[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6656947,"mediaKeyId","5107995-19b1aa006b1bc38a880cb5cec86cdcd5","parentId",5107995,"title","Court approves combining deputy emergency management coordinator and floodplain manager despite concerns about advertising and qualifications","audioSeconds",597,"startMs",3379000,"endMs",3976000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5107995-19b1aa006b1bc38a880cb5cec86cdcd5&start=3379&end=3976","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5107995-19b1aa006b1bc38a880cb5cec86cdcd5/thumbnail_3379000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6656947/San-Patricio-County/Texas/Court-approves-combining-deputy-emergency-management-coordinator-and-floodplain-manager-despite-concerns-about-advertising-and-qualifications","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6656947-70c68223d606f9af341f177a5fb7ab07/orig.mp4?Expires=1771087442&Signature=KSBXfvRJnYRqnbjz8rM~p4q9VnFmOcM3pawagf7QuNd~MszsbywESCjRXEEW8leBs2Cfs6TFOimR6dPd-4N8XnnJfN1A7B98pMx4ahTABtfQ5ip7xoGfC6O0AIvDVcH7ucMFPcVnlVr4eLXqIqwRCkbgRycWmLm1RrPiYRZ9EGtm-RpBkO2F7kWRLZ2C2ntiUL~rjGxiSEBo49JuilkO0lBsBHAw51ZcfNm8KiiDwA6XoyJYa5-6e75uCq1jIF4p6SVuA-dPyaEGNi8NMN43Kx7XkA~P6kd1eXeGFnmt1tnwFoDLvqBuin3N1boSEzJqSFeZ9sGFwsOig2xA-1EYiQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","San Patricio","date","2025-06-30T00:00:00Z","article","The Commissioners Court approved on July 1 a reclassification that combines two existing positions ' deputy emergency management coordinator and floodplain manager/permit specialist ' into a single exempt position titled Deputy EMC/Floodplain Manager Permit Specialist (Grade 112). The motion passed 4-1.

During the personnel discussion, several commissioners asked whether the combined position had been advertised internally or externally to ensure the county hired the most qualified candidate. Norma (department representative) and other staff said the candidate selected was known to be qualified and that the appointment reflects an internal promotion/transfer process. One commissioner expressed concern that not advertising the vacancy publicly could expose the county to an Equal Employment Opportunity complaint.

Commissioners also discussed the position's qualifications and pay. Speakers noted the market range for similar positions can run from roughly $85,000 to $126,000 annually. The personnel packet showed a transfer for Susan Boutwell from Floodplain Permit Specialist (nonexempt grade 110 step 5-plus at $5,265.94 per month) to the combined exempt position (grade 112 step 3-plus at $5,002.91 per month), and the elected official requested adjustment to step 6-plus at $6,250 per month; the final pay step and administrative adjustments following the reclassification were left to Human Resources to implement in compliance with court direction.

Commissioner Sikorski moved to approve the reclassification; the motion was seconded and passed with four yeas and one nay. Commissioners who opposed the change cited procedural concerns about recruitment and transparency; those in favor cited internal knowledge of candidate qualifications and county staffing needs.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","San Patricio - Commissioner's Court - Jun 30, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","San Patricio County Commissioners voted 4-1 to reclassify and combine the deputy emergency management coordinator and floodplain manager/permit specialist into a single exempt position. Some commissioners raised concerns the vacancy was not advertised and that minimum qualifications were reduced.","taxTitle","San Patricio County, Texas","taxId",69592,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6656952,"Commissioners approve general MOU process with City of Odem for future project agreements; court discusses Transportation Code limits",488,2416000,2904000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5107995-19b1aa006b1bc38a880cb5cec86cdcd5&start=2416&end=2904","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5107995-19b1aa006b1bc38a880cb5cec86cdcd5/thumbnail_2416000.jpg","/articles/6656952/San-Patricio-County/Texas/Commissioners-approve-general-MOU-process-with-City-of-Odem-for-future-project-agreements-court-discusses-Transportation-Code-limits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6656952-69392a48e250313b01a805f314208dae/orig.mp4?Expires=1771087442&Signature=CYHeoOoNhBmjwqGnrqXYwmDP5~5j9csbf0mFozy6B9VQ-BxDciik5OE7apEULRosoTAkkYWUfwCyWWtSi2hBnBHMH1uWUSa2cfqafy-eDbud6zioFqSB1qDr7LZ9LxWJTQHufl-lwsvMqqav2cP10IDdw5N-bNDK9CBoodGinbyt7PbtnoeSE44kgur5TeXe1BvvRvJ4zhyco74jWCs5EjE-IzJK~2ubQurRaNHVaiQjxSAjRpSLflbY76-sHC-EpNmp6Xdeh8Sfb4Af8Dt~GVEhloe1j4mrrRUmMUT9ElpsHYU1fKbCJGhRhMPluh15oOhKdUcj9M06m9Ujs~3AIA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The San Patricio County Commissioners Court on July 1 approved a memorandum of understanding with the City of Odem (referred to in the meeting as an interlocal/MOU) that establishes how the city and Precinct 3 will identify potential collaborative projects for later, project-specific agreements.

