The Burnet County Commissioners Court launched the process for appointing a county judge Jan. 3 as well as determined how to continue day-to-day operations in the interim.
During the special meeting, commissioners formally accepted the resignation of Judge James Oakley. Oakley resigned, effective Jan. 2, in the wake of State Judicial Conduct public reprimand and a probe by the county attorney's office. Both investigations unfolded following complaints by a Pct. 2 Burnet County Justice of the Peace Lisa Whitehead. Whitehead and at least two county employees alleged sexual harassment and a hostile work environment.
To move the county forward, the commissioners court also broke down who would oversee county departments – previously the charge of the county judge. Beierle was tapped to preside over future meetings.
“If a department doesn't have an elected official, we want them to have a place to go to on a day-to-day basis,” Pct. 2 Commissioner Damon Beierle, who also presided over the meeting. “This doesn't supersede the process of having to come to court for decisions – just like we would.”
Commissioners approved the following breakdown:
• Beierle – communications clerk, tourism, magistrate, technology, library services, human resources and pauper burials;
• Pct. 4 Commissioners Joe Don Dockery – emergency management, collections, CAMPO (Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization), grants, western radio system and maintenance;
• Pct. 3 Commissioners Chad Collier – CARTS (Capital Area Rural Transportation System) and the Solid Waste Advisory Committee; and
• Pct. 1 Commissioner Jim Luther Jr. – Development Services, safety, Indigent Defense and elections.
Appointment Process
Also at the meeting, commissioners approved a process for selecting a new county judge.
County commissioners asked for applications, starting today, Jan. 3 with the that process going through noon on Jan. 31.
Officials expect to post the vetted applicants by noon on Feb. 6. The plan is to narrow the list to two by Feb. 11.
From Feb. 12-21, commissioners offered a window for the public to offer direct input, while also requesting emails to commissioners during the group application process and the final two selected.
Officials set public forum dates inviting the county judge candidates as well: Both events are scheduled for Feb. 6 and Feb. 13 at 6 p.m. with a venue pending.
Candidate requirements would include a county employment background checks, being 25 years of age, a resident of the county for six months, not convicted of a felony and not convicted of misconduct.
Commissioners hope to make the selection during a Feb. 25 meeting.
The candidate would be appointed to fill Oakley's unexpired term through Dec. 23, 2026.
“We've got the process,” Beierle said. “This is a really large motion. This is a really large event. Historic really.”
