]
FAIL TO. THE ITEM E, WE JUST HAVE AN INTRODUCTION OF THE NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OFFICER /* OFFICER OF CORPUS CHRISTI RTA, MR. DERRICK MAJCHSZAK.HAPPY TO HAVE YOU HERE. GIVE YOU A COUPLE OF MINUTES -- I KNOW YOU HAVE BEEN HERE AND MOST OF US KNOW YOU AND THANK YOU AND WE ARE EXCITED FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP OVER THERE.
>>CHIEF MAJCHSZAK: THANK YOU FOR THE COURT'S TIME.
I WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT I GOT A CHANCE TO INTRODUCE MYSELF.
SOME OF YOU MAY NOT KNOW ME TOO WELL.
A U.S. NAVY AND IRAQ VETERAN. I STARTED MY CAREER IN PUBLIC TRANSIT AS A BUS MECHANIC IN FORT WORTH.
IN 2006 AND WORKED MY WAY UP AND MOVED TO CORPUS CHRISTI IN 2017 WHERE I BECAME DIRECTOR OF TRANSPORTATION.
I WAS RECENTLY AFFORDED THE OPPORTUNITY BY OUR BOARD TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY AS THE CTO OF OUR TRANSPORTATION.
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EARNED MY DEGREE FROM CORPUS CHRISTI.AND RECENTLY RECEIVED MY MASTER'S DEGREE JUST IN LAST MAY. OVER THE LAST SIX YEARS I HAD A GREAT PRIVILEGE OF BUILDING MANY POSITIVE WORKING RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE COUNTY STAFF WITH EVERYDAY CHALLENGE AND NATURAL DISASTERS AND THINGS LIKE THAT THAT WE HAD.
I LOOK FORWARD TO BUILDING WITH THE RELATIONSHIPS AND WORKING WITH THE COMMISSIONERS COURT. EXTENDS THESE RELATIONSHIPS TO BENEFIT OUR COMMUNITY AND LOCAL REGIONAL ECONOMY.
MY FOCUS WILL BE ON INCREASING AND IMPROVING OUR COMMUNICATIONS AND COORDINATION AND INVOLVEMENT WITH OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS, BEING THE COUNTIES, SMALL CITIES AND THEIR PARTNERS.
BEING AMBITIOUS, INNOVATIVE WITH THE PROJECTS WE GIVE.
INCREASING RIDERSHIP THROUGH OUR LEVELS OF SERVICE BEFORE THE PANDEMIC. AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, ENSURING PROVIDING SAFE AND RELIABLE SERVICES TO OUR CUSTOMERS AND COMMUNITY. FOR THAT, I THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME, AND IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS, I AM
AVAILABLE. >>JUDGE SCOTT: WE APPRECIATE YOU BEING HERE. ANYONE WANT TO COMMENT.
>>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: CONGRAT
[1. In recognition of Idalia G. Harvey's 26 years of service to Nueces County.]
CONGRATULATIONS. >>COMMISSIONER HERNANDEZ:
CONGRATULATIONS, SIR. >> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: MOVING ON TO CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITIONS.
ITEM NUMBER 1, RECOGNITION OF IDALIA HARVEY'S 26 YEARS OF SERVICE TO NUECES COUNTY. THAT IS PRETTY AWESOME.
I AM SORRY I DON'T KNOW WHO YOU ARE IN YOU ARE HERE.
I COULDN'T SEE. THANK YOU, THANK YOU.
WE HAVE THIS -- IS SOMEONE GOING TO -- WOULD YOU LIKE TO COME FORWARD AND SAY ANYTHING. AND WE HAVE THIS FOR YOU AND WE HAVE A WATCH. AND OUR COUNTY EMPLOYEES AND THE YEARS OF SERVICE YOU HAVE DEDICATED TO THIS COURTHOUSE AND YOUR WORK. I HEARD NOTHING BUT EXCELLENT THINGS ABOUT YOU. I AM VERY HAPPY TO HAVE YOU.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: DID YOU WANT TO SAY SOMETHING IN.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: YOU NEED TO BE AT THE MICROPHONE.
IF YOU WANT TO PICTURE, WE CAN COME DOWN AND DO A PHOTO FOR
YOU. >> I HAVE BEEN HERE FOR 26 YEARS. I STARTED BACK IN 1996.
I WORKED WITH THE DISTRICT CLERK'S OFFICE.
IT HAS BEEN A PLEASURE WORKING FOR THE DISTRICT CLERK'S OFFICE.
I LEARNED A LOT. I HAD GREAT PEOPLE I MET ALONG THE YEARS. AND I HAD EXCELLENT HEAD MANAGERS AND DISTRICT CLERK. A WONDERFUL PERSON AND I AM VERY PLEASED TO BE IN HER DEPARTMENT AS A SUPERVISOR FOR THE SECTION.
AND POLICE LILLIAN GUTIERREZ A WONDERFUL PERSON.
ALWAYS THERE TO LISTEN. AND I THANK EVERY ONE OF YOU FOR GIVING ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE HERE TODAY.
[APPLAUSE] >>JUDGE SCOTT: DO YOU WANT TO SAY SOME THINGS? YES.
>> I DIDN'T KNOW IDALIA UNTIL I CAME DISTRICT CLERK.
SHE TURNED OUT TO BE ONE OF THE BEST PEOPLE THAT I HAVE -- ONE OF A LOT OF BEST PEOPLE THAT I HAVE IN MY OFFICE.
BUT I -- I THINK THE ONE THING THAT I APPRECIATE THE MOST FROM I IRKDALI ANOT ONLY HER FRIENDSHIP OVER THESE YEARS BUT THE LOYALTY THAT SHE HAS SHOWN TO ME ALSO AS DISTRICT CLERK.
THOSE ARE TWO VALUABLE ASSETS THAT ANY OF US AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL COULD GET FROM YOUR STAFF.
SO I VERY MUCH APPRECIATE I I SHALLDALIA .ALL THE HARD WORK.
SHE IS A VERY HARD WORKER. I NEVER HAD TO WORKY ABOUT HER DEPARTMENT AT ALL BECAUSE WE HAD A GREAT LINE OF COMMUNICATION AND I APPRECIATED IT AS WELL. I HATE TO SEE HER GO.
IT IS GOING TO BE A CHANGE FOR BOTH OF US, BUT, AGAIN, I JUST WANT TO LET HER KNOW HOW MUCH I APPRECIATE HER AND I KNOW SHE WILL HAVE A GREAT NEW BEGINNING AS SHE LEAVES THE COUNTY.
I KNOW SHE AND HER HUSBAND HAVE GREAT PLANS.
I SEE HIM OVER THERE, MR. HARVEY.
SO I WISH THEM EVERYTHING. GOD BLESS YOU BOTH.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: WE ALL DO AS WELL AS A COURT.
YOU LIKE TO COME FORWARD FOR A PICTURE.
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. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: CONGRATULATIONS.
CONGRATULATIONS. >>JUDGE SCOTT: APPRECIATE IT.
[2. In recognition of Jo Ann Beltran's 16 years of service to Nueces County.]
>>JUDGE SCOTT: NEXT UP ITEM 2, IN RECOGNITION OF JO ANN BELTRAN'S 16 YEARS OF SERVICE FOR NUECES COUNTY.
>> GOOD MORNING. >>JUDGE SCOTT: GOOD MORNING.
>> I HAVE BEEN WITH NUECES COUNTY FOR 16 YEARS, NINE MONTHS AND -- I STARTED IN 2006 WITH THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE FOR SIX YEARS.
AND I HAD A GREAT TIME THERE. AND TURNED IT OVER TO THE DISTRICT CLERK'S OFFICE IN 2012, AND I HAVE BEEN THERE EVER SINCE. AND IT WAS A GOOD, GOOD TIME BEING THERE. IT WAS -- I WORKED IN THE CRIMINAL SECTION, THE PROBATE SECTION.
AND THEN I ENDED UP STAYING AT CHILD SUPPORT AND THE 4D.
MY SUPERVISOR I,DALIA ALL OF THOSE YEARS.
IT WAS GOOD. AND NOW I GUESS IT IS ON TO THE NEXT CHAPTER OF MY LIFE, I GUES THOSE YEARS.
IT WAS GOOD. AND NOW I GUESS IT IS ON TO THE NEXT CHAPTER OF MY LIFE, I G GUESS.
THANK YOU, Y'ALL. >>JUDGE SCOTT: WE WISH YOU THE VERY BEST. YOU CAN COME DOWN TOO IF YOU
WOULD LIKE TO TAKE A PICTURE. >> YES.
MISS BELTRANS AND I WENT TO HIGH SCHOOL TOGETHER.
SHE WAS A LOT YOUNGER THAN ME THOUGH.
>>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: I BELIEVE THAT.
[1. August - Health Awareness Month Proclamation]
>>JUDGE SCOTT: NEXT ITEM ON THE AGENDA ADOPT THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION. AUGUST BEING HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH PROCLAMATION. CAN I GET A MOTION AND A SECOND.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: SO MOVED.
>>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: SECOND. >>JUDGE SCOTT: PEYTON, IF YOU
WILL READ THAT FOR US, PLEASE. >> WHEREAS HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH INSPIRES FOR HEIGHTENED FOCUS ON PERSONAL HEALTH AND WELL BEING OF INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES ACROSS THE OUR COMMUNITY. DEDICATING THE MONTH OF AUGUST FOR HEALTH AWARENESS, TO COLLECTIVELY PROMOTE EDUCATION, ENCOURAGE HEALTHY LIFESTYLE CHOICES AND MOTIVATE INDIVIDUALS TO PRIORITIZE THEIR HEALTH. WHEREAS, ALONG WITH HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH, A COMMUNITY-WIDE HEALTH CARE 2023 ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2023 AT THE AMERICAN BANK CENTER FROM 8 A.M.
TO 3 P.M. WHERE ALL ATTENDEE ALSO RECEIVE FREE MEDICAL SCREENINGS, TESTING AND COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH INFORMATION TO MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS FOR THEMSELVES AND THEIR FAMILIES.
WHEREAS, BY DECLARING AUGUST AS HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH, WE SIGNAL OUR DEDICATION TO THE HEALTH AND PROSPERITY OF OUR NUECES COUNTY COMMUNITIES AND HOPEFULLY INSPIRE RESIDENTS TO TAKE CHARGE OF THEIR HEALTH AND WELL BEING AND CREATE POSITIVE LIFESTYLE CHANGES FOR THE FUTURE.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMISSIONERS COURT OF
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NUECES COUNTY AUGUST 2023 AS HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH.AND ATTEND THE HEALTH WARE 2023, AND TOGETHER A STRONGER AND HEALTHIER NUECES COUNTY. DULY ADOPTED BY THE NUECES COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT JULY 26, 2023.
>>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: SO MOVED.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
ANY OPPOSED, SAME SIGN. MOTION PASSES.
[H. PUBLIC COMMENT: This section provides the public the opportunity to address the Commissioners Court on any issues within its jurisdiction. The Commissioners Court may not take formal action on any requests made during the Public Comment period which are not on the Agenda, but can refer such requests to County staff for review if appropriate.]
>>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: SORRY, MY BAD.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: YOU DOUBLE MOTIONED THAT.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: WE ALREADY DID THAT PART.
MOVING ON TO PUBLIC COMMENT. WE HAVE SOME PEOPLE WHO SIGNED UP FOR PUBLIC COMMENT. WHEN I CALL YOU UP, THERE IS A TIME LIMIT. YOU ARE LIMITED TO THREE MINUTES, IN CASE YOU ARE NOT AWARE.
I KNOW WE HAVE SOME STUDENTS AND THEY HAVE BEEN MADE PAY WARE.
WE CAN'T RESPOND TO YOU OR ANYTHING, BUT YOU CAN LISTEN TO WHAT YOU ARE SAYING. SO WHEN YOU GET TO THE PODIUM, PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS.
NUMBER UP IS RICHARD WRIGHT. >> GOOD MORNING, Y'ALL.
HOW ARE YOU DOING TODAY. I WON'T TAKE THREE MINUTES UP.
I AM RICHARD WRIGHT, SUPERINTENDENT OF ISD.
I KNOW YOU DON'T GET MUCH PRAISE, AND I WANT TO FOR THE $90,000 YOU GAVE US SAFETY. I KNOW COMMISSIONER HERNANDEZ SPEARHEADED THAT AND THE COURT VOTED ON THAT.
BENEFICIAL FOR OUR SCHOOL DISTRICT TO GET THINGS GOING FOR OUR STUDENTS' SAFETY AND THINGS GOING ON IN CAMPUS.
THANK YOU FOR THE WORK YOU ARE DOING.
WE ARE ON THE WEST END AND SOMETIMES WE ARE BY OURSELVES, BUT EVERY TIME WE PICK UP THE PHONE AND ASK FOR SOMETHING AND COMMISSIONER HERNANDEZ FROM THE COURT IS GOOD AT GETTING BACK TO US. WE APPRECIATE 110%. WORK WITH COMMISSIONER MAREZ AND SAY THANK YOU FROM AUGUSTADOLCE ISD.
AND I GAVE YOU PENS FROM NUECES COUNTY MESQUITE WOOD, AS FAR AS YOU KNOW. MAY I APPROACH, JUDGE.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: YES, PLEASE THANK YOU.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: THANK YOU.
>>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: GOOD TO SEE YOU.
>> THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. I WILL GET OUT OF YOUR HAIR AND LET THE YOUNG LADIES COULD AM UP AND DO THEIR THINGS.
>>COMMISSIONER HERNANDEZ: THANK YOU, YOU SIR.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: NEXT UP, DR. NANCY VERA.
>> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE. GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS.
I AM DR. NANCY VERA. AWARD-WINNING CORPUS CHRISTI TEACHERS. SO GLAD YOU ARE HERE TODAY TO SEE THE FRUIT OF OUR WONDERFUL FUTURE HERE TODAY SPEAKING TO YOU. BEFORE I BEGIN, LET ME ACKNOWLEDGE WE ARE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE WEST INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT AND WE ARE VERY APPRECIATIVE TO THE SUPERINTENDENT AND HER STAFF FOR BEING SO SUPPORTIVE OF THE STUDENTS. I ALSO WOULD LIKE TO THANK JUDGE INN KLEIN AND COUNTY ATTORNEY JENNY DORSEY FOR HELPING US OUT AND HELPING TO SPUR THIS.
COUNTY ATTORNEY JENNY DORSEY'S IDEA TO PUT THIS YOUTH GOLF VERY NANCE ACADEMY TO TODAY. AS YOU MOVE ON, YOUNG LADIES TAKEN TIME OUT OF THEIR SUMMER, THEIR BUSY SUMMER, TO COME TO LEARN SPEAKING SKILLS, A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE JAILHOUSE WITH SHERIFF HOOPER. A LITTLE BIT OF THE COMMISSIONERS COURT. JUDGE, YOU CAME TO SPEAK TO THEM THE OTHER DAY. AND WE HAD OTHER JUDGES COME TO SPEAK TO THEM. SO THIS IS GOING -- WE ARE GOING TO BRING THEM BACK ONE DAY AND WE WILL SEE HOW THEY ARE DOING MAYBE AS ADULTS. MAYBE SERVING AS COMMISSIONERS.
WHAT DO YOU THINK, COMMISSIONER MAREZ? I THINK SO. I AM GOING TO SIT DOWN AND LET THEM SPEAK. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THIS
OPPORTUNITY. >>JUDGE SCOTT: FIRST UP, FALLON MORALES? DID I SAY THAT WRONG?
>> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE SCOTT AND COMMISSIONERS.
I AM A SENIOR OR GOING TO BE A SENIOR.
I WOULD JUST LIKE YOU TO TAKE YOUR TIME OUT OF YOUR DAY TO LISTEN TO WHAT WE HAVE TO SAY. TODAY, I WOULD LIKE TO TALK OF TEXAS, THE TEXAS HEAT AND LACK OF LOCAL EVENTS TO COMBAT IT.
WE KNOW WE CAN NOT CHANGE THE WEATHER, BUT WHY NOT COME UP WITH FUNDING AND INNOVATIVE WAYS TO LIVE THROUGH IT.
HEAT IS THE LEADING CAUSE OF WEATHER-RELATED DEATH ACCORDING THE TEXAS HEALTH DEPARTMENT, 306 PEOPLE DIED LAST YEAR FROM TEXAS HEAT ALONE. HOW IS THIS HAPPENING IN TODAY'S
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TIMES AND WHAT CAN WE DO IN OUR COUNTY TO AVOID SUCH PREVENTABLE INCIDENTS FROM OCCURRING. I WOULD LIKE TO PROPOSE TO YOU MORE CITYWIDE EVENTS CENTERING ON WATER ACTIVITIES.LOWER COST AND FEE ADMISSIONS ON CERTAIN DAYS AND WATER CENTERS LIKE THE NEW SPLASH PAD WHERE TICKETS COST $30 FOR CHILDREN AGES THREE TO 12 AND $40D FOR THOSE 13 AND OVER.
NOT EVERYONE CAN AFFORD THOSE PRICES, ESPECIALLY LARGER FAMILIES. DESPITE THERE BEING SMALLER SPLASH PADS AROUND THE TO UNTHAT ARE FREE, OVERCROWDING IS AN ISSUE. WORKING WITH DIFFERENTOS AND CITY COUNCIL COMING UP WITH EVENTS FOR THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI AND SURROUNDING AREAS CAN FOSTER A SENSE OF COMMUNITY AND ALLOW THOSE LESS FORTUNATE WITH OUR FAMILIES AND YOUTH TO COMBAT THE TEXAS YOUTH TOGETHER. I AM EXCITED FOR THE COMPLETION OF THE AQUATIC CENTER COMING TO BILL WIT PARK.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. >>JUDGE SCOTT: THANK YOU.
ELIZA VILLAREAL. >> GOOD MOMORNING, JUDGE SCOTT D COMMISSIONERS. I AM A JUNIOR AND TO COME BEFORE YOU TODAY AND ADDRESS AN ISSUE I HAVE IN OUR COMMUNITY.
ACCORDING MANY ARTICLES, THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE HAS DECREASED SLIGHTLY BUT STILL AN ONGOING ISSUE.
WE AS A COMMUNITY NEED TO COME TOGETHER TO HELP THOSE WHO ARE STILL STRUGGLING. WITH ORGANIZATIONS LIKE TEXAS WORK FORCE COMMISSION, WE SHOULD BE ADVERTISING FOR RESOURCES AND HELP TO BOLSTER THE TEAMS. BY INVESTING A MORE EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAMS WILL ALLOW FOR CITIZENS TO GET A HIGHER EDUCATION AND EVEN GET CERTIFIED TO ENHANCE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF FINDING A JOB. THIS WILL BRING MANY BENEFITS NOT ONLY FOR THE PERSON WITH YOU FOR THE COMMUNITY AS WELL BY CREATING A MORE SKILLED AND KNOWLEDGEABLE WORK FORCE.
AND SO UNEMPLOYMENT MAY NEVER FULLY COME TO AN END, IT IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THE CITIZENS EVER OUR COMMUNITY ARE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY. THANK YOU.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: THANK YOU. TELESA JOHNSON.
>> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE SCOTT AND COMMISSIONERS.
I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU ALL AND CORPUS CHRISTI AMERICAN FEDERATION OF TEACHERS FOR HELPING US AND PROVIDING US WITH THIS OPPORTUNITY. I LEARNED A LOT AND EVERYTHING THAT YOU ALL HAVE TAUGHT ME, I CAN TAKE WITH ME WITH MY FUTURE.
I AM A SOPHOMORE. TODAY I WOULD LIKE TO TALK OF THE HOMELESS POPULATION IN NUECES COUNTY.
EVERYWHERE I GO, I COMMISSIONERS COURT ACROSS AT LEAST ONE HOMELESS PERSON. NUECES POPULATION AT 353,000 AS OF THIS YEAR MAKING IT THE 16TH MOST POPULOUS COUNTY IN THE STATE. 600 TO 800 ARE HOMELESS.
ACCORDING CITIES IN TEXAS, THIS MAY SEEM LIKE A SMALL NUMBER, BUT WHY NOT TRY TO REDUCE IT EVEN FURTHER.
SOME PEOPLE MAY ASK, WHY DON'T THEY GET JOBS? NOT THAT EASY. SOME DISABILITIES CANNOT BE SEEN AND EVERYBODY HAS A STORY WHERE THEY ARE.
I WANT OUR HOMELESS TO NOT ONLY HAVE A HOME ADDRESS BUT A JOB SO THEY CAN AFFORD THEM -- TO SUPPORT THEMSELVES.
MOST JOBS AND ADDRESSES ARE REQUIRED AND THEY DON'T HAVE ONE OR THE MONEY TO GET A PLACE TO STAY WHICH KEEPS THEM ON A VICIOUS SETTLE. I WOULD LIKE TO SUGGEST CREATING ANO ORGANIZATION OR VOLUNTEER GROUP THAT GETS PEOPLE IN OUR COUNTY ON THE STREETS TO SPEAK WITH THESE PEOPLE OR PERHAPS MENTOR THEM AS WELL. PROVIDE MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES AND COUNSELING. THIS ORGANIZATION -- THIS ORGANIZATION OR A GROUP OF PEOPLE WILL BRING THE COMMUNITY CLOSER AND CREATE A UNIFIED CITY AND IDEALLY I THINK HAVING 16-YEAR-OLDS OR COLLEGE STUDENTS BE A PART OF THIS SOMETHING -- THIS THING WILL BE AMAZING. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND
CONSIDERATION OF THIS MATTER. >>JUDGE SCOTT: THANK YOU, MA'AM.
>> GOOD MORNING. I WANT TO THANK JUDGE SCOTT AND ALL THE COMMISSIONERS FOR HAVING ME HERE TODAY.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: STATE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS FIRST.
CATCH YOU. >> RAQUEL VELA, 4450 COLLETON STREET. I AM A JUNIOR.
AND TODAY I WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK ON THE ISSUE OF FAMILY VIOLENCE WITHIN OUR COUNTRY. DESPITE THE PERCENTAGE OF OVERALL CRIMES DECREASING, THE PERCENTAGE OF FAMILY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CASES ARE RISING DAILY.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IS MORE THAN PHYSICAL AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE AND BOTH WOMEN AND MEN CAN BE VICTIMS. 120 PEOPLE A WEEK ARE HOSPITALIZED DUE TO DOMESTIC AND
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FAMILY VIOLENCE. CURRENTLY THE CPD HAS AS VICTIM ASSISTANCE PROGRAM THAT OFFERS ASSISTANCE TO VICTIMS AND ALSO EDUCATES THE COMMUNITY ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND VICTIMIZED ISSUES. HOWEVER, AS A JUNIOR IN HIGH SCHOOL, I BELIEVE IT WILL BE BENEFICIAL TO HAVE CCPD PERSONNEL, AS WELL AS OFFICIALS FROM THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE TO SPEAK AT LOCAL AND SURROUNDING AREA HIGH SCHOOLS.AND COLLEGES ON THE RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO THOSE WHO MAY BE EXPERIENCING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. I ALSO THINK THAT FUNDING SHOULD BE PROVIDED AND CONVERSATIONS HELD ABOUT BUILDING MORE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SHELTERS IN THE COUNTY AS MANY ARE UNABLE TO SEEK SHELTER DURING TO CAPS BEING MET.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. >>JUDGE SCOTT: THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
RY AN. THAT BA-- RHIANNA BARNES.
>> MY NAME IS RHIANNA BARNES. I AM AN UPCOMING JUNIOR AT THE HIGH SCHOOL. I WANT TO TALK OF HOW PARKS IN OUR CITY AND COUNTY NUECES NEED TO BE RENOVATED.
OUR CITY CORPUS CHRISTI AND COUNTY NUECES ARE CONTINUING TO EXPAND THE POPULATION. THERE ARE SO MANY YOUNG FAMILIES AND SO MANY YOUNG YOUTH TO STRUGGLE TO FIND A CLEAN RECREATIONAL SPACE TO ENTERTAIN THEMSELVES.
THERE ARE SO MANY PARKS THAT HAVE JUST METAL SLIDES AND MONKEY BARS AND SWINGS THAT ARE RUSTED AND FALLING APART AND HAVE LACK OF SHADE. I FIND IT IMPORTANT THAT I PROMOTE AN ENGAGING OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, BUT WHEN MANY PARKS THROUGHOUT THE CITY HAVE UNKEPT AND NEGLECTED, IT DOES NOT INCENTIVIZE YOUNGER GENERATIONS TO COME AND PLAY.
I HOPE OUR PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT WILL MAINTAIN AND IMPROVE UPON OUR PARKS, ESPECIALLY ONES LOCATED IN THE 125 MILLION BOND IN 2022. A PROGRAM THAT PROVIDED BY CORPUS CHRISTI RESIDENTS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND CONSIDERATION [APPLAUSE]
>>JUDGE SCOTT: VICTORIA VELA. >> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE SCOTT AND FELLOW COMMISSIONERS. I AM VICTORIA VELA, NAVIGATION BOULEVARD. I AM A JUNIOR.
THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO JOIN ME AND TELL YOU WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO SEE CHANGE IN CORPUS CHRISTI.
CORPUS CHRISTI IS A BEAUTIFUL CITY AND HAS A LOT OF POTENTIAL AND WE NEED TO FOCUS ON DOWNTOWN TO TAKE IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL.
BY INVESTING MORE IN THE DOWNTOWN AREA, TURN IT INTO A THRIVING COMMUNITY. INVESTING IN INFRASTRUCTURE, PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNITY SPACES.
BY IMPROVING THE ROADS, SIDEWALKS AND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS, WE CAN MAKE DOWNTOWN MORE ACCESSIBLE TO EVERYONE. ADDITIONALLY, WE CAN ATTRACT NEW BUSINESSES AND RESIDENTS DOWNTOWN BY OFFERING INCENTIVES AND TAX BREAKS. ALTHOUGH THERE ARE MANUFACTURERS THAT ARE PREVENTING THE BETTERING OF DOWNTOWN LIKE LACK OF FUNDING AND PRIORITIES. REVITALIZING DOWNTOWN MAY BE EXPENSIVE AND DIFFICULT TO SECURE THE FUNDING NECESSARY TO MAKE THE NECESSARY IMPROVEMENTS. MAY BE COMPETING PRIORITIES FOR OTHER PUBLIC RESOURCES LIKE PUBLIC SAFETY AND EDUCATION THAT MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO REALLOCATE RESOURCES TO DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT. WORKING TOGETHER AND HAVING A CHANCE TO PITCH INTO THE PROBLEM CREATE A DOWNTOWN THAT IS VIBRANT, INCLUSIVE AND WELCOMING TO ALL.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND HAVE A BLESSED DAY.
THAT IS THE END OF MY LIST. IS THERE ANYONE ELSE WHO WISHES TO SPEAK? THEY WOULD LIKE TO TAKE A PICTURE. CAN WE DO THAT? THE KIDS THAT CAME FOR THE GOVERNMENT CLASS.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: HELLO, GOOD MORNING.
GOOD JOB. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: THANK
[00:30:13]
YOU FOR COMING. >>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: GOOD L LUCK.
>>COMMISSIONER HERNANDEZ: GREAT JOB.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: WE WILL LET THEM GET OUT OF HERE.
[2. CONSENT AGENDA: The following Agenda Items are of a routine nature, and the Commissioners Court has received supporting materials for consideration. All of these Agenda Items will be passed with one vote without being discussed separately, unless a member of the Commissioners Court or the public requests that a particular Agenda Item be discussed. If so, that Agenda Item will be pulled from the Consent Agenda and discussed as part of the regular Agenda at the appropriate time. One vote will approve the remaining items on the Consent Agenda.]
MOVING ON TO ITEM 2 ALREADY THE CONSENT AGENDA.DO YOU HAVE ITEMS YOU WOULD LIKE TO PULL FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION.
>>COMMISSIONER MAREZ: MOTION TO PASS.
>>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: SECOND. >>JUDGE SCOTT: A MOTION AND A
[1. Receive information from Noe Hinojosa, Estrada Hinojosa & Company, Inc, on County's financial overview and potential consequences of contested property tax values, and what financial options are available for Nueces County, and other related matters.]
SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.OPPOSED, SAME SIGN. MOVING ON THEN TO ITEM 3A, OUR REGULAR AGENDA. WE WILL GET TO IT IN MY BOOK.
I THINK NOE IS ON LINE. I SAW -- RECEIVE INFORMATION FROM NOE HINOJOSA, ESTRADA HINOJOSA & COMPANY ON THE COMPANY'S FINANCIAL OVERVIEW AND CONSEQUENCES OF CONTESTED PROPERTY TAX VALUES. WHAT FINANCIAL OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR NUECES COUNTY AND RELATED MATTERS.
I BELIEVE WE ARE JUST GOING TO TURN IT OVER TO NOE.
DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING TO ADD, COMMISSIONERS?
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: I HAVE QUESTIONS.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: YOU HAVE QUESTIONS.
BUT I THINK HE IS ONLINE. I SAW HIM TRYING TO GET IN.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: JUST QUESTIONS OF A GENERAL WHERE ARE
WE. >>JUDGE SCOTT: AND HE SHOULD
HAVE A PRESENTATION. >>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: HE
SHOULD BE IN ZOOM. >>JUDGE SCOTT: I SAW HIM COME IN. IS HE GETTING LOST.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: WHILE WE ARE FINDING HIM, CAN I ASK DALE SOMETHING. THE FINANCIAL OVERVIEW AND CONSEQUENCES OF CONTESTED PROPERTY VALUES.
DO YOU HAVE ANY NUMBERS YOU ARE COMFORTABLE WITH THAT WE SAW THE LARGE ADJUSTMENT MADE BY THE APPRAISAL DISTRICT.
>>DALE ATCHLEY: AT THIS MOMENT, WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED IT.
AND WE ARE WORKING TO GET THE NUMBERS.
WE WILL HAVE IT BEFORE LUNCH, AND WILL BE ABLE TO BRING THOSE TO YOU AT SOME POINT IN TIME. THE APPRAISAL DID LOWER SOME OF THE VALUE SO NOT AS SIGNIFICANT AS IT WAS, BUT THERE WILL STILL BE AN ISSUE COMING UP. AS SOON AS WE HAVE THE BALANCES AVAILABLE, WE WILL LET THE COMMISSIONERS KNOW WHAT THAT IS.
TALKING WITH THE JUDGE AND WHAT WE HAVE BEEN HEARING.
ANYWHERE FROM A $7 MILLION DOWN TO $3 MILLION DEFICIT WE MAY
NEED TO COME UP WITH. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: OKAY.
SO I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE AS SOON AS YOU ARE COMFORTABLE WITH IT, THAT IT NEEDS TO BE PRESENTED, NOT JUST TO US, BUT EVERYBODY KNOWS. DEPARTMENT HEADS AND EVERYONE KNOWS SO WE CAN PREPARE IT AND BASED ON THOSE NUMBERS, WE WILL THEN NEED TO HAVE SOME SORT OF BUDGET WORKSHOP AT THAT POINT.
>>DALE ATCHLEY: YES, I AGREE. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: START TALKING ABOUT IT WHERE WE WILL GO WITH THAT.
OBVIOUSLY WE HAVE NOT FACED THAT BEFORE.
AND WE NEVER HAD -- >>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: GONE TO
$3 MILLION BEFORE. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: NOT IN THE WHO HE WILL. I NEVER BEEN IN THE COURT WHERE
WE ARE IN THE HOLE. >>DALE ATCHLEY: UNTIL WE GET THE NUMBERS IN AND LOOK AT WHERE THE POSITION IS FOR THE COUNTY AT THE MOMENT, WE ARE DOING OUR ESTIMATES NOW AND I WILL BE TELLING YOU AND WE INCREASED THE FUND BALANCE.
AND OTHER ISSUES TO RECOVER. AND MIGHT OVERCOME SOME OF THESE ITEMS AND IF THE COURT DOES KNOW THAT WE PREPARED A LEVY AND BUDGET THE LEVY FOR THE COUNTY AND BUDGET 95% OF THAT LEVY AND IN LOW LEVYS. UNTIL WE HAVE A CLEAR VIEW OF WHAT THAT NUMBER WILL BE, NOT AT THIS TIME TO SAY WHAT WE NEED TO
DO UNTIL WE GET KNEES NUMBERS. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: I GET IT. WHEN WE THOUGHT IT WOULD BE FAR GREATER THAT I ASKED FOR AND YOU PROVIDED -- I THINK I ASKED TO GIVE IT TO THE WHOLE COURT. IF NOT, THAT WAS THE UNFILLED POSITIONS AND THAT WAS ONE OF THE AREAS THAT -- WE CERTAINLY WANT TO ALWAYS LOOK AT THAT BEFORE WE LOOK AT ANY KIND OF
[00:35:07]
PEOPLE CUTS. THAT IS NOT DOLLAR-FOR-DOLLAR AND PART OF THE 95%. NOT TRYING TO GET TOO FAR IN THE WEEDS ON THAT, BUT DEFINITELY -- IF THAT HAVEN'T BEEN CIRCULATED TO THE WHOLE COURT, WE NEED TO LOOK AT THAT.WE WILL ON A SHORT LEASH BECAUSE DIDN'T HAVE THE BUDGET WORKSHOPS BEFORE WHICH WAS THE RIGHT DECISION BASED ON THE FACT THAT ALL WILL BE COMING IN AND ASKING FOR BUDGET INCREASES WHEN WE THOUGHT IT WOULD BE MILLIONS AND MILLIONS MORE IN THE HOLE THAN IT LOOKS LIKE WE ARE GOING TO BE.
I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE PLAN GOING FORWARD ON THAT IS, BUT AS SOON AS YOU -- ARE WE GOING TO WAIT UNTIL THE NEXT MEETING?
>>DALE ATCHLEY: WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO DO IS MY STAFF AND WE, OF COURSE, WORK WITH THE TAX OFFICE TO FIGURE OUT THE VALUES, WHERE IT IS, WHERE OUR LEVY WOULD BE, THE VOTER APPROVED TAX NUMBERS AND SEE WHERE REVENUE WILL BE FOR LEVY WISE TO SEE WHERE THAT WILL BE AND SEE IF WE CAN FACTOR IN THAT KNOWN BALANCE THAT WE WON'T RECEIVE FROM THE TWO BECAUSE THEY PROTESTED THE VALUES. THAT WILL BE THE TIME WHEN I WILL COME TO THE COURT AND ASK THE JUDGE, CAN WE HAVE A SPECIAL BUDGET MEETING AT THAT TIME. AND WE NEED TO DISCUSS THAT.
>> COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: THAT'S FAIR --
>>JUDGE SCOTT: GO AHEAD, I AM SORRY.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: NO, THAT IS GOOD FOR THE PUBLIC TO KNOW AND PEOPLE HAVE BEEN WAITING ON PINS AND NEEDLES WAITING FOR THAT TO HAPPEN. I WILL SAVE THAT DISCUSS FOR ANOTHER DAY TO GET -- SMELL AS LITTLE INTERESTING TO ME.
BUT WHATEVER THE CASE MAY BE, THAT CERTAINLY HELPS US AT THE COUNTY. DOESN'T HELP THE TAXPAYER IT IS INDEED THOSE WERE THE REAL VALUE AND I DON'T KNOW IF THEY WERE AND WE WILL NEVER KNOW NOW BECAUSE FOR WHATEVER -- THEY WENT FROM SIX TO TWO AND A HALF AND I DON'T KNOW WHY.
I DON'T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED. THAT IS CRAZY YOU SPEND A YEAR WORKING ON VALUATION AND ALL OF A SUDDEN IT DROPS IN A MINUTE.
I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE HECK IS HAPPENING.
THERE. GOOD FOR THE COUNTY, BUT AN INTERESTING SITUATION FOR TAXPAYERS FOR SURE.
>>DALE ATCHLEY: LAST YEAR WE DID HAVE THIS ISSUE.
LAST YEAR, DISPUTED VALUATIONS AND SAID -- SO WE ARE ABLE TO -- OVERSEE THAT AT 5% WE BUDGET FOR.
BUT NOW WE ARE TALKING ABOUT HIRING.