Commissioner Ruben Gonzales said the document is intentionally general ' an \"agreement to agree\" ' and that specific projects will be identified later by the city and then presented to the Commissioners Court for project-level approval. County attorney and staff present told the court the document complies with local-government code and Texas law as an initial step.

Commissioners discussed limits on county assistance under the Texas Transportation Code. Public speakers and commissioners cited Transportation Code Sections 251.012 and 251.015, noting subsection 251.015 includes a $15,000 threshold that affects when counties may use road equipment and personnel to assist another governmental entity. Commissioners and the county attorney noted overlapping attorney general opinions and said the statutory language can be unclear in practice.

City Manager Sal (City of Odem) told the court the city understands the MOU is the first step and that any official city action will be posted via the city's official channels; he said the city is prepared to present identified projects to the court and stressed the city is seeking a lawful partnership, not a handout.

The motion to approve the MOU carried; county staff and the commissioner said any subsequent project-level interlocal agreement would return to the Commissioners Court for approval and conform to state law.

","The court approved a memorandum of understanding with the City of Odem to establish a process for identifying potential projects for later interlocal agreements. Commissioners and staff discussed Transportation Code Sections 251.012 and 251.015 and requested clarity from state lawmakers and reliance on future project-level approvals.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6656957,"Commemorative Air Force asks San Patricio County for rent relief at Ingleside Regional Airport; commissioners table request for legal review",570,1756000,2326000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5107995-19b1aa006b1bc38a880cb5cec86cdcd5&start=1756&end=2326","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5107995-19b1aa006b1bc38a880cb5cec86cdcd5/thumbnail_1756000.jpg","/articles/6656957/San-Patricio-County/Texas/Commemorative-Air-Force-asks-San-Patricio-County-for-rent-relief-at-Ingleside-Regional-Airport-commissioners-table-request-for-legal-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6656957-780f44a0604ecb4df65b0752a2d21352/orig.mp4?Expires=1771087442&Signature=RQJvUtT5g4Gp8a8QxhFiCitnLRJyrKA3zNiKMv3ZnwdcKnvBnyEwnaOjSvDCFEcUTXMTWe61JwsK3FnFMUdcw2mdGi6IgKdJgT~nDnZYOYOscI~LAYKRpqSJvoj9SIt-XWs0voT6WlYbydq8aTg6ZTwb0G9PG-lw3Cb1eBM0Cf7fip5V4WbX6GZlB23alXm~07hkfqEcNF92aOCUFnDxWudX8jcZ9cKjGaDb9pHdoA3Oa0ehLkkh6HykBKJCHnoSkQ2nVDVzIAkqsXDevzVUWQ1CHy2YTiUxTo2GEcSWG9yHCXm9qn5xn4EXAuBjBtKrqKeJ5Bew5LD2U7crFhOBtg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representatives of the Commemorative Air Force told the Commissioners Court that the volunteer-run museum and aircraft operation at Ingleside Regional Airport is facing short-term revenue shortfalls and asked the court to consider rent relief.

Frances Sawyer, speaking for the Commemorative Air Force, described monthly income as irregular and limited to volunteer-run pancake breakfasts and periodic fundraisers. Sawyer said the hangar was privately financed when built and that the organization receives no salaries for volunteers.

Gary (county airport representative) explained the current ground lease rate is $0.10 per square foot on roughly 51,200 square feet, which yields about $5,120 annually. He said county staff prefers a deferment (deferral) for 2025 and 2026 rather than a permanent reduction: under the deferment proposal the rent for deferred years would still be owed and would be collected with the regular annual increase in 2027; staff estimated the later rate could increase to approximately $0.12 per square foot (roughly $5,600) under the existing lease escalation.

Commissioners discussed options, cited FAA guidance that allows nonprofit lease considerations in some circumstances, and asked the county attorney to examine legal implications of a deferment versus an outright reduction. The Commemorative Air Force representatives requested county consideration of either approach and said they are seeking grants and fundraising to cover operating expenses.

The court voted to table the item so the county attorney can review lease language and applicable federal guidance; the airport representatives were told the matter will return to a future court agenda.

