During the recent San Patricio County Commissioner’s Court meeting, community member Sonia Witherspoon raised significant concerns regarding the management of roads and budget allocations in Precinct 2. Witherspoon, a local business owner and taxpayer, highlighted the impact of recent administrative changes on road maintenance and fiscal responsibility.

She pointed out that the current ex officio road commissioner system has led to confusion and inefficiencies, particularly following a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that transferred some responsibilities from the Precinct 1 Commissioner to the Precinct 2 Commissioner. Witherspoon questioned whether the Precinct 2 Commissioner would return budget funds tied to the MOU, given that he has not fulfilled his maintenance obligations.

Witherspoon also addressed the issue of staffing and salaries within the precinct. She noted that the previous foreman for Precinct 2 had a salary of nearly $78,800, while the new mechanic, who has taken over the foreman position, now earns over $73,000. She expressed concern about the apparent redundancy in staffing, suggesting that the county could save taxpayer dollars by merging positions and adopting a more efficient road superintendent system.

The community member urged the court to reconsider the hiring of a new mechanic until there is sufficient equipment and staff to justify the position. She advocated for the implementation of a road superintendent system, which would streamline responsibilities and enhance the effective use of taxpayer funds.

Witherspoon's comments reflect broader concerns among residents about transparency and efficiency in local government operations, particularly regarding how tax dollars are allocated for essential services like road maintenance. The discussions from this meeting underscore the need for ongoing dialogue between county officials and the community to address these pressing issues.