SO UNTIL WE GET THOSE NUMBERS, I WOULD LIKE -- I DEFINITELY WANT TO HAVE A BUDGET HEARING AT SOME POINT IN TIME TO LET YOU KNOW WHERE WE ARE AT, WHAT WE NEED TO DO.
AND YOU CAN SAY, OKAY, DEPARTMENTS, WE NEED TO CUT 2, 3, 4, 35%, WHATEVER IS THE CASE AND MIGHT HAVE TO DO -- IF YOU
HAVE SOME VACANCIES. >>JUDGE SCOTT: AFTER LUNCH, WE WILL COME BACK TO THIS. NOE ASKED FOR MORE TIMES.
[2. Discuss and consider adopting resolution in opposition to Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) rate increases.]
HE WAS PULLED AWAY AND TERESA WILL TELL US WHEN HE WILL COME BACK. MOVE ON TO ITEM 2, DISCUSS AND CONSIDER A RESOLUTION OPPOSITION TO TEXAS WINDSTORM INSURANCE ASSOCIATION TWIA RATE INCREASE. YOU HAVE IT IN YOUR PACKAGE.I DON'T SEE PEYTON. >>COMMISSIONER MAREZ: MOTION TO
APPROVE, JUDGE. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: SECOND.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: MOTION AND A SECOND.
ANY OTHER DISCUSSION? I WOULD ASSUME NOT.
ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, SAY AYE. OPPOSED, SAME SIGN.
MOTION PASSES AND THEY WILL BE IN YOUR PACKETS TO SIGN -- TO DISTRIBUTE BUT WE ARE CERTAINLY NOT FOR TWIA INCREASES AND
[3. Discuss and consider approving Nueces County's commitment for county's membership contribution for Fiscal Year 2023-2024, providing the same funding base amount of $1,765,296 for the operation of the Corpus Christi-Nueces County Public Health District and related matters.]
RATES. ITEM NUMBER 3, DISCUSS AND CONSIDER APPROVING NUECES COUNTY COMMITMENT FOR COUNTY'S MEMBERSHIP CONTRIBUTION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024 PROVIDING THE SAME FUNDING BASE AMOUNT OF $1,765,296 FOR THE OPERATION OF THE CORPUS CHRISTI NUECES COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH DISTRICT ANDRELATED MAT EFFORTS. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: SO
MOVED. >>COMMISSIONER HERNANDEZ:
SECOND. >>JUDGE SCOTT: WE HAVE A MOTION AND SECOND. I DO WANT TO STATE BEFORE WE MOVE ON THAT WE MENTIONED IN OUR MEETINGS AND YOU WERE WITH ME, COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ, THAT WE WILL LIKE TO MOVE THIS UNTIL THE END OF JULY INSTEAD OF THE BEGINNING OF JULY, THEIR COMMITMENT BECAUSE OF SITUATIONS LIKE THIS WHERE THEY WERE REALLY POUNDING US FOR COMMITMENT AND GIVEN THE BUDGET SITUATION WE WERE IN, WE WERE NOT PRUDENT FOR THE HOSPITAL DISTRICT OR OURSELVES TO COME UP WITH NUMBERS LIKE THIS.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: HOW DO WE DO THAT, JUDGE.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: AS LONG AS WE ARE IN FAVOR.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: CAN WE DO THAT, JENNY.
NINE TIMES OUT OF TEN IT IS PROBABLY FINE.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO TALK TO THE CITY BUT MAYBE THAT IS A MOTION FOR US TO INCLUDE ON OUR BART CHEST I
[00:40:02]
THINK THAT IS A GREAT IDEA, JUDGE.>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: I WOULD INCLUDE THAT IN WHOEVER MADE THE
MOTION. >> WHAT IS THE CHANGE?
>>JUDGE SCOTT: JULY 1, THE COMMITMENT WHAT THEY SAID AT THE END OF THE MOU UNTIL THE END OF JULY WHICH GIVES US A LITTLE MORE TIME, ESPECIALLY IN SITUATIONS LIKE THIS, WHERE WE WERE ALL SCRAMBLING AND HATING TO MAKE A COMMITMENT.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: AND -- IT HURTS WITH COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AND HURTS WITH A LOT OF THINGS WE SHOULDN'T BE DOING UNTIL WE KNOW OUR BUDGET. MAYBE AUGUST 15.
WE BARELY GET THE CERTIFICATION, JULY 23, 24.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: THEIR YEAR ENDS THE AT THE SAME TIME AS OURS.
AUGUST 15 WE SHOULD ASK FOR THAT.
NOT SURE IF WE WILL GET IT. >>JEN
>> WE WILL DEFINITELY ASK. GOING IN THE BUDGET CYCLE.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: IF WE CAN, WE WILL DO IT EARLIER.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: STRONGLY ENCOURAGE.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: I THINK THE JUDGE IS RIGHT, THIS SHOULD BE PART OF THE MOTION APPROVE THIS SUBJECT TO SOME AMENDMENT
BEING -- >>JUDGE SCOTT: TO THEMOU.
DID YOU MAKE THE MOTION. DO YOU WANT TO STATE IT.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: MY MOTION WOULD BE THAT WE PASS THIS SUBJECT TO THE AMENDMENT BEING THAT OUR DEADLINE TO LET THE CITY KNOW WILL BE AUGUST 15 OF EACH BUDGET YEAR INSTEAD OF
>>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: AMEND MY SECOND TO REFLECT THE SAME.
>> SO I WILL COMMUNICATE WITH THE CITY ATTORNEY AND SEE IF
THAT IS AVAILABLE. >>JUDGE SCOTT: WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND. IS THERE ANY --
>>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: AND OTHER MATTERS.
DO WE NEED TO WAIT TO TAKE A VOTE ON THIS HERE BEFORE.
I WANT TO BRING UP SOMETHING. I THINK AT THE MEETING WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT THE TIMELINE. WE TALKED ABOUT -- IT WAS A 5% THAT WAS BROUGHT UP ALSO WITH THE HEALTH DISTRICT.
AND AT THAT TIME, WE INDICATED THAT -- THAT WE WOULD PROBABLY DISCUSS THE 5% OF BUDGET TIME TO SEE WHERE WE ARE AT, WHETHER WE GO OVER, UNDER OR WHATEVER. SO JUST TO MAKE PART OF THE RECORD THAT THIS WAS BROUGHT UP AT THE MEETING, BUT I THINK THE 5% NEEDS TO BE DISCUSSED WHEN WE GET CLOSER TO OUR BUDGET TO SEE
WHERE WE ARE AT. >>JUDGE SCOTT: I THINK YOU AND I MADE THAT PER AFFECTEDLY CLEAR WITH THEM IN THE MEETING THAT WOULD BE A SEPARATE -- WE WOULD HAVE TO BRING IT BACK AND IT WOULD HAVE TO BE DISCUSSED AND APPROVED.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: AGAIN, THANK YOU ALL FOR DOING THAT BECAUSE IT IS REALLY HARD -- THE OTHER PART THAT IS REALLY HARD ABOUT THIS. BECAUSE IT IS REALLY HARD TO JUSTIFY ANY KIND OF INCREASE WHEN WE ARE LOOKING AT CUTS.
IT IS VERY HARD. I KNOW THE HOSPITAL DISTRICT WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE APPRAISALS AS WELL.
NOT AS MUCH AS WE WILL BECAUSE IT HAS ALL CAME BACK DOWN.
AND TO FUND THIS FOR US. THANK YOU TO THE HOSPITAL DISTRICT FOR THAT AND THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING THAT MEETING AND DOING THAT. WELL NOTED.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: TERESA HAS A COMMENT.
>> I WANT TO MENTION THAT THE HOSPITAL DISTRICT AGREED TO COMMIT TO THE 1.7 BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE THE 5%.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: A MOTION AND A SECOND TO PASS WITH THE NEGOTIATION OF THE AMENDMENT TO THE CONTRACT TO MOVE THE DATE.
ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, SAY AYE. ANY OPPOSED, SAME SIGN.
THE MOTION PASSES UNANIMOUSLY. ITEM NUMBER 5, DISCUSS AND
[4. Discuss and consider the Nueces County costs for the Medical Examiner's Office to perform out-of-county autopsies for counties participating in an interlocal agreement; discuss and consider the unpaid invoices and outstanding balance for Brooks County to Nueces County for autopsies provided pursuant to an interlocal agreement; and any related matters.]
CONSIDER SELECTION OF INTERN INTERNATIONAL CONSULTING ENGINEERS -->>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: ITEM 4. >>JUDGE SCOTT: DID I SKIP 4, SORRY. DISCUSS AND CONSIDER THE NUECES COUNTY COST FOR MEDICAL EXAMINER'S OFFICE TO PERFORM OUT-OF-COUNTY AUTOPSIES FOR COUNTIES PARTICIPATING IN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT. FOREST, YOU HAVE STUFF TO PASS OUT AND A LOT TO DISCUSS. AND THIS WAS BROUGHT BACK SO WE COULD GET MORE INFORMATION ON THEIR GUYS AND CHARGES AND THANK
[00:45:01]
YOU. GOOD MORNING, JUDGE SCOTT, COMMISSIONER, FOREST MITCHELL, DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS FOR THE NUECES COUNTY MEDICAL EXAMINER'S OFFICE.JUDGE AS YOU MENTIONED LAST MEETING WE CAME TO SAY THAT BROOKS COUNTY WAS IN ARREARS. AND COMMISSIONER CHESNEY WANTED A COST ANALYSIS OF NUECES COUNTY EXPENSES INCURRED BY CONDUCTING OUT-OF-COUNTY AUTOPSIES. SO I REQUESTED TO THE COMMISSIONER /* COMMISSIONERS COURT.
WE CAME BACK TO ANALYZE HOW WE CONDUCT THESE VEXES AND HOW MUCH THEY COST. I PREPARED A POWERPOINT PRESENTATION THAT I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH YOU ALL AS WELL.
GO TO THE SECOND SLIDE, PLEASE. SO FIRST, I WOULD KIND OF LIKE TO EXPLAIN THE METHODOLOGY -- WELL, THE BACKGROUND.
OCTOBER OF 2022, WE ASKED THE COMMISSIONERS COURT TO RAISE OUR GUYS. THE FIRST FEE INCREASE SINCE 2015. SUBSEQUENT TO THAT FEE INCREASE, WE HAVE SEEN A CHANGE IN THE NUMBER OF OUT-OF-COUNTY AUTOPSIES THAT WE CONDUCTS ON A REGULAR FACE IS.
IF YOU CAN GO TO THE NEXT SLIDE, PL PLEASE. TO EXPLAIN THE METHODOLOGY OF THIS ANALYSIS. FIRST THING WE DO TAKEN THE TOTAL NUMBER OF HOURS EXPENDED BY EACH ONE OF OUR STAFF INVOLVED IN THE AUTOPSIES AND OUT-OF-COUNTY BILLING AND MULTIPLY OF FRINGE RATE AND SALARY BENEFITS TO GET A TOTAL COST OF THE NUMBER OF AUTOPSIES THEY CONDUCT AND WE DID THIS ANALYSIS FOR TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF AUTOPSIES.
ONE IS A NATURAL, ONE THAT THE COUNTY CONDUCTS OR THE COUNTY REQUESTS US TO CONDUCT. AND A SECOND TYPE OF AUTOPSY THAT WE ANALYZED WAS THE OUT-OF-COUNTY, UNNATURAL AUTOPSY WITH TOXICOLOGY. NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE.
THAT IS BACKWARDS. SO THE FIRST TYPE OF AUTOPSY THAT WE ANALYZE WOULD BE THE NATURAL AUTOPSY PER CASE.
HAND THIS TOTALS UP THE NUMBER OF HOURS THAT THE MEDICAL EXAMINERS CONDUCT -- THAT USE TO CONDUCT THESE AUTOPSIES.
PREPARE THE REPORTS, THE TOXICOLOGY, PREPARE THE CASES AND FINALIZE THE REPORT, AUTOPSY TECHNICIANS, MEDICAL INVESTIGATORS, TRANSCRIPTIONISTS, OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR AND DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS.
IN TOTAL WE ESTIMATE IN ADDITION TO THE INFRASTRUCTURE COST OF THIS OFFICE, WE ESTIMATE THAT EACH ONE OF THESE AUTOPSIES COST APPROXIMATELY $1578.89 TO CONDUCT.
FOR THAT, NUECES COUNTY BILLS EACH OF THE PARTICIPATING COUNTY $2860 FOR THAT AUTOPSY. THAT IS IMPORTANT, BECAUSE WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE ADDITIONAL ANALYSIS, WE HAVE A DOCTOR COMMISSION FEE SCHEDULED OF 40%. SO THAT REDUCES THE AMOUNT THAT THE COUNTY ACTUALLY RECEIVES. WE HAVE PROJECTEDED THAT THERE WILL BE APPROXIMATELY 144 OUT-OF-COUNTY AUTOPSIES THIS FISCAL YEAR; HOWEVER, THAT NUMBER MAY DECREASE BECAUSE WE HAVE SEEN A DECLINE IN THE NUMBER OF CASES THAT WE ARE GETTING IN. SO WE CAN SHOW THAT THE NUECES COUNTY DOES INDEED GET A NET GROWTH FOR THE GENERAL FUND.
AFTER THE OUT-OF-COUNTY COMMISSIONS ARE PAID FOR THAT
TYPE OF CASE. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: YOU SAID
$2809. >> YES, SIR, $2860, SORRY.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: $2806. YOU MULTIPLY THAT TIMES -- WE
NUECES COUNTY GETS 60% OF THE AUTOPSY FEE.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: 2860 TIMES 26 IS $1700 THAT WE GET AND YOU ARE SAYING IT IS COSTING $1580.
SO WE ARE MAKING $200 BUCKS? >> THAT'S CORRECT, SIR.
THAT IS AN ESTIMATE, YES. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: AND YOU
ARE -- >>COMMISSIONER HERNANDEZ:
DOCTORS. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: SOME OF THESE GUYS -- I DON'T KNOW IF YOU HAVE GONE THROUGH THIS WITH DALE OR ANYBODY YET, BUT WHAT I DON'T SEE -- I SEE THE HOURLY RATES IN THERE. IS THAT WITH THE BENEFITS? SAYS SALARY PER HOUR WITH BENEFITS, RIGHT.
>> YES, SIR. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: I DON'T KNOW IF THERE ARE OTHER OVERHEAD.
I DON'T KNOW IF YOU HAVE GONE OVER THIS WITH AUDITORS JUST TO SEE IF THERE IS ANYTHING THAT WE HAVEN'T PUT IN THERE.
BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY, WE ARE MAKING -- FOR ALL THE WORK
[00:50:03]
THAT IS BEING PROVIDED BY THE -- BY THE STAFF AND EVERYTHING ELSE, WE ARE MAKING $200. AND THE DOCTORS ARE MAKING -- THEY ARE GETTING PAID PLUS THEY ARE GETTING $2860 TIMES 40.SO THEY ARE MAKING $1144 AN AUTOPSY PLUS THEIR SALARY.
SO THEY ARE -- THEY ARE MAKING SIX TIMES THE AUTOPSY WHAT THE COUNTY IS MAKING BASED ON THIS ANALYSIS PER AUTOPSY.
>> WELL, COMMISSIONER, THE AUTOPSY FEE ALONE IS NOT THE ONLY FEE THAT WE CHARGE THE SURROUNDING COUNTIES.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: OKAY. >> ADDITIONAL GUYS WE MAY CHARGE THE COUNTIES DEPEND ON A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS IS WITH INCREASE THE AMOUNT THAT COMES TO THE COUNTY.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: WHERE ARE THOSE GUYS IN THE
PRESENTATION? >> THIS IS JUST BASICALLY -- WHEN I GO TO THE OUT-OF-COUNTY UNNATURAL, I WILL EXPLAIN THOSE GUYS, BUT AN EXAMPLE OF THAT WOULD BE AN X-RAY FEE.
THE X-RAY FEE, WE WILL CHARGE THE COUNTY $100 PER X-RAY THAT
WE CONDUCT FOR THIS -- >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: LET ME STAY ON THIS ONE. THIS NATURAL AUTOPSY.
I AM DOING ONE AT A TIME. NATURAL AUTOPSY.
ANY OTHER FEES THAT GET ASSOCIATED WITH THE NATURAL AUTOPSIES? THE ONE YOU STARTED WITH.
>> THIS IS IF THERE WERE NO OTHER ADDITIONAL SERVICES PROVIDED. BUT WE COULD HAVE STORAGE GUYS IF THE COUNTY DOESN'T PICK THEM UP WITHIN 24 HOURS.
WE COULD HAVE X-RAY FEES THAT WILL BE ADDED ON TOP OF THAT.
BUT ON A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS. THEY MAY ASK FOR US TO DO BLOOD
SPOT ANALYSIS. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: HOW YOU WILL ANALYZE THAT IN OPINION, TAKE AN AVERAGE.
OF THE 100 -- HOW MANY CASES OF THE NATURAL -- SORRY THE OUT-OF-COUNTY NATURAL AUTOPSIES, COSTING US $1578.
CHARGED $2860. AVERAGE OF THOSE CASES ANOTHER $200 OR $300 OR $112. THAT WOULD BE THE -- PART OF THAT ANALYSIS THAT I WOULD WANT TO SEE, BECAUSE RIGHT NOW WHAT YOU ARE TELLING ME IS, WITHOUT THE ADDITIONAL GUYS, NUECES COUNTY IS MAKING ABOUT $200. FOR -- PER OUT-OF-COUNTY NATURAL AUTOPSY AND MAYBE A LITTLE OFF, BUT 28 -- I MEAN 1716 MINUS -- NOT EVEN $200. 1716 MINUS.
HANG ON, 1716 MINUS 1578. WE ARE MAKING $1D 38 IN NUECES COUNTY FOR AN AUTOPSY PLUS WHATEVER THOSE EXTRA PHIS ARE, WHICH I CAN'T IMAGINE THEY WILL AVERAGE MORE THAN A COUPLE HUNDRED BUCKS PER CASE UNLESS -- SOMETHING BIG ON THERE? A BIG FEE THAT I AM MISSING THAT COULD BE --
>> COMMISSIONER CHESNEY, SOMETIMES ANYWHERE FROM $300 TO $1,000 OF ADDITIONAL GUYS ADDED ON TOP OF EACH INVOICE.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: OUT OF THE OUT-OF-COUNTY 2345R8
AUTOPSIES. >> IN THE OUT-OF-COUNTY NATURAL,
NOT AS MANY AS THE UNNATURAL. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: WE ARE DOING THIS FIRST. WHAT IS THE RANGE OF GUYS OF THE OUT-OF-COUNTY -- I WILL LET YOU DO THE SAME ANALYSIS ON THE NEXT ONE. BUT ON THE NATURAL AUTOPSY, WHAT IS THE EXTRA FEE ON THE EXTRA FEES THAT WILL MAKE MY $138 THAT I AM GETTING FOR ALL THIS WORK LOOK BETTER.
I MEAN -- >>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: REAL QUICK. DO ALL THE GUYS -- ARE THEY COME OUT OF THE $1700. BUT NOT COMING OUT OF THE GUYS THAT THE DOCTORS -- THE DOCTOR'S PORTION OF THE 40%.
NONE OF THE GUYS COME OUT OF THERE?
>> COMMISSIONER, SORRY, I AM NOT SURE I UNDERSTAND YOUR QUESTION.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: 2806 TOTAL.
40% OF THAT IS WHAT HE TOLD ME. 40% OF THE 2860 GOES TO THE
DOCTOR, AND LEAVES 1716. >>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: PAYING GUYS ON THOSE -- THOSE FEES THAT WE GIVE THE DOCTOR FROM THE 40%.
I KNOW EVERYTHING ELSE HAS BEEN TAKEN OUT OF THE 60%.
THAT IS WHY WE ONLY MAKE $200. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: OUT OF
100%. >>JUDGE SCOTT: THE GUYS COME OUT
FIRST. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: THE GUYS COME OUT FIRST, RIGHT? CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG.
2860, GUYS COME OUT FIRST. THEN COST.
THEN WHATEVER THOSE ADDITIONAL GUYS ARE.
WHAT WOULD THOSE BE ON THE OUT OF COUNTY NATURAL AUTOPSIES.
>> ONE IS PRETTY REGULARLY DONE IS THE BLOOD SPOT CARD THAT WE CONDUCT FOR EACH -- FOR THE PURPOSES OF DNA ANALYSIS LATER ON IN THE CASE. THAT IS A $50 FEE.
THAT WE WOULD CHARGE THE PARTICIPATING COUNTIES.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: DOESN'T HAPPEN ON ALL OF THEM.
>> IT IS ON MOST OF THEM. ON IN ANALYSIS, THE PRIMARY THING I WAS EVALUATING WAS ACTUAL COST OF THE EMPLOYEES.
NOT SO MUCH THE COST OF THE TESTING.
[00:55:02]
BECAUSE MOST OF THE TESTING AND ANALYSIS THAT THIS OFFICE DOES IS PRETTY MUCH AT COST. AND AN IMPORTANT THING TO THINK -- TO REMEMBER ABOUT THE GUYS THAT NUECES COUNTY ASSESSES FOR THE PURPOSES OF CONDUCTING OUT-OF-COUNTY AUTOPSIES.WE HAVE TO CHARGE IS A REASONABLE FEE.
WE CAN'T MAKE PROFIT WHAT WE ARE DOING AT THE M.E.'S OFFICE.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: I GET IT, BUT AT THE SAME TIME, WE ARE COMMITTING ALL THESE RESOURCES TO OUT-OF-COUNTY.
AND WE ARE HAVING TO, YOU KNOW, BRING IN DOCTORS AND TECHNICIANS AND SO FORTH. IT HAS GOT TO BE JUSTIFIED.
AND I GUESS THAT -- THAT WOULD BE THE ADDITIONAL -- AND IF YOU DON'T HAVE IT, THAT IS FINE, THE ADDITION STALL THING I WOULD HIKE TO KNOW BECAUSE AT THIS POINT YOU ARE TELLING ME BASICALLY NUECES COUNTY MAKES $138.
AND THE DOCTORS MAKE ABOUT $1150.
SO THE DOCTORS -- WHATEVER IS -- IS IN ADDITION TO THE 138.
LET'S ROUND IT UP. LET'S SAY ANOTHER $70.
$100 TO FILE, I DON'T KNOW. THAT GETS US UP TO 238 AND THAT IS PROBABLY BEING GENEROUS ON THESE.
I KNOW THE OTHER ONES YOU ARE SAYING THERE IS MORE.
BASICALLY THE DOCTORS ARE MAKING FIVE TIMES WHAT THE COUNTY IS MAKING ON IT. PLUS GETTING PAID THERE VERY NICE AMOUNT OF SALARY. SO JUST.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: WOULDN'T A BETTER WAY TO CALCULATE THAT, TAKE OUT ALL THE GUYS AND EXPENSES FIRST AND DIVIDE THE 60-40 ON WHAT IS LEFT. LIKE EVERYTHING COSTS -- COSTS COME OUT FIRST. AND THEN DIVIDE UPPERS DAMAGES, IT SHOULD BE AFTER IT IS TAKEN OUT.
NOT HOW WE DO THAT? >> NO, THE COMMISSIONS ARE BASED ON THE EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT WITH DR. FAGAN.
AND IT IS SET UP AS A 60/40 OF THE AUTOPSY FEE ALONE.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: APPRECIATE WRITE YOU DOING THAT.
WE ALWAYS HEAR ABOUT -- WE CAN'T DO WITHOUT THIS OUT-OF-COUNTY REVENUE AND NEVER DONE AN ANALYSIS LIKE THIS AND SAT DOWN AND SAID, WHAT IS IT COSTING US TO GET THAT REVENUE.
LIKE, OKAY, IT MAY BE $500,000 WORTH OF REVENUE BUT MAY BE COSTING US $498,000. SO, I MEAN, WHAT ARE WE REALLY DOING HERE, RIGHT. SO THIS IS -- THIS IS A GREAT
START. >>COMMISSIONER HERNANDEZ: EXCUSE ME FOR ASKING, BUT THE EXTRA GUYS THAT YOU KEEP TALKING ABOUT. THEY ARE NOT ALWAYS DONE ON A REGULAR FACE IS. ONLY IF NEEDED FOR REQUEST
REQUESTED? >> THAT'S CORRECT, COMMISSIONER HERNANDEZ. IF A JUSTICE OF THE PEACE REQUESTS SOME TYPE OF TESTING, TOXICOLOGY OR IDENTIFICATION FOR AN UNKNOWN HUMAN REMAINS, WE HAVE ADDITIONAL GUYS FOR THAT.
IF WE HAVE TO BRING IN EXPERTS LIKE AS SUCH AS A FORENSIC PERSON OR A DNA EXPERT, CHARGE ADDITIONAL GUYS BASED ON THE FEE
SCHEDULE. >>COMMISSIONER HERNANDEZ: I FEEL LIKE THOSE GUYS ARE NOT ALWAYS THERE.
AND WE ARE NOT ALWAYS GOING TO BENEFIT BY THEM.
SO, LIKE, HAVE THE SAME MIND SET AS THE OTHER COMMISSION PER.
WE ARE LOSING OUT. PUTTING OUT MORE MONEY THAN WE ARE BRINGING IN IS WHAT IT SEEMS TO ME.
>> COMMISSIONER, IF I CAN ADD TO THAT.
THE ANALYSIS THAT I PROVIDED YOU INCLUDED ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT STAFF AND THE TIME IT TAKES FOR US TO TAKE A LOOK AT THE ENTIRE FILE. REVIEW THE FILE AND REVIEW THE THINGS THAT WE DID AND PREPARE THAT OUT-OF-COUNTY BILL.
WE ARE SEEING AN INCREASE IN THE AMOUNT OF BILLING FOR THE EXTRA GUYS THAN IN YEARS PAST. I AM REVIEWING EACH BILL THAT GOES OUT FROM OUR OFFICE SO WE ARE BILLING FOR WHAT WE HAVE DONE SO NUECES COUNTY TAXPAYERS ARE NOT LEFT HOLDING THE RESPON RESPONSIBILITY.
PART OF MY TIME AND THE OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR'S TIME TO REVIEWS THESE BILLS AND THOSE THAT PREPARE THEM.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: YOU SAY PART OF THE CONTRACT.
WHEN DOES IT COME UP FOR RENEWAL AND DO WE HAVE AN OPTION TO
BRING THAT IN TO RENEGOTIATE? >> ALWAYS AN OPTION TO RENEGOTIATE AS THE PARTIES ARE BOTH WILLING TO DO SO, AND THIS CONTRACT DID NOT COME WITH AN END DATE.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: NO WAY. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: THERE IS
AN END DATE. >> AS COMMISSIONERS DECIDE IT IS
TIME TO LOOK AT IT AGAIN. >>JUDGE SCOTT: I THINK WE NEED
TO REVIEW. >>COMMISSIONER HERNANDEZ: I FEEL THAT WE NEED TO REVIEW TO MAKE IT BENEFICIAL TO THE TAXPAYERS, TO NUECES COUNTY. SO WE BENEFIT AS WELL, NOT JUST
TO DOCTORS. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: GREAT
[01:00:08]
POINT, COMMISSIONER AND JUDGE. THE REAL POINT OF THIS, WE DID SPLITS IN THE PAST, IT WAS TO SUPPLEMENT A LOT LESS SALARY POSITIONS WE HAVE HERE. WE MADE A CONSIDERABLE INCREASE OF WHAT WE PAID THE DOCTORS NOW CONSIDERABLE TO ONE POINT WE WERE THE HIGHEST PAYING M.E. IN THE STATE OF TEXAS.WE SET THAT BAR PRETTY HIGH. I THINK A COUPLE HAVE SURPASSED US SINCE WE HAVE DONE THAT. BUT I THINK THAT ALSO HAS TO BE A PART OF THE CONSIDERATION GOING FORWARD TOO IS WE WEREN'T PAYING OUR FORMER M.E. ANYWHERE NEAR WHERE WE ARE PAYING THIS M.E. OR THE ASSOCIATES. NOW WE ARE PAYING EXTREMELY COMPETITIVE SALARIES AND, SO, YEAH, I THINK WE HAVE TO LOOK AT ALL THIS. BECAUSE -- I DON'T KNOW IF IT IS EQUITABLE ANYMORE TO DO IT. AND IT MAY BE AN INDUSTRY STANDARD. AND I THINK WE HAVE TO LOOK AT THIS FROM -- AND MAYBE WE NEED TO DO -- YOU TELL ME, DALE.
I APPRECIATE -- ALWAYS DONE A GREAT JOB IN THE PRESENTATION AND I APPRECIATE IN, BUT I KNOW DID IT REAL FAST TO GET IT BACK IN HERE. DO WE THINK -- THAT YOUR OFFICE COULD REALLY TIGHTEN THIS ANALYSIS UP FOR US.
DO WE NEED TO HIRE AN OUTSIDE INDEPENDENT -- I KNOW YOU ARE AN AUDITOR. WHAT DO YOU THINK WE NEED TO DO BECAUSE I THINK WE HAVE TO DO THIS VERY IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS OF THIS TO SEE WHAT IT IS COSTING US AND WE HAVE NOT DONE IT BEFORE. NEVER HAVE.
GREAT, WE GET ALL THIS REVENUE. BUT HOLY COW.
GETTING ALL THIS REVENUE AND OFFSET BY 95% OF COST.
THAT IS NOT GREAT. >>DALE ATCHLEY: COMMISSIONER, I BELIEVE WHAT YOU ARE SAYING AND THE RESOURCE WITH CONVERSION AND STUFF, I REALLY DON'T HAVE THE RESOURCES TO COMMIT TO THIS.
SO TO GET A -- TO GET A TRUE EVALUATION OF WHAT YOU ARE ASKING FOR, I BELIEVE THAT THE COUNTY GO OUT FOR A COMPANY -- WHOEVER YOU ALL DECIDE TO DO A TRUE VALUATION OF US COMPARED TO ANOTHER LEVEL -- AND OTHER AREAS THAT DO A REGIONAL TYPE OF AUTOPSY SET-UP FOR OUTSIDE COUNTIES.
SO I BELIEVE THAT IT WOULD BE BETTER IF WE BROUGHT IN A PROFESSIONAL THAT IS EXPERIENCED IN THIS.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: ON THE FEE SCHEDULE, THERE IS A PAPER THAT HE PASSED OUT THAT DOES HAVE TRAVIS AND TARRANT COUNTY AND
FT. BEND WITH PRIVATE GUYS. >> THAT GOES LATER ON IN THE END OF MY PRESENTATION, I WAS GOING TO TOUCH ON THAT TOPIC.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: TALKING OF COMPARISONS AND WHAT OTHER COUNTIES DO. THIS IS THE GUYS THEY CHARGE TO
>>JUDGE SCOTT: I SEE WE HAVE A LOT OF CHARGES THAT OTHER COUNTIES DON'T OR NOT APPLICABLE.
WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? DO THEY NOT CHARGE --
>>DALE ATCHLEY: THE QUESTION ON THAT.
ARE THE GUYS OF THE AUTOPSIES FOR THESE COUNTIES BUT THESE COUNTIES HAVE AN AGREEMENT LIKE WE HAVE TO PAY ADDITIONAL.
>>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: TO ME, THAT -- I NEVER AGREED TO THE 60-40. AND WE WILL DO ANALYSIS AND EVERYTHING ELSE. ONE POINT, WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO DECIDE IF WE ARE GOING TO CONTINUE THE 60-40, YOU KNOW, OR 100% GOES TO THE COUNTY OR I DON'T AGREE WITH THIS -- I NEVER AGREED WITH THE 60-40. NOW THAT I SEE WHERE THE EXPENDITURES ARE GOING FROM. AND WE ARE THE ONES PAYING FOR ALL THE -- FOR ALL THE EXTRA GUYS AND EVERYTHING ELSE, $138 PLUS WHAT HE SAID TO DO THE TEST, $188.
SO THE COUNTY IS REALLY IN THE BOTTOM OF THIS THING.
SO AT ONE POINT WE HAVE TO DECIDE WHAT TO DO WITH THE
06-40. >>DALE ATCHLEY: COMMISSIONERS, WE NEED TO EVALUATE BECAUSE WE ARE EXTENDING THAT FACILITY.
THE COSTS TO THE COUNTY WILL GO UP.
>>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: I KNOW. THAT'S RIGHT.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: DO YOU TWO COMMISSIONERS WANT TO TAKE THE
LEAD ON THAT? >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: I DON'T WANT TO TAKE THE LEAD, BUT I AM WILLING TO TRY A MOTION.
THAT IS WHY I WAS ASKING DALE. AND I CERTAINLY WANT TO HEAR THE REST OF FOREST'S PRESENTATION, BUT, YOU KNOW, MY THOUGHT WOULD BE -- AND I DON'T KNOW HOW -- I MEAN, CERTAINLY I THINK WE CAN -- YOU KNOW, HIRE SOMEONE -- OR SOMEONE WHO HAS DONE WORK FOR THE COUNTY IN A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES MATTER.
AND MAYBE TERESA CAN HELP WITH THAT.
WITH DALE TO PUT THAT TOGETHER. THESE ARE OUR MONEY FOLKS.
THESE ARE PEOPLE THAT KNOW THE MONEY BEST.
TERESA KNOWS THAT STUFF GREAT. DALE KNOWS THAT STUFF WELL.
BUT IF WE CAN GET SOMEONE TO COME IN AS AN OUTSIDE, WE HAVE TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO FUND THAT AND HOW MUCH THAT WILL BE.
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I DON'T KNOW HOW TO DO THAT. DOES ANYBODY HAVE AN IDEA ONCOST, DALE? >>DALE ATCHLEY: IT WOULD DEPEND.
I AM SURE WE CAN GO OUT FOR A REQUEST.
ANYWHERE FROM $10,000 TO $20,000 MAYBE ROUGHLY IF YOU HIRE IN -- AN INDEPENDENT AUDITING FIRM, IT WILL BE A LITTLE BIT MORE BEFORE BUT I DON'T EXPECT MORE THAN $35,000.
>>COMMISSIONER MAREZ: CAN WE FINISH THE PRESENTATION.
I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR WHAT FOREST HAS TO SAY.
I KNOW ONE OF THE ISSUES WE FEEL WE HAVE TO JUMP IN BECAUSE THE INFORMATION IS ALARMING AND A WAKE-UP WALL FOR US AND THE PUBLIC TUNING IN MAY BE JARRED WITH THE NUMBERS.
I WANT TO HEAR OF YOUR ANALYSIS AND THE COMPLETE PRESENTATION.
I WANT TO WEIGH IN AS WELL, AND WANT TO THE HEAR WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY FIRST AND THE END, BECAUSE I HAVE SOME THOUGHTS ALSO ON THIS. BUT I WANTED TO HEAR WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY, BECAUSE YOU MAY GIVE ME EXACTLY WHAT I AM LOOKING FOR -- OR WHAT I AM EXPECTING TO HEAR.
CAN WE DO THAT? >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: YEAH, ABSOLUTELY. AS YOU ARE GOING FORWARD FROM THE PRESENTATION SO I DON'T HAVE TO ASK THE SAME QUESTIONS.
YOU KNOW WHAT MY ANALYSIS NEEDS TO BE.
IF YOU CAN TRY TO ADDRESS THAT AND I WON'T HAVE TO ASK A BUNCH
OF QUESTIONS. >> COMMISSIONER, I APOLOGIZE --
>>COMMISSIONER MAREZ: HOLDS YOUR QUESTIONS AND IT WILL GO BY
FASTER. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: I DON'T
WANT TO DO THAT -- >>COMMISSIONER MAREZ: WE GO ON THE TANGENT. LET HIM PRESENT.
I HAVE A LOT -- >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: JUMP IN
WHEN YOU WANT TO. >>COMMISSIONER MAREZ: I AM WAITING UNTIL THE END END, COMMISSIONER.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: IF HE WILL PRESENT WHAT HI NEED ON THE OTHER AUTOPSIES I WON'T HAVE TO ASK QUESTIONS.
>>COMMISSIONER MAREZ: I NEED INFORMATION AS WELL.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: LET'S MOVE FORWARD.
