BANDERA — The Bandera County Commissioners Court convened for its regular meeting on Nov. 14, addressing public concerns, land plat approvals, and other county matters.
Precinct 2 Commissioner Greg Grothues was absent due to illness.
Public Forum Highlights Pothole Issues
During the public forum, a Lakehills resident asked the court to address more than 40 potholes on Lake Terrace Drive, located off Upland Drive in the Lakeside Subdivision.
“We’re just asking for your help to fill in the potholes up to Lake Terrace. We need your help,” the woman said, explaining that the potholes had become so deep and wide that residents were forced to drive off the asphalt into the berm.
Judge Richard Evans inquired if the resident had contacted the Road & Bridge Department.
The resident responded that Road & Bridge noted two roads in Lakehills were not approved for paving, but clarified she was only requesting pothole repairs.
Evans said the court would follow up with Road & Bridge.
Executive Session on Pending Litigation The meeting began with an executive session involving the county attorney to discuss pending litigation under Texas Government Code, Section 551.071. After 45 minutes, Judge Evans announced no action would be taken.
Land Plat Approvals
The court addressed several land plat requests:
• Approved a final plat to replat Lots 107 and 108 in the Elk Mountain Ranch Subdivision.
• Approved a final plat to replat Unit 2, Block 2, Lot 307 into two lots in the Pebble Beach Subdivision.
• Approved a final plat to establish a Phase 2 subdivision in the Winans Creek Ranch Subdivision.
• Opened a public hearing on a request to replat Unit 4, Block 4, Lots 4 and 5 into a single plat in the Bandera River Ranch Subdivision. No public comments were received.
Canvassing Election Returns Tax Assessor-Collector Andrea Jankoski presented the November 5 General Election returns, tabulating votes from all 10 Bandera County precincts, including undervotes and overvotes.
Early voting accounted for 71.17% of ballots cast, with 13,642 of 19,168 votes submitted early. The court approved the canvassing of election returns.
Old Courthouse Restoration Project Commissioner Jack Moseley informed the court that no contract was awarded during the last meeting for the second phase of stabilizing the old courthouse and jail due to qualifications issues.
The court approved Moseley to solicit new competitive bids.
County Uniforms and Grant Applications The court approved an agreement with Unifirst to provide uniforms and custodial supplies in a 2-1 vote, with Commissioner Jody Rutherford dissenting.
The court also designated Judge Evans to authorize a grant application for the FY2025 Texas Indigent Defense Grant Program. “We have to do a resolution to see if we use it for that purpose; pay it back if we don’t,” Evans said.
Vehicle Surplus and Christmas Decorations The court approved the auction of surplus county vehicles under Local Government Code Section 263.152.
The inventory includes a wrecked Ford Expedition, a 1996 Ford F-250 flatbed, several aged pickup trucks, and a donated vehicle deemed unsafe for use by the IT department.
Finally, the court approved the use of the courthouse lawn for Christmas decorations, with Commissioner Moseley leading community volunteers in the effort.
