Grothues updates court on commissioner’s health
At the Dec. 12 meeting of the Bandera County Commissioner’s Court, Precinct 2 Judge Gina Grothues provided an update on her husband, Commissioner Greg Grothues, who has been absent for several months while undergoing cancer treatment.
“Prayer has kept us going this far and he has beaten every odd so far and he’s improving. I know that he wishes he was here and we’re very sorry that he’s not. He is a fighter to the end and is improving every day.”
Commissioner Grothues has been home for two weeks now, according to his wife, and is able to go back on chemotherapy.
Judge Grothues said she watched her husband get in the tractor that very morning.
“It was a little bit like watching President Trump get in the trash truck, but he got there, and I’m so pleased that he was able to do that.”
“He is getting stronger, and he is home. He’s been home about two weeks now. We keep on going and we just want to keep him out of the hospital and improving, she concluded. “So keep him in your prayers, and let’s hope that 2025 treats us all better.”
Plat Approvals
The court approved final plats for two locations:
• Winans Creek Ranch A subdivision plat consisting of 33 lots.
• Lake Medina Shores Subdivision, Section K, Block 1, Lots 92 97: A replat into a single lot.
Additionally, a preliminary plat was approved for Bandera River Ranch Subdivision Unit 4, Block 4, Lots 4 and 5, to replat into a single lot. A public hearing on Jan. 9 will address preliminary plat requests for:
• Lakeshore Beach Subdivision Unit 3, Block E, Lots 63 73: Replat into a single lot.
• Lost Valley Shores Subdivision Section 5, Block 1, Lots 101-102: Replat into a single lot.
• Scenic Harbour Estates Subdivision Unit 3, Lots 68-72: Replat into a single lot.
Radio System Project Moves Forward
The Commissioners unanimously approved a $25,000 change order for Mission Critical Partners, a public safety consulting firm, to continue assisting with the county’s ongoing radio system upgrade.
Emergency Management Coordinator Judy Lefevers explained the necessity of the change order: “We are moving forward on the radio project to design and acquire a system to replace what we have today. Their experience and understanding have been critical in getting us to this point.”
The funds will come from the contingency budget and will cover consulting services until March 2025. Lefevers noted that once the county secures a $1.3 million grant to partially fund the project, professional services will be reimbursed through that grant.
The upgraded radio system will address significant safety concerns for law enforcement. “Today, officers have to keep changing channels to maintain connectivity. This system will allow them to access any tower in the system automatically,” Lefevers said. “We have many areas in this county with little to no radio coverage, and an officer doesn’t necessarily know they’re out of range until it’s too late.”
Other Business
The court accepted a $100 donation to Bandera County EMS from Helen Peterson, a frequent donor.
County Auditor Darryl Sadler also discussed the budget implications of the radio project. “We’re creating an asset out of the radios once the system is complete so we can track it,” he said. The commissioners approved the necessary budget line item transfers.
Looking Ahead
The court will reconvene Jan. 9 to address pending preliminary plat requests and other county matters.