FOREST, BEGIN. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: YOU CAN
GET WHATEVER YOU WANT. >>COMMISSIONER MAREZ: I LIKE TO WAIT FOR THE END AND HEAR ALL THE INFORMATION BEFORE I MAKE ASSUM ASSUMPTIONS.
>>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: ARE WE NUMBER 5 OR NUMBER 5.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: YOU GET TO DO IT HOWEVER YOU WANT .IS A
YOU SOME. >>JUDGE SCOTT: EVERYBODY HAS A VOICE. THAT IS NOT SOLVING ANYTHING.
LET'S MOVE FORWARD. >> AN ANALYSIS THAT I DID BASICALLY ON THE OUT-OF-COUNTY THAT SHOW AS POSITIVE NET IMPACT WITH THE TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES BASED ON AN ESTIMATE OF 144 CASES. NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE.
SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF THE CASES THAT THIS OFFICE CONDUCTS ARE NOT NECESSARILY JUST NATURAL AUTOPSIES.
THERE ARE ALSO OUT-OF-COUNTY AUTOPSIES THAT ARE UNNATURAL LIKE HOMICIDES, SUICIDES, DRUG DEATHS.
AND THOSE TAKE A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF ADDITIONAL WORK BY NOT ONLY THE MEDICAL EXAMINER BUT ALSO THE AUTOPSY TECHNICIAN THAT ARE ASSISTING. CONSEQUENTLY THE COST FOR UNNATURAL AUTOPSY WITH TOXICOLOGY IS HIGHER.
ADDITIONALLY, I INCLUDED AN EXAMPLE OF A COST WHERE THE COUNTY TWO BE CONDUCTING A -- AN EXPANDED TOXICOLOGY PANEL.
AND SO THAT COST WILL BE, FOR EXAMPLE, $ 54.
AND THEN ADDITIONALLY AS WE MENTIONED BEFORE, THE BLOOD CART. IT COSTS US A SMALL AMOUNT, THE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR OUR TECHES TO DRAW THE BLOOD, USE THE BLOOD, PUT THE BLOOD AWAY GOES UP. YOU LOOK AT THE TOTAL COST, WHAT WE ESTIMATED TO BE, INCLUDING INFRASTRUCTURE COST, WHICH I ESTIMATED BASICALLY -- BASED OFF OF OUR BUDGET, DIVIDED BY THE NUMBER OF CASES THAT WE CONDUCT A YEAR AND BASICALLY 10% OF THAT. I ESTIMATE THAT IS THE COST FOR I.T., PUBLIC WORKS, SUPPLIES AND FINANCE.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: FOREST, DO YOU HAVE -- SORRY TO BOTHER YOU. DO WE HAVE THIS -- I HAVE A
BUNCH -- >> THIS IT WAS INCLUDED IN A
MEMO PROVIDED IN THE MATERIALS. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: DOES
EVERYBODY HAVE THIS? >>JUDGE SCOTT: OUT OF COUNTY, FULL UNNATURAL -- 2,000 -- YEAH, ON THE SECOND PAGE IN YOUR PACKET. ON A BACK PAGE.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: I WILL LOOK THROUGH IT AGAIN.
I LOOKED THROUGH ALL OF THIS. >> UNNATURAL AUTOPSY WITH THE ADDITIONAL GUYS, ADMINISTRATIVE, LIKE OVERALL AMOUNT, WE EQUIPMENT 2327 PER AUTOPSY. NOW FOR THAT TYPE OF AUTOPSY, WE WILL BILL AN OUT-OF-COUNTY FOR UNNATURAL DEATH $3895 FOR JUST THE AUTOPSY KNEE. THE ADDITIONAL EXPANDED PANEL WE BUILT FOR $330. THE BLOOD CARD COLLECTION AND PRESERVATION WE BILL 50, TOTAL $4365 PER INVOICE.
NOW THE DOCTOR'S COMMISSION IS ONLY OUT OF THE AUTOPSY FEE.
SO IN THAT, WE STILL HAVE REALIZING A NET POSITIVE IMPACT.
NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE. HERE YOU CAN SEE THE ANALYSIS OF THE -- OF THE COST THAT WE INCURRED TO DO THESE AUTOPSIES.
[01:10:05]
144 CASES. WE ARE ESTIMATING THAT AMOUNT TO BE $628,000 INVOICED TO THE COUNTY.THE AUTOPSY FEE IS $5703. 40% COMMISSION TO THE DOCTORS AND THEY WILL BE RECEIVING $229,000 BASED ON THOSE COMMISSIONS. THE COUNTY, WHEN YOU TAKE THE INVOICE MINUS 9 COMMISSIONS, APPROXIMATELY 399 LEFT IN THE GENERAL FUND. YOU ADD IN THE NUECES COUNTY COSTS, THERE IS A NET POSITIVE OF $63,000.
THOSE ARE OUT-OF-COUNTY AUTOPSY UNNATURAL DEATH.
NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE. SOME OTHER IMPORTANT FACTORS THAT NEEDED TO BE IS THAT IF WE HAVE A TEMPORARY DOCTOR OR A LOW-COST DOCTOR A CONTRACT PATHOLOGIST, THE COMMISSIONS ARE NOT PAID ON THOSE CASES. AND NUECES COUNTY RECEIVES ALL OF THOSE FUNDS FOR THE OUT-OF-COUNTY AUTOPSIES AND IN SOME OF THOSE CASES ONE OUT-OF-COUNTY AUTOPSY FEE FOR THE RATE AND THE TEMPORARY DOCTOR FOR THE DAY.
ADDITIONALLY AS I MENTIONED BEFORE, SOME OF THESE OTHER FEES THAT WE COLLECT ON A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS CAN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF MONEY THAT NUECES COUNTY REALIZES. FOR EXAMPLE, $100 FOR AN X-RAY FEE AS I PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED .THIS FISCAL YEAR, THE COUNTY INVESTED OVER $40,000 IN A BRAND-NEW X-RAY MACHINE.
SO WE ARE ABLE TO REALIZE SOME FUNDS TO RECOUP THAT INVESTMENT AND EXPENDITURE BY THE COUNTY. CHARGING OTHER COUNTIES PART OF THAT FEE. SO THAT IS $100 EACH.
IF WE ARE GOING TO BE PROCESSING A DEXROESED BODY, THE NUECES COUNTY M.E.'S OFFICE HAD A LONG-STANDING TRADITION OF CHARGING $550 FOR THAT, OBESE BODIES AND ADDITIONAL STORAGE GUYS. EACH ONE OF THOSE GUYS, WE ALREADY RECOGNIZED SIGNIFICANT FUNDS TO THE GENERAL FUND THAT AREN'T PART OF THE COMMISSION SCHEDULE.
FOR INSTANCE, SO FAR THIS FISCAL YEAR, I ESTIMATED WE INVOICED $13,100 FOR X-RAYS PROVIDED TO OTHER COUNTIES.
AS WELL AS $8700 IN STORAGE GUYS NEXT SLIDE PLEASE.
NEXT SLIDE PLEASE. SO BASED ON THIS ANALYSIS, WE ARE SEEING A NET POSITIVE IMPACT TO THE GENERAL FUND AND ACTUALLY COMING FROM THE ADDITIONAL FEE THAT THIS OFFICE CHARGES IN ADDITION TO THE AUTOPSY FEE ITSELF.
THERE IS SOME IMPORTANT THINGS TO ALSO THINK ABOUT ABOUT THIS.
WHICH BRINGS ME TO THE NEXT POINT OF DISCUSSION WHICH IS.
WE ARE NOW -- AS WE INCREASED OUR GUYS INFORM OCTOBER OF LAST YEAR, THE RESULT WAS MANY OF THE COUNTIES HAVING TO PAY MORE FOR EACH OF THEIR AUTOPSIES. THEY HAVE CONSEQUENTLY GONE OUT AND STARTED SEEKING OTHER COUNTIES TO DO AUTOPSY GUYS THAT MIGHT BE LESS EXPENSIVE. SO FROM THAT, I HAVE REACHED OUT AND OBTAINED THE FEE COST FOR TRAVIS COUNTY THAT IS AVAILABLE ONLINE. THEIR FEE SCHEDULE, AS WELL AS TARRANT COUNTY FEE SCHEDULE AND FT. BEND COUNTY'S.
THOSE ARE ALL OTHER COUNTY MEDICAL EXAMINER'S OFFICE OR DISTRICT MEDICAL EXAMINER'S OFFICE PURSUANT TO INTERLIKE AGREEMENTS. AND I PUT THAT IN ANALYSIS I JUST PROVIDED TO THE COURT FOR WHAT THEIR COSTS ARE.
BECAUSE WE HAVE SEEN THAT WE ARE CHARGING MUCH HIGHER THAN THESE OTHER COUNTIES AND WE ARE SEEING A DECLINE IN THE NUMBER OF CASES THAT WE ARE GETTING IN. WE KNOW THAT THESE OTHER COUNTIES IN THE SURROUNDING A AREA ARE ENGAGING IN SIGNING INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH OTHER M.E. WITH'S OFFICE.
PROPOSING FOR THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR TO POTENTIALLY PRODUCE JUST THE AUTOPSY FEE AND ELIMINATE THE UNNATURAL VERSUS NATURAL FEE. JUST HAVE ONE AUTOPSY FEE THAT IS UNIFORM ACROSS THE BOARD AND TRY TO SIMPLIFY OUR FEES TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR OURSELVES AND OUR OTHER COUNTIES.
PROVIDED ANALYSIS WHAT WE ARE PROPOSING FOR THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR. I AM NOT READY FOR THE COURT TO MAKE A FINAL JUDGMENT ON IT. WE WANT TO PUT THAT OUT AS A NEW FEE SCHEDULE TO APPROVE FOR THE COURT LATER ON.
NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE. SO SOME OF THE THINGSES THAT I
[01:15:02]
TALKED ABOUT WAS REDUCING THE AUTOPSY FEE FROM -- FROM $3985 TO ONLY $3495. A SIGNIFICANT DECLINE.NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE. THAT IS -- THAT'S IT.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, I WILL BE HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS. IF YOU NEED FOR ME TO IMTO HE WAS A NEW FEE SCHEDULE, AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE YESTERDAY, WE REVISED IT A LITTLE BIT AND WHAT YOU ARE PROVIDED TODAY. I PROPOSE THAT I COME TO IT THE COMMISSIONERS COURT TO SEEK FORMAL ADOPTION AT A DIFFERENT
TIME. >>JUDGE SCOTT: NOW OTHER QUESTIONS. JOHN -- COMMISSIONER MAREZ.
MAREZ MARE IT'S FINE, JUDGE. SO THE -- THE TWO MENTIONS OF THE PROPOSED FEE. THE FEE SCHEDULE, THE ANALYSIS WITH THE THREE OTHER COUNTIES AND THE PRIVATE COSTS, INCLUDES
>>COMMISSIONER MAREZ: IT THE PROPOSED FEES THAT YOU WILL PRESENT. OKAY.
SO WE REALLY HAVE TO LOOK JUST AT THIS ONE SHEET THAT YOU GAVE US. I AM IN AGREEMENT WITH THE COURT. YOU KNOW, IT GETS -- IT IS CONCERNING WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE -- HOW MUCH DOES IT COST AND HOW MUCH ARE WE GETTING OUT OF IT, RIGHT.
WE ALWAYS HAVE TAKEN THAT KIND OF REGIONAL APPROACH TO WANTING TO PROVIDE THIS SERVICE, BECAUSE WE KNOW SO MANY OF THESE SURROUNDING COUNTIES DON'T HAVE I IT. I KNOW I FEEL AND MAJORITY OF THE COURT FEELS WE NEED TO SEE A COST RECOUPED THAT MAKES IT WORTH IT. I KNOW WE SHOULDN'T PROFIT, BUT ENOUGH TO BE ABLE TO COVER ALL THE ADDITIONAL CHARGES AND HOPEFULLY TO DO SOME UPGRADES. I THINK THAT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU WILL FIND ALL OF US IN AGREEMENT ON.
I AM NOT CHANGING WHAT YOU ALREADY HEARD FROM THE MAJORITY OF WHAT THEY SAY. BUT MY CONCERN IS, WHAT YOU MENTIONED TOWARD THE END, THOSE SMALLER COUNTIES.
I THINK I USED CLAYBURG AS AN EXAMPLE THE LAST TIME WE TALKED ABOUT THIS, WHICH IS PROBABLY TWO OR THREE MEETINGS AGO.
OTHER COUNTIES THAT ARE LOOKING, RIGHT.
WE HAD OTHER COUNTIES THAT HAVE ALREADY BROACHED THE IDEA OF LOOKING TO ARE SOMEONE ELSE TO BE ABLE TO PROVIDE THAT TO THEM.
WE OBVIOUSLY HAVE ENOUGH WORK. MY CONCERN FOR YOU AS THE ADMINISTRATOR. EVEN THOUGH YOU WORK CLOSELY WITH THE M.E.'S OFFICE. YOU ARE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE US THE DUTY AND YOUR THOUGHTS AND ANALYSIS ON THIS IS THAT WHEN I LOOK AT THIS COST, I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE WERE THE HIGHEST PAYING M.E.'S OFFICE FOR A WHILE IN TEXAS LIKE COMMISSIONER CHESNEY SAID. REALLY BECAUSE WE GOT CAUGHT IN THE MARKET WHEN WE DID. HAD IT BEEN A YEAR PRIOR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN THAT AMOUNT AND REALIZED THAT AMOUNT A YEAR EARLIER OR JUST COME TOLL THIS -- TO THIS ISSUE RIGHT NOW.
WE WOULD HAVE FOUND THAT WE WOULD PAY EVEN MORE THAT WAY THAN WE ORIGINALLY WENT INTO. YOU KNOW, THERE ARE IS A VERY DIFFICULT PUBLIC SERVICE, PUBLIC HEALTH ITEM WE ARE REQUIRED FOR OUR RESIDENTS. SO I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE DOING IT AT -- ONCE AGAIN, WE ARE COVERING ALL OUR COSTS AND SERVICE WE PROVIDE TO SURROUNDING COUNTIES HELPS US TO EVER SO SLIGHTLY. WE DON'T WANT TO MAKE A PROFIT OFF THIS TYPE OF WORK DONE, RIGHT BUT A NECESSITY.
I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE COVER ALL OF OUR EXPENSES, NOT THAT IT IS THE GENERAL FUND, AND RETURN ON THE INVESTMENT WITHIN THIS DEPARTMENT. THAT IS MY WHOLE CONCERN WITH ALL OF THIS. IT SEEMS LIKE -- IN YOUR PRESENTATION WHAT YOU PROVIDED US AND A LOT TO TAKE RIGHT NOW.
IT WILL TAKE SOME TIME TO LOOK MORE INTO THIS.
BUT I APPRECIATE YOU GIVING US AT LEAST THREE OTHER COUNTY PERSPECTIVES. MUCH LARGER COUNTIES, BUT FORMER MEDICAL EXAMINER FROM TRAVIS COUNTY WAS DOING PRIVATE WORK AND GIVE US A BETTER UNDERSTANDING WHAT THE COST IS.
MY CONCERN IS THAT WE ARE LOSING POTENTIAL COUNTIES THAT IF WE ARE TO CAN ABLE TO USE SOME OF THAT MONEY TO RECOUP OUR COSTS, THEN WE ARE GOING TO HAVE FEWER AND FEWER AND WE ARE ALREADY SEEING THAT HAPPEN. AND WE ARE SEEING THAT SOMEONE CAN'T PAY BECAUSE IT NEEDS TO BE MORE STREAMLINED.
I WOULD LOVE -- THE SIMPLER THE BETTER FOR ME BECAUSE IT IS EASY
[01:20:06]
FOR EVERYONE TO GO LOOK AT IT. PROVIDES FOR TRANSPARENCY AND OTHER POLICYMAKERS TO SAY WE WANT TO GO WITH NUECES COUNTY BECAUSE THEY HAVE IT BROKEN DOWN REAL QUICKLY AND DO THE MATH AND FIGURE OUT -- NOT WELL ON THESE INSTANCES AND THESE OCCASIONS WE WILL HAVE TO PAY MORE AND WHAT THAT BOTTOM DOLLAR MEANS.I WANT TO MAKE PURE THAT WE HAVE IT IS UP POLICE FFIED.
THIS IS THE FIRST STEP TO DO THAT.
WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT AS MUCH MONEY THAT HAS BEEN INVESTED IN THIS DEPARTMENT IS WORTH IT.
I ALSO WANT TO SHOW OUR PARTNERS THAT HAVE GONE YEARS AND DECADES WITH NUECES COUNTY THAT THEY CAN RELY ON US AND TRUST US TO PROVIDE THE SAME SERVICES THEY ALWAYS HAD.
THIS PROFESSION IS GOING TO INCREASE IN SALARY.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS. WITH THE SALARY WE HAVE PROVIDED WITH OUR MEDICAL EXAMINER AND T TEAM. IS THAT KIND OF COMPENSATION EXPECTED, RIGHT. SO LIKE OUR BASE ON TOP OF THE EXTRA THAT THEY MAKE TAMPA IS THIS THE TRUE NUMBER ANY FEEL -- MAYBE WHAT I AM HEARING OR MAYBE I AM WRONG OR THE WAY I FEEL INDIVIDUALLY THAT IS THE NUMBER AND THAT IS WHAT IT IS.
BUT THE REALITY IS THAT YOU ADD ON THE EXTRA KNEE GUYS THAT THEY CAN MAKE WITH THE OTHER COUNTIES AND THE OTHER SERVICES THAT THEY ARE DOING. IT DOESN'T NECESSARILY ALL GO IN TO THAT BASE. RIGHT.
SO SAY THE NUMBER IS $250,000. THE REALITY IS IF YOU ADD ON OTHER COUNTIES AND SERVICES THEY WILL BE MAKING MORE THAN THE $250 WE ARE PAYING THEM. THAT CORRECT, FOREST?
>> YES, SIR. COMMISSIONER MAREZ, TO YOUR POINT. IF YOU -- NUECES COUNTY HAS A UNIQUE COMMISSION STRUCTURE FOR THE DOCTORS THAT WE HAVE.
MANY OF THE OTHER OFFICES, MEDICAL EXAMINER OUT OF STATE, WHEN THEY DO OUT OF COUNTIES THEY GO TO THE OTHER DEPARTMENTS. THE IT IS OBVIOUSLY AN INCENTIVE. EXTRA PAY FOR THE DOCTORS PERFORMING THE AUTOPSIES. THE MARKET CHANGES AS EVERY AGENCY OR EVERY COUNTY CHANGES THEIR SALARY FEE SCHEDULE.
AFTER K7 NUECES RAISED 9 SALARIES FOR ITS STAFF, OTHER JURISDICTIONS IN THE STATE HAVE RAISED THEIR STAFF.
AND OPEN SOURCE MATERIAL FROM NEWS MEDIA THAT HARRIS COUNTY RAISED THE RATES FOR THEIR MEDICAL EXAMINER BECAUSE THEY ARE SUFFERING A SHORTAGE OF STAFF.
SO THEY GOT AN INCREASE FOR ALL OF THEIR DEPUTIES.
AND I THINK IT IS A VERY COMPETITIVE MARKET.
AND I THINK THAT THOSE WAGES JUST LIKE ALL WAGES ACROSS THE BOARD WHETHER IT IS A POLICE OFFICER, M.E. OR CLERK.
WE ARE ALL FACING HIGHER LABOR COSTS.
SO THE ADDITIONAL COMMISSION ARE ADDED ON TO THE SALARY THAT IS ALREADY PROVIDED FOR THE EMPLOYEE AND A COMPETITIVE SA SALARY.
>>COMMISSIONER MAREZ: MY BIGGEST CONCERN WITH ALL OF THIS.
DON'T WANT TO SEND THE MESSAGE TO ALL THE PARTNERS IN SURROUNDING COUNTIES OR THE MEDICAL EXAMINER OR THE DEPUTIES OR THE ASSISTANTS AT ALL THAT WE ARE SECOND-GUESSING THE WORK THAT THEY ARE DOING. THAT IS WHY I WORRY EVERY TIME THERE IS SCRUTINY AND NOT THE INTENT OF ANYONE ON THIS COURT.
WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE HAVE THE NUMBERS RIGHT AND BRING IN THE REVENUE THAT CAN HELP OFFSET THE SALARIES.
I LOVE THE IDEA HOW IT GOES RIGHT INTO THE OPERATING COST.
I THINK THAT IS A STRUCTURE THAT MAYBE WHICH IS GOING TO BE PROPOSED AND THAT IS SOMETHING WE NEED TO LOOK AT FOR THE FUTURE AND BUILD UP TO THAT. BUT I JUST -- LOOKING AT HOW LONG OF A ROAD IT TOOK USES TO GET HERE, THAT IS MY BIGGEST CONCERN. LOOK HOW MANY YEARS DID IT TAKE US TO KIND OF HIT THE BRAKES, RECOVER FROM A LONG-SERVING MEDICAL EXAMINER AND GETTING TO A TERM WHERE THERE WAS -- THERE WAS LEGAL QUESTIONS, LEGAL CONCERNS THAT WERE BROUGHT UP.
AND THEN TO RECOVER WITH DR. FAGAN.
I AM NOT SAYING HE IS THE BEST IN THE WORLD, BUT I THINK HE IS DOING A PRETTY GOOD JOB FOR US AND I WOULD ARGUE MAYBE HE IS ONE OF THE BETTER ONES IN THE COUNTRY.
BUT I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY UNDERSTAND IT AS WELL.
FOR ME IT IS NOT ABOUT THE WORK THAT THEY ARE DOING.
WE JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE GETTING THIS DONE RIGHT.
THAT THAT MONEY IS BEING RECOUPED SO THAT THIS IS A SELF-SUSTAINING DEPARTMENT. AND THAT THAT REVENUE -- YES, IT
[01:25:04]
GOES TO A SUPPLEMENTAL SALARY BUT SPECIALIZES.SPECIALIZED WORK. WE TESTED THE MARKET.
WE SHOT OUT A PRICE THAT WE DIDN'T GET HARDLY ANY INTEREST ON. NONE.
AND WE WERE JUST SCRATCHING OUR HEADS UP HERE WONDERING, HOW ARE WE GOING TO RECOVER? AND USING TEMPORARY MEDICAL EXAMINERS OR CONTINUING CONTRACTS FROM PREVIOUS MEDICAL EXAMINERS TO KEEP THEM ON BOARD. I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE CREATE A STRUCTURE THAT KEEPS US COMPETITIVE AND KEEPS THE MEDICAL EXAMINERS HAPPY AND MAKE SURE WE PROVIDE A GOOD SERVICE AND NOT LOSING MORE COUNTIES. BECAUSE I DO BELIEVE THE COUNTIES SHOULD HELP SUPPLEMENT OUR COSTS.
I KNOW VERY LONG-WINDED BUT A LONG ANSWER BECAUSE NOT JUST SOMETHING SIMPLY THAT WE CAN JUSTIT.
IF WE DO, I THINK IT SHOULD BE DRAWN OUGHT AND VERY THOUGHTFUL OF HOW WE APPROACH THIS. I DO APPRECIATE ALL THE WORK THAT THEY HAVE DONE. MONEY THAT I HAVE FOR MY OWN FUNDING INTO THIS DEPARTMENT BECAUSE I FELT SO CONFIDENTLY IN THE NEED TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN THE MEDICAL STAFF THAT WE HAVE.
IF ANYONE HAS ANY CONCERNS, I PUT SOME OF THAT MONEY I COULD BE PUTTING OTHER PLACES BECAUSE THIS IS JUST AS AN IMPORTANT PART OF PROVIDING STREETS AND ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE AND OTHER KEY FUNCTIONS THAT WE HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT AS A COUNTY.
>> COMMISSIONERS, IF I CAN ADD ONE POINT TO YOURS.
ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THING OF THIS COMMISSION THAT IS PAID TO THE DOCTORS CONDUCTING THESE AUTOPSIES IS THE RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION COMPONENT TOP THIS. RIGHT FOUR IN YOUR MEDICAL EXAMINER'S OFFICE IS FULLY STAFFED.
YOU HAVE ALL THE MEDICAL EXAMINERS, THOSE POSITIONS ARE ALL FILLED. SAUL OF YOUR AUTOPSY TECHNICIANS ARE FILLED. ALL OF YOUR INVESTIGATOR SPOTS ARE FILLED. AND ALL OF YOUR ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF IS FILLED. THAT IS PROBABLY THE FIRST TIME IN A LONG TIME THAT WE HAVE ALL OUR STAFF COMPLETELY FILLED.
I DON'T THINK THERE IS ANOT. MEDICAL EXAMINER'S OFFICES THAT CAN SAY THAT. IF THE COMMISSION IS LOST POTENTIALLY YOU MIGHT HAVE MORE TROUBLE MAINTAINING THAT 100% OF STAFFING LEVEL. WHICH IF WE LOSE ANY DOCTORS, WE WILL TO GO OUT AND GET TEMPORARY DOCTOR, PAY FOR TRAVEL, PAY FOR THOSE COSTS AS WELL AND THAT COMES INTO PLAY AS WELL.
SO RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE DYNAMIC THAT I THINK NEEDS TO BE EVALUATED.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: I AGREE WITH THAT, FOREST, BY ALL MEANS AND I AGREE WITH COMMISSIONER MAREZ. WE DON'T WANT TO MAKE IT SEEM LIKE THAT ANY OF US ARE AGAINST THE WORK THAT HAS BEEN DONE AND THE PROGRESS WE MADE OVER THERE AND WHAT WE ARE DOING MOVING FORWARD. WITH THAT BEING SAID, AGAIN THE SITUATION THE COUNTY IS IN AS WELL, AND IF THESE OUT-OF-COUNTY PEOPLE ARE NOT BRINGING THEM MUCH.
DO WE NEED ALL THREE OF THOSE AND ARE THEY WILLING TOLL COME THROUGH THE TABLE AND HELP US GET THROUGH THIS BAD YEAR AS WELL. SO THAT WAS MY ONLY DISCUSSION.
AND WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER. EVERY DEPARTMENT.
EVERY DEPARTMENT HERE IS VITAL. THEY PROVIDE GREAT SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY. BUT THE REST OF US ARE WORKING TOG TOGETHER.
WE HAVE TO COME TO THE TABLE WITH YOU ALL AS WELL.
>> ABSOLUTELY, JUDGE. WE ARE RECOGNIZING A TREND.
WE SEE A DECLINING AMOUNT OF NUMBER OF CASES THAT ARE COMING IN. JUST IN THE LAST TWO MONTHS, WE HAVE SEEN A DECLINE. COMMISSIONER CHESNEY PRO SIDED STATS TO YOUR OFFICE YESTERDAY. SO FAR IN JULY, FIVE CASES THAT CAME INTO OUR OFFICE WHERE LAST YEAR WE HAD 12.
IN JUNE, THERE WAS FIVE -- FIVE OR SIX AS WELL.
AND NOSE WERE HIGHER. >>JUDGE SCOTT: THAT IS MY CONCERN. THAT IS PRETTY BIG --
>> ONE OF THE THINGS THAT HAPPENED, ONE OF THE RETIRED PATHOLOGISTS HAVE OPENED UP A PRIVATE PRACTICE AND HE IS DOING SOME OF THOSE CASES WE WOULD NORMALLY BE RECEIVING FROM THESE OTHER COUNTIES AND THAT IS PULLING SOME OF POTENTIALLY THE CASES WE WOULD HAVE. SOMETHING WE ARE MONITORING.
WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT. THAT IS ONE OF THE REASONS WHY I REACHED OUT TO SOME OF THE COUNTIES TO SEE WHO THEY WILL BE WORKING WITH AND LEARNING THAT THEY ARE ENTERED INTO AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH OTHER COUNTIES.
SO I BELIEVE THIS PROPOSED FEE SCHEDULE MOVING FORWARD FOR THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR SIMPLIFIES THOSE GUYS.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: SIMPLIFYING I AGREE WITH, BUT WE ARE NOT TARRANT OR TRAVIS COUNTY OR ANYTHING.
I DON'T WANT US TO PRICE US OUT OF COMPETITION, BECAUSE PEOPLE -- THE FORMER DOCTOR. WE NEED TO BE COMPETITIVE AS
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: CAN I -- >>JUDGE SCOTT: STORY.
[01:30:03]
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: WERE YOU DONE?
I DIDN'T MEAN -- >>JUDGE SCOTT: I AM, YES.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: FOREST, I NEED TO MAKE SURE, TOO, THAT I UNDERSTAND, THAT AS WE ARE -- I STILL THINK IT WOULD BE ADVAN ADVANTAGEOUS, IF THE COURT DOES, TO DO AN ANALYSIS. BUT MY UNDERSTANDING TOO, IF I AM NOT MISTAKEN -- LET ME ASK IT. I AM NOT GOING TO SAY MY UNDERSTANDING. BECAUSE OF THE ADDITIONAL OUT-OF-COUNTY AUTOPSIES, THAT IS PART OF WHAT MAKES US HAVE THREE DOCTORS, RIGHT. IF WE DID THE SAME NUMBER.
LET'S SAY ALL OF THE COUNTIES WENT AWAY JUST FOR A SAKE OF A HYPOTHETICAL. WE DIDN'T DO ANY OUT OF THE COUNTY AT ALL NEED THE THIRD DOCTOR FOR THE AME
CERTIFICATION? >> YES, THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MEDICAL EXAMINERS HAS AN ACCREDITATION SCHEDULE WHERE THEY BASICALLY INDICATES IT NEEDS TO BE 325 AUTOPSIES OR LESS PER DOCTOR ON AVERAGE FOR COMPLETE AUTOPSIES AND PARTIAL AUTOPSIES AND EXTERNAL EXAMINATIONS.
SO WHEN YOU LOOK AT THAT NUMBER AND YOU DIVIDE IT BY THE NUMBER OF MEDICAL EXAMINERS, GIVES US HOW MANY WE NEED TO HAVE ON STAFF. OUR NUMBER OF AUTOPSIES DECREASEDED FROM ITS HIGH FROM A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO AND WE ARE ESTIMATING WE WILL BE AROUND 650, 652 THIS YEAR.
THAT WILL BE RIGHT ON THE EDGE OF NOT BEING ABLE TO SEEK
ACCREDITATION. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: OF THAT 650, HOW MANY OF THAT IS OUT OF COUNTY?
>> RIGHT NOW WE ARE ESTIMATING -- IN THE ANALYSIS I GAVE YOU, 144. WE MAY COME LESS THAN THAT BECAUSE OF THE REDUCED NUMBER OF AUTOPSIES THAT WE ARE TAKING --
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: TAKE OUR 650 DOWN TOO.
YOU ARE SAYING ESTIMATING 650. AND 144 OF THOSE ARE OUT-OF-COUNTY, IF WE ONLY GET 130, THAT WILL BE 406 OR 630, RIGHT. BUT IF I TAKE THE -- I WILL SAY -- MAKE IT EASY FOR ME. 6654.
IF WE DID AWAY WITH ALL OUT-OF-COUNTY, HYPOTHETICAL 510 WHICH WILL BE WELL UNDER WHAT WE WILL NEED FOR JUST TWO DOCTOR.
>> CRICKET, 325 ON AVERAGE PER DOCTOR FOR THE STAFFING LEVEL.
THAT IS PROVISIONALLY PASSING ACCREDITATION.
IDEALLY IT IS LESS THAN THAT. SHOULD BE AROUND 275, WHICH I
THINK IS THE NUMBER. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: OKAY.
SO -- -- SO THEN WHAT -- I GUESS WHAT I AM SAYING WHEN WE ARE DOING THIS ANALYSIS, YOU HAVE TO FACTOR IN A LARGE PORTION OF THAT THIRD DOCTOR IN THE ANALYSIS BECAUSE THE OUT-OF-COUNTY ONES WHICH ARE REVENUE ARE ALSO COSTS INVOLVED AND IF WE DON'T HAVE ALL OF THE OUT-OF-COUNTY.
AND UNDERSTAND THE ANALYSIS AND WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO DO IT.
IF WE TOOK ALL THE OUT OF COUNTIES.
WE DON'T NEED TWO DOCTOR, NOT THREE.
THAT WILL REDUCE THAT A LOT. AGAIN, I AM NOT SUGGESTING THAT AT THE MOMENT. I AM SUGGESTING THAT PART OF THAT -- THAT HAS TO BE FACTORED INTO THE COST OF WHAT THE OUT-OF-COUNTIES ARE DOING. IF I AM READING IT RIGHT, YOUR ANALYSIS WAS 19728 NET ON THE -- SORRY, SEE IF I AM RIGHT, THE FULL NATURAL AUTOPSIESES TO A GENERAL FUND AND 6 -- THE ONLY
TWO, RIGHT? >> WELL, THERE ARE DIFFERENT POTS. NATURAL WITH TOXICOLOGY.
UNNATURAL WITHOUT TOXICOLOGY. >> COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: ANOTHER
CATEGORY. >> I DID TWO ANALYSES FOR THE COMMISSIONERS TO SEE. TWO DIFFERENT CASE TYPES.
WE HAVE OTHER CASE TYPES THAT WE DO.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: I GUESS WHAT I WOULD -- I GUESS I WANTON GO A LITTLE FARTHER INTO THIS. IF WE DID ALL THE DIFFERENT TIMES, THE NET TO THE GENERAL FUND AFTER THE COSTS, BUT WHAT COSTST WOULD HAVE TO GO IN. MY COST IS YOU WOULD HAVE TO PUT AT LARGE PORTION OF THE THIRD DOCTOR AS PART OF DOING BUSINESS. DO YOU IT WITH NUECES COUNTY.
LET'S SAY 275, RIGHT AND WE ARE AT 510 AND OUT OF COUNTIES.
YOU SEE WHERE I AM GOING. THE COST FOR THE OUT OF COUNTY MAY A -- WE MAY BE LOSING MONEY DOING OUT OF COUNTIES.
I AM NOT SAYING THAT WE ARE. I AM DOING THIS REAL FAST BASED ON THIS ANALYSIS THAT YOU GAVE THAT I REALLY APPRECIATE.
BUT I REALLY THINK WE HAVE TO LIKE THE JUDGE SAID.
[01:35:07]
I DIDN'T DISAGREE WITH ANYTHING THAT COMMISSIONER MAREZ AND WHAT THE JUDGE SAID. WITH EVERYTHING GOING ON WITH OUR BUDGET CONSTRAINT. WE SHOULDN'T JUST DO IT ONTHE M.E. BUT EVERY DEPARTMENT. >>JUDGE SCOTT: GOING TO.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: TO ANALYZE EVERY DEPARTMENT SO NOBODY THINKS -- THIS IS WHY WE NEED TO DO THIS ANALYSIS TO SHOW WHAT IS IT REALLY COSTING US TO DO THIS OUT OF COUNTY WORK THE WAY WE ARE DOING IT. AND THE ONLY WAY TO MAKE IT WORK TO NOT HAVE A THIRD DOCTOR. I AM THRILLED WITH THE DOCTORS THAT WE HAVE AND THE STABILITY OF THE OFFICE AND THE WORK BEING DONE. I WANT TO ECHO THAT TOO.
NOT IN ANY WAY, SHAPE OR FORM A NEGATIVE TO THE WORK BEING DONE TO HAVE DR. FAGAN. THIS IS PURE NUMBERS.
I DON'T KNOW IF THE OUT-OF-COUNTY STUFF IS WORTH IT.
MAY BE. MAY COME WITH AN ANALYSIS I MISSED SOMETHING, YOU MISSED SOMETHING.
I WILL MAKE A MOTION THAT WE. >>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: MAY BE WORTH IT NOT TO DO THE WHOLE AMOUNT.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: OR NOT DO IT AT ALL.
YOU HAVE TO PUT THE COSTS BECAUSE IT IS CAUSING US TO GO OVER THE ACCREDITATION NUMBERS. IT IS CAUSING US TO HAVE A THIRD DOCTOR BECAUSE WE WANT TO GET THE ACCREDITATION BACK.
WE CAN DO IT WITH TWO. I KNOW THAT IS EXTREME.