","The Commemorative Air Force asked the court for a rent reduction or deferment for hangar space at Ingleside Regional Airport; the court tabled the request pending county attorney review of lease and FAA guidance.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6656962,"San Patricio County WIC receives roughly $1.3 million federal award for Oct 2025-Sept 2026",428,1311000,1739000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5107995-19b1aa006b1bc38a880cb5cec86cdcd5&start=1311&end=1739","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5107995-19b1aa006b1bc38a880cb5cec86cdcd5/thumbnail_1311000.jpg","/articles/6656962/San-Patricio-County/Texas/San-Patricio-County-WIC-receives-roughly-13-million-federal-award-for-Oct-2025-Sept-2026","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6656962-b0a40ee29a6a672bd241bf1542d032f3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771087442&Signature=AO0GGhf-rulfb7MKjg5Dpih5uCz78EQV7s5ZJYJP7VQhyx24PkTYm2W8elzY3e8jffSJE93g5crh5u1PY4voJO6RU~YWJqfgiLBrhMlNkL02NW01whYEz~pKcUiYu4kYQStPGdCTWElI7Nx2Y60MLZxdYpiR1g2LgDv~eG96GIa2SRwTEl8RC3Q6GpL6sFznhSZ~Sc9gp6p7ptctC2N1HWb5uTzn383Da4p0SEjzza2Uk3Ym33sW6goXN12eATCtF~1jPhD0IsIIAQYSi4A9Zr5Je~Hd3uOVoDFaHpRRooArZPqbe10MCj2pidpT7S6ZZoDiKAbgzccRcHOS1su17g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Melissa Garza, WIC director for the San Patricio County Health Department, told the Commissioners Court on July 1 that the county's WIC (Women, Infants and Children) program received a Notice of Award for the 2026 program year covering Oct. 2025 through Sept. 2026.

Garza said the award totals approximately $1,293,229 and that she provided the court a packet with a line-item breakdown of how the funds will be used, including administrative support and nutrition/breastfeeding services. She described the grant as funding staffing and program services and said additional grant-funded security or infrastructure changes are being tracked through the Elections Office grants process and other county processes when applicable.

Commissioners and court members asked questions about new funds and program operations. Commissioner Gillespie noted roughly $100,000 of the award was new funding obtained through recent applications. Several commissioners encouraged colleagues to visit WIC program sites and said the county has benefited from WIC-funded facility upgrades in other locations.

Garza said clinic sites and program inventories are being monitored, including as the county enters hurricane season. She said the WIC program maintains clinic locations in Sinton and other county sites and that staff are working to ensure continuity of services.

The presentation was informational; no court action was required at the July 1 meeting. Garza provided printed materials and offered the court follow-up if commissioners had further questions.

","Melissa Garza, WIC director, presented a Notice of Award covering Oct. 2025 through Sept. 2026 of approximately $1.29 million and provided the court a detailed breakdown in meeting materials.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6656966,"San Patricio County Commissioners approve routine claims, contracts and personnel actions; several items tabled",3232,872000,4104000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5107995-19b1aa006b1bc38a880cb5cec86cdcd5&start=872&end=4104","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5107995-19b1aa006b1bc38a880cb5cec86cdcd5/thumbnail_872000.jpg","/articles/6656966/San-Patricio-County/Texas/San-Patricio-County-Commissioners-approve-routine-claims-contracts-and-personnel-actions-several-items-tabled","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6656966-2fef0fb96708f3040a137116f3e9d320/orig.mp4?Expires=1771087442&Signature=VhyHwO3GELyBap5GFsPKaymbMCNALCaUpfas3AdcFN30E7FlHNMsFXQXSxNQ~JvL20fRkdIgSwjgWEqjBwBKH1DJi07mLH0xVUhLlGHZdNsiAQJj2qdPsdbgfM3rqm30DYsq3YKQ4PijE3BvAxIN6X1WyzletHtIhvAm8E9OruENZ4KCakDU7KFF1W0nM7b~VNXIDjRVSOpjsCa~we-wOCPMH3aNfU~7Jn59Cq6dCOW6JmsiuczJA8qCpmvmjwU5ut~sgfX9YSoTNuguR3jryoeNRWLEknND7pVPRK86XMlBicsZ7HoJ6I0w~I0-JLhcbzdbENl0lAjlzAj1QMOk4A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","San Patricio County Commissioners Court on July 1 approved a slate of routine claims, contracts and personnel actions while tabling several grant- and lease-related items for further review.

At the start of the court meeting, commissioners approved the June 23 minutes and accepted the treasurer's bank reconciliation and reports. The court approved claims against the county, including reissuing a $3,540.82 check to French Ellison Truck Company after a prior delivery error was discovered.

The court approved budget line-item transfers and accepted the county auditor's unaudited financial report for the month ending May 31. It also approved multiple vehicle transfers between departments at no cost to the county.

Contracts and procurement decisions passed included authorization to solicit a sealed RFP for a remodel of the Sinton Airport terminal building; awarding RFQ 2025-053 for legal services to Bickerstaff Heath Gatto & Associates; awarding disaster-debris removal RFP 2025-007 to CrowderGulf LLC; awarding disaster monitoring RFP 2025-008 to TrueNorth Emergency Management LLC; and awarding emergency logistics RFP 2025S009 to Gardner Environmental Services. The court also approved juvenile-detention contracts with Starr, Duval and Jim Hogg counties.

The court approved capital purchases: Commissioner Ruben Gonzales's request to buy a 2025 Volvo