by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian
The Uvalde County Commissioner’s Court met on Monday, May 28th at 10 AM back on the third floor Courtroom at the Uvalde County Courthouse to consider and act on several agenda items.
Special Election for November 2023 – Constitutional Amendments
Commissioners approved holding a special election on November 7th 2023 per the 88th Texas State Legislature. “An election is hereby ordered to be held on November 7, 2023, in Uvalde County, Texas for the purpose of adopting or rejecting the proposed Constitutional Amendments as submitted by the 88th Legislature, Regular Session, of the State of Texas. “
A complete list of the ballot items for the November 7th, 2023 can be found at the Texas Secretary of State Website link.
Uvalde County Elections Administrator Melissa Jones Bradham addresses the court on consolidating the precinct voting locations during the early voting period to one location, the SSGT. Willie de Leon Civic Center located at 300 East Main Street, Uvalde, Texas 78801. On Election Day, November 8th, 2023, registered voters who reside inside the Uvalde City Limits will vote at the Ssgt. Willie de Leon Civic Center and not at any precincts located inside of the City Limits.
On Election Day, November 8th, precinct polling places located outside of the Uvalde City Limits will be open and voters who reside in the County and are registered to vote at these precincts within Uvalde County are directed to vote at their respective local precinct polling places.
Juror Pay to Increase
County Commissioners voted to approve increasing juror pay from $6 to $20 for the first day of Jury Duty Service. Jurors who serve the second day and following days would receive a pay increase from $40 to $58 per day.
The County will receive a reimbursement from the State of Texas to cover the increase in juror pay.
Uvalde County Courthouse Fire Remediation Contract
Commissioner’s voted to approve a contract with ServPro Restoration Services of Medina County for an unspecified amount to address the fire, water, and smoke damage caused by the early morning fire at the Courthouse which occurred on Wednesday, August 8th, 2023. The fire is currently being investigated by the Uvalde County Sheriff’s Office and Fire Marshals from San Antonio and New Braunfels has been deemed as arson. The fire primarily affected the Uvalde County Tax Assessors and Collectors Office.
Uvalde County Sheriff’s Lieutenant of Operations Officer Brandon McCutchen said, “The actual fire damage was minimal.” He mentioned furniture, walls and soot.
” I just want to reiterate there were no files lost during this fire. In our turnaround, as soon as we keyed that in..it goes directly to the State. We did not lose any files,” Uvalde County Tax Assessor and Collector Rita Verstuyft said.
According to McCutchen, damage caused by fire, standing water and soot would be some of the items ServPro will be addressing as well as reconstruction services. He continued by saying an insurance claim has been filed.
The Tax Assessors and Collector’s office has been temporarily moved to the Uvalde County Elections Office Building. The U.C. Tax Assessor and Collector’s website states the following:
“The Uvalde County Tax-Assessor Collector’s Office is now OPEN!! Our new location is located at 124 East North Street. If you have any questions, please contact us at 830-278-3225.
Please use the EAST DOOR ENTRANCE!”
License Plate Readers to be purchased
Uvalde County Grant Writer Carl Esser presented a sole bid submitted by Vetted Security Solutions to provide two license plate readers to be used by the Uvalde County Sheriff’s Office. The bid amount is $$92,842,02. Carl Esser said the purchase would be financed through the current Operation Lonestar Program.
Slate of election judges approved by the Commissioner’s Court for the November 8th, 2023 election
Commissioner’s Court Agenda for Monday, August 28th, 2028