I MAKE A MOTION TO DO AN INDEPENDENT ANALYSIS AND CHARGE TERESA AND DALE TO COME BACK WITH SOME KIND OF PROPOSAL FOR US TO DO IT. I DON'T KNOW HOW TO WORD IT TO DO IT RIGHT AT THE NEXT MEETING AND LET US LOOK AT THAT.
>>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: SECOND. >>JUDGE SCOTT: THE NEXT MEETING,
COMMISSIONER? >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: WHAT YOU
PROPOSE. >>JUDGE SCOTT: WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND TO GO OUT TO DO AN ANALYSIS TO HIRE AN INDEPENDENT AUDITOR TO FIND BENEFITS AND COST OF HOW WE MOVE FORWARD WITH THIS AND HOW IT CAN BE COST EFFECTIVE FOR NUECES COUNTY.
ANY OTHER DISCUSSION. >>COMMISSIONER MAREZ: YES, JUDGE. SO, COMMISSIONER, THAT IS A PRETTY TIGHT TURN AROUND WHICH I GET IT.
WE ARE GOING TO BE BUSY THESE NEXT COUPLE OF MONTHS.
WE ARE GOING TO SEE A LOT OF EACH OTHER, BUT DO YOU THINK THAT IS -- THAT IS A FAIR AMOUNT OF TIME?
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: JUST TO MAKE A RECOMMENDATION.
I DON'T JUST WANT TO THROW THINGS OUT.
BUT TO MORE AND COME BACK AND SAY THIS IS WHAT WE NEED TO DO
TO MOVE FORWARD. >>JUDGE SCOTT: I WOULD LIKE TO ADD THE CONTRACT AND TO DO THAT IN THE FUTURE.
I THINK I -- I WOULD LIKE TO DO THAT, YES.
JUST FOR REVIEW, I AM NOT SAYING WE WILL MAKE ANY CHANGES, BUT YOU SAID IT IS OPEN-ENDED. I WOULD LIKE TO LOOK AT THAT AND SEE WHAT THE OPTIONS AND HOW TO MAKE IT BETTER FOR ALL OF US WORKING TOGETHER. ANY OTHER DISCUSSION?
WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: TERESA AND DALE, THAT CLEAR ENOUGH WHAT WE WANT FROM YOU ALL.
NOT THE ANALYSIS BUT WHAT WE CAN TO DO GET THE ANALYSIS.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
OPPOSED, SAME SIGN. MOTION PASSES.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: FOREST, THANK YOU.
APPRECIATE IT. >>JUDGE SCOTT: WE HAVE NOE ON THE LINE. GO TO ITEM NUMBER 1.
>> IF I CAN SAY ONE MORE THING OF BROOKS COUNTY.
WE SUSPENDED TAKING ANY NEW CASES FLORIDA BROOKS COUNTY UNTIL WE RECEIVE PAYMENT. WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED PAYMENT AS OF YESTERDAY. SO WE HAVE THREE OUTSTANDING
INVOICES IN EXCESS -- >>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: DO YOU
NEED A MOTION? >>JUDGE SCOTT: WE DID LAST TIME
-- OR DID WE. >> IN CONSULTATION WITH THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE AND THE M.E.'S OFFICE HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO DO IT. AND WE WANTED TO UPDATE THE
COURT. >>JUDGE SCOTT: THAT IS THE DIRECTION WE SEPTEMBER YOU LAST TIME.
AND UNFORTUNATE FOR THEM. HOPE THEY GET THAT CLEARED OUT AND WE ARE BACK IN GOOD STANDING AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
>> THANK YOU, JUDGE. >>JUDGE SCOTT: MOVING BACK TO ITEM NUMBER 1, NOE HINOJOSA IS HERE TO SHARE THE INFORMATION FROM NOE HINOJOSA, ESTRADA HINOJOSA & COMPANY ON THE COUNTY'S FINANCIAL OVERVIEW AND POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES OF THE
[01:40:05]
TAX VALUES. I RECEIVED A PAPER AND I TOOK IT TO DALE. IT IS STILL PRELIMINARY.WE DON'T HAVE ANY FIGURES OR NUMBERS WORKED OUT ON THAT.
DO YOU WANT TO SAY ANYTHING, DALE, BEFORE THEY GET STARTED.
>>DALE ATCHLEY: TO CHECK THE VALUATION.
PRIOR YEAR $43 BILLION. NOW AT 47 APPROXIMATELY, LIKE A $4 BILLION INCREASE IN VALUE AND A ROUGH ESTIMATE OF COST OF THE INCREASE. THESE ARE THE BALANCES THAT ARE STILL UNDER PROTEST. THOSE NUMBERS CAN GO UP AND DOWN BASED ON HOW THOSE NUSHGZARBS COME OUT.
AND WE WILL GET THE TRUE NUMBERS WHEN WE GET THE BALANCES FROM THE APPRAISAL DISTRICT AND START DOING OUR CALCULATIONS.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: NOE, ARE YOU READY.
THANK YOU FOR COME HOPPING ON AND TAKING THE TIME TODAY.
>> JUDGES AND MEMBERS OF COURT WHERE.
NOE HINOJOSA WITH NOE HINOJOSA, ESTRADA HINOJOSA & COMPANY.
I THINK MOST OF YOU OR ALL OF YOU HAVE RECEIVED A PACKET PREPARED A COUPLE OF WEEKS BACK. MAY NOT SHOW THE MOST ACCURATE PROPERTY VALUES AS THOSE AS YOU KNOW ARE REVISED AND POTENTIALLY PROTESTED. WE DON'T KNOW THAT IF I UNDERSTAND THIS CORRECTLY UNTIL THE END OF THE MONTH AT WHICH TIME YOU HAVE AMPLE OPPORTUNITY TO ACCEPT THEM AND SET UP THAT TAX RATE FOR SEPTEMBER. I THINK IF EVERYTHING WHAT WE ARE TRYING TO SHOW YOU TODAY PAGE TWO OF THE HANDOUT.
IF I CAN SHOW IT FROM MY COMPUTER AND HAPPY TO I DON'T THINK I CAN, BUT A PAGE THROUGH THERE AND PRESENTATION.
GREAT. SO THERE -- WE HAVE -- THE COUNTY HAS ABOUT PRINCIPAL OUTSTANDING ABOUT $163 MILLION.
AND THEN THAT IS REFLECTED BY ANNUAL PAYMENT LIKE YOUR MORTGAGE WOULD ON AN ANNUAL BASIS OF 15.9 MILLION DOLLARS A YEAR SO ALL OF THOSE YOU CAN SEE AT THE BOTTOM PART OF YOUR PAGE, YOU CAN FIND SOME BARS WITH THE DARK BLUE REPRESENT PRINCIPAL.
THE GRAY BARS REPRESENT INTEREST.
ON THE BOTTOM -- THE TOP RIGHT-HAND CORNER, YOU WILL FIND THE RATINGS AS RELEASED BY MOODY'S OF A AA 2.
THE STANDARD & POOR'S OF AA. A AFFIRMED BACK IN 2022.
AND SNP 500, BASICALLY GAVE THOSE RATINGS ON ABOUT APRIL OF 2021. TODAY, THE TAX RATE -- YOU CAN SEE ON THE RIGHT HAND CORNER AT ABOUT 29 .2917.
AND FOR THE FOLLOWING YEARS AND PROPERTY VALUES IN PLACE AND THE JUDGE AND OVER ARE CONCERNED OF THE ANOMALY OF VALUES THAT ARE PREDICTED OR PROJECT JED FOR THE YEAR 2024.
AND THEY BELIEVE THERE ARE A FEW STRATEGIES THAT YOU CAN IMPLEMENT IN AN EFFORT TO -- TO NOT HAVE TO DEAL WITH, I GUESS, A TAXPAYER BEING CONCERNED -- LEVIED TOO MUCH OF A TAX.
IN TALKING SO SOME FRIENDS IN THE LEGAL PROFESSION THAT THINK SOMETHING THAT YOU SHOULD CONSIDER IN DOING -- SETTING UP A TAX RATE, AND THAT IS THE COURT THROUGH THE JUDGE MAY HAVE -- MAY APPLY, I GUESS, AN EXECUTIVE HAVING TO DO WITH WHAT THE VALUE SHOULD BE IN CASES THERE STILL SOME -- SOME DISCONTENT TAXPAYERS WHERE YOU BASICALLY ASSUME THAT YOU -- THAT YOU WILL HAVE AN ADJUSTED VALUE VERSUS THE APPRAISED VALUE AND TRYING TO RESOLVE THOSE CONCERNS EXPRESSED BY TAXPAYER.
THE OTHER THING YOU CAN DO IS SET UP A TAX RATE WITH A DELISH WHEN SEE RATIO HIGHER THAN NORMAL RIGHT NOW FROM TIME TO TIME, ESPECIALLY WHEN DEALING WITH -- WITH LARGE TAXPAYERS, THAT MAY EXPRESS A CONCERN WITH THEIR VALUES SUBDIVISIONS WITH A TAX RATE ASSUMING A LOWER COLLECTION BECAUSE OF THE FACT THAT THERE IS BEEN AN EXPRESSED CONCERN OF HOW -- HOW THE VALUE
[01:45:04]
WAS ARRIVED TO. SO THAT PROTEST -- THAT TAXPAYER CAN TAKE YEARS TO RESOLVE. SO THAT -- THAT IS ANOTHER WAY THAT YOU CAN GO ABOUT PRESERVING THE TAX RATE.WHAT IS IMPORTANT IS TAX RATE IN THE FOWL.31 RANGE.
DROPPED TO $.2971. AND HAD TO DO WITH THE TAX VALUES. THE VALUES AT THE COUNTY HAVE BEEN GROWING PRETTY SIGNIFICANTLY AT LEVELS HIGHER THAN THE 3.5% THAT IS PRO PROVIDED BY -- THAT IS LIMIT BY ROLL-BACK RATE. LAST YEAR FROM 2022.
IT ROSE. PREVIOUS YEARS NEIGHBORHOOD OF 4.5%. ON THIS PAGE, WHAT YOU WILL SEE, WITH THESE BARS AS THEY RISE, THEY ARE RISING -- YOU LOOK AT THE BAR OF THE BLUE AND GRAY. YOU WILL SEE THAT ESCALATING BAR THAT EXCEEDS AT SOME POINT THE PAYMENT WILL BE CLOSE TO $650 0.5 MILLION. THE RED LINE IS YOUR LEVY.
YOU FOLLOW THE NEXT PAGE, YOU WILL SEE ACROSS THE TABLE THAT -- THAT THE TAX RATE THAT WE ASSUMED -- THE THIRD COLUMN FROM RIGHT TO LEFT AT 4.2 CENT. THE TAX RATE CURRENTLY COLLECTED TO PAY OFF THE DEBT. YEARS TO COME, THE SAME TAX RATE CONTINUING THAT THE VALUES WILL GROW THE WAY WE PROJECTED THIS TIME LAST YEAR, WE WILL HAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO -- TO MAKE THOSE PAYMENTS. SO WHAT WE HAVE ALSO DONE IS USE THE SAVINGS ACCOUNT ON THE RIGHT-HAND CORNER.
A LITTLE NUMBER THAT SAYS "FUND BALANCE OF THREE MILLION EIGHT." WE INTEND TO USE THAT -- THAT SAVINGS ACCOUNT FROM TIME TO TIME IN AN EFFORT TO PRESERVE THE TAX RATE AT 4.2 CENTS, ON THIS CASE REFLECTED AT POWELL.02469.
YOU CAN SEE BASED ON ASSUMPTIONS OF GROWTH.
VALUE GROWTH AND VERY CONSERVATIVE.
YOU LOOK AT '24 WHICH IS THE FOLLOWING YEAR, WE ARE LOOKING AT VALUES OF 37.6 MILLION VERSUS CURRENT 36.3.
WE ALL KNOW THAT NUMBER IS -- IS WELL EXCEEDED.
SO THE QUESTION IS, HOW DO WE AS A COURT, HOW DO THE JUDGE WILL SET THE TAX RATE IN TERMS OF WHAT WILL BE A GOOD VALUE.
AGAIN, WHAT I HAVE BEEN TOLD, TWO WAYS, EITHER ADJUST THE VALUE TO SOMETHING MORE PRACTICAL.
SOMETHING MORE -- IN A REAL FORM OR A REAL SENSE, OR YOU INCREASE, TOO, THE DELINQUENCY OR PROJECTED DELINQUENCY IN CASE THE TAXPAYER -- THE LARGE TAXPAYERS OBJECT TO THAT KIND OF A LEVY. SO I WILL STOP THERE FOR NOW.
IF ANYBODY HAS ANY QUESTIONS. >>JUDGE SCOTT: ANYBODY WANT --
>> SO THEN I WILL GO TO THE NEXT SECTION.
ON PAGE 9 OF THE -- OF THE NEXT SECT SECTION. THIS IS A REPORT THAT THE COUNTY REQUIRES TO PREPARE NOT LATER THAN SIX MONTHS AFTER THE FISCAL YEAR ENDS. SO YOU ARE AUDITS -- ONCE THE AWED RITZ PRESENTED TO US, WE PUT TOGETHER THIS -- THIS -- THIS BOOK. WE SEND IT -- OR THIS -- THIS PAMPHLET, AND WE SEND IT UP TO WASHINGTON D.C. FOR A NATIONAL DEPOSITORY OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION.
AND THAT IS PROVIDED BY LAW AND YOU BORROW MONEY IN THE PAST.
GO TO TABLE 9 IN THAT SECTION, PRETTY MUCH GIVES YOU A SUMMARY OF YOUR INCOME STATEMENT, OF YOUR FINANCIAL AUDIT REPORT.
AND IN IT, ONE OF THINGS THAT HAS BEEN EXPRESS IS A CONCERN OF HOW WILL THE COUNTY BE ABLE TO UPRIGHT COUNTY IN '24 WITH THE CHALLENGES AND PEOPLE ARE CONCERNED WITH PROTESTS AND SO ON AND SO FORTH. IN 2018, YOUR OPERATING BUDGET WAS ABOUT $82 MILLION. OF COURSE YOU HAVE TRANSFERS OUT WHICH IS REFLECTED ON THE -- ON THE NUMBERS RIGHT BELOW THAT OF
[01:50:03]
ABOUT $7 MILLION. IN '18.SO COMBINED, YOU HAD A BUDGET -- A GENERAL FUND BUDGET OF $90 MILLION BUCKS. BUT TODAY, YOU ARE MORE LIKE $106 MILLION WHEN YOU TAKE INTO ACCOUNT YOUR EXPENSE FROM 95.8.
SEPARATING TRANSFERS OUT OF $11 MILLION.
YOU ARE CLOSER TO 107. WITH THAT, GENERATING REVENUES OF $103 MILLION VERSUS $90 MILLION FIVE YEARS AGO.
WHAT THE RATING AGENCIES KEEP AN EYE ON ARE TRENDS.
KNOW WHAT -- WHERE IS MOST OF YOUR EXPENSE FOCUSED ON.
AND WE ALL KNOW THAT. THE COUNTY -- THE COUNTY GOVERNMENTS SPEND MOST OF THEIR MONEY ON LAW ENFORCEMENT AND CORRECTIONS. THE COURTS, ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE IS THE SECOND LARGEST EXPENSE AND THEN GOVERNMENT.
THE LAST THING YOU WILL WANT TO HAVE IS -- ASSUME THAT THE TAX RATE IS SET FOR -- DOES NOT ALLOW TO YOU UPRIGHT THOSE SERVICES. AND WHEN YOU TAKE INTO ACCOUNT T THAT, THEN THE ONLY OTHER THING WE CAN RELY ON IN CASE YOU DON'T GENERATE THAT REVENUE IS YOUR SAVINGS ACCOUNT, YOUR FUND BALANCE.
THAT FUND BALANCE IS REFLECTED AT THE BOTTOM.
2018, 18 MILLION 9, CLOSER TO $19 MILLION.
TODAY $25.7 MILLION. AND THAT'S -- THAT, IN OUR OPINION, A PRETTY REASONABLE SAVINGS ACCOUNT.
CAN IT BE IMPROVED? YES, IT CAN BE IMPROVED.
ARE YOU EXPECTED TO HAVE A HIGHER SAVINGS ACCOUNT THERE? THE MARKET STANDARDS AND I WILL SHOW YOU THAT IN A MINUTE.
IS THE MARKET STANDARDS, THE MARKET EXPECTATIONS EXPECT THE COUNTY TO HAVE MAYBE ANOTHER -- ANOTHER $5 MILLION IN SAVING ACCOUNT THERE. NOT EVEN HIGHER IN LIEU LIEU OF THE FACT PROXIMITY OF THE GULF AND BEING EXPOSED TO ACTS OF GOD. THAT FUND BALANCE AT THE BOTTOM SOME OF THAT IS ENCUMBERED AND DALE WILL TELL YOU THAT WILL OPERATE BUDGET AND FINANCES WILL SHOW THAT YOU THAT 25.7 MILLION IS NOT ALL AVAILABLE FUNDS. THIS IS IN THE AUDIT, THE FUNDS AVAILABLE AND SOME OF THOSE FUNDS FROM UNENCUMBERED TO SUCCEEDING MONTHS, SUCCEEDING CONTRACTS AND SO ON AND SO FORTH AND I SUSPECT THAT DALE IS GOING TO GIVE ME A HAND HERE AND GOOD EIGHT TO TEN MILLION DOLLARS WILL, ENCUMBERED OF THAT 25.
DALEY DHALZ SOUNDS AB-- >>DALE ATCHLEY: YEAH, THAT
SOUNDS ABOUT RIGHT. >> YEAH, THAT IS WHAT YOU ARE DEALING WITH. IN CASE YOU HAVE BEEN UNABLE -- YOU GO TO THE HIGHER PART OF THAT WAGE.
YOU WILL SEE A LINE ITEM WILL, PENALTY AND INTEREST OF 85.3.
THAT IS WHAT THE REVENUE COMES FROM.
PROPERTY TAXES. SO THE LAST THING YOU WANT TTO O IS NOT SET THE PROPERTY TAX RATE IN ORDER TO OPERATE THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT. AND WHEN -- WHEN YOU HAVE DISPUTES ON PROPERTY VALUES, DISPUTES ON PROPERTY TAXES.
THAT IS THE LINE YOU ARE LOOKING AT.
AND YOU DON'T WANT TO AFFECT THAT.
IN '18, YOU COLLECTED BOARD OF DIRECTORS 70 MILLION.
'22, COLLECTED $85 MILLION. I SUSPECT '23, THE YEAR WE ARE UNDER, YOU WILL BE HIGHER THAN THAT BECAUSE PROPERTY VALUES FELL. AND THE TAX ROLL WAS PRETTY MUCH SET AT AN APPROPRIATE LEVEL. SO ANY QUESTIONS THERE?
>>JUDGE SCOTT: CAN YOU EXPLAIN A LITTLE BIT NOE, ON THE FUND BALANCE. I KNOW WE HAVE ENCUMBERED PORTIONS OF IT, BUT IF YOU TRY TO USE THAT TOO MUCH TO PAIL OURSELVES OUT OF THIS SITUATION, WHAT THAT WOULD TO DO THE COUNTY'S FINANCES AND LOWERING THAT AMOUNT TOO MUCH?
>> WELL, I GUESS, WHAT WE TRY TO DO IS KIND OF GIVE YOU A PERSPECTIVE THAT THERE IS NEVER ENOUGH MONEY IN THAT SAVINGS ACCOUNT, ESPECIALLY FOR A COUNTY LIKE YOURS, WHERE YOU ARE SO EXPOSED TO THE ELEMENTS. WE HAVE -- WILL TELL YOU THIS GLOBAL WARMING, THE WATERS ARE HOTTER THAN EVER.
PEOPLE IN THE WEATHER BUSINESS TALK ABOUT HAVING STRONGER HURRICANES IF SOMETHING LIKE THAT WERE TO HAPPEN.
[01:55:02]
THAT IS WHERE YOU GO LEAN ON THE FUND BALANCES.FEMA WILL COME AND RESCUE YOU, BUT SOMETIMES -- I AM NOT GOING TO TELL YOU THIS, BUT FEMA WILL TAKE ITS TIME.
NOT LONG AGO YOU HAD A BIG EVENT THAT AFFECTED ALSO PROPERTY VALUES AT THE COUNTY. WHERE WE HAD A WIPEOUT OF A COMMUNITY THERE IN NUECES COUNTY, I BELIEVE.
AND FUND BALANCE FOR SOMEONE LIKE YOU IS EXPECTED TO BE A LITTLE HIGHER. IF YOU WERE TO USE THE FUND BALANCE IN AN EFFORT TO BALANCE YOUR BUDGET AND NOT HAVING SUFFICIENT TAX RATE, PROPERTY VALUES BEING OVER OVERVALUED AND SOMEBODY CHALLENGES AND MAY END UP IN THE DISPUTES.
IT IS A PRETTY FINICKY PROCESS FOR YOU ALL AND FUND BALANCE SHOULD BE USED AS A LAST RESORT TO BALANCE YOUR BUDGET.
WE BELIEVE STRONGLY THAT WHEN WE HAVE A DOWNGRADE OF THE COUNTY'S RATING THREE FOR FOUR YEARS AGO, HAD TO DO WITH A COUPLE OF THINGS. THE FUND BALANCE BEING DEFEATED AND LEVELS AT $25 MILLION I THINK AT ONE TIME AND THEY BROUGHT TO LEVELS OF CLOSER TO $16 MILLION OR $17 MILLION.
AT THIS TIME THE WRITING AGENCIES REACTED TO THE DROPPING OF THE CREDIT RATINGS. THE COST IS A LITTLE HIGHER AND UNCERTAIN MARKETS, THE VOLATILE MARKETS LIKE THE ONES WE ARE IN TODAY. THIS SPREAD OF A AA RATING WHICH IS THE ONE YOU HAVE VERSUS THE OO 3 CAN BE WIDER, WIDER IN THE SENSE THAT -- 4 HAD 35. IF YOU BORROW MONEY, YOU ARE NOT BORROWING MONEY ON $5 MILLION OR $10 MILLION INCREMENTS.
$25, $50 MILLION INCREMENTS HAND THIS SPREAD CAN BE COSTLY FOR YOU AND YOUR TAXPAYER. WHAT YOU ARE TRYING TO DO IS TRY TO BE I GUESS AT A POINT OF FUND BALANCE KIND OF CONSISTENT WITH WHAT THE OTHERS AROUND THE STATE ARE DOING.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: YOU THINK RIGHT NOW OUR FUND BALANCE FOR THIS YEAR ENDING 2023 WILL BE AN ADDITIONAL $5 MILLION FOR THAT
FOR -- >> I WILL SAY THAT FOR 2023, YOU GOT LITERALLY A COUPLE OF MONTHS LEFT.
AND AS WELL AS -- DON'T HAVE A SIGNIFICANT DRAWDOWN, YOU KNOW, OF TWO OR THREE NEGATIVE. WILL RATHER SEE TWO OR THREE POSITIVE. DALE WILL TELL US AND OTHERS THAT, YOU KNOW, HOW WE ARE DOING AND ANOTHER MONTH OR TWO.
I HAVEN'T SEEN YEAR-TO-DATE NUMBERS FOR THE COUNTY, BUT I EXPECT THAT BEING AS CONSERVATIVE AS YOU HAVE BEEN IN THE PAST, I AM EXPECTING A LITTLE BIT OF A SAVINGS ACCOUNT ADDED TO THAT. CAN ANYONE TELL US WHAT YOU PROJECTED TO BE FOR FUND BALANCE?
>>JUDGE SCOTT: DALE, CAN YOU ANSWER THAT?
>>DALE ATCHLEY: WE ARE DOING OUR VALUATIONS RIGHT NOW AND WILL LOOK AT THE LARGER DEPARTMENTS AND EXPENSES COMING IN.
RIGHT NOW I KNOW WE WILL HAVE AN INCREASE IN RESERVE.
RIGHT NOW ANYWHERE FROM ONE TO FIVE.
I DON'T KNOW THE EXACT AMOUNT YET, BUT ONE TO FIVE MILLION,
I GUESS THE ONLY THING THAT IS RED IN THIS COLUMN IS PROBABLY DALE'S SHIRT. I AM SORRY TO SAY THAT, BUT DALE
CAN BE VERY CONSERVATIVE. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: DALE, IS THAT WHAT YOU WERE TALKING ABOUT EARLIER, A BECAUSE OF SOME OF THE OVERAGES, PROPOSING OR MAYBE PROPOSING TO USE THAT PART OF
THE DEFICIT. >> DEFINITELY DISCUSSION WE CAN HAVE. BECAUSE WHERE INTEREST RATES ARE RIGHT NOW. WE -- WE DO INVESTMENTS AND MAKING INTEREST. AND SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF MONEY ON OUR INTEREST. THE VALUATIONS, LAST YEAR WE MADE $265,000. THIS YEAR $MILLION IN INTEREST.
AND THIS WILL COVER THE UNEXPECTED COSTS WE WEREN'T EXPECTED TO RECEIVE. AND WHAT WE WOULD LIKE TO DO FOR OUR CASE, I WOULD LIKE TO SAY HERE IS THE LEVY.
THE UNCOLLECTED AMOUNT. WHAT WE DID FOR THE PRIOR YEAR.
THIS IS WHAT THIS WILL BE. AND THIS YEAR.
[02:00:01]
AND HOW WE NEED TO ADDRESS IT. >>JUDGE SCOTT: KEEPING IN MIND AS NOE SAID, WE DON'T WANT TO SPEND ALL OF THIS WHICH IS WHY I ASKED THAT QUESTION. THANK YOU THANK YOU, NOE.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: THE PORE THING, DALE.
THIS IS ONE-TIME FIX FOR WHAT COULD BE A CONTINUING PROBLEM.
KICK THE CAN DOWN THE ROAD AND DEAL WITH IT NEXT YEAR.
BECAUSE IF THERE IS ANOTHER APPRAISAL THING AND THIS SHORT -- THIS COULD TAKE FIVE YEARS TO FIGHT IT SAND STILL HAVE CASES
-- >>DALE ATCHLEY: WE HAVE DELVED INTO OUR BUDGET HOW WE WOULD DO THIS.
NEXT YEAR AND INCREASE IN VALUATION.
AND WON'T BE AS SIGNIFICANT AS THIS YEAR.
RIGHT NOW WE ARE TALKING A $4 BILLION INCREASE.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: COME WAY DOWN.
>>DALE ATCHLEY: 1.1 AND THEN 1.2.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: 3BILLION IS BASICALLY.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: BETWEEN THE TWO OF THEM.
OH, I THOUGHT PER ONE -- >>DALE ATCHLEY: THAT IS ONE TIME. NEXT YEAR IF WE DON'T HAVE ANY INCREASE IN THAT, WE WON'T HAVE A SIGNIFICANCE BALANCE BECAUSE WON'T BE AS LARGE OF AN INCREASE.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: THE QUESTION WOULD BE -- SO YOU ARE REALLY PROJECTING MORE OF A $7 MILLION STRAIGHT-UP DEFICIT THAT
COULD BE REFUSED BY THIS. >>DALE ATCHLEY: AUTO VALUATIONS BASED ON OUR CURRENT RATE RIGHT AROUND $7 MILLION.
BUT BECAUSE OF VALUATION WITH THIS, OUR RATE IS GOING TO GO DOWN. ANYWHERE BETWEEN $3 MILLION TO
$7 MILLION. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: WITHOUT
THIS? >>DALE ATCHLEY: CORRECT.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: DEPENDING WHAT THIS COMES IN,
CAN BE USED FOR SOME, ALL OF IT. >>DALE ATCHLEY: WHATEVER THE
COURT WANTS TO DO. >>JUDGE SCOTT: ANTICIPATING NEXT YEAR, THAT WILL NOT BE WISE. I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE ALL
UNDERSTANDING -- >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: IMPORTANT TO NOTE. BECAUSE IF WE DO THAT, KICKING
THE CAN DOWN THE ROAD. >>JUDGE SCOTT: STAPLE FOR NEXT
YEAR. >>DALE ATCHLEY: PROPOSE -- WITH THE BALANCE AT THE END, WE WILL PROPOSE -- MAYBE SOME WILL BE ELIMINATED THAT COULD REDUCE OUR BUDGET LEVELS AND REDUCE OUR ACCESS AND THAT WILL COVER SOME OF THE ADDITIONAL BALANCE AND HAVE CONTINUATION. SO THAT WOULDN'T BE SOMETHING -- DEFINITELY IT WILL BE SOMETHING WE NEED TO EVALUATE.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: BECAUSE I AM --
>>JUDGE SCOTT: AND EVERY DEPARTMENT KNOWS THAT WE ARE STILL GOING TO HAVE TO MAKE CUTS.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: STEALING FROM PETER TO PAY PAUL IS NOT
WHAT I LIKE TO DO. >>JUDGE SCOTT: ME EITHER.
>>DALE ATCHLEY: WE ARE AWARE AS YOU KNOW BEFORE COVID, OUR INTEREST RATES 4%. BEFORE.
WENT FROM $4 MILLION TO $30 MILLION.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: THAT COULD HAPPEN AGAIN.
WHO KNOWS -- YEAH. >>JUDGE SCOTT: SORRY.
>> YOU TALK OF STEALING FROM PETER TO PAY PAUL.
SLIM PICKS. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: PAUL IS
ABOUT BROKE. >> NOT BROKE, BUT THEY COULD GET THERE SOON. AND A SECOND DOCUMENT THAT I SENT SEPARATELY, I THINK SO WE CAN PROPOSE THIS DOCUMENT AND HAS TO DO WITH HOW YOU RANKED BETWEEN NUECES COUNTY AND THE LARGEST OTHER 24 COUNTIES ACROSS TEXAS.
AND, YOU KNOW, THE 16TH LARGEST COUNTY IN TEXAS.
YOU HAVE RATINGS THAT ARE RIGHT THERE AT PAR WITH -- WITH EVERYONE ELSE. YOU ARE AT 15.
YEAH, THAT IS THE ONE. SO WE PUT AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE KIND OF LIKE A RANKING ROW. ANYTHING IN YELLOW YOU ARE PRETTY MUCH IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FIELD.
YOU ARE FINE. AND YOU WILL SEE PROPERTY VALUES THERE IS IN -- IN '22. AT $40 BILLION.
YOUR 15 -- IF THE VALUES THAT THEY PLACE, THAT ARE BEING ASSESSED RIGHT NOW. BEING APPRAISED RIGHT NOW COME IN AT A HIGHER LEVEL, THAT IS GOING TO MOVE THE NEEDLE FOR YOU YOU WILL HAVE TO FIND THAT A LOT OF THOSE VALUES ARE GOING UP.
COULDN'T CONTINUE AT TRADED SECTOR.
IT BECOMES AN ISSUE WITH CREDIT RATING.
AND COMMON. TEXAS WITH THE RURAL COUNTIES THAT RELY ON -- ON OIL AND GAS. AND GOES UP IN VALUE.
HAND THIS CAN PRESENT SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGES FOR
[02:05:03]
PEOPLE LIKE YOURSELVES WHO ARE TRYING TO PROVIDE A VERY SEAMLESS PROCESS OF TAX RATES SETTING AND PROPERTY VALUES.SO THERE, THE ONLY THING THAT IS FAVORABLE IS TO CONSIDER STRONGER THAN NORMAL, BUT YOU LOOK AT THE NEXT COLUMNS.
$166 MILLION OF 2022. THIS YEAR GOING TO BE LESS.
AND WILL CONTINUE TO PAY THAT OFF AND LESS AND LESS AND LESS.
YOU LOOK THE NEXT COLUMN, PERCENTAGES, .42.
GO BACK TO THE MIDDLE OF THE FIELD.
YOU HAVE A LITTLE BIT AND STILL PRETTY MUCH IN MIDDLE OF THE PARK. IF PROPERTY VALUE GOES UP, THAT NUMBER WILL GO DOWN. AND THUS PUT NEW A FINANCIAL POSITION. AND YOU LOOK AT THE PERCENTAGE -- -- PER CAPITA IS -- ON THE NEXT PAGE.
THE NEXT PAGE THE ONLY THING IN RED IS EXACTLY WHAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT, JUDGE YOUR FUND BALANCE.
YOUR FUND BALANCE RIGHT NOW AS WE REFLECTED EARLIER IN THE PREVIOUS DOCUMENT. $25.7 MILLION.
AND THE 24TH COUNTY THATS THAT THAT KIND OF A NUMBER IN OTHER WORDS, 23 OTHER COUNTIES WITH A STRONGER FUND BALANCE THAN YOURS. YOU LOOK AT A PERCENT OF REVENUE ARE IT STILL AT 24. SO WHEN YOU SAY YOU HAVE MORE SAVINGS HAND THIS WILL BE GOOD. YES, THAT WILL BE GOOD.
YOU NEED TO BE. AND WHEN I TELL YOU NEED TO BE A GOOD 5 MILLION BETTER. AS YOU AND I NKNOW SOMETIMES EASIER TO SPEND THE MONEY THAN TO ACCUMULATE IT.
ONE OF THE THINGS THAT HITS HARD IN GOVERNMENT.
IN GOVERNMENT POLICY IS ACCUMULATING TOO 67 OF A RESERVE AND TAKES TIME TO BUILD. THAT IS WHY WHEN YOU HAVE THE DOWNGRADE, THAT THE DOWN GRADE WAS A COMBINATION OF NOT SETTING UP ENOUGH TAX RATE FOR FUND BALANCE.
WE CORRECTED THAT. WE CAN DO BETTER AND MORE OF THAT CORRECTION. WHAT IS IN VERY STRONG GREEN, ABOUT WE GO FORWARD TO -- GO FORWARD TO THE LEFT.
YOU WILL SEIZURES INDUCTIONS MEANING ALL THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS, COMMUNITY COLLEGE, THE CITY.
NUMBER 9. IN OTHER WORDS, CORPUS CHRISTI DOES NOT HAVE IN THE EYES OF -- OF LENDERS.
THEY ARE NOT TOO CONCERNED OF A PERCENTAGE AND 5. 2%, WHICH IS STILL NUMBER TEN COMPARED TO OTHERS.
AND TAX RATE IS PRETTY STRONG AT A .24.
THERE ARE VERY FEW COUNTIES WITH A LOWER TAX RATE THAN YOURS IN OUR FREQUENT. INS, IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FIELD LIKE WE SAID EARLIER IN THE PREVIOUS PAGE.
PRETTY MIDDLE OF THE FIELD. ON THE TOTAL TAX RATE WHICH IS THE 29.16 RATE. YOU ARE NUMBER FIVE.
FOUR OTHER COUNTIES IN THE STATE WITH A BETTER TAX RATE THAN YOURS. THEY ARE DALLAS, TARRANT, COLLIN COUNTY IN DALLAS WHERE PLANO IS, AND -- WHO ELSE AM I MISS SOMET SOMETHING IN THAT WAS IT, I GUESS. THREE OR FOUR COUNTIES.
SO BASICALLY YOU ARE IN A VERY STRONG POSITION THERE AS FAR AS RATES. MOVE OUT ONE PENNY -- OR TWO PENNIES -- NOT THAT I AM SUGGESTING YOU DO THAT, YOU GET REALLY QUICKLY TO THE NUMBER TEN SLOT.
YOU ARE RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE WHERE YOU WANT TO BE AS FAR AS TAX RATES. AND PROPERTY VALUES GROW.
THAT WILL HELP YOU IN GETTING A MMORE GENERAL FUND REVENUE WHIC IS $103 MILLION. THERE HAS BEEN A BIG ISSUE ACROSS THE COUNTRY OF UNFUNDED PENSION ABILITIES.
THE COUNTY CONTINUES TO BE PRETTY STRONG THERE.
SO IT IS PRETTY MINIMAL AND SEEMS LIKE YOUR PENSION FUND IS ACTING WELL. HAND THIS PRETTY MUCH COMPLETES
EVERYTHING FROM MY PERSPECTIVE. >>JUDGE SCOTT: ANY OTHER QUESTIONS, COMMISSIONERS? ANY COMMENTS?
