The Burnet County commissioners interviewed three applicants who are seeking to become the new county judge, during its regular meeting.
The applicants include retired 33rd Judicial District Judge Guilford “Gil” Jones, Burnet County Sheriff's Chief Deputy Alan Trevino and former state grant manager and retired probation officer Bryan Wilson.
During the interviews, before a packed audience Feb. 11 in the Burnet County Courthouse, Pct. 1 Commissioner Jim Luther Jr., Pct. 2 Commissioner Damon Beierle, Pct. 3 Commissioner Chad Collier and Pct. 4 Commissioner Joe Don Dockery listened attentively and respectfully as each applicant responded to various questions the commissioners posed.
All three applicants expressed their viewpoint related to upcoming county budgets.
“I have unique experience in the county and life,” Jones said. “I have looked at more budgets than anybody.”
Jones indicated he wants to produce county budgets that will meet goals for county employee compensation, natural hazard mitigation and increasing development.
“We need to create a five-year (budget) plan for county precincts, to manage debt, road maintenance and new construction.”
During his first 60 days as county judge, Trevino vowed to hold meetings with all county elected officials and department heads “to have a clear understanding of what they are looking for. We need to start planning for tomorrow. The (county) fund balance has reached the point where we have to consider what we need to fund without going into further debt.”
Wilson said he plans to implement a budget based on performance.
“Our citizens deserve to know that when their money is spent, those funds will accomplish what they want it to do,” Wilson added. “We have to have a clear assessment of risk management and what the value of the fund balance should be.”
Later, the commissioner held two roll call votes but failed to pick a successor to former judge James Oakley, who resigned last month.
Burn Ban Lifted
Also during the meeting, the commissioners lifted the burn ban.
County Emergency Management Coordinator Derek Marchio predicted local weather conditions could change rapidly from one situation to another during upcoming days.
“It is going to be a roller-coaster this weekend,” Marchio said.
“Keep praying for rain,” Beierle said.
Also during the meeting, the commissioners:
• Accepted from the Lake Buchanan Conservation Corporation a donation to install a slab, bench and awning at the county boat ramp near Silver Creek;
• Scheduled a town hall meeting 6 p.m. Feb. 25 in Burnet at the Texas AgriLife Extension to discuss the potential purchase of new election equipment for the county;
• Approved the replat of lots WR2 and WR3 at the Wolf Creek Ranch subdivision, to be known as WR2A; and
• Released a maintenance bond for the Legends Sandia Ridge.