[02:10:05]
I KNOW WE HAVE A LOT TO DO. THIS IS A CHALLENGE FOR US ALL.IT IS AN UNPRECEDENTED TIME. THIS INFORMATION WE SEEM TO BE GETTING FROM THE TAX APPRAISAL SERVICE WILL MAKE IT A LOT EASY AND WE WILL SEE A LOT EASIER BECAUSE ALTHOUGH IT MAKES IT LITTLE EASIER, STILL HAVE TO BE PRUDENT AND WE HAVE TO MOVE FORWARD AND MAKE CUTS AND COMPARE FOR THE NEXT YEAR AND THE YEAR AFTER. AND HURRICANE OR ANYTHING ELSE THING IS A GREAT PRESENTATION AND I THINK GOING FORWARD AND EVERYTHING THAT WE HAVE TO DECIDE IN THE NEXT FEW COUPLE OF MONTHS BASICALLY, THE NEXT FEW WEEKS.
WE THANK YOU VERY MUCH. I KNOW YOU WERE HERE BEFORE AND YOU DIDN'T GET TO TALK TO US. I APPRECIATE YOU TAKING THE
ANYTHING THAT WE CAN DO AS A TEAM, AS A FIRM, TO HELP YOU WITH THE BUDGET PROCESS AND SETTING A TAX RATE, WE STAND AT
YOUR CALL. >>JUDGE SCOTT:I COMMISSIONER
CHESNEY. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: YOU NEED TO LOOK AT AND REMEMBER WE HAVE 14 PEOPLE THAT ARE FUNDED ON ARPA FUNDS THAT IT BE EVENTUALLY WILL BE PUT OUT AND THAT NEEDS TO BE PUT THE LIST BECAUSE WE NEED TO MAKE DECISIONS ON THOSE POSITIONS AND WHAT THAT WOULD ADD TO THE DEFICIT AS WELL BECAUSE WE ARE -- WE ARE FAST QUICKLY RUNNING OUT OF ARPA FUNDS. IF YOU CAN INCLUDE THAT IN YOUR
ANALYSIS. >>DALE ATCHLEY: MOST DEFINITELY.
WITH THAT AS WELL AS OTHER -- WE ARE WORK REQUESTING THE
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT. >> YEAH, THAT IS A WHOLE ANOTHER
-- YEAH. >>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: COULD BE ONE YEAR. IT COULD BE TWO YEARS.
DEPENDS HOW WE LOOK AT IT. >>DALE ATCHLEY: WE JUST HAD -- WENT BACK IN 2018. THEY SAW FOR THREE OR FOUR YEARS. AND DON'T KNOW THE EXACT AMOUNT OF THAT YET. SO THAT WILL BE A LITTLE EXTERNAL REVENUE COMING IN SOON. BUT VALERO IS FIGHTING FROM '18 TO '22. AND COULD TAKE ANYWHERE FROM
FIVE TO SEVEN YEARS. >>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: AROUND ARPA FUNDS FOR THE EMPLOYEES. ONE OR TWO YEARS.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: IF WE HAVE ANY MONEY LEFT.
>>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: EITHER-OR.
>>COMMISSIONER MAREZ: NOE, IF YOU WERE STILL THERE.
>> YES, SIR. >>COMMISSIONER MAREZ: THANK YOU FOR ALWAYS PROVIDING VERY THOROUGH REPORTS.
EVERY PRESENTATION THAT YOU GIVE US, WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE TAXABLE APPRAISAL VALUES, MMO AND INS. IF YOU BREAK IT DOWN BY EACH COUNTY, TOP 25, AND SHOW US WHERE NUECES COUNTY RANKS.
IT IS EYE OPENING AND AFFIRM INNING IN SOME AREAS WE ARE DOING WELL. EYE-OPENER OTHERS WHERE WE NEED TIME PROVE. WE ALWAYS -- I WON'T SAY "ALWAYS" BUT WHEN I FIRST GOT ON THE COMMISSIONERS COURT.
WE WERE MUCH LOWER. AND WORKED OUR WAY UP TO THAT.
THE NUMBERS COMING IN, $35 MILLION, WE ARE GOOD.
WHERE WE RANKED COMPARED TO THE TOP 25, WE ARE AT 24.
WE HAVE SOME WORK TO DO THERE HAND THIS MAY NOT BE THE YEAR TO DO IT, WE EXIST AT A DIFFICULT TIME.
COMPARED TO OTHER AREAS THAT WE ARE DOING MUCH BETTER GIVES US A CHANCE TO SHOW THE PUBLIC BLACK AND WHITE WHERE WE STAND WITH THESE NUMBERS AND NO WAY TO SPIN THEM ONE WAY OR THE OTHER.
IF THEY ARE NOT DOING WELL IN CERTAIN AREAS LIKE THE GENERAL FUND BALANCE, BUT SHOW SOME OF THE OF THE AREAS WITH THE TOP FIVE, TOP TEN THOSE ARE THE AREAS WE NEED TO BRING TO THE PUBLIC'S ATTENTION AND HOW WE LOOK AT APPROACHING OUR BUDGET AND HOW WE HAND ISLE THEM OVER THE YEARS BASED ON THE AUDITOR'S DEPARTMENT AND BASED ON WHAT THE DECISIONS THE COURT HAS MADE.
NOT TO PAT OURSELVES IN THE BACK, BUT A REMINDER OF WHERE WE STAND. YOUR ANALYSIS IS ONE OF THE MOST THOROUGH WE EVER GET ON A REGULAR BASIS.
I KNOW YOU COME BEFORE US. IF IT NEEDED TWO OR THREE TIMES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR AND THIS IS ALWAYS REFRESHING TO REMIND US WHERE WE STAND. AND THAT IS HELPFUL FOR US GOING
INTO THIS BUDGET PROCESS. >> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER MAREZ, I THINK FROM TIME TO TIME, ON -- DON'T KISS COUNT YOUR FOCUS EFFORTS AND DO THE BEST WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH WHAT YOU GOT. I THINK IT IS FAIR TO SAY SOMETIMES WE GET IN OUR OWN LITTLE BOX AND SOMETIMES IT IS OKAY TO GET YOU OUT SIDE OF THE BUS.
AND AT THE TEND OF THE DAY, THAT IS WHAT THE INVESTOR LENDING YOU
[02:15:07]
MONEY FOR CAPITAL PROJECTS IS LOOKING AT.IF I CARE ABOUT CAPITAL PRESERVATION, WELL, I WANT TO PUT MY MONEY, RIGHT NOW WHERE I CAN GET REPAID, RIGHT.
AND YOU GUYS HAVE DONE DURING SOME VERY DIFFICULT TIMES IN THE PAST, AND GOD FORBID IN THE FUTURE YOU DO THE BEST YOU CAN WITH WHAT YOU GOT. THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY FOR GIVING US OVER THE YEARS TO BE A PURCHASE TO YOU.
>>COMMISSIONER HERNANDEZ: I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU BECAUSE YOU ALWAYS EXPLAIN EVERYTHING WELL TO US AND WHERE IT IS EASIER AT LEAST FOR ME TO UNDERSTAND WHERE YOU ARE COMING FROM.
AND YOU ARE TRYING TO TELL US AND I AM SURE THE PUBLIC ALSO APPRECIATES THAT PAUSE THEY ALSO UNDERSTAND.
SO THANK YOU FOR THAT. AND I APPRECIATE YOU.
THANK YOU, SIR. >> THANK YOU, SIR.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: WE WILL LET YOU LEAVE NOW.
APPRECIATE IT. >> THANK YOU, JUDGE.
HAVE A GREAT AFTERNOON. STAY COOL, PLEASE.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: COMMISSIONER CHESNEY ASKED IF I COULD MOVE UP
[12. Discuss and consider allocating $20,000 to the Nueces County Veterans Services Department for Wreaths Across America Veterans program for 2024-2025 from Precinct 4 ARPA funds and all related matters.]
ITEMS 12 AND 123, BECAUSE WE HAVE PEOPLE BACK THERE WAITING ITEM 12, DISCUSS AND CONSIDER ALLOCATING $20,000 TO THE NUECES COUNTY VETERANS SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOR WREATHES ACROSS AMERICA VETERAN PROGRAM FOR 2024-2025 ARPA FUNDS.>>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: SET UP A FUND FOR THEM.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: WE DID IT FOR ONE YEAR.
I AM DOING THIS SO THEY CAN BE TAKEN CARE OF FOR THE NEXT TWO YEARS SO WE DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT IT.
I AM HAPPY TO DO THAT. AND I WILL MAKE THAT MOTION TO
PASS THAT. >>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: SECOND.
>>COMMISSIONER HERNANDEZ: S SECOND.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: EVERYONE IS FOLLOWING DO IT.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: WE DON'T HAVE ANY EXTRA MONEY.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: A MOTION AND A SECOND.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: I DON'T WANT TO PUT ANYTHING EXTRA IN THE BUDGET BUT I WANT TO MAKE SURE THESE PROJECTS ARE FUNDED ESPECIALLY WHILE WE ARE MOVING DOWN THE ROAD WITH UNCERTAIN
BUDGET YEARS. >>COMMISSIONER MAREZ: AND CAN WE -- DO WE HAVE TO HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL FUNDING THAT -- I WOULD LIKE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THAT.
I THINK -- TO SUPPORT THAT. MAYBE SPLIT IT WITH YOU OR ADD SO HE CAN WITH AT LEAST ADD A COUPLE MORE YEARS WE HAVE THAT 2026 STOP, AT LEAST ON THE ARPA FUNDING.
WIPE LIKE TO HELP WITH BOTH OF THOSE ITEMS IF IT MEANS OF SPLITTING UP THE COST WITH THE COMMISSIONER OR ADDS MORE, I
WOULD LIKE TO DO THAT. >>JUDGE SCOTT: ON THE SECOND WE WILL TALK ABOUT IT, BECAUSE IT WILL CHANGE INTO A DIFFERENT --
A DIFFERENT BRACKET. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: THE 20
-- SO -- >>JUDGE SCOTT: NOT THE 20.
HIS TALK ON THE SECOND ONE, ITEM 13.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: TO NUECES COUNTY VETERANS SERVICE DEPARTMENT IF JOHN WANTS TO ADD 20,000 FOR 2026.
THAT IS FINE BECAUSE NOT GOING TO THE OUTSIDE GROUP.
>> THROUGH THE VETERANS DEPARTMENT.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: YOU CAN ADD 20,000 YOU WANTED TO, JOHN ROAR FOR '26 AND THREE YEARS OF COVERAGE THAT WE KNOW.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: THAT IS AS FAR AS WE CAN GO BECAUSE IT ALL NEEDS
TO BE SPENT BY '26. >> THAT WOULD BE GREAT, COMMISSIONER. EVERY YEAR THE ANNUAL WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA CEMETERY. AND MEANS MORE WREATH EVERY SINGLE YEAR AND THAT WOULD BE GREAT.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: HAPPY TO AMEND MY MOTION TO ACCEPT COMMISSIONER MAREZ'S 20,000 FOR THE YEAR 2026.
IF THAT IS WHAT HE WANTS TO DO WITH THE ARPA FUND.
>>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: YOU CAN PUT ME INTO IT.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: BUT Y'ALL --
>>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: I THOUGHT IT WAS PART OF THE BUDGET. IF IT IS NOT GOING TO BE PART OF
THE BUDGET. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: YOU HAVE GIVEN TO THE VFWS. I TRIED TO GIVE IT -- WE COULDN'T LOCATE ONE OF THE VFWS IN MY PRECINCT.
I WANT TO SPEND MONEY FOR THE VETERANS.
IF YOU WANT TO DO IT, GREAT. YOU ALL HAVE DONE YOUR SHARE.
ME PLAYING CATCH-UP BECAUSE I WASN'T ABLE TO FIND A VFW TO SUPPORT LIKE YOU DID IN THE PRECINCT.
>> THE MOTION WILL BE YOU WILL BE ALLOCATING 20 --
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: I WILL BE ALLOCATING $20 FOR '24 AND '25. AND COMMISSIONER MAREZ FOR '26.
OR -- YEAH, JUST TO KEEP IT SIMPLE.
I THINK SOMEONE SECONDED THAT. >>JUDGE SCOTT: WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND. SEVERAL PEOPLE SECONDED IT.
JOHN MAREZ. ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
[13. Discuss and consider allocating ARPA Precinct 4 funds in the amount of $49,500 as a one time allocation to the Veterans Band of Corpus Christi Non-Profit and related matters. ]
>> THANK YOU, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: WE APPRECIATE THE PROGRAM.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: NEXT ITEM, ITEM 13, DISCUSS AND CONSIDER ALLOCATING ARPA PRECINCT 4 FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $49,500
[02:20:05]
ONE-TIME ALLOCATION TO THE VETERANS BAND OF CORPUS CHRISTI NONPROFIT AND RELATED MATTERS .THIS HAS TO STAY?>> HAS TO STAY UNDER THE $50,000 THRESHOLD.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: UNLESS YOU WANTED TO SPLIT THE 49.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: SAME CONCEPT.
I AM HAPPY TO SPLIT AND I CHECKED WITH JJ, TO FIND SOME MONEY TO PUT TOWARD THE VETERAN ORGANIZATIONS AND HE CAME UP WITH THIS. AND HE IS HERE AND WE KNOW THAT RAND CHAVEZ AND THE VETERANS BAND PROVIDED TO US FOR DECADES. I AM HAPPY TO DO THAT AND MAKE SURE TO GET THIS DONE IN AN EASIER WAY THAN GOING THROUGH THE PROVEN PROFIT APPLICATION FUNDING AND ALL THAT.
I WOULD DO IT THIS WAY. >> WE DO NEED A -- THAT IS MANDATORY WHERE IT LAGS ON TIME AS FAR AS RECEIVING THAT.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: I WILL MAKE THE ALLOCATION.
YOU ALL FIGURE OUT THE PAPERWORK AND ASSUME OF THE COURT TO APPROVE IT. THE COURT APPROVES IT IS STRONGLY AND THEIR EFFORTS TO SUPPORT VETERANS WITH THIS AND EVERYTHING ELSE THAT THE COMMISSIONER AND THE JUDGE HAS DONE. IF THIS COURT HAVEN'T EXPRESSED ITS SUPPORT FOR VETERANS. I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH MORE WE CAN DO. NEVER DO ENOUGH FOR THE VETERANS FOR EVERYTHING THEY HAVE DONE FOR OUR COUNTRY.
AND I KNOW WE SHARE IN EVERY VOTE THAT WE TAKE.
THIS WILL BE COME AGO OUT OF MY FUNDS, COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ, HERNANDEZ, MAREZ AND JUDGE SCOTT, THIS IS JUST AN ALLOCATION THAT COMES FROM MY PARTICULAR FUNDS, BUT EVERYTHING THAT WE DO UP HERE IS A VOTE OF SUPPORT FOR THE VETERANS AND I WILL MAKE THE MOTION TO PASS THAT.
IF ANYONE ELSE WANTS TO TALK. >> WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
ANY OPPOSED, SAME SIGN. MOTION PASSES FOR MR. CHAVEZ.
>> THANK YOU, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.
I JUST WANTED TO SAY COMMISSIONER MAREZ, BOURBON 360 IS STILL WORKING ON THEIRS. YOU MAY STILL HAVE THAT
OPPORTUNITY. >>COMMISSIONER MAREZ: THANK YOU,
JUDGE. >>JUDGE SCOTT: THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. ON BEHALF OF OUR 40-MEMBER ROSTER, I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR THIS WONDERFUL FUNDING.
YOU KNOW, WE ARE ON OUR 38TH YEAR.
AND A LOT OF PEOPLE MAY NOT BE AWARE.
THEY JUST SEE US. THEY JUST SEE THE FUN PART.
WHAT THEY DON'T REALIZE THAT OVER 20 YEARS AGO, THE CITY GAVE US A HOUSE AT HERITAGE PARK WHICH IS THE REHEARSAL ROOM.
WE HAVE TO MAINTAIN IT. THAT IS GOING TO HELP US.
YOU WE ALWAYS PAY OUR BILL, BUT MOSTLY WITH PRAYERS.
AND WE HAVE EQUIPMENT TRUCK, DONE OF YOUR MEMBERS DONATE FOR 38 YEARS THREE DIFFERENT TRUCKS. WE GIVE A TIRE -- AND HELPS US.
THE ROCHELLE FOUNDATION. WE REQUESTED -- CALLED THEM ONE DAY AND GAVE US 16,000 FOR A VAN.
WE DO HAVE TO MAINTAIN INSURANCE ON AND DOESN'T CARRY 16.
EIGHT WITH A BARITONE, TUBA, BUT IT HELPS US.
THE PLEA BEING THAT WE DO HAVE ENOUGH FOR REPLACEMENT.
HAND THIS IS GOING TO HELP US. SO WE WANT YOU NO KNOW THAT IT IS A GREAT TIME. BECAUSE WE ALWAYS PAY OUR BILLS, BUT WITH A LOT OF PRAYING. WHEN YOU STOP PRAYING -- WHEN EVERYONE STOPS PRAYING. BUT I WANT TO THANK YOU.
EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU BECAUSE YOU ALWAYS CONTINUED TO SUPPORT VETERANS AND THAT'S WHY WE ARE HERE.
THE WITHIN WE ARE HERE 30 YEARS, WE HAVE DONE A LOT OF GOOD THINGS AND A LOT OF RIGHT THINGS.
AND WE THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEART.
PLEASE ALWAYS CALL. WE ARE ALWAYS HERE.
I DIDN'T BRING THE VAN. WE ARE NONSTOP AND WE PLAN OUTSIDE OUR FUNERAL FOR -- IT WAS PREPRETTY HOT.
AND I DON'T KNOW HOW LONG IT WILL TAKE TO -- BY MYSELF.
THEY HAVE BEEN TEXTING ME ALL MORNING.
HOW IS IT GOING, IT IS GOING. I WANT TO THANK ON BEHALF OF THE VETERANS VAN AND PLEASE COME BY TO SEE US WHEN WE PERFORM.
WE WILL BE PERFORMING TOMORROW AT A NURSING HOME.
CLOSE TO -- THE VETERANS -- MAJORITY OF VETERANS AND SATURDAY WE WILL BE SOMEWHERE. AND MONDAY IN THE -- SIMILAR THINGS AND NEXT WEEK, WE GO -- WE ARE GOING TO TAKE A BREAK WITH THE THREE WEEKS AND DO MINOR THINGS.
BECAUSE WE HAVE BEEN GOING ON IN STOP.
[02:25:03]
WE HAVE BEEN GOING ON IN STOP. WE NEVER CANCELLED AN EVENT.WE WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT EITHER BY WEATHER OR BY UNANIMOUS DECISION. WE WILL CONTINUE AND WE ARE STILL GOING STRONG. JUST TO LET YOU KNOW.
IN NOVEMBER WE HAVE -- WE HAVE THREE BANDS.
AND TWO MORE -- IN THE EVENING THE CORPUS CHRISTI SYMPHONY
OOSHG STRAW ALONGSIDE. >>JUDGE SCOTT: COOL.
>> SO MANY THINGS HAPPENING THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, BUT WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW HOW STRONG WE ARE STILL GOING ON 38 YEARS.
AND GOD BLESS YOU. AND YOU GUYS.
I DON'T KNOW HOW DO YOU IT. TOUGH SITTING BACK THERE AND WATCHING YOU. CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR JOB, EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU AND YOUR STAFF.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: THANK YOU FOR EVERYIN EVERYTHING THAT YOU AND YOUR BAND HAVE DONE. YOU ARE THE HEART AND SOUL OF THAT. A LOT OF PEOPLE GO INTO THAT.
THE COURT IS SUPER HAPPY TO SUPPORT YOU.
[5. Discuss and consider selection of International Consulting Engineers for Engineering Services, under Master Services Contract No. 20230259-4/26 (RFQ 3232-23), for the following ARPA-funded projects: 1. Tierra Grande 2. Belk Lane]
>>COMMISSIONER HERNANDEZ: SELL TER FI.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: BACK TO ITEM NUMBER 25 DISCUSS AND CONSIDER SELECTION OF INTERNATIONAL CONSULTING ENGINEERING FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES UNDER THE MASTER SERVICE CONTRACT.
COME GONZALEZ, THIS IS YOURS. >>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: I MAKE
A MOTION TO WE APPROVE. >>JUDGE SCOTT: DO WE HAVE A
SECOND. >>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: OF INTERNATIONAL CONSULTING ENGINEERS AND REMEMBER READY TO MOVE FORWARD ON TIERRA GRANDE AND BELK LANE.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: A MOTION AND A SECOND.
[6. Discuss and consider selection of Govind Development, LLC for Engineering Services under Master Service Contract No. 20230259-4/26 (RFQ 3232-23) for the ARPA-funded Project, Amistad Veterans Memorial Park improvements.]
ANY OTHER DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.OPPOSED, SAME SIGN. THE MOTION PASSES.
THANK YOU. ITEM NUMBER 6 IS THE SAME, DISCUSS AND CONSIDER SELECTION OF GOVIND DEVELOPMENT.
>>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: JUDGE, I WANT TO TABLE FOR THE NEXT
MEETING. >>JUDGE SCOTT: TABLE FOR THE
NEXT MEETING. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: SECOND.
>>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: SOME THINGS TO ADD.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: MOTION AND A SECOND.
ALL IN FAVOR OF TABLING TO THE NEXT MEETING.
SAY AYE. YOU ARE TALKING THE SECOND MEETING NEXT MONTH? OR THE NEXT MEETING.
>>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: FIRST MEETING IN AUGUST.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: SECOND HIS MOTION FOR NEXT MEETING IN
AUGUST. >>JUDGE SCOTT: JUST AS A NOTE FOR US, COMMISSIONERS, AND OUR OFFICES, WHEN WE TABLE SOMETHING LIKE THAT, I THINK WE -- WE MISSED ONE LAST TIME.
WHEN WE TABLE IT, IT GOES BACK IN -- IF YOU PRESENT IT AN ITEM, PLEASE HAVE YOUR STAFF REACH OUT AND REPRESENT THAT ITEM SO IT DOESN'T GET LEFT OFF OF THE NEXT MEETING AS WELL.
IT HELPS US PAUSE A LOT OF THINGS THAT GET MOVED AROUND AND
[7. Discuss and consider selection of Ardurra Group Inc. for Engineering Services under Master Services Contract No. 20230306-5/10 (RFQ 3222-22) for the following Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)-funded projects: 1. Golden Acres Drainage 2. Colonias Septic Tank Study and Rehabilitation Phase I 3. Colonias Septic Tank Rehabilitation Phase II]
WE ARE TRYING TO WATCH AND BRING EVERYTHING UP.BUT IT HELPS US A LOT. >>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: NUMBER 7, I WILL GO AHEAD TO MOVE TO TABLE 7-1 ONLY.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: 7-1. >>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: WE CAN
NOTE ON 2 AND 3. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: SECOND.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: A MOTION AND A SECOND TO TABLE ITEM 7-1.
ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE. ANY OPPOSED, SAME SIGN.
THE MOTION WAS. >>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: MAKE A
MOTION TO APPROVE 2 AND 3 OF 7. >>COMMISSIONER MAREZ: SECOND.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: A MOTION AND A SECOND TO APPROVE 7-2 AND 7-3.
[8. Discuss and consider selection of International Consulting Engineers (ICE) for Engineering Services under Master Services Contract No. 20230307-5/10 (RFQ No. 3222-22) for the following Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)-funded projects: 1. Tierra Grande 2. Petronila Estates 3. Belk Lane]
ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE. OPPOSED, SAME SIGN.MOTION PASSES. >>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: NUMBER 8, JUDGE, I WANT TO MAKE A MOTION THAT WE TABLE NUMBER 8-3.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: TO NEXT MEETING, SECOND.
>>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: AUGUST 9.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: MAKE SURE YOUR OFFICE REPRESENTS.
A MOTION AND A SECOND TO TABLE ITEM 8- 3.
ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, SAY AYE. >>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: MOVE TO
APPROVE ITEMS 1 AND 2 OF 8. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: SECOND.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: A MOTION AND A SECOND TO APPROVE ITEM 8-1 AND 2. ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
OPPOSED, SAME SIGN. MOTION PASSES.
[9. Discuss and consider selection of International Consulting Engineers (ICE) for engineering and construction rehabilitation of CR 18 Bridge located at the intersection of CR 18 and CR65, and other related matters.]
THANK YOU. MOVING ON TO ITEM NUMBER 9, DISCUSS AND CONSIDER SELECTION OF INTERNATIONAL CONSULTING ENGINEERS FOR ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION REHABILITATION OF COUNTY ROAD 18 BRIDGE LOCATED AT THE INTERSECTION OF COUNTY ROAD 18 AND COUNTY ROAD 65 AND OTHER RELATED MATTERS.>>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: THIS IS MY ITEM.
I DON'T KNOW IF JUAN -- JUAN WAS GOING TO BE HERE.
BUT ANYWAY, THIS IS A BRIDGE THAT IS IN MY AREA, PRECINCT 2.
AND TXDOT. OWNS THE TOP PART OF THE BRIDGE WHICH IS THE ROAD, ANDER IN GOING TO FIX IT, BUT PROBABLY
[02:30:03]
WON'T BE UNTIL TWO YEARS. AND IF IT FALLS, IT WILL BE BECAUSE OF THE BOTTOM. THE BOTTOM OF THE BRIDGE IS DETERIORATING AND IT CAN DOT SENT A LETTER TO PUBLIC WORKS THAT IT NEEDS TO BE FIXED. AND THAT WE -- BECAUSE THIS BRIDGE -- THE BOTTOM OF THE BRIDGE ACTUALLY BELONGS TO DRAINAGE DISTRICT NUMBER 2. AND WE HAVE -- WE HAVE DOCUMENTATION THAT IT DOES. SO I AM TRYING TO WORK WITH -- WITH DRAINAGE DISTRICT TO FIX IT, BUT IT IS TAKING TOO LONG.AND SOMETHING HAPPENS, IT WILL FALL BACK ON ME SINCE I AM THE COMMISSIONER IN THE PRECINCT. THEY WILL SAY YOU SHOULD HAVE DONE SOMETHING ABOUT IT. THE PROBLEM RIGHT NOW, PUBLIC WORKS HAS BLOCKED IT OFF AND USED BARRICADES, THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE FARMERS CONTINUE TO REMOVE THE BARRICADES TO GET THROUGH THERE. AND DON'T PUT THE BARRICADES BACK, IF SOMETHING HAPPENS, IT WILL FALL BACK ON US.
SO I HAVE GOT -- I MET WITH TERESA AND WE TALKED ABOUT THIS.
I HAVE MONIES THAT I WANT TO USE MY MONIES TO REREPAIR THE BOTTOM OF THE BRIDGE AND EVENTUALLY MAYBE SUBMIT AN INVOICE US TO DRAINAGE DISTRICT NUMBER 2 TO SEE IF THEY WILL REIMBURSE US FOR THE EXPENSES. WHICHEVER IT IS, I MEAN, WE NEED TO MOVE FORWARD ON IT BEFORE SOMETHING HAPPENS OUT THERE.
JUAN, YOU WITH A TONIGHT GIVE THE CONTEXT.
>> YES, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS, GOOD MORNING.
YEAH, THE INSPECT FROM TXDOT APPROXIMATELY A COUPLE OF MONTHS. AND AT BRIDGE WAS CLOSED A MONTH AND A HALF AND REPAIRS NEED TO BE DONE AND LIKE THE COMMISSIONER SAID, THIS NEEDS TO GET FIXED SO WE CAN OPEN IT UP TO THE CONSTITUENTS UP THERE AND PEOPLE WHO ARE CALLING ABOUT TO OPEN UP THE BRIDGE. AND WE HAVE CONSTITUENTS WITH
CONCERNS OF HAVING ACCESS. >>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: SORRY,
JUDGE. >>JUDGE SCOTT: GO AHEAD.
SORRY GO MINNESOTA GONZALEZ REALLY THE ISSUE HERE IS -- WE HAVE WAITING FOR JUAN TO GUT THIS DONE WITH DISTRICT DRAINAGE DISTRICT NUMBER 2. EVENTUALLY THEY WILL, BUT WE HAVE GOT SOME DOCUMENTATION THAT THE BRIDGES WERE DRIVEN TO DRAINAGE DISTRICT 2 AND COUNTY JUDGE -- SHOWS -- PAP SHOWS THEY OWNED 160 BRIDGES BUT REALLY JUST LIKE 60 BRIDGES.
ONE OF THOSE BRIDGES THAT IS ON THE CHANNEL, ON THE DRAINAGE THAT BELONGS TO THEM THAT -- SO -- SO ANYWAY.
I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT NOTHING HAPPENS BEFORE IF THE COMMISSIONERS COURT APPROVES IT OR NOT.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: I ABSOLUTELY AGREE WITH YOU, COMMISSIONER AND THE SAFETY ISSUE. IT IS IN THE COUNTY.
THE ONLY STIPULATION I WAS TOLD ABOUT THIS AND MAYBE WE PASSED WITH THAT STIPULATION IS OUR INTERLOCAL WITH THEM HAVE EXPIRED. WE WILL HAVE TO DO ANOTHER ONE TO SEND THEM AN INVOICE FOR THEM TO PAY, BUT I DO BELIEVE -- AND THE URGENCY OF MIXING SOMETHING THAT IS OUT THERE.
I KNOW, AS YOU SAID THIS MORNING, THERE IS.
>>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: FOR US TO REIMBURSE THEM.
SO -- SO THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WILL BE FOR US TO DO THE -- FOR US TO DO THE REPAIRS TO REIMBURSE US.
>> OKAY, WE ARE -- WE HAVE BEEN CIRCULATING SEVERAL INTERLOCAL AGREEMENTS THROUGH THE PAST YEAR OR TWO IN THIS AREA.
I AM NOT SURE WHAT WE ARE CIRCULATING COVERS THIS PARTICULAR BRIDGE. DO WE HAVE AN IDENTIFIER FOR
THIS BRIDGE BY NUMBER? >>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: I THINK
IT IS 25. >> 25? OKAY, WE CAN WORK WITH DD 2 AND SEE IF THEY ARE WILLING TO ENTER INTO THAT AGREEMENT. AND YOU ARE SAYING THAT THE REPAIRS ARE CONTINGENT UPON THEM ENTERING INTO THAT AGREEMENT,
CORRECT? >>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: NO.
[02:35:01]
I AM SAYING WE ARE GOING TO DO THE REPAIRS WHETHER THEY AGREE OR NOT. WE NEED TO DO THE REPAIRS.>> OKAY, SO WE NEED TO LOOK AT THE ISSUE OF THE COUNTY DOING THE REPAIRS ON WHAT IS WE KNOW TO BE DD 2 PROPERTY.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: WHOSE PROPERTY IS IT AGAIN?
>> DRAINAGE DISTRICT 2. WOULDN'T THAT AGREEMENT IN PLACE, WE MAY HAVE SOME -- SOME --
>>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: THEY DON'T CLAIM IT, THEY KEEP
TELLING ME IT IS NOT THEIRS. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: WELL THEN, DO WE NEED TO -- DO WE NEED TO -- NOT ANNEX IT -- WE CAN'T ANNEX. WAY TO IMMINENT DOMAIN IT WHERE IT BECOMES OURS. MAYBE THEY WILL GIVE IT US TO SINCE THEY DON'T WANT IT ANYWAY. IF WE ARE GOING TO BE PAYING FOR IT AND SOUNDS LIKE WE WILL BE KEEPING IT UP.
>> JUST AN FYI, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS, THIS BRIDGE WILL REPLACED TXDOT. 100 HERE TO REPLACE A YEAR, YEAR AND A HALF. A RESOLUTION THAT PASSED LAST MONTH. AND THE BRIDGE -- IT IS ALREADY IN THE DESIGN PROCESS. AND THE TIME THEY DESIGN IT AND CONSTRUCT IT, ABOUT A YEAR AND YEAR AND A HALF.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: HOW MUCH WILL IT COST TO DO THIS.
>>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: 49,000. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: A TEMPORARY FIX KNOWING IT IS GOING AWAY AND GOING INTO SOMETHING ELSE. OKAY.
I WOULD SAY -- IF COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ FEELS THAT IMPORTANT.
AND HE HAS THE FUNDING, WE CAN PASS IT CONTINGENT UPON WHATEVER
LEGAL. >> ON BEING ABLE TO SPEND THE MONEY ON THIS PARTICULAR PIECE OF BRIDGE.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: CONTINGENT ON.LEGAL SIGNING OFF ON BEING ABLE TO SPEND THAT MONEY.
IS THAT HOW YOU WANT TO SAY IT, JENNY?
>> WE NEED THE INFORMATION TO IDENTIFY THE BRIDGE.
WE HAVE 25. MAKE SURE THAT THAT IS SOMETHING THAT THE COUNTY SPEND THEIR MONEY ON.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: HOW DO YOU WANT TO MAKE THE MOTION?
>> I BELIEVE HOW YOU SAID IT. >>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: I MAKE THE MOTION -- GO AHEAD AND USE MY FRIENDS RIGHT NOW TO REPAIR THE BRIDGE 25 UNDERNEATH THE ROAD -- UNDERNEATH WHERE IT IS DETERIORATING AND TRY TO -- TO REIMBURSEMENT FROM DRAINAGE DISTRICT NUMBER 2, IF THEY ARE ACTUALLY THE REAL OWNERS OF THE
BRIDGE. >> COMMISSIONERS, YOUR SOURCE OF FUND IS THE 2015 C.O.S. WE NEED TO MAKE SURE IF WE NEED AN INTERLOCAL OR NOT. IF IT IS NOT OUR BRIDGE, YOU MAY
NOT BE ABLE TO USE THOSE C.O.S. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: RIGHT, SUBJECT TO -- THAT IS WHERE YOU ADD THE LANGUAGE IF IT IS OKAY "SUBJECT TO LEGAL SIGNING OFF OF IT BEING AVAILABLE TO USE AND
ABLE TO BE USED." >> I BELIEVE 2015 C.O.S OR ALL C.O.S WILL BE SPECIFICALLY FOR COUNTY PROPERTY.
BUT -- BUT WE WILL LOOK AT IT AND SEE WHAT WE CAN FIND, COMMIS COMMISSIONER.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: DO YOU HAVE ANOTHER FUNDING SOURCE AS AN ALTERNATIVE? MAKE THIS MOTION A LITTLE MORE EXPANSIVE THAT INDICATES NOT ONLY THOSE FUNDS BUT WHATEVER PREC PRECINCT.
>> WE HAVE GENERAL CAPITAL. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: BEHAVIOR PRECINCT FUNS ARE AVAILABLE, PRECINCT 2, SORRY, MY BAD GONZALEZ GONZALEZ EITHER ONE OF THOSE.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: CONTINGENT TO THAT AND USING EITHER ONE OF
THOSE FUNDS. >>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: JUST
WANTED TO GO ON RECORD. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: CLEAR
ENOUGH FOR YOU. >>JUDGE SCOTT: A MOTION THAT IS GOOD. WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND.
>> ABLE TO USE THE C.O. 15; HOWEVER, IF NOT USED PRECINCT FUN FUNDS.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: PRECINCT 2 FUNDS.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: YOU MADE THE MOTION AND SECONDED IT.
WHO MADE THE MOTION AND SECONDED ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
ANY OPPOSED, SAME SIGN. THANK YOU.
WE ARE GOING TO COME BACK TO ITEM NUMBER 10 IN A LITTLE
[11. Discuss and consider allocating $70,000 additional ARPA Pct 4 Funds to Parker Pool Project. ]
WHILE. ITEM NUMBER 11, DISCUSS AND CONSIDER ALLOCATING $70,000 ADDITIONAL ARPA PRECINCT 4 FUND TO PARKER POOL PROJECT. COMMISSIONER CHESNEY.>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: JUDGE, MY ITEM.
I AM JUST ADDING FROM MY PRECINCT 4 ARPA FUNDS TO THE FUNDS ALREADY ALLOCATED FOR PARKER POOL.
I MAKE THE MOTION TO APPROVE THAT.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: I WILL SECOND THAT.
A MOTION AND A SECOND. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
ANY OPPOSED, SAME SIGN. ITEM NUMBER.
[02:40:02]
>>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: DID WE DO 10?
>>JUDGE SCOTT: WE SKIPPED IT. HE ASKED ME TO BRING IT AT THE END. WE ARE AT ITEM NUMBER 14 AND RECEIVE UPDATED ARPA BALANCES FOR PRECINCT AND COUNTYWIDE PROJECTS. I WOULD LIKE TO -- IF WE GET AN UNANIMOUS VOTE, AT THAT PARTICULARICS EXECUTIVE 551.7025. THE COURT WILL HAVE A 5-0 VOTE WHETHER PURSUANT TO TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE DELIBERATION IN AN OPEN MEETING WILL HAVE A DETRIMENTAL POSITION ON THE COMMISSIONERS COURT AND NEGOTIATION WITH THE NAMED ENTITIES. I BELIEVE THAT IS BECAUSE OF CONTRACTS. AND THEN IT THE -- THE PRIVATE INFORMATION ON THE ENTITIES THAT WE ARE NEGOTIATING WITH, BUT I NEED A MOTION. I WILL MAKE THE MOTION.
I WILL NEED A SECOND. >>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: SECOND.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
OPPOSED, SAME SIGN. SINCE JUST FOUR OF US HERE, DOES
THAT WORK OR ALL FIVE OF US. >> JUDGE, YOU WILL SEED THE 5TH.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: NEED COMMISSIONER MAREZ.
>> 5-0 TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE AFTER 551.725.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: HE IS BACK. A 5-0.
A MOTION AND A SECOND TO TAKE ITEM NUMBER 14 INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION UNDER 551.7025. WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND.
ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE. ANY OPPOSED, SAME SIGN.
AND IT IS ALMOST NOON. WE -- THIS WILL BE OUR ONLY ITEM WE WOULD BE TAKING THERE. WOULD YOU ALL WANT TO GO ON TO
EXECUTIVE NOW? >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: I AM
GOOD. >>JUDGE SCOTT: KEEP GOING AND COME BACK TO IT. WE ARE FINE.
ITEM NUMBER 15 -- OH, NO, WE WILL HAVE TO WAIT ON THESE BECAUSE EVERYTHING HINGES. THIS HAS TO BE DONE FIRST SO WE
[17. Discuss and consider upcoming Commissioners Court meeting date(s), Budget Workshop date(s), and related matters.]
CAN SKIP THOSE AND GO TO ITEM NUMBER 17.DISCUSS AND CONSIDER THE UPCOMING COMMISSIONERS COURT MEETING DATES, BUDGET WORKSHOPS. I BELIEVE IN YOUR PACKETS -- OR HERE IS AN ADDITIONAL PAPER THAT SHOWS THE WORKSHOP DATES WERE ADDED. I THINK EVERYBODY HAD THESE DATES FOR A WHILE AND NO CHANGE WITH ANY OF THAT.
IF ANYBODY HAS ANY QUESTIONS OR ANYTHING, ARE WE GOOD TO MOVE O ON?
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: JUDGE, I JUST HAVE A QUESTION WHETHER OR NOT -- I GUESS ON THE AUGUST 9 MEETING, JUST HAVE -- YOU KNOW, BUDGET -- BECAUSE WE STILL DON'T REALLY KNOW WHAT WE ARE DEALING WITH. WHEN WILL WE DO -- WHEN DO WE WANT TO DO THAT? WHEN WILL THAT BE READY?
>> I WOULD LIKE TO SEE IF I CAN WORK REQUEST YOU AND THE COURT ON THE ISSUE. ONCE WE HAVE THE VALUES COMING IN AND THE RATES CALCULATED. I WOULD LIKE TO SCHEDULE A MEET WITH THE COURT TO KNOW WHERE WE STAND ON A.
THE RATES AND WE STAND ON VALUES TO HAVE A TRUE BUDGET WORKSHOP
MEETING ON THE 14TH AND 15TH. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: WHAT IF WE -- JUST A SUGGESTION SINCE WE HAVE AN AUGUST 9 MEETING.
BUDGET WORKSHOP IN THE MORNING AND START OUR REGULAR MEETING HOUR, HOUR AND A HALF LATER THAT PEOPLE WHO DON'T WANT TO BE HERE
FOR THE BUDGET WORKSHOP. >>DALE ATCHLEY: THE 9TH, SEVERAL DOCTOR APPOINTMENTS FOR MY RECOVERY.
LISA WILL BE HERE TO ADDRESS -- IF YOU PREFER ME TO BE HERE, I
CAN'T BE THERE ON THE 9TH. >> RECEIVED THE CALCULATIONS.
YOU ALL WANTED TO MEET PRIOR TO THE 9TH?
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: I DON'T KNOW, I DON'T KNOW WHEN DALE WILL GET IT. I MEAN, THAT -- I MEAN -- WE RECEIVED THE CALCULATIONS, BUT THE CALCULATIONS --
>> THE NUMBERS THAT THEY ARE GOING TO WORK ON.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: WE CAN DO THE WORKSHOP IN THE MORNING AND MEETING SAND GET THE CALCULATIONS AT THE WORKSHOP, THINK ABOUT THEM A LITTLE BIT AND START THE MEETING.
IF HE IS NOT GOING TO BE THERE --
>>JUDGE SCOTT: I AM NOT SURE THAT AUGUST 9 IS ONE THAT HAS A MEDIATION. I AM NOT SURE WE WILL HAVE THAT
ALL FINALIZED. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: WE HAVE TO HAVE THEM, DON'T WE? NOT CONTINGENT ON THEIR HEAR
HEARING, RIGHT? >>DALE ATCHLEY: THE VALUES THAT ITS APPRAISAL DISTRICT PROVIDES. WE HAVE TO EULESS THOSE AS THE TRUE VALUABLE WITH SITUATION. ONCE WE DO THE FINAL RATE AND GIVE THE INFORMATION TO THE TAX OFFICE TO THE CALCULATIONS AND-BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION AND THESE NUMBERS GO UP AND DOWN, BECAUSE OF THE SITUATION WE EXPECT TO YOU RECEIVE THIS MUCH MORE MONEY. CALCULATIONS ON THE 9TH COULD BE
[02:45:03]
CHANGED. >>DALE ATCHLEY: WON'T CHANGE OUR TAX NUMBER OR OUR VOTER APPROVAL NUMBERS.
THOSE WON'T CHANGE. CHANGED THE CERTIFIED ROLE TO
THE TAX OFFICE. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: AUGUST 9, FOR SAKE OF DISCUSSION. THEY HAVE THIS REMEDIATION ON THE 9TH -- THEY RESOLVE EVERYTHING, I DON'T THINK THAT
WILL HAPPEN BUT WON'T AFFECT US. >>DALE ATCHLEY: WON'T EFFECT US.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: WE HAVE TO GO WITH THE NUMBERS NOW.
I NEVER HAVE BEEN THROUGH IN EITHER AND I WAS TRULY ASKING.
>>DALE ATCHLEY: KEVIN WAS TRYING TO GET THIS PUSHED THROUGH OUR LEGISLATIVE SESSION TO DO THAT, BUT THAT DIDN'T PASS.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: STUCK WITH OUR NUMBERS.
CHEST CHERRY OTHER THAN DALE NOT BEING HERE, DOING THE WORKSHOP IN THE MORNING AND GOING INTO THE MEETING.
>>DALE ATCHLEY: LISA WILL BE BRIEFED ON ALL THE INFORMATION AND SHE IS A VERY GOOD PERSON FOR THE INFORMATION.
BUT, AGAIN, THREE DOCTOR APPOINTMENTS THAT DAY THAT I
CAN'T CHANGE. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: UNLESS YOU WANT TO DO IT IN THE 8TH AND THINK ABOUT THEM GOING INTO THE
9TH. >>COMMISSIONER MAREZ: YOU ARE SAYING THE 9TH, YOU WANT THE PRESENTATION ITSELF.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: KIND OF AS A WORKSHOP WHAT DALE WILL
PROVIDE. >>JUDGE SCOTT: WILL LISA HAVE
THAT INFORMATION. >>DALE ATCHLEY: LISA WILL HAVE
THAT INFORMATION, YES. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: OR HAVE
IT ON THE AFTERNOON ON THE 8TH. >>JUDGE SCOTT: WE ARE ALREADY MEETING ON THE 9TH. WE SHOULD DO IT LIKE YOU SAID.
COUPLE OF HOURS IN THE MORNING AND THEN IF WE HAVE TO BE HERE
LATE. >>DALE ATCHLEY: BOTH OF US WILL
BE WELL-VERSED ON THE NUMBERS. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: I AM THROWING IT OUT THERE. MAKE A MOTION TO HAVE THE BUDGETSHOP AT 9 A.M. AND REGULAR MEETING START AT 11 A.M.? IS THAT OKAY WITH EVERYBODY? I AM JUST -- JUST CONVERSATION.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: I AM FINE WITH THAT.
I WILL SECOND IT, YES. ANY OTHER DISCUSSION? EVERYBODY GOOD? ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
>>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: WORKSHOP 9 A.M.
[1. Discuss and consider approving a funding source for the construction of a second courtroom for County Court of Law No. 5 and Architectural fees associated with this project, and related matters.]
>>JUDGE SCOTT: YOU HAVE THAT, TERESA, FOR OUR OFFICE?
>> YES, MA'AM. >>JUDGE SCOTT: MOVING ON TO ITEM B-1. DISCUSS AND CONSIDER APPROVING A FUNDING SOURCE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SECOND COURT ROOM FOR COUNTY COURT OF LAW NUMBER 5 AND ARCHITECTURAL GUYS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS PROJECT AND RELATED MATTERS.
YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT IT FIRST BEFORE I ASK MY QUESTIONS?
>> GO AHEAD. >>JUDGE SCOTT: I KNOW IT WAS BROUGHT TO OUR ATTENTION THAT APPARENTLY IT WAS VOTED ON AND THE ORIGINAL APPROVED AMOUNT FOR COURT WAS $60,000.
BUT THE INCREASE HAS COME TO NOW THEY NEED AN ADDITIONAL
>>JUDGE SCOTT: YES. AND WE COULDN'T FIND ANYWHERE WHO AUTHORIZED THIS OR COURT ORDERED OR HOW THIS NUMBER
CHANGED. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: YEAH,
WHAT HAPPENED. >> COMMISSIONER.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: THAT IS HUGE.
>> YES, SIR, I UNDERSTAND. INITIALLY THIS WAS A PROJECT LAST YEAR. TIME FRAME.
INITIALLY IT WAS JUST GOING TO BE FURNITURE, CHAIRS AND RELOCATING SOME. THAT WAS THE REASON THE BUDGET WAS LOW AT THE THAT TIME. BUT NOW WITH THE REQUEST FROM ONE OF THE JUDGES TO BE SIX INCHES HIGHER FROM THE OTHER FLOOR THAT CREATES A ADA ISSUE. SO WHEN THAT COMES AROUND, THEN YOU HAVE TO START MOVING WALLS. YOU HAVE TO START GOING INTO OTHER OFFICES. SO THAT IS THE REASON FOR THE
INCREASE IN COST. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: I MEAN -- I AM GOING TO MAKE -- I DON'T WANT TO SQUASH DISCUSSION, BUT I THINK WE SHOULD TABLE THIS AND REALLY THINK ABOUT THIS.
BECAUSE HOW DO WE -- WE ARE SITTING HERE TALKING OF CUTTING EVERYTHING AND NOW WE WANT TO ADD $120,000.
>> FOR SIX INCHES? >> YES, WHEN YOU RAISE THE ELEVATION OF THAT COURT AREA, THEN YOU HAVE TO ENCROACH INTO OTHER ROOMS. AND START MOVING DOORS AND START
MOVING WALLS AND -- >>COMMISSIONER HERNANDEZ: THAT'S WHAT I AM SAYING QUITE A BIT OF MONEY AND WORK FOR SIX INCHES.
>> YES, SIR. >>JUDGE SCOTT: BE CLEAR IN YOUR COMMENTS. THIS IS NOT BECAUSE IT IS ADA REQUIRED. IT IS BECAUSE THEY RAISED IT AND THEN IT CAUSED IT TO BE AN ADA ISSUE.
>> THAT'S CORRECT, JUDGE, YES, MA'AM, YES.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: DIDN'T WE ALREADY FUND THE FIRST
$60,000. >> YES, FROM THE 2019 C.O.S.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: I AM NOT TRYING TO JUMP THE GUN.
IF EVERYBODY WANTS TO TALK ABOUT IT BEFORE I MAKE A MOTION TO
TABLE. >>COMMISSIONER HERNANDEZ:
SECOND. >>JUDGE SCOTT: I THINK THAT IS
CLEAR. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: YEAH, I AM GOING TO SAY INDEFINITELY. YOU GOT TO GO BACK AND WORK --
[02:50:06]
WE DON'T HAVE AN EXTRA 110 LYING AROUND.>>JUDGE SCOTT: IS A MOTION AND A SECOND TO TABLE THIS UNTIL YOU COME BACK WITH SOMETHING BETTER. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
ANY OPPOSED, SAME SIGN. >>COMMISSIONER HERNANDEZ: THANK
[1. Discuss and consider method of procurement (request for qualifications) for Engineering Services for Padre Balli and IB Magee Beach Parks Improvements under RESTORE Act Grant funding; authorize Purchasing Agent to publish a notice; and adopt an order delegating evaluation authority to a selection committee.]
YOU, JUAN. >>JUDGE SCOTT: PURCHASING, I ITEMC-1, DISCUSS AND CONSIDER METHOD OF PROCUREMENT REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR PADRE BALLI PARK AND MAGNOLIA BEACH PARKS.
>> TO APPROVE PROCUREMENT FOR PADRE BALLI PARK AND MAGNOLIA BEACH PARK IMPROVEMENTS UNDER RESTORE ACT FUNDS AND PUBLISH NOTICE EXPENSE TO BE PAID WITH PROJECT CODE 2722804, MAGEE RESTORE. COASTAL PARK.
RECOMMEND APPROVAL. >>JUDGE SCOTT: I WILL MAKE A
MOTION. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: MY APOL APOLOGIES.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: DO WE HAVE A SECOND?
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: FOR DISCUSSION, YES.
I AM LOOKING AT THE DESIGNATED COMMITTEE MEMBERS ON THIS ONE, AND I WWOULD LIKE TO MAKE SOME CHANGES ON THAT.
CURRENTLY HAS THE COMMISSIONERS COURT ADMINISTRATION MANAGER.
I DON'T THINK THAT ONE IS NECESSARY ON THIS BECAUSE WE HAVE COASTAL PARKS DIRECTOR, BUT I ALSO WOULD LIKE TO ADD AT LEAST ONE MEMBER OF THE COASTAL PARKS BOARD, THE CHAIR AND OR HIS DESIGNEE TO BE IN ON THIS IN PLACE OF COMMISSIONERS COURT
ADMINISTRATION MAN JEER. >>JUDGE SCOTT: WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT? AM I MISSING --
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: ORDER OF THE COMMISSIONERS COURT.
THE BACK-UP ON THE MAKE-UP ON THIS.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: OH. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: SELECTION OF THE COMPANIES FOR LICENSING SERVICES.
I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO ADD A COUNTY ENGINEER TO THIS.
TO HAVE AN ENGINEER -- JUAN, I DON'T WANT TO JUST SHOVE IT TO YOU, BUT WE ARE PICKING ENGINEERS AND I THINK IT WOULD BE GOOD TO HAVE AN ENGINEER ON THAT COMMITTEE.
WE MAKE THE MOTION THAT WE CHANGE THE ORDER TO TAKE OFF THE COMMISSIONERS COURT ADMINISTRATION MANAGER AND ADD THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR AND OR HIS DESIGNEE AS LONG AS IT IS AN ENGINEER. CAN ONLY BE AN ENGINEER THIRD ONE CHAIRMAN OF THE COAST SAL PARKS BOARD OR A DESIGNEE OF ANOTHER MEMBER. ON C-1.
3-C-1. THIS IS ALL -- THIS IS ALL RESTORE ACT FUNDING NOT COMING OUT OF THE GENERAL FUND SO EVERYBODY KNOWS GRANT MONEY THAT WE RECEIVED TOOK YEARS TO GET TO COMPLY WITH THE GRANT FUNDING AND PUT THAT IN PLACE TO SPEND IT AND GO THROUGH OUR PROCUREMENT.
SO I THINK -- THAT WAS A MOTION. I DON'T KNOW IF I GOT A SECOND
OR NOT. >>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: SECOND.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: A MOTION AND A SECOND WITH THE CHANGES TO THAT BO BOARD.
ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE. ANY OPPOSED?
[2. Discuss and consider conditional selection of Vulcan Construction Materials, LLC. for Aggregate, Type PB, Grade 3S, LRA (Limestone Rock Asphalt) (IFB No. 3237-23).]
SAME SIGN. MOTION PASSES.ITEM NUMBER C-2 HAVE DISCUSS AND CONSIDER CONDITIONAL SELECTION OF VULCAN CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS FOR AGGREGATE TYPE PB, GRADE 3S, LRA. THIS IS JUST MATERIAL THAT WE USE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. ONE OF THOSE THINGS THAT PUBLIC
WORKS USES, WHEN NECESSARY. >> THAT'S CORRECT.
AND I WAS WONDERING ABOUT THE FUNDING COURSE FOR THIS.
>> FROM OUR ROAD AND BRIDGE FUND.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: ROAD AND BRIDGE FUND.
I KNOWER TO DISCUSSIONS THAT CAME UP ON THE ROAD AND BRIDGE FUNDS. IS THERE BALANCE IN THERE? I THOUGHT WE HAD -- IS THAT IS THERE PLENTY OF MONEY THERE FOR THAT. I KNOW WE REALLOCATE BUT GIVEN THE SITUATION WE ARE IN. I WANT TO MAKE SURE.
>> YES, MA'AM. ONCE THE BUDGET IS SET, WE WILL
PURCHASE AS NEEDED. >>JUDGE SCOTT: AS NEEDED.
WITHIN THE BUDGET GUIDELINES. >> YES, MA'AM.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: I WANTED TO CLARIFY AND WE HAVE DONE THAT A FEW TIMES. YOU STILL HAVE TO MAKE SURE IT
IS WITHIN -- >> YES, MA'AM, THE PB 3 IS FOR
SURFACE TREATMENT. >>JUDGE SCOTT: I MAKE A MOTION.
>>COMMISSIONER MAREZ: SECOND. >>JUDGE SCOTT: ALL IN FAVOR, SAY
[3. Discuss and consider conditional selection of Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions, Inc. for HFRS-2 Emulsified Asphalt (IFB No. 3241-23).]
AYE. ANY OPPOSED, SAME SIGN.AND ITEM NUMBER 3 IS SIMILAR, DISCUSS AND SISTER CONDITIONAL
[02:55:01]
SELECTION OF ERGON ASPHALT AND EMULSIONS FOR HFRS-2 EMULSIONFIED ASPHALT. SAME THING.I MAKE A MOTION FOR THAT AS WELL.
>>COMMISSIONER HERNANDEZ: SECOND.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: IS A MOTION AND A SECOND, COMMISSIONER HERNANDEZ.
ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE. THE MOTION -- ANY OPPOSED, SAME
[4. Discuss and consider award and execution of an Agreement with Arguindegui Oil Co. II Ltd. for Bulk Diesel and Unleaded Fuel Contract (IFB No. 3236-23). Expense is paid by the user department's budgeted funds.]
SIGN. THE MOTIONS PASSES.DISCUSS AND -- NUMBER 4, DISCUSS AND CONSIDER AWARD AND EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH ARGUINDEGUI OIL COMPANY FOR BULK DIESEL AND UNLEADED FUEL. PAID OUT OF THE USER DEPARTMENT FUND. EVERY DEPARTMENT PAYS WHATEVER
THEY USE. >> SO ON JUNE 21, 2023, COMMISSIONERS COURT SEL SELECTED ARGUINDEGUI OIL.
AWARD TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT FOR BULK DIESEL AND UNLEADED FUEL. CONTRACT ENGINEER RECOMMENDS
APPROVAL. >>JUDGE SCOTT: MOTION TO PASS.
>>COMMISSIONER MAREZ: SECOND. >>JUDGE SCOTT: A MOTION AND A SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
[5. Discuss and consider authorizing and approving a cooperative contract purchase with Coastal Office Solutions, Inc. under Omnia Partners HON Contract No. R191804 in the amount of $88,233.75 for District Attorney’s Office furniture, funded by Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) funds.]
OPPOSED, SAME SIGN. ITEM NUMBER 5 DISCUSS AND CONSIDER AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING A COOPERATIVE CONTRACT PURCHASE WITH COASTAL OFFICE SOLUTIONS UNDER OMNIA PARTNERS IN THE AMOUNT OF $88,233.75 FOR DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S FURNITURE AND FUNDED BY THEIR JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT FUND.>> THAT'S CORRECT. RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE A COOPERATIVE WITH COASTAL OFFICE SOLUTION UNDER THE OMNIA PARTNERS CONTRACT FOR THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S FURNITURE FUNDED BY THE JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANTS.
DISTRICT ATTORNEY RECOMMENDS APPROVAL.
>>COMMISSIONER HERNANDEZ: SO MOVED.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: I WILL SECOND THAT.
A MOTION AND A SECOND TO PASS. ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
ANY OPPOSED, SAME SIGN. THE PASSES.
[6. Discuss and consider conditional selection of South Texas Building Partners, Inc. for Nueces County 6th Floor Renovations - Public Defenders Office (IFB No. 3243-23) and related matters.]
ITEM NUMBER 6, DISCUSS AND CONSIDER CONDITIONAL SELECTION OF SOUTH TEXAS BUILDING PARTNERS FOR NUECES 6TH FLOOR RENOVATIONS FOR THE PUBLIC DEFENDER'S TO OFFICE.>> A PROPOSAL OPENING WAS CONDUCTED JULY 13.
TWO BIDS RECEIVED. TO CONDITIONALLY RECEIVE THE LOW BIDDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $429,877 FOR NUECES COUNTY SIXTH FLOOR RENOVATION. LETTER OF RECOMMENDATIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED AND THE COUNTY ENGINEER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: I HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT THAT ONE.
I KNOW INITIALLY -- AND I WENT BACK AND LOOKED AT THE COURT.
WE THOUGHT AND PRELIMINARY ESTIMATES WOULD BE, LIKE, 325.
I THINK COMMISSIONER CHESNEY SAID LET'S GO AHEAD AND DO 375.
AND COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ AND MYSELF SAID LET'S MAKE IT FOUR.
WE ALLOCATED $400,000 FOR THIS. IS THERE A WAY TO GO BACK TO THIS CONTRACTOR AND TELL HIM, CAN YOU MAKE CUTS.
WE ARE ONLY ALLOCATING THE $400,000 THAT WERE VOTED ON.
CAN YOU MAKE THIS WORK WITHIN THE BUDGET.
>> I THINK JUAN CAN NEGOTIATE AND DO SOME --
>>JUDGE SCOTT: YES, WILLING THE K57 COURT IS OKAY WITH DOING OVER. WE INITIAL ALY SAID $325,000.
AND GOING UP. ANOTHER $100,000.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: ALL KATED THIS AND THE SAME NUMBERS.
THE OTHER ALLOCATION TO DO IT FOR THE VETERAN SERVICES AND SOCIAL SERVICES THAT WE ARE BRINGING BACK.
SO ALLOCATED. SPECIFICALLY $400,000 FOR EACH.
THE COURT CAN ALWAYS CHANGE WHAT IT WANTS TO DO, BUT I DON'T --
>>JUDGE SCOTT: IF YOU CAN NEGOTIATE WITH THEM, I WOULD PREFER TO GO BACK. IF YOU WERE REMODELING YOUR HOUSE AND SAY THIS IS ALL THE MONEY I HAVE, MAKE IT WORK.
I THINK IN A SITUATION WE ARE IN, LET'S DO THAT FIRST.
>> YES, MA'AM. JUDGE, COMMISSIONERS, VALUE ENGINEER -- ONCE IT IS AIR WARDED, WE CAN DO THE VALUE ENGINEER WITH IT AND THE CONTRACTOR.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: SO DO WE -- CONDITIONAL UP ON THE VALUE ENGINEERING? BECAUSE WE DON'T HAVE A FUNDING SOURCE FOR THIS AMOUNT. SO WHAT CAN WE DO LEGALLY, JENNY? I GUESS WE CAN DO IT.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: IF THEY APPROVE. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: MAY BE $29,000. MAY HAVE TO KIT 15 AND CUT 14.
>> DEPENDING ON THE VARIATION UP AND DOWN, I THINK THAT IS QUESTION THAT JUAN WILL HELP US WITH.
THIS IS CONDITIONAL SELECTION. I BELIEVE WE CAN NEGOTIATE THAT.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: WAIT A MINUTE.
NOT WHAT THE DISCUSSION SAYS. THE DISCUSSION SAYS "IN THE AMOUNT OF." NOT A CONDITIONAL SELECTION
[03:00:01]
TAMPA TO CONDITIONALLY SELECT IN THE AMOUNT OF.SO -- >>JUDGE SCOTT: WE WOULD HAVE TO SAY NO TO THAT AMOUNT IF WE WANT HIM TO NEGOTIATE.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: OR -- >> JUST CONDITIONALLY SELECT
WITHOUT LISTING AN AMOUNT. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: IF WE CAN DO THAT. CONDITIONALLY SELECT BASED ON THE ABILITY TO GET WITHIN OUR BUDGET.
I MEAN IF WE CAN DO THAT, JENNY, THAT IS FINE, BUT NOT WHAT THE -- NOT WHAT THE DISCUSSION ITEM SAYS.
>> DID THE BID GO OUT? THE BID THAT WAS POSTED -- WAS IT -- DOES THAT AMOUNT LIST THERE HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE BID PAPER WORK THAT WENT OUT?
>> THAT WAS THE BID AMOUNT THAT THIS THEY SET IN AND SET OUT.
THE COUNTY PUBLISHED. SO I DON'T THINK YOU HAVE TO.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: THE TWO BIDS THAT CAME IN ON THAT WERE STRIKINGLY
NOT EVEN CLOSE. >> TWO OR THREE TIMES AS MUCH AS
THE LOW BIDDER. >>JUDGE SCOTT: NOWHERE NEAR THE SAME. UNBELIEVABLY --
>> NOT EVEN REMOTELY CLOSED. >> DO CONDITIONAL SELECTION AND WE ARE UNABLE TO NEGOTIATE NEAR A PRICE THAT YOU WANT, WE CAN
THEN START OVER. >>JUDGE SCOTT: OKAY.
ARE WE ALL OKAY WITH THAT? I WILL MAKE THE MOTION TO CONDITIONALLY SELECT WITH -- WITH A NEGOTIATION TO SEE IF THEY WILL KEEP WITHIN OUR BUDGET, YES.
WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND. ANY OTHER DISCUSSION? ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, SAY AYE. ANY OPPOSED, SAME SIGN.
[1. Authorize the renewal of Texas DIR contract DIR-TSO-4227 with Vertosoft for OpenGov Software for the amount of $53,394.72 from Auditor's Office (1250) budgeted funds.]
THE MOTION PASSES. THANK YOU.>> THANK YOU, JUDGE. >>JUDGE SCOTT: MOVING ON TO D, AUDITOR'S OFFICE, ITEM 1, AUTHORIZE THE RENEWAL OF TEXAS DIR CONTRACT DIR F FOR VERTOSOFT SOFTWARE FOR $5
3,394.72. >>DALE ATCHLEY: BUDGETED AMOUNT FOR THE BUDGET PROCESS. THIS WILL BE A ONE-TIME-ONLY -- ONE MORE YEAR ONLY FOR THIS PARTICULAR SOFTWARE BECAUSE WE WILL BE GOING WITH OUR SOFTWARE THAT WE ARE GOING TO IN THE FUTURE. HAND THIS WILL BE A ONE-TIME EVENT. NEXT YEAR THIS AMOUNT WILL GO AWAY. BUT IT IS ALREADY BUDGETED IN
OUR ACCOUNTS AS IS. >>JUDGE SCOTT: MOTION TO
APPROVE. >>COMMISSIONER MAREZ: SECOND.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: MOTION AND A SECOND.
FLAVOR FAVOR. OPPOSED, SAME SIGN.
[2. Approve Budget Change Order No. 18 for Fiscal Year 2022-2023.]
THE MOTION PASSES. D-2, APPROVE BUDGET CHANGE ORALER NUMBER 18 FOR FISCAL '22-'23.>>DALE ATCHLEY: WE WILL GO THROUGH THE ITEMS FOR THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE, THEY ARE TRYING TO BRING IS SOMETHING TEMPORARY BECAUSE OF THE VACANCIES.
AND SOME SAVINGS IN THE REGULAR SALARIES TO HELP WITH THOSE COSTS. MEDICAL EXAMINER EVERYTHING APPROVED WITH ARPA WITH THEIR INVESTIGATORS.
ALL THE INVESTIGATORS REQUIRE A CAR ALLOWANCE AND NOT IN THE BUDGETED AMOUNT. MOVING THE BALANCES AROUND AND HAVE SALARY SAVINGS TO COVER THE COST FOR THAT AMOUNT.
THE ONLY OTHER ISSUE ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE, PAGE 2, WITH ROAD AND BRIDGE. ROAD AND BRIDGE HAVE A LOT OF THE EQUIPMENT THAT IS NEED A LOT OF REPAIR AND THE REPAIR GETS VERY EXPENSIVE. JUAN CONTINUALLY PUTS IN A BUDGET REQUEST EACH YEAR TO GET EQUIPMENT REPLACED.
WE TRY TO DO THAT EACH YEAR, BUT UNFORTUNATELY IT BREAKS AND EQUIPMENT NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED AND THE $60,000,000 NEEDED TO DO A REPAIR. CHANGE ORDER 18 FOR YOUR
ACCEPTANCE AND APPROVAL. >>JUDGE SCOTT: NOTION PASS.
>>COMMISSIONER MAREZ: SECOND. >>JUDGE SCOTT: A MOTION AND A SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
[3. Approve Capital Budget Change Order #123.]
ANY OPPOSED, SAME SIGN. 3-D-3, APPROVAL CAPITAL BUDGETCHANGE ORDER 123. >>DALE ATCHLEY: ONE FOR THE 2016 AND 2019 OBLIGATION FUNDS FOR THE 2016 FUNDS, WE JUST HAVE COUNTY ROAD 79 CULVERT PROJECT. WE ARE MOVING MONEY FROM PRECINCT 1'S FUNDS, $ 200. WE HAVE THE SIGNED FORM FOR THAT 2019, BALANCES AND USING THOSE FROM REGULAR UNALLOCATED FUND.
BALANCE WE WORK WITH TERESA AND MYSELF AND PEOPLE WHO NEEDED THESE FUNDS FOR IT TO BE DONE. WE PRESENT BUDGET CHANGE ORDER 123 FOR YOUR ACCEPTANCE AND APPROVAL.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: MAKE THE MOTION. >>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: SECOND.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: IS A MOTION AND A SECOND.
ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE. ANY OPPOSED, SAME SIGN SING -- ARE YOU GOING TO DO THIS NEXT ONE OR WAITING ON THOMAS DURAN,
HUMAN RESOURCES. >> WAITING ON TOMAS.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: HE WAS HERE ALL DAY.
[1. Discuss and consider authorization and approval of execution of lease with Ricoh USA, Inc. (TASB BuyBoard Contract No. 616-20) to lease one (1) copier for the County Judge and County Commissioners; authorize and approve Addendum No. 74 to add this new copier to the existing Ricoh Master Services Maintenance Agreement #OS858.]
>>JUDGE SCOTT: I ASKED IF HE WANTED TO BE MOVED UP.
HE WAS WAITING. HE SHOULD BE BACK.
MOVING ON THEN TOF-1, DISCUSS AND CONSIDER AUTHENT
[03:05:02]
AUTHENTIFICATIONIZATION AND APPROVAL OF EXECUTION OF LEASE OF RICOH USA FOR ONE COPIER FOR COMMISSIONERS COURT TOP EXCHANGE IT OUT BECAUSE WE DON'T HAVE A COLOR COPY AND ALL THE STAFF ANDCOMMISSIONERS USED THIS ONE. >> COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: IS BUDGETED AND A REPLACEMENT. MOTION TO PASS.
>>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: SECOND. >>JUDGE SCOTT: WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
ANY OPPOSED, SAME SIGN. THE MOTION PASSES.
[2. Discuss and consider approval of method of procurement IFB (invitation for bids) for Modernization of Technology Infrastructure for Cybersecurity Equipment; and authorize the Purchasing Agent to publish a notice.]
THANK YOU. ITEM NUMBER 2 DISCUSS AND CONSIDER APPROVAL OF METHOD OF PROCUREMENT IFB INVITATION FOR BIDS FOR MODERNIZATION OF TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE FOR CYBER SECURITY EQUIPMENT AND AUTHORIZE PURCHASING AGENT TOPUBLISH NOTICE. >> WE ARE ASKING FOR APPROVAL TO GO OUT FOR BID NOW AFTER A VERY LONG PROCESS OF EVALUATING WHAT WE HAD AND WHERE WE NEED TO BE. AND WE FOUND OUT THAT WE ARE -- WE ARE VERY OUTDATED AND IT IS TIME TO -- TIME TO GO OUT FOR BID. TOOK US OVER A YEAR TO GO THROUGH THIS. AND QUITE THE LEARNING PROTEST.
VERY HARDWARE BOUND. YOU CAN SEE I LISTENED TO THE AES AND PHIPPS. USED ON ALL HARDWARE OPINIONED PHIPPS FOR THAT IS IMPORTANT FOR OUR SEGIS COMPLIANCY. AND WE HAVE EQUIPMENT THAT COULD BE REACHING END OF LIFE. WHEN THAT HAPPENS, THERE IS NO LONGER UPDATES. SO WE WILL NO LONGER STAY IN COMPLIANCE. SO THAT --
>>JUDGE SCOTT: THIS HAS ALREADY BEEN APPROVED THROUGH ARPA
FUNDS. >> THE ALLOCATION IS APPROVED.
IT HAS BEEN A WHILE SINCE WE HAVE DONE THAT MUCH RESEARCH.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: THIS IS READY TO GO OUT NOW AND USE IT AND ESPECIALLY FOR YOURSELF, BUT IT IS ---ING IT --
>> THINGS HAVE EVOLVED QUITE A BIT AND IT WAS WORTH THE WAIT.
AND A LOT OF NEW PLAYERS OUT THERE.
A LOT OF CHANGES. AND WE ARE JUST DOING THINGS DIFFERENT WE ARE DOING A LOT OF APPLICATIONS IN-HOUSE THAT WILL GO ON THE NEW DATA CENTER WE HAVE IN HERE AND MORE CLOUD-BASED APPLICATIONS AND ALL OF THIS -- THE DESIGN OF ALL OF THIS PROVE TICKETS US A HOME WITH LOT MORE INTERNALLY AND ALSO A DIFFERENT WAY OF REACHING OUT OVER THE INTERNET TO GET TO OUR CLOUD-BASED APPLICATIONS THAT ARE MUCH MORE SECURE.
AND IT IS NOT THE OLD WAY OF DOING THINGS.
AND SO WE DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT MANIPULATIONS BY HACKERS THAT SEND PEOPLE WHERE THEY DON'T BELONG TO TAKE ADVANTAGE.
AGAIN, THOSE ARE DRY AN SEE ISSUES.
SO -- AND WE -- YES, WE HAVE A BUDGET ESTABLISHED.
AND -- >>JUDGE SCOTT: I WILL MAKE THE
MOTION TO PASS. >>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: HAVE
YOU ALL GOTTEN STARTED WITH IT? >> WE ARE GOING OUT FOR BID NOW.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: JUST TO GO OUT FOR BID.
>>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: SECOND. >>JUDGE SCOTT: WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND. ANY OTHER DISCUSSION?
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: WE HAVE ALL THE FUNDS AVAILABLE.
THAT IS THE BOTTOM LINE. >> THIS IS ALL ARPA FUNDED AND CERTAINLY TOUCHES ON OUR BUDGET WOES THAT WE WOULDN'T BE
DOING THAT. >>JUDGE SCOTT: I MADE A MOTION AND YOU SECONDED IT. A MOTION AND A SECOND.
ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE. OPPOSED, SAME SIGN.
THE MOTION PASSES. WE ARE WAITING ON MR. DURAN.
[10. Discuss and consider allowing county staff to proceed with the process of renaming County Road 22 between County Road 43 and County Road 51, including authorizing notice to be posted pursuant to Texas Transportation Code 251.013, and all related matters.]
HE LEFT BECAUSE HE THOUGHT WE WERE GOING.SO I THINK WE WILL GO IN -- ARE YOU READY FOR YOUR ITEM 10,
COMMISSIONER CHESNEY? >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: I THINK I AM, JUDGE. GO BACK TO 3-A-10.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: DISCUSS AND CONSIDER ALLOWING COUNTY STAFF TO PROCEED WITH THE PROCESS OF RENAMING COUNTY ROAD 22 BETWEEN COUNTY ROAD 43 AND COUNTY ROAD 51.
DO YOUR NAME. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: RENAME COUNTY ROAD LONDON FAMILY ROAD. THAT IS LONDON FAMILY ROAD IS THE PROPOSAL AND A SECOND MOTION ON THE AN NEXTATION PORTION AS
WELL. >>JUDGE SCOTT: I WILL SECOND THAT MOTION TO NAME THE ROAD "LONDON FAMILY ROAD." WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
OPPOSED, SAME SIGN. MOTION PASSES CHEST COMMITTEES
[03:10:03]
THAT WILL BE, JUDGE -- PEYTON SHOULD BE LISTING.WE WILL PUT THAT ON TO POST -- AND A PUBLIC HEARING IN TWO WEEKS OR WHATEVER THE NEXT MEETING IS TO DO IT OFFICIALLY THEN TO ALLOW IT TO PROCEED WITH THE PROCESS.
AND THEN ALSO -- TO -- TO MAKE THE MOTION TO ALLOW THE ANNEXATION SUBJECT TO THE COUNTY ROAD BEING RENAMED BY THE COMMISSIONERS COURT AS PROPOSED TODAY.
SO THAT WILL BE THE SECOND MOTION AND PART OF THE COUNTY ROAD THAT WE HAD DISCUSSED AT THE LAST MEETING.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: DO YOU GET THAT MOTION.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: THAT WAS THE MOTION.
IT WASN'T THAT GOOD. >>JUDGE SCOTT: COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ SECONDED. ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
ANY OPPOSED, SAME SIGN. MOTION PASSES.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: JENNY, ON THAT, I DON'T KNOW WHAT WE HAVE TO DO LEGALLY TO GET TO THEM.
I WILL LEAVE THAT -- IF YOU TELL THEM.
IF YOU HAVE TO SIGN -- I DON'T KNOW.
I CAN'T REMEMBER HOW WE DID IT THE LAST TIME.
THE SAME THING WITH LONDON PILOT ROAD.
>> WE WILL ASSIST WITH ALL OF THE PAPER WORK.
THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE RENAMING BUT YOU DON'T NEED THAT
FOR THE ANNEXATION. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: THE CITY'S KNOWLEDGE THAT WE ARE DOING IT.
BUT CONTINGENT OF NOT FINALIZING THE ANNEXATION UNTIL WE GET THE ROAD RENAMED. IF YOU GIVE US AN IDEA OF THE TIMING WHEN YOU ARE DOING THAT. THANK YOU.
THANK YOU, JUDGE, I AM DONE ON THAT ONE.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: I -- I THINK WE HAD A VOTE TO TAKE ITEM NUMBER 3-A-14 INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION. I THINK WE WILL MOVE TO EXECUTIVE AND BRING THIS LAST ONE -- TOMAS, I WAS WAITING ON YOU. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER MAREZ.
[1. Discuss and consider authorizing and approving renewals for the services listed below for the Nueces County Employee Self-Funded Group Health program and ancillary services. 1. National Network, and/or Local Network and Secondary (Wrap) Network, or other Network Services; 2. Third party administration (TPA); 3. Disease Management, Pre-Certification Utilization Program; and Wellness Program; 4. Cobra-HIPAA Administration; 5. Cafeteria Plan Section 125 Plan Administrator; 6. Pharmacy Benefit Management Program (PBM); 7. Ancillary benefits including Group Term Life Insurance;]
THEN WE WILL FINISH WITH HUMAN SERVICES.ITEM E-1. DISCUSS AND CONSIDER AUTHORIZING RENEWALS FOR THE SERVICES LISTED BELOW FOR THE NUECES EMPLOYEE SELF-FUNDED GROUP HEALTH PROGRAM AND ACCESSORY SERVICES.
I THINK PURCHASING AND TOMAS, IF YOU WANT TO TAKE THIS.
>> YES, MA'AM. I CAN GIVE YOU A REAL RETAILED -- BUT I WAS HOPING MAYBE TO GIVE YOU AN OVERVIEW, AND IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS TO ASK ME, THAT WAY I DON'T TAKE UP A LOT OF YOUR TIME. PART OF THIS IS FAIR LEAVE STRAIGHTFORWARD. SO IT SHOULD BE RATHER SIMPLE TO GO THROUGH IT. ESSENTIALLY, YOU WILL HAVE A -- YOU WILL HAVE A RENEWAL FOR ALL THE SERVICES THAT WE HAVE -- THAT WE HAVE BIDED OUT AND ANALYZED AND RECOMMENDED A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO. THIS IS A THEY FUEL IN THAT IS NOT AUTOMATIC. IT IS BROUGHT BACK TO YOU.
THERE ARE NO RATE INCREASES OTHER THAN THOSE THAT WERE APPROVED AND AWARDED AT THAT TIME THROUGH A BID PROCESS.
AND THE SERVICES -- THE ONLY THING THAT HAS CHANGED THERE IS A REQUIREMENT THAT WAS -- THAT WAS REQUIRED -- IMPOSED ON THE -- ON WHAT IS CALLED THE ACT WHERE THE EMPLOYEES HAVE THE ABILITY TO LOOK AT THE COMPARABLE COST OF MEDICAL SERVICES. AND YOU ALL APPROVED THAT SOME TIME AGO. NOW WE ARE BRINGING FORWARD AN ITEM THAT AMEND THE ACTUAL BENEFIT BROOKLET TO INCLUDE IT IN IT. SERVICES FROM THE CARRIERS HAVE REMAINED ESSENTIALLY THE SAME -- THE SAME COST WITH REGARDS TO THE PORTIONS PAID FOR BY THE COUNTY THERE HAVE BEEN MINOR MODIFICATIONS ON BOTH THE LIFE AND DISABILITIES PROGRAMS IN EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE 20,000 IN LIFE INSURANCE.
THE RATES AND BENEFITS REMAIN THE SAME AS IT WAS AWARDED
PRIOR, OKAY. >>COMMISSIONER MAREZ: SORRY, I JUST WANTED TO ASK. SO WITH EVERYTHING STAYING THE SAME ALWAYS LIKE DOCTORS THAT DROP OUT, SO --
>> THAT IS SEPARATE. YOU HAVE THAT ON -- AND IF WANTED TO GET INTO THAT PIECE OF IT, I WOULD LOVE IT BECAUSE IT IS IMPORTANT. AND IT IS -- IT IS -- THAT -- AND THE ISSUE OF SUBSTANCE AND SENT A SUBSTANTIAL E-MAIL OUT REQUIRED TO NOTIFY EMPLOYEES AND COVER INDIVIDUALS, DEPENDENTS WITH REGARDS TO THE CHANGE RESULTING FROM PRESIDENT
[03:15:02]
NATIONAL AETNA NETWORK. PRESIDENT THESIS OF -- WILL NO LONGER -- THEY WERE NEGOTIATING THE CONTRACTS.AND THE NEGOTIATIONS FELL APART -- THAT THE INCREASE WAS PRETTY SUBSTANTIAL AND MORE THAT THEY EXPECTED.
THEY WANTED TO INCREASE THIS ON. THEY SHARED THAT INFORMATION WITH ME. I HAVE HAD DISCUSSIONS DIRECTLY WITH NOTRE DAME CRISTUS, THE PEOPLE IN CHARGE OF THAT PORTION OF THE MANAGED CARE AND FRANKLY WHAT HAPPENED IN MY OPINION IS THAT AETNA WAS PROTECT OUR INTERESTS, YOUR INTERESTS, WITH REGARD THAT THE MEDICAL REQUEST FOR INCREASES WERE SUBSTANTIALLY HIGHER IN SOME CASES. MORE THAN 50% INCREASE THAN WHAT THE CHARGES ARE. AND THEY HAVE BOTH ASKED FOR ME TO INTERCEDE. I -- I -- YOU KNOW, I THINK THE -- THE -- I AM GLAD THAT AETNA RETAINED --
>>JUDGE SCOTT: AETNA IS THE NEXT ITEM.
NUMBER 2. >> THAT IS THE REINSURANCE.
WHAT WE ARE DISCUSSING. WHAT COMMISSIONER MAREZ HAS
RAISED THE NETWORKS. >>JUDGE SCOTT: COMPARING APPLES TO APPLES WHILE YOU SAY IT STAYED THE SAME.
>> YOU DON'T HAVE LOSS OF SERVICES, AVAILABLE SERVICES, YOU HAVE A GROUP OF NUMBER DIFFERENT PORTIONS OF THE SERVICES THAT HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BECAUSE OF THE NEGOTIATIONS AND EFFECTIVELY THEY TERMINATED THEIR CONTRACTS JULY 1 AND FORCED US TO HAVE THAT MATTER FORWARD AND NOTIFICATION WITH EMPLOYEES. BUT STILL SUFFICIENT MEMBERS TO PROVIDE THE SERVICES. DOES NOT INCLUDE EVERYTHING THAT HAS RELATIONSHIPS WITH THAT NETWORK.
>>COMMISSIONER MAREZ: PART OF WHAT MY QUESTION WAS.
I MEAN, IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME, DOESN'T IT?
>> HAPPENS EVERY DAY. EVERY TIME A CONTRACT COMES UP BETWEEN A PROVIDER AND AN INSURANCE COMPANY, IT IS CONSTANT. I HAVE DONE IT.
I HAVE I USED TO HAVE A NEIGHBOR OF MY OWN YEARS AGO.
AND IT IS A CONSTANT PROCESS. I AM SMILING.
YOU ARE SMILING. BECAUSE OBVIOUSLY YOU KNOW ABOUT IT. BUT IT IS PRETTY ROUTINE.
IN THIS CASE WE HAD HOPED THEY WOULD ARRIVE TO A RESOLUTION AND I REFUSED TO INTERCEDE BECAUSE CLEARLY BELIEVE I SHOULD NOT AND I WOULD DISCUSS IT TO YOU AHEAD OF TIME BUT THE INCREASE IS SO OUT OF THE ORDINARY. IF I SAID IT TO YOU.
IT WOULD NOT HAVE TO DO IT OPENLY BUT SOME KIND OF CONFIDENTIAL WAY. JUST NOT REASONABLE, IN MY
OPINION. >>COMMISSIONER MAREZ: THAT IS THE MAIN QUESTION I USUALLY GET IF ANYBODY ASKS OF HEALTH CARE.
WHY DOES MY DOCTOR DROP OUT AND I HAD A DOCTOR AND YOU ALL GET RID OF THEM. WE REALLY DIDN'T.
IT IS PAUSE IT HAPPENS REGULARLY.
THAT IS WHY I WANTED TO ADDRESS THAT.
>> IN THIS CASE, IS INVOLVED MORE PARTICULARS, BECAUSE OF WHO THEY ARE AND WILL LOCAL. NOT ANYMORE.
THEY ARE NOT REALLY LOCAL BUT A LARGE INFLUENTIAL PRESENCE IN
TOWN. >>COMMISSIONER MAREZ: THANK YOU.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: THE FIRST ITEM. THE ONES WHERE YOU ARE
SUGGESTING WE TAKE OPTION 3? >> YES, MA'AM.
I THINK -- LET ME GO BACK TO THE ITEM.
THEY ARE OLD. MY EYES ARE OLD.
THE -- ON THE ITEMS, ONE, IS WHAT I AM REFERRING TO AT THIS
TIME. >>JUDGE SCOTT: DO WE HAVE TO VOTE ON EACH ONE OF THESE ITEMS INDIVIDUALLY, JENNY?
>> PLEASE. >>JUDGE SCOTT: WHY HE?
>> YES. >> SOME OF THOSE ARE COMBINED,
IF I MIGHT SAY. >>JUDGE SCOTT: I AM GOING TO ITEM 2. SO WE HAVE TO VOTE ON THIS FIRST. SORRY.
BUT DO -- DO WE HAVE TO VOTE EACH ONE OF THESE SEVEN ITEMS TO HAVE A MOTION TO CONTINUE, AND YOU ARE SAYING IT STAYED THE SAME. NO INCREASE OR ANYTHING?
MINIMAL? >> THERE IS SOME CHANGES TO EMPLOYEES ON THEIR CHOICE THAT THEY PAY 100% ON.
VERY MINOR AND INSIGNIFICANT. IT REALLY APPLIES TO THE CATEGORY ON OVER 20,000, I BELIEVE, ON LIFE-THREATENING AND
[03:20:05]
MAXIMUM -- MAXIMUM DIFFICULTY. I BELIEVE IT IS $.45.IT IS 2349 ATTACHMENT, BUT $.45, BUT THERE IS LITERALLY NO AFFECT TO THE COUNTY ITSELF IN TERMS OF WHAT YOU PAY, OKAY.
DURING OPEN ENROLLMENT, THAT WILL BE SHOWN TO THE EMPLOYEES AND MAKE A SELECTION AS TO WHAT THEY WANT TO DO.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: I MAKE THE MOTION TO PASS ITEM NUMBER 1.
>> SECOND. >>JUDGE SCOTT: WE HAVE A SECOND.
ANY OTHER DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
ITEM NUMBER 2, THIRD-PARTY ADMINISTRATION.
MAKE THE MOTION TO PASS. >>COMMISSIONER HERNANDEZ:
SECOND. >>JUDGE SCOTT: WE HAVE A SECOND.
MOTION AND A SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE, SAY AYE.
ANY OPPOSED, SAME SIGN. ITEM NUMBER 3, DISEASE MANAGEMENT, PRECERTIFICATION UTILIZATION AND WELLNESS PROGRAM. I MAKE THE MOTION TO PASS.
>>COMMISSIONER HERNANDEZ: SECOND.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: A MOTION AND A SECOND.
ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE. OPPOSED, SAME SIGN.
ITEM NUMBER 4, COBRA, HIPP TAX ADMINISTRATION.
I WILL MAKE THE MOTION TO PASS. >>COMMISSIONER HERNANDEZ:
SECOND. >>JUDGE SCOTT: WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
ITEM NUMBER 25, CAFETERIA, EXCEPTION 12R5 PLAN ADMINISTRATOR. MAKE THE MOTION TO PASS.
>>COMMISSIONER HERNANDEZ: SECOND.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: A MOTION AND A SECOND.
ANY OPPOSED, SAME SIGN. THE MOTION PASSES.
ITEM NUMBER 6. I COULD NOT HAVE DONE ALL OF THESE IN ONE. ITEM NUMBER 6, PHARMACY BENEFIT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM. MAKE MOTION TO PASS.
>>COMMISSIONER HERNANDEZ: SECOND.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: A MOTION AND A SECOND.
ANY OTHER DISCUSSION. ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
ANY OPPOSED, SAME SIGN. THE MOTION PASSES.
ITEM NUMBER 7. ANCILLARY BENEFITS INCLUDING GROUP TERM LIFE INSURANCE. MAKE THE MOTION TO PASS.
>>COMMISSIONER HERNANDEZ: SECOND.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: A MOTION AND A SECOND.
[2. Discuss and consider authorizing and approving renewal with Aetna Life Insurance Company under Boon-Chapman Benefits Administrators for RFP No. 3109-19 Aggregate and Specific Re-Insurance (Stop Loss) as part of the employee Health Plan of medical & pharmacy benefits.]
ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE. ANY OPPOSED, SAME SIGN.ITEM NUMBER 2, DISCUSS AND CONSIDER SOUTH ZEUSYIZING AND APPROVING RENEWAL WITH AETNA COMPANY UNDER BOON-CHAPMAN RF 3109-19. REINSURANCE STOP LOSS AS PART OF OUR HEALTH CARE PLAN AND MEDICAL AND PHARMACY BENEFITS.
>> ON THIS ONE -- THIS IS -- THIS -- REALLY DO WANT TO FOCUS A LITTLE BIT ON IT. WE -- WE BASICALLY SOMETIMES HAVE VERY LARGE COMPLAINS. I HAVE EXPECTED THAT WE WOULD HAVE SUBSTANTIAL RATE INCREASE WITH THE EX-SUPPOSE OF LARGE CLAIMS. BUT WE GOT LUCKY AND THINGS IMPROVED IN THE LAST TWO WEEKS AND AND STARTED TO REP THIS UP.
AND WHAT YOU HAVE IS THREE OPTIONS FOR RENEWAL WITH AETNA.
AND THEY ARE ALL ESSENTIALLY THE SAME EXCEPT FOR THE REAL VARIABLE IS ON THE SPECIFIC DEDUCTIBLE AND YOU SHOULD HAVE THAT IN FRONT OF YOU. YOU HAVE -- IT SHOULD LOOK LIKE THIS HERE. YOU HAVE THE THREE OPTIONS.
THE VERY VARIABLE IS THE -- THE SPEC, YOU CURRENTLY FROM $400,000 AND AN OPTION FOR 425. AND AN OPTION FOR 450,475.
THAT MEANS MEANS THAT THOSE OPTIONS AND THE CRITICAL ASPECT OF IT. AND IF YOU HAVE A CLAIM THAT REACHES THAT SEC OF 425, 450, YOU WILL PAY MORE ON THE CLAIM.
AND THE LOWER THE SPEC THE LOWER YOU PAY ON THE CLAIMS. AND GOES UP TO SPEC AND PAY UP TO 1 MILLION.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: ON THE REINSURANCE.
>> IN OUR CASE WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO NISHT IT DOWN TO WHERE
[03:25:07]
YOUR SFEC AND THE PAYOUT. WHEN IT COMES TO THE PREMIUM, IN MY OPINION, BETTER TO GO TO 475 AND PAY THE LOWER PREMIUM WHICH SAVES YOU $100,000 TO GIVE OR TAKE A FEW PENNIES, THE CONCEPT, AND I DISCUSSED THIS WITH THE AUDITOR ACE OFFICE, MR. ASHLEY AND ESSENTIALLY WHEN YOU PAY A PREMIUM, THE MONEY IS BEGUN.YOU DON'T GET IT BACK SO IF THE TWO ARE THE SAME AND TYPICALLY YOU DON'T HAVE THREE CLAIMS THAT EXCEED $300,000.
SO IF YOU TAKE, FOR EXAMPLE, AUCTION 11, YOU WILL PAYING $100,000 MORE IN PREMIUM. OPTION THREE, THE ODDS ARE YOU ARE NOT GOING TO DO IT AND SAVE $100,000.
IT IS SIMPLY COMPLICATED. >>JUDGE SCOTT: GIVEN THE YEAR WE
ARE IN, WOULD THAT APPLY? >> YES, MA'AM -- WELL, IN THE YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1. OCTOBER 1, OKAY.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: YES. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: OCTOBER
1 OF LAST YEAR. >> THIS YEAR COMING UP.
THIS IS FOR NEXT YEAR. >>JUDGE SCOTT: I KNOW IT IS FOR NEXT YEAR, YOU ARE SAYING WE WOULD SAVE $100,000.
AT THE END OF THIS YEAR, THE PREVIOUS YEAR, WOULD YOU BE
TELLING ME THE SAME THING? >> I THINK SO.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: WILL BE BENEFICIAL.
>> A TOSS OF A COIN, BUT THE REALITY IS EVERYTHING THAT I RECOMMENDED TO YOU -- AND I HAVE BEEN RECOMMEND TOLLED DO IT THIS WAY FOR HOW LONG. AND TYPICALLY WE DON'T GET TO THAT POINT. WE HAVE LARGE CLAIMS BUT NOT ON THE AGO AGGREGATE. YOU HAVE MULTIPLE LARGE CLAIMS AND DON'T GET TO THE A MILLION. JUST NOT WHAT -- IT DID HAPPEN ONE YEAR AND WROTE YOU A CHECK. A PRETTY GOOD-SIZED CHECK FOR
THAT. >> IS YOUR SUGGESTION THAT WE CHOOSE ITEM NUMBER -- THAT WILL SAVE US IMMEDIATELY $100,000.
>> YOUR COST WILL GO DOWN. >> IS THAT WHAT YOU THINK, DALE,
ARE YOU AGREEING WITH ALL THIS? >>DALE ATCHLEY: YES, SPEAKING WITH TOMAS GOING WITH THE -- AND BY THE WAY THE PREMIUM WORKS, $100,000 WILL BE THE SAVINGS. AND DEPENDS ON THE NUMBER OF LARGE CLAIMS. IF WE HAVE LARGE CLAIMS, IT COULD BE MORE PRICELY, BUT OUR HISTORY IS NEVER BEEN AN ISSUE.
WE WOULDN'T ADDRESS THAT I AGREE WITH IN TOMAS IS SAYING.
>> YOU REALLY DON'T KNOW THE ANSWER.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: YOU WON'T KNOW UNTIL NEXT YEAR.
I WILL MAKE THE MOTION TO PASS WITH COPS NUMBER 3.
>>COMMISSIONER HERNANDEZ: SECOND.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: A MOTION AND A SECOND.
ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE, AYE. ANY OPPOSED.
SAME SIGN. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
I APPRECIATE YOU COMING BACK. >> APOLOGIZE FOR THE DELAY.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: YOU WERE HERE.
WE SAW YOU. >>JUDGE SCOTT: WE KNOW YOU WERE SITTING IN HERE. I WASN'T GOING TO SKIP YOU.
[4. EXECUTIVE SESSION: PUBLIC NOTICE is given that the Commissioners Court may elect to go into an Executive Session anytime during the meeting to discuss matters listed anywhere on the Agenda, when authorized by the provisions of the Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code. To the extent there has been a past practice of distinguishing items for public deliberation and those for executive session, the public is advised that the Court is departing from that practice, and reserves the right to discuss any listed agenda items in executive session when authorized by law to do so. In the event the Commissioners Court elects to go into Executive Session regarding an agenda item, the section or sections of the Open Meetings Act authorizing the Executive Session will be publicly announced by the presiding officer. In accordance with the authority of the Government Code, Vernon’s Texas Codes, Sections 551.071, 551.072, 551.073, 551.074, 551.0745, 551.076, 551.086, 551.087, the Commissioners Court will hold an Executive Session to consult with attorney(s) including matters related to litigation; deliberate regarding real property, prospective gift(s), personnel matters, including termination, county advisory bodies, security devices, and/or economic development negotiations and other matters that may be discussed in an Executive Session. Upon completion of the Executive Session, the Commissioners Court may in an open session take such action as appropriate on items discussed in an Executive Session.]
GOING -- I GUESS WE HAVE ALREADY DONE 10.WE CAN GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AND THEN WE WILL HAVE TO COME OUT BECAUSE A COUPLE OF OTHER REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS THAT I WANT TO DO FOR AFTER EXECUTIVE WHEN WE FINAL OUT THIS AMOUNT.
AND WE ARE GOING INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION PUBLIC NOTICE IS GIVEN THAT COMMISSIONERS COURT MAY ELECT TO GO INTOICS EX-ANY TIME DURING THE MEETING TO DISCUSS MATTERS LISTED ANYWHERE ON THE AGENDA WHEN AUTHORIZED BY THE PROVISIONS OF THE OPEN MEETINGS ACT CHAPTER EVERY 551 OF THE TEXAS GOVERNMENT.
TO THE EXTENT THERE HAS BEEN A PAST PRACTICE OF DISTINGUISHING ITEMS FOR PUBLIC DELIBERATION. THE PUBLIC IS ADVISED THAT THE COURT IS DEPARTING FROM THAT PRACTICE AND RESERVE THE RIGHT TO DISCUSS ANY LISTED AGENDA ITEM IN EXECUTIVE SESSION WHEN AUTHORIZE BY LAW TO DO IT. IN THE EVENT THE COMMISSIONERS COURT ELECTS TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION,ING AN ANSWER ITEM, THE SECTION OR SECTIONS OF THE OPEN MEETINGS ACTS AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE SESSION WILL BE PUBLICLY ANNOUNCED BY THE PRESIDING OFFICER IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE OF THE VERNON'S CODE, 551.017, 072, 073, 074, 0745, 076, 086, 087. THE COMMISSIONERS COURT WILL HOLD AN EXECUTIVE SESSION TO CONSULT WITH ATTORNEYS INCLUDING MATTERS RELATED TO LITIGATION, DELIBERATE REGARD CAN REAL
PROPERTY, PRO. >> I CAN I HAVE IT GIFTS,
[03:30:03]
PERSONNEL MATTERS, INCLUDING TERMINATION, COUNTY ADVISORY BODIES, SECURITY DEVICES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEGOTIATIONS AND OTHER MATTERS. UPON COMPLETION OF EXECUTIVE SESSION, THE COMMISSIONERS COURT MAY TAKE OPEN SESSION TAKE SUCH ACTION AS APPROPRIATE ON ITEMS DISCUSSED IN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION. WE ARE GOING TO PULL -- I HAD IT RIGHT HERE AND I LOST IT, 3-A-14 TO THE ARPA BALANCES FOR PRECINCT AND COUNTYWIDE PROBLEMS. DISCUSS AND CONSIDER ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR SUB AWARDS TO SUB-RECIPIENTS, TITLE U.S. CODE AND FEDERAL REGULATIONS.DISCUSS AND CONSIDER TAKING ACTION REGARDING ALLEGATIONS AND PLANS OF THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN TO THE FOLLOWING PRODUCTS.
ITEM NUMBER ONE CITY OF DRISCOLL.
AND A TYPO IN THAT, $632,000 THAT WAS ALLOCATED TO THEM.
CENIKOR FOUNDATION, $1 MILLION WAS ALLOCATEDED TO THEM.
AND ITEM NUMBER 3, NUECES COUNTY WATER CONTROL AND IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NUMBER 3, $1 MILLION HAS BEEN ALLOCATED TO THEM.
AND GOVERNMENT CODE 2551.0725 IS THE CODE WE ARE TAKING THEM INTO COURT FOR. I BELIEVE THAT SAYS IT
[5. OPEN SESSION: Following Executive Session, the Commissioners Court will reconvene the Regular Meeting prior to taking any action(s) on matters considered in Executive Session.]
SCOTT /*. >>JUDGE SCOTT: COMING BACK TO
[14. Receive updated ARPA balances for precinct and county-wide projects; discuss and consider eligibility requirements for subawards to subrecipients under Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200; discuss and consider taking action regarding allocation plans/processes of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to the following projects: 1. City of Driscoll: $1,000,000 allocated 2. CENIKOR Foundation: $1,000,000 allocated 3. Nueces County Water Control and Improvement District No. 3 (WCID #3): $1,000,000 allocated]
OPEN SESSION FROM EXECUTIVE. GOING BACK TO ITEM NUMBER 14.AND OPEN SESSION. RECEIVE UPDATE ON ARPA BALANCES FOR PRECINCT AND COUNTYWIDE PROJECTS, DISCUSS AND CONSIDER ELIGIBILITY FOR SUB AWARDS FOR SUB-RECIPIENTS UNDER TITLE II, U.S. CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS PART 00.
DISCUSS AND CONSIDER TAKING ACTION REGARDING THE ALLOCATION OF PLANS, PROCESSES OF THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT FUNDS TO THE FOLLOWING PROJECTS. THE FIRST ONE BEING THE CITY OF DRISCOLL. I THINK WE'VE MOTION ON THAT ONE
SINCE WE DISCUSS IT BACK THERE. >>COMMISSIONER HERNANDEZ: WHY HE, THIS IS MINE. WHAT I AM PROPOSING IS -- I HAD ALLOCATED $6632,000 FOR CITY OF DRISCOLL FOR DRAINAGE.
I WANT TO CANCEL THAT. >>JUDGE SCOTT: A MOTION TO UNALLOCATED THE $632,000 PLUS THE 134 RIGHT.
TWO SEPARATE THINGS. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: SAY AS
MILLION ON THE AGENDA PAGE. >>COMMISSIONER HERNANDEZ: THAT
IS A MISPRINT. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: SO I WOULD SECOND YOUR MOTION TO RESCIND THE INITIAL
$634,000,,632. >>COMMISSIONER HERNANDEZ: ALSO
RESCIND THE 132. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: 134.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: FROM HIS PERSONAL --
>>COMMISSIONER HERNANDEZ: FROM MINE.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: ONE MOTION OR TWO MOTIONS,
COMMISSIONER. >>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: FIRST
ONE FIRST. >>JUDGE SCOTT: THE FIRST MOTION,
TO UNALLOCATE THE 632, I THINK. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: WAIT,
HOLD ON A SECOND. >>COMMISSIONER HERNANDEZ: 632
SUPPOSED TO BE FOR DRAINAGE. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: 632 IS
OUR ORIGINAL AMOUNT. >>JUDGE SCOTT: A MOTION AND A SECOND TO UNALLOCATE TO THE CITY OF DRISCOLL $362,000.
>>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: I HAVE A DISCUSSION.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: YES, PLEASE. >> COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: DON'T MIND SUPPORTING THIS, BUT I STILL THINK WE NEED TO CONSIDER DRISCOLL IN THE BEGINNING AND FIND $150,000 THAT WAS TAKEN AWAY FROM THE PREVIOUS JUDGE MADE SOME PROMISES THAT WEREN'T KEPT. AND ON BEHALF NUECES COUNTY.
THAT IS MY STATEMENT. >>JUDGE SCOTT: APPRECIATE THAT.
THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. SO WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND. IS THERE ANY OTHER DISCUSSION? ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, SAY AYE. ANY OPPOSED, SAME SIGN.
THE MOTION PASSES. AND THEN YOU HAVE TO MAKE THE MOTION ON YOUR ALLOCATED FUNDS, COMMISSIONER.
>>COMMISSIONER HERNANDEZ: OH, YES, I WANT TO PUT BACK THE --
>>JUDGE SCOTT: WAIT, WAIT. UNALLOCATE YOUR -- YOU SAID WE
HAD TO DO TWO SEPARATE ONES. >>COMMISSIONER HERNANDEZ: UNALLOCATE THE $132,000 FROM MY PERSONAL ARPA FUNDS.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: 134,000. >>COMMISSIONER HERNANDEZ:
[03:35:02]
APOLOGIZE, 134,000. >>JUDGE SCOTT: A MOTION FROM COMMISSIONER HERNANDEZ TO UNALLOCATE THE $134,000 TO THE CITY OF DRISCOLL. AND I WILL SECOND THAT MOTION.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: ACTUALLY TO THE CITY OF DRISCOLL DRAINAGE
IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: PROJECT.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: PROJECT. A MOTION AND A SECOND.
IS THERE ANY DISCUSSION? ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
OPPOSED, SAME SIGN. MOVING ON TO YOUR NEXT MOTION,
COMMISSIONER HERNANDEZ. >>COMMISSIONER HERNANDEZ: YES, I PROPOSE -- I WANT TO DO 500,000 FOR THE CITY OF DRISCOLL FOR THE -- FOR THE -- OH, MY GOODNESS -- FOR THE SENIOR CENTER -- COMMUNITY CENTER. I APOLOGIZE.
I WILLE KATE $500,000. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: 134,000 FROM YOU AND THE REST FROM THE COUNTY.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: SECOND THAT MOTION.
THE REST FROM THE COUNTYWIDE ARPA FUND.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND.
ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE. ANY OPPOSED, SAME SIGN.
THE MOTION PASSES. THE NEXT ITEM UP ON THE LIST IS CENIKOR FOUNDATION. AND I REGRETTABLY I AM GOING TO MAKE THE MOTION TO UNALLOCATE THE MILLION DOLLARS UNALLOCATED AS WELL. AND COUNTY, THIS FEELS LIKE THIS IS A IN A HIGH RISK -- AS UNPLEASANT AS IT IS, I DO BELIEVE IT IS THE RIGHT DECISION FOR THE COUNTY AND THE $1
MILLION FOR CENIKOR. >>COMMISSIONER HERNANDEZ:
SECOND. >>JUDGE SCOTT: A MOTION AND A SECOND. ANY OTHER DISCUSS.
ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, SAY AYE. OPPOSED, SAME SIGN.
I HAVE TIM NUMBER 3, NUECES CO COUNTY. I WILL MAKE THE SAME MOTION ON THIS ONE. WE WOULD LIKE TO HELP OUR NEIGHBORS AND WORK TOGETHER WITH COMMUNITY PARTNERS AND EVERYTHING. BUT WE WANT BE DOING OUR DUE DILIGENCE IF NOT MOVING FORWARD AND LISTENING TO COUNCIL ON HIGH RISK AND WHAT WE WILL DO WITH THE COUNTY GOING FORWARD.
MY DECISION BEHIND MAKING THIS MOTION AS WELL.
>>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: SECOND. >>JUDGE SCOTT: DISCUSSION?
YES, SIR. >>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: TO MAKE THE ALLOCATIONS ON THIS. I THINK THEY PROBABLY WILL BE IN A POSITION TO BE -- WORK THIS OUT.
IF NOT, THAT'S FINE. IF IT DOESN'T PAT, IT DOESN'T PASS. SO THAT IS MY STATEMENT.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: ANY OTHER DISCU
DISCUSSION. >>COMMISSIONER MAREZ: JUDGE, I WOULD LIKE TO SEE US TRY TO GIVE AN OPPORTUNITY AT LEAST BREAK THIS PROJECT DOWN TO A MORE MANAGEABLE AMOUNT.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: I CAN'T HEAR YOU, JOHN.
>>COMMISSIONER MAREZ: I AM SORRY, BREAK THIS DOWN FOR A MORE MANAGEABLE AMOUNT. IT WAS FOR $4 MILLION.
I KNOW THERE ARE CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS, I GUESS, IS THE BEST WAY TO DESCRIBE IT. CERTAIN PROVISIONS.
WHAT STRIKES OF A PROJECT -- >> RIGHT, COMMISSIONER, TOTAL PROJECT WAS 4.3. THE AMOUNT THEY ARE ASKING FOR FOR THIS PORTION OF IT IS $1 MILLION.
>>COMMISSIONER MAREZ: AND SO THE FULL AMOUNT HAS TO BE COVERED IN ORDER FOR IT TO MEET THE QUALIFICATIONS.
>> TO BE OPERATIONAL. >>COMMISSIONER MAREZ: TO BE OPERATIONAL WITHIN THE YEAR 2026.
>> WITHIN DECEMBER OF 2026. CORR
CORRECT. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: ARE YOU DONE, JOHN. JUDGE, JUST REAL QUICK TO COMMENT ON THIS. IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT NOT ONLY WERE THESE HIGH RISK PROJECTS, BUT PART OF MY REASONING FOR THIS IS NOT ONLY THAT BECAUSE WE IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF AGENDA ITEMS HAVE MILLIONS OF DOLLARS OF NEEDS THAT WE HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF FOR THE THINGS HE TO TAKE CARE OF AND CONSTITUTIONALLY AND STATUTORILY HAVE TO TAKE CARE
[03:40:03]
OF. NO ONE WANTS TO DO IT, BUT THE HIGH RISK PROJECTS. WE HAVE TO LOOK AT ALL THE PROJECTS GOING FORWARD THAT WE HAVE GIVEN OUTSIDE OF OUR VENUE BECAUSE A LOT OF NEEDS THAT ARE GOING TO BE IDENTIFIED IN FIVE MINUTES THAT WILL BE PRETTY STAGGERING.WE WILL NEED THIS MONEY FOR OURSELVES TOO.
I THINK THAT IS A BIG PART OF THIS DECISION FOR ME SUPPORTING THIS AS WELL. I JUST WANTED TO POINT THAT OUT.
>>COMMISSIONER MAREZ: THE MOST ALLOCATED WAS $1 MILLION ALREADY OR IS THAT JUST WHAT WAS SUGGESTED.
>> THAT HAD BEEN SUBJECTED. THAT IS THE AMOUNT THEY ARE
ASKING FOR. >>JUDGE SCOTT: ANY OTHER DISCU DISCUSSION? WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR.
THOSE OPPOSED. >>COMMISSIONER HERNANDEZ: AY.
>>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: NO. >>JUDGE SCOTT: MOTION PASSES 3-2. MOVING ON TO ITEM 15, DISCUSS
[15. Discuss and consider selection of Govind Development LLC for development of plans and specification to replace wastewater pipes in the Nueces County Courthouse and Jail Facilities; discuss and consider allocation of ARPA funds for replacement of wastewater pipes in Nueces County Courthouse and Jail Facilities project, and related matters.]
AND CONSIDER GOVERNOR DEVELOPMENT LCC TO REPLACE WASTEWATER PIPES IN THE NUECES COUNTY COURTHOUSE AROUND JAIL FACILITIES AND FOR ARPA FUNDS FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF WASTEWATER IN THE JAIL AND PROJECTS AND RELATED MATTERS.WE -- WE BROUGHT THIS UP AT ANOTHER MEETING.
WE HAVE ONCE DONE A PRELIMINARY LITTLE AND COST OF WHAT IT WOULD BE. I BELIEVE IT IS IN YOUR POCKET.
I AM NOT SEEING IT RIGHT HERE IN FRONT OF ME.
>>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: 4,600,000.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: WAIT, WHAT IS -- LET ME GO BACK.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: ESTIMATED 4,600,000.
>> 4,632,508.79 SHORTAGE IS 1,062,000.
WHY. >>JUDGE SCOTT: WHY ARE YOU
SAYING SHORTAGE. >> WHAT IS BUDGETED FOR ARPA --
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: FOR THE --
>>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: SOME HAS ALREADY --
>>JUDGE SCOTT: WHEN WE BROUGHT THIS UP BEFORE.
WE NEED AN ADDITIONAL $174 MILLION CHEST ECONOMY FOR THE
WASTEWATER -- >>JUDGE SCOTT: I WAS TOTALLY
CONFUSED. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: DOING THE GOVIND PART FIRST AND CONSIDER SECOND.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: YES, TWO VOTES. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: MY QUESTION WAS. I WAS GOING TO ASK QUESTION ON
THE GOVIND PART FIRST. >>JUDGE SCOTT: YOU ARE GOOD.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: SORRY, SINCE THIS IS AN POTENTIAL PROJECT, ARE YOU ALLOWED TO DO THIS.
>>JUDG >>JUDGE SCOTT: GOVIND IS
PREAPPROVED. >> MEETS THE CATEGORY UNDER THE
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: I'LL MAKE A MOTION FOR GOVIND DEVELOPMENT TO REPLACE WASTEWATER PIPES SUBJECT TO US IT COMING UP WITH REMAINING
FUNDS THAT ARE NEEDED. >>JUDGE SCOTT: WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
ANY OPPOSED, SAME SIGN. >>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: THIS IS IT PROBABLY EVEN BETTER BECAUSE I DON'T REMEMBER US ALLOCATING IT ALREADY ARE THERE ALREADY THERE.
SHORTAGE IS $1,402,657. IF THAT IS A SHORTAGE, SHOULDN'T HAVE A PROBLEM AT ALL WITH THE SHORTAGE.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: ALREADY ON THE LIST FOR THE $3.2 FOR THE
COURTHOUSE. >> PRIOR TO ANY REMAINING BALANCES THAT WE HAVE NOW THAT ARE COMPLETE, WE HAVE COUNTYWIDE REMAINING BALANCE OF $3,229,508.39.
AND REALLOCATING ANY PROJECTS THAT HAVE ALREADY BEEN COMPLETED AND SOON TO BE COMPLETED. THAT INCLUDES A $2,074,097.32
WHICH BRINGS A TOTAL OF -- >>JUDGE SCOTT: I DON'T THINK THAT IS WHAT I WAS ASKING. WE ARE GOING TO HAVE ENOUGH
MONEY TO COVER. >>JUDGE SCOTT: TO COVER THIS,
BUT DID WE ALREADY ALLOCATE 3.2. >> NO.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: WE HAVEN'T ALLOCATED ANYTHING FOR
THIS. >>JUDGE SCOTT: THAT'S WHAT THIS SAYS RIGHT HERE. I WASN'T AWARE -- I WAS SHOCKED WHEN I SAW THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: WE HAVE NOT ALLOCATED FOR THIS PROJECT.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: WE NEED THE WHOLE 4 MILLION.
[03:45:01]
>> PRESIDENT 3.2 MILLION IS THE AMOUNT SHOWN AVAILABLE.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: YOU NEED TO GET YOUR MIC.
>> THE 3.2 WAS THE AMOUNT THAT WAS AVAILABLE EXCESS THAT Y'ALL
WERE GOING TO PUT TOWARD -- >>JUDGE SCOTT: WE HAVEN'T DONE IT YET. WE NEED THE WHOLE $4 MILLION
TOTAL. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: THE BLUE
SHEET LULU, WE HAD 5.3 MILLION. >> PRIOR.
NO, THIS IS -- >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: REMAINING. I AM LOOKING AT YOUR SHEET.
>> CORRECT. ON THE AGENDA, WHICH WAS UPLOADED. WE HAVE KERR RENTLY 3.2.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: PLUS THE 2 MILLION YOU JUST SAID AND $5.3
>>JUDGE SCOTT: USE 4.632 FOR THIS AND WE WILL HAVE LESS THAN
$1 MILLION LEFT. >> WE NEED TO ALLOCATE THE
PROJECT. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: HOLD ON, 5.3 COMING INTO TODAY AND WE JUST UNALLOCATED TWO MORE MILLION DOLLARS AND NUMBER GOES TO 7.3.
>> CORRECT, YES. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: SIT HERE IN REAL TIME, 7.3 MILLION, 703,065,017.
HOW MUCH FOR THIS PROJECT. >>JUDGE SCOTT: 4,362, 165.62.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: OKAY, ARE WE WANTING THEN, JUDGE, TOAL THE CAPE THE REMAINING AMOUNTS TO THIS AND THE ROOF.
THE ROOF, WHERE ARE WE HEADED. BECAUSE DON'T WE HAVE THE ROOF
THAT WE NEED TO WORRY ABOUT TOO. >>JUDGE SCOTT: YES, BUT WE DON'T
HAVE IS THE FUNDS FOR. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: SO AT THIS POINT, ALLOCATE THE $472 MILLION.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: THAT IS DOABLE PAUSE WE DON'T HAVE MONEY TO DO THE ROOF. IF WE COME UP WITH MORE MONEY.
I THINK THAT IS WHERE WHICH NEED TO FOCUS.
IF WE COME BACK, THAT WILL BE OUR NEXT FOCUS.
RIGHT NOW THIS IS ALL WE HAVE THE MONEY FOR.
>> AVAILABLE. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: 7.303, 605.70 MINUS RAINFALL 4632, 1.5362 EQUAL AND LEAVE US $2,671,440.08. THE REASON THE LAST VOTE WAS SO CRUCIAL TO THIS COUNTY, WE ARE STILL $6 MILLION TODAY 7 MILLION SHORT OF WHAT IT WILL COST THE ROOF.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: THE NEXT ITEM AS WELL.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: THE OTHER ITEMS COMING UP TOO.
SO, AGAIN, THAT IS VERY 67 EMPHASIS ON WHAT WHY WE PAINFULLY DID A VOTE AND DIDN'T WANT TO.
WE ARE STILL GOING TO BE SUPER SHORT BECAUSE THAT WILL LEAVE US ABOUT 2.6 MILLION AND $1 MILLION WORTH OF EMPLOYEES AND $6 OR $7 MILLION WORTH OF. AND EMPLOYEES ON ARPA THAT WE WILL HAVE TO MAKE A DECISION, I GUESS.
I GUESS IF THAT IS WHERE YOU WANT TO GO WITH IT, I MAKE A
MOTION TO ALLOCATE. >> WE HAVE YOUR MOTION AND COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ. YOU SECONDED IT.
A MOTION AND IS A SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
ANY OPPOSED, SAME SIGN. THE MOTION PASSES.
[16. Discuss and consider the allocation of ARPA funds towards current ARPA Public Sector Positions for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 / Fiscal Year 2024-2025 and other related matters.]
MOVING ON TOP ITEM NUMBER 16, DISCUSS AND CONSIDER THE ALLOCATION OF ARPA FUNDS TOWARD CURRENT ARPA PUBLIC SECTOR POSITIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR '23-'24.AND FISCAL YEAR '24-' 25 AND OTHER RELATED MATTERS.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: JUDGE, ON THIS ONE -- GO AHEAD.
>>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: ON THIS ONE -- I, FOR INSTANCE, I WOULD LIKE TO TABLE THIS FOR NEXT MEETING, AUGUST 9.
THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF WHAT I HAVE THAT MAY BE -- MAYBE WE CAN EXTEND IT ONE YEAR INSTEAD OF TWO YEARS.
BUT I AM JUST -- >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: TABLED IT FROM THE LAST MEETING. GO MINNESOTA GONZALEZ WE DID?
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: TABLED IT FROM THE LAST MEETING TO
HERE. >> COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: MUST
NOT HAVE BEEN HERE. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: BEFORE YOU MAKE IT -- THE DEPUTY CONSTABLE THAT HANDLES PRECINCT -- I KNOW WE WILL HAVE A HARD TIME PUTTING ANY OF THESE FOLKS
-- >>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: AND THE
VACANTS. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: PUTTING ANY OF THESE FOLKS IN GENERAL FUND, SO WITH WHERE WE ARE THIS YEAR. SO I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION TO ALLOCATE THE FUNDS NECESSARY FROM MY ARPA FUNDS, PRECINCT FUNS TO COVER THE PRECINCT 4 HAD CONSTABLE FOR ONE MORE YEAR, BECAUSE I -- I AM GOING TO HAVE A HARD TIME SUPPORTING A LOT OF
[03:50:03]
THIS GOING INTO THE GENERAL FUND OR ANY OF IT GOING INTO THE GENERAL FUND OR OUT OF ARPA. I THINK WE WILL BE OUT OF MONEY.I WOULD AT LEAST LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION DEPUTY CONSTABLE PRECINCT 4 OR DEPUTY CONSTABLE CLAYBURG PROPERTY THAT.
THAT WILL COME OUT OF MY PRECINCT ARPA FUNDS.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: YOU ARE DOING FOR ONE YEAR.
>>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: FOR DISCUSSION, THAT IS WHAT I WANTED TO DO. BECAUSE I.
WE HAVE VACANCIES HERE. I WANT TO SAY IF I HAD ENOUGH MONEY TO DO THE REST OF THEM OR ONE, TWO OR THREE, I AM GOING TO
COME BACK AND DO THAT, RIGHT. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: OR SOMETHING THAT YOU WANT TO DO OR WHATEVER.
I MEAN -- I WOULD LIKE TO DO THIS WONE TODAY, IF THAT IS OKA.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: YOU ARE MAKING THE MOTION.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: THE CLAYBURG CONSTABLE PROPERTY.
THAT IS THE ONE I NEED TO DO OUT OF ARPA FUNDS.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: A MOTION TO KEEP THE DEPUTY CONSTABLE FROM CLAYBURG COUNTY TO COME OUT FOR FUNDS FOR ONE MORE YEAR.
DALE, YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY ABOUT THAT?
>>DALE ATCHLEY: I WILL HAVE TO LOOK AT THE PEOPLE FROM THE ARPA SIDE. BECAUSE WHAT THEY ARE USING OUT OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR COMES FROM CERTAIN AREAS OF THE ARPA FUNDS AND I DON'T KNOW IF IT CAN MOVED TO THE PARTICULAR FUNDS.
I WANT THEM TO LOOK AT THAT BEFORE YOU DO A FULL VOTE ON
THAT. >> COMMISSIONER MAREZ DID IT FOR
2022-'23. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: WE HAVE
DONE IT. >>DALE ATCHLEY: I WANTED TO MAKE SURE PUBLIC SECTOR. AND NOW WE ARE TRYING TO USE OTHER FUNDS. YOU WILL STILL BE FUNDING OUT OF
WHICH IS GOING TO THE PUBLIC SECTOR.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: I MEAN, WE HAVE DONE IT BEFORE.
I AM COMFORTABLE MOVING FORWARD. IF YOU FIND SOMETHING LATER, THAT IS FINE. WE CAN ALWAYS BRING SOMETHING BACK. WE HAVE DONE IT BEFORE.
I AM GOOD WITH THAT. THAT IS A MOTION AND A COUPLE OTHER QUESTIONS. HE SECONDED THE MOTION.
>> WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND.
I THOUGHT I ALREADY STARTED THAT AND I FORGOT.
TO KEEP THEM ON COMMISSIONER CHESNEY.
IN FAVOR, SAY AYE. OPPOSED, TIME SIGN.
DO THIS FOR ONE YEAR AND LET YOU KNOW THAT I AM VOTING FOR THIS BECAUSE I DON'T BELIEVE PAYING ANY OF OUR EMPLOYEES OUT OF THIS. I THINK IT HAS GOTTEN US IN THIS TROUBLE. I WOULDN'T BE VOTING FOR THIS IF
NOT FOR THIS DESIGNATED FUNDS. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: I WOULDN'T EITHER. I AM WITH YOU.
I FEEL THE SAME WAY, JUDGE. THAT IS WHY I DID IT OUT OF
MINE. >>JUDGE SCOTT: WE HAD A LOT OF PROBLEMS OUT OF THAT AND I THINK --
>>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: I HAVE A QUESTION ON -- SAYS DEPUTY
CONSTABLE CLAYBURG PRECINCT 1? >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: I THINK
THAT IS A TYPO. >>JUDGE SCOTT: THAT IS THE ONE BRENT JUST DID. RIGHT.
>>COMMISSIONER MAREZ: ALLOCATED FOR.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: OUT OF BOBBY, NOW IT IS CHRIS.
>>COMMISSIONER MAREZ: HE DIDN'T PATROL CLAYBURG?
NOT ONE SLIVER OF CLAYBURG. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: THE 3,000 ACRES -- HE DOES MORE THAN THAT AREA BUT THAT IS WHAT WE ADDED. I THINK THAT IS A TYPO, YES.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: AND THERE ARE -- THERE ARE A COUPLE OF OPEN POSITIONS ON THAT LIST. I KNOW THERE IS ONE IN THE EMERGENCY OPERATIONS. THERE ARE -- DON'T YOU HAVE ONE OUT JENNY THAT YOU DON'T -- DO YOU HAVE ONE OPEN OR SOMETHING?
>> NOT OPEN. THEY ARE STAFFED, BUT ONE OUT ON
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: JUDGE, ARE YOU GOING TO DO SOMETHING
WITH -- >>JUDGE SCOTT: NO, I AM NOT ASKING TO PUSH FORWARD WITH MINE EVEN.
I THINK IF WE CAN'T FUND WITH GENERAL FUND, WE DON'T NEED TO FUND EMPLOYEES. IT IS MY PERSONAL OPINION.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: YOU WANT TO MAKE A MOTION TO ELIMINATE THAT POSITION, BECAUSE THAT IS WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN.
>>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: EMERGENCY PLANNER.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: IT IS YOUR DEPARTMENT, I AM --
>>JUDGE SCOTT: I WAS GOING TO MAKE A MOTION OF WHAT IS LEFT.
I DON'T THINK WE SHOULD PAY ANY OF THEM.
WE ARE JUST PROLONGING THE AGONY FOR ANYBODY, I THINK.
IT IS NOT A PLEASANT THING. I DON'T TAKE ANY JOY IN PLEASURE IN THIS WHATSOEVER, PLEASE, AND IN OUR EMPLOYEES AS WELL, BUT IF WE CAN'T AFFORD TO PAY OUT OF OUR GENERAL REVENUE FUNDS, PAY
[03:55:02]
SALARIES OUT OF THAT, I THINK WE HAVE TO GET RID OF THIS PRACTICE BECAUSE THE MONEY IS RUNNING OUT.>> COULD I JUST ADDRESS TO THE COURT FOR ONE MOMENT ON THEA-FUNDED ATTORNEY. THE BURN -- THE ARPA-FUNDED ATTORNEY. ONE THAT ASSISTED THE COURT TO
MAKE THE FUNDING DECISION. >>JUDGE SCOTT: THE ONE WORK REQUESTING LULU AND JEFF IS GOING TO BE LEAVING.
HAND THIS IS DIFFERENT C. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: TO FILL
IT. >> WE DON'T HAVE AN ATTORNEY
READY TO -- FULL TIME. >>JUDGE SCOTT: WHICH NUMBER ON
THAT, DO YOU KNOW? >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: ATTORNEY 3? I THOUGHT WE ALREADY DONE THAT.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: SHE IS THROUGH 2026.
I THOUGHT THEY WERE BOTH THROUGH 2026.
>> AN OVERSIGHT. FUNDED BOTH OF THEM THROUGH 2026. DIRECT EXPENSES AND DEFINITELY MAKE THE MOTION TO FUND THE ATTORNEY 3 POSITION.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: I WILL SECOND THAT MOTION.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: THROUGH '26.
THE MOTION TO FUND THE ARPA 3 POSITION THROUGH ARPA FUNDS
THROUGH 2026. >>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: BOTH OF
THEM, RIGHT. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: JUST
ONE. >>JUDGE SCOTT: LULU US IS ALREADY DONE. I SECONDED THE MOTION.
ANY OTHER DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
ANY OPPOSED, SAME SIGN. THERE BEING NONE.
THE MOTION PASSES. THEN DID YOU -- ARE YOU WANTING TO BRING THE REST OF THEM BACK UP, COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ? WHAT ARE YOU WANTING TO DO WITH THOSE.
OR I WILL HOLD OFF ON MY OTHER MOTION.
>>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: I WOULD LIKE TO BRING THEM BACK.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: HOW MANY ARE YOU GOING TO THINK YOU ARE GOING TO TRY TO FUND. ONES THAT YOU KNOW YOU ARE NOT
GOING TO FUND BE. >>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: THE ONE I AM PROBABLY NOT GOING TO FUND IS THE PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER. THE VACANT POSITION YOU HAVE FOR DISASTER RECOVERY. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PLANNER.
DEPUTY CONSTABLE AT THE CLAYBURG PROPERTY.
>> ONE OF THOSE IS NOT FILLED. ONE OF THE CONSTABLES IS NOT
AND DEPUTY -- MEDICAL EXAMINER WAS ONLY THERE FOR THREE MONTHS
OR SOMETHING. >> ONLY ALLOCATED FOR UP TO
SEPTEMBER 30. >> AND THEN THE -- TECHNICIANS AND STUFF WERE ONLY ALLOCATED FOR ONE YEAR THROUGH COMMISSIONER MAREZ. I AM WANTING YOU TO MAKE YOUR MOTION FIRST BEFORE I MAKE A MOTION TO NOT APPROVE ALL OF
THEM. >>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: GIVE YOU THE ONES I AM GOING TO KEEP. BECAUSE THE LIST IS SHORTER,
ATTORNEY 2, CIVIL. >>JUDGE SCOTT: IS THAT YOURS,
JENNY. >> WHAT IS THE MOTION ON THAT ONE. YES, THAT IS THE -- THAT IS THE CPS ATTORNEY HELPING TO DEAL WITH THE BACK LOG OF COVID
CASES. >>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: SECRETARY 1, DEPUTY CONSTABLE 4 A AND THE TECHNICIANS. I AM GOING TO FIND TO BE ONE,
TWO, THREE, FOUR. >>JUDGE SCOTT: ONE, TWO, THREE, AND FOUR YOU WANT TO FUND OUT OF YOUR COMMISSIONER --
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: YOU WANT TO DO THAT TODAY.
>>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: I CAN DO IT TODAY.
IT DOESN'T MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE. ATTORNEY 2 CIVIL, LEGAL SECRETARY, DEPUTY CONSTABLE PRECINCT 4, AND TECHNICIAN.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: IS THAT YOUR MOTION.
THAT IS OUT OF -- >>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: ALLOCATED FROM MY ARPA FUND FOR ONE YEAR.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: I SECOND THE MOTION.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: A MOTION AND A SECOND TO FUND THE POSITIONS I THINK ON THE LIST ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR.
THROUGH COME GONZALEZ'S ARPA ALLOCATED FUNDS.
>>THE AUTOPSY TECH AND THE OTHERS WILL CONTINUE.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: WE HAVE NOT ACTED ON THOSE YET.
>> THE ONES HE JUST MENTIONED. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: JUST THOSE. THE REST WE HAVEN'T VOTED ON YET. HE AGREED TO FUND FOUR.
I AGREED TO FUND ONE. THERE ARE TEN SPOTS LEFT TO TALK
[04:00:03]
ABOUT. >> I AM ASKING -- BECAUSE THREE THEM ARE ALREADY FUNDED IN ARPA. BUT THE ONES -- THE AUTOPSY TECH WAS FUNDED FROM COMMISSIONER MAREZ.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: IT IS ENDING THIS YEAR AND HE IS FUNDING ONE ADDITIONAL YEAR. THE REST WAS FUNDED THROUGH NEXT
YEAR? >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: NOT FOR
NEXT YEAR, THEY ARE NOT. >> DIDN'T YOU VOTE TO CONTINUE
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: TODAY WHAT WE ARE VOTED ON, JUDGE, WAS TO FUND THE ATTORNEY 3, 2, LEGAL SECRETARY, 1.
DEPUTY CONSTABLE 4, CLAYBURG CONSTABLE.
IS THAT RIGHT? >>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: 3 IS
ALWAYS ON THERE. >>JUDGE SCOTT: MEGS AND A SECOND ATTORNEY NUMBER 3 -- COMMITTEES COMMITTEES WE ALREADY DID --
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: MY BAD. I WAS TOO MAKE RIGHT.
>> ATTORNEY 2, LEGAL SECRETARY. >>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: DEPUTY
CONSTABLE 4. >>JUDGE SCOTT: AND THE AUTOPSY
TECHNICIAN. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: I HAVE
THAT AND SECOND IT. >>JUDGE SCOTT: FUND IT THROUGH HIS ALLOCATION ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, SAY AYE -- WAIT, YOU WANT
DISCUSSION. >>COMMISSIONER MAREZ: I AM LOOKING AT THE CHART, AND MAYBE I AM LOOKING AT THE WRONG CHART.
AND I KNOW I SAW ANOTHER CHART. I AM LOOKING AT THE ONE THAT IS PART OF THE ATTACHMENT ONLINE. AT SOME POINT, SOME OF THESE SALARIES DROP. PRESIDENT DEPUTY MEDICAL EXAMINER NOT PART OF THE LIST, RIG
RIGHT. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: CORRECT,
JOHN. >>JUDGE SCOTT: ONLY FOR THREE MONTHS. NOT ANNUALLY.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: THAT MEANS IF WE DON'T UNDER THE REMAINDER THOSE POSITIONS ARE GONE.
>>COMMISSIONER MAREZ: WHAT DO WE HAVE LEFT, THE PIO.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: FINISH THIS MOTION --
>>COMMISSIONER MAREZ: I NEED TO KNOW.
I MAY MAKE A SEPARATE MOTION. >>JUDGE SCOTT: OH, OKAY.
>>COMMISSIONER MAREZ: MAKE AN AMENDMENT TO THE MOTION.
SO WHAT IS LEFT THAT HAS NOT B
BEEN. >>JUDGE SCOTT: THE PIO, THE DISASTER RECOVERY SPECIALIST, BUT IT IS VACANT.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS. >>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: DEPUTY CONSTABLE CLAYBURG CHEST, THAT IS MINE.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: THE EIGHT. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: GOES
AWAY, A ONE-TIME DEAL. >>JUDGE SCOTT: MEDICAL EXAMINER INVESTIGATOR. THAT'S ALL, ONE, TWO, THREE,
FOUR, FIVE. >> I NEED TO MAKE A TOWNSHIP.
>>COMMISSIONER MAREZ: INVESTIGATORS, TWO OF THEM.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: YES. >>COMMISSIONER MAREZ: THE DEPUTY MEDICAL EXAMINER. WAS THAT FUNDED?
>>COMMISSIONER MAREZ: DO I MAKE IT SEPARATE AND ASK --
>>JUDGE SCOTT: IF YOU WERE USING YOUR FUNDS, MANGE A SEPARATE MOTION. TO MAKE IT CLEAR.
WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND FOR COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ, HIS FUNDING FOR THE FOUR OFF THIS LISTED, KARA.
>> MY UNDERSTANDING, THERE IS A TYPO ON THE LIST.
NOT DEPUTY CONSTABLE 4. IT IS DEPUTY CONSTABLE 1.
>>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: NOT 1 THOUGH.
>> COMMISSIONER CHESNEY IS FUNDING 4 HAD.
AND IT IS LISTED AS 1 AND IT IS 4.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: THE CLAYBURG CONSTABLE.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: THE ONE YOU ARE COVERING IS DEPUTY CONSTABLE 1.
THAT OKAY WITH YOU, COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: DO WHAT NOW? THERE ARE TWO CONSTABLES IN THERE.
>> ONE IS FOR ONE, AND ONE WILL HAD BEEN FOUR.
THEY SHOULD BE SWITCHED. HE SAID FOUR IN HIS MOTION.
I AM JUST CLARIFYING. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: I AM DOING FOUR. HE IS DOING ONE.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: PERFECT, A MOTION AND A SECOND.
ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE. ANY OPPOSED, SAME SIGN.
[04:05:01]
NOW COMMISSIONER MAREZ. >>COMMISSIONER MAREZ: ONCE AGAIN, GOING BACK TO THE CHART. FOR '23-'24, THE DEPUTY MEDICAL
EXAMINER IS NOT FUNDED. >>JUDGE SCOTT: IT IS PART OF THE GENERAL FUND -- WILL MOVE TO THE GENERAL FUND.
SO THE ONLY ONES THAT ARE OPEN ARE THOSE FIVE THAT I LISTED.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: BUT IT IS --
>>JUDGE SCOTT: WE WILL DISCUSS THAT.
>>COMMISSIONER MAREZ: LET ME DO THAT.
OKAY, MOTION TO -- >>DALE ATCHLEY: TOTAL OF $335,000 PLUS BENEFITS. LIKE $400,000.
>>COMMISSIONER MAREZ: WELL, IF I CAN DO IT, I WILL DO IT.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: I WILL SECOND HIS MOTION BEFORE HE
CHANGES HIS MIND. >>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: WHAT IS
HE GOING TO DO. >> SPELL FUND THE MEDICAL
EXAMINER. >>COMMISSIONER MAREZ: FOR '23-'24. FULLY FUNDED FOR ARPA FUNDING.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: FULLY FUND FOR ONE YEAR.
>>COMMISSIONER MAREZ: ONE YEAR, 2023-'24.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: YOU HAVE A SECOND? ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, SAY AYE. ANY OPPOSED, SAME SIGN.
AND THEN THE REST WE DON'T EVEN NEED A MOTION BECAUSE THEY JUST END IF THERE IS NO CONTINUANCE, THEY END AT THE END OF THE YEAR.
>>COMMISSIONER MAREZ: CAN WE BRING --
>> FOR HIS -- TO RECAP ATTORNEY 3.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: FULLY FUNDED UNTIL 2026 LIKE YOU, HIS POSI POSITION.
I AM SORRY, COMMISSIONER MAREZ, I INTERRUPTED YOU.
>>COMMISSIONER MAREZ: NO, THAT IS FINE.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: WE CAN BRING THAT BACK IF YOU WANT TO ADDRESS
THIS. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: I THINK, JUDGE, WE NEED TO MAKE A MOTION NOT TO FUND THE REST OF THESE.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: THEY DON'T HAVE FUNDING, IT ENDS.
WE DON'T HAVE TO DO A MOTION. THEY END IF THEY DON'T FUND IT.
>> IT WILL BE CLEANER. >>JUDGE SCOTT: TO GO AHEAD AND MAKE A MOTION TO NOT FUND THE REST OF THE POSITIONS.
YEAH. IF THERE IS OPENINGS IN OUR VACANCIES AND PEOPLE WANT TO APPLY SOMEWHERE, THEN WE THAT.
WE ARE NOT -- BUT I THAT, I MAKE A MOTION NOT TO FUND THE REST OF THE VACANCIES -- THE REST OF THE LIST THAT HAVEN'T OPINION FUNDED
FOR NEXT YEAR. >>COMMISSIONER MAREZ: JUDGE, I AM LOOKING AT THE -- I WOULD LIKE TO GET IT RESOLVED BECAUSE THAT HELPS US LOOK FORWARD TO THE BUDGET.
SO THE MEDICAL EXAMINE PER OR MEDICAL EXAMINER INVESTIGATORS, THE TWO POSITIONS. AND THAT I FUNDED LAST YEAR FOR THIS T THIS KERR FISCAL YEAR, THAT IS GOING TO THE GENERAL
FUND OR NOT COVERED. >>DALE ATCHLEY: RIGHT NOW NOT COVERED. SEVERAL PART-TIME POSITIONS IN
THE GENERAL FUND. >>COMMISSIONER MAREZ: GOING BACK TO THE CHART THAT WE HAVE. SHOW AS DOLLAR AMOUNT FOR '23-'24. 70 -- 57,569 FOR EACH MOTION.
GRANT FUND. >> IT IS AN ESTIMATE.
WANTED TO CONTINUE ON, THAT WOULD BE THE CURRENT RATE.
>> UNLESS THERE IS A DATE UNDERNEATH IT WITH APPROVED HAND THIS IS JUST THE COST THAT IT WILL DOS CONTINUE.
>> CORRECT. >> OKAY, I TALKED A LOT EARLIER ABOUT THE MEDICAL EXAMINER OFFICE.
MY MOTION ALSO -- AND NEW MOTION, MISS STANDS, AUTOPSY TO INCLUDE THE AUTOPSY TECH, MEDICAL EXAMINER ZETHER.
>> SAME MOTION. >>COMMISSIONER MAREZ: FULLY FUNDED FOR FY '23-'24. YES.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: WE HAVE A MOTION TO FUND THAT THROUGH COMMISSIONER MAREZ'S ARPA ALLEGATIONS FOR ONE MORE ADDITIONAL YEAR. DO I HAVE A SECOND.
>>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ: SECOND. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
ANY OPPOSED, SAME SIGN. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
THE MOTION PASSES. AND THEN I GET NOW YOU WANT ME TO MAKE A MOTION TO -- I AM SORRY.
GO AHEAD, LULU. >> WHAT ABOUT THE MOU CONSTABLE FOR SCHOOL RESOURCE. DO YOU WANT TO CONTINUE THAT? THE POSITION IS VACANT CURRENTLY.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: IT IS VACANT. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: SUPPOSED
[04:10:01]
TO BE A ONE-TIME THING. >> IT WAS VACANT --
>> SUPPOSE TO BE A ONE-YEAR DEAL.
>>THE MOU IS FOR TWO. IF IT WAS VACANT, IT WOULD BE
A MOOT POINT. >>JUDGE SCOTT: ANYBODY HAVE
ANYTHING OUT. >> YOU WANT TO DO THE PIO?
>> NO. >>JUDGE SCOTT: DID WE DO THE PIO? NO.
>> IT IS NOT FUNDED. FOR THE ONES THAT WON'T BE FUNDED. WHICH ONES -- THE PIO.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: THE PIO, THE DISASTER RECOVERY SPECIALIST, EMERGENCY PLANNER. I AM GETTING RID OF EVERYBODY IN EMERGENCY OPERATIONS BUT I DON'T BELIEVE IN FUNDING THIS KIND OF MONEY BECAUSE NEXT YEAR WE WILL HAVE TO DO THE SAME DIFFICULT DECISION. SO I AM VERY SORRY.
THOSE ARE THE ONLY THREE. >>COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ:
CONSTABLE PRECINCT 5. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: DISASTER RECOVERY, EMERGENCY PREPARENESS AND THE SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER
WILL NOT BE FUNDED. >>JUDGE SCOTT: END AT THE END OF THEIR TERM WHAT IS FUNDED. I GUESS IT GOES FROM OUR FISCAL YEAR TO FISCAL YEAR, I WOULD ASSUME.
SO SEPTEMBER 30 IS THEIR LAST. >> AROUND THAT SPOT.
AND DEPENDS ON OUR PAYROLL. MAYBE N /* /* MAYBE IN OCTOBER
-- ONE OF THOSE PERIODS. >>JUDGE SCOTT: AS I SAID BEFORE I DON'T DOING THIS.I DON'T LIKE DOING ANY OF THIS.
I AM VERY STORY THAT I HAVE TO. I JUST CAN'T AND I THINK WE HAVE TO STOP. CON I THINK IT AGAIN SEE FOR THE SCHOOL RESOURCE. CAN WE CIRCLE IT BACK TO THE
REMAINING BALANCE. >> IF WE ARE VOTING NOW, IF I GET A SECOND AND I HAVE A MOTION TO NOT CONTINUE.
WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: TO NOT F FUND.
>> FOR THE NEXT FISCAL. >>JUDGE SCOTT: THEY END THE
YEAR. >>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: IT ALREADY HAS BEEN ALLOCATED. SHE SAID NOT TO ALLOCATE IT FOR NEXT YEAR. THAT IS WHAT WE ARE DOING.
>> YOU ARE STOPPING IT NOW. >>JUDGE SCOTT: NO, NO.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: TERESA IS 100%.
>>JUDGE SCOTT: THIS IS TO END. NOT REALLOCATE ANY MONEY.
WHATEVER TIME FRAME THEY WERE HIRED UNDER UNDER TEMPORARY FUNDS, WE ARE NOT ALLOCATING ANY FOR CONTINUE.
>>DALE ATCHLEY: NOT CONTINUE UNTIL OCTOBER 1.
WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
ANY OPPOSED, SAME SIGN. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
ARE THERE -- I THINK NO OTHER BUSINESS.
WE SKIPPED, GUYS, IF WE DID, SOMEBODY REMIND ME.
[ Adjournment in Memory (upon request)]
ANY ADJOURNMENTS IN MEMORY. >>COMMISSIONER MAREZ: JUDGE, I
HAVE A COUPLE. >>JUDGE SCOTT: THANK YOU.
I WANT TO ANNOUNCE THE PASSING OF ALFONSO A. CARDENAS.
I WORKED WITH HIM FOR MANY YEARS WHEN HE WORKED WITH THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY PROTECTIVE SERVICES.
HE SPENT HIS CAREER THERE. HE PASSED AWAY LAST WEEKEND.
HE HAD BEEN IN A FEW YEARS OF RETIREMENT.
AND WAS TAKEN. SO JUST MY CONDOLE LENS TO HIS FAMILY, FRIENDS AND WORK FAMILY. HE DID A LOT OF GOOD WORK FOR THE COMMUNITY. ON BEHALF OF VICTIMS OF ABUSE AND NEGLECT IN OUR AREA. SO I JUST WANTED TO HONOR HIM BY RECOGNIZING HIM TODAY. AND I DON'T RECALL, DID ANY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MENTION RICH CAN CHEZ.
>>COMMISSIONER CHESNEY: I WAS GOING TO PULL YOU HAVE TH
THIS OBIT. >>COMMISSIONER MAREZ: I WAS MANAGING THAT HE WAS RECOGNIZED 37.
RICH ONE WRFT CO-FOUNDERS OF THE JAZZ FESTIVAL IN CORPUS CHRISTI.
HE HAD BEEN IN DECLINING HEALTH AND GONE AROUND WITH HIS WIFE, GAIL. A VERY MISSED PART OF THE COMMUNITY AND MY CONDOLENCES TO HIS WIFE AND FAMILY. THE JAZZ F
[04:15:01]
CHRISTI. HE HAD BEEN IN DECLINING HEALTH AND GONE AROUND WITH HIS WIFE, GAIL.A VERY MISSED PART OF THE COMMUNITY AND MY CONDOLENCES TO HIS WIFE AND FAMILY. ANY OTHERS.
I WILL ACCEPT A MOTION TO ADJOURN.
ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE. IT IS
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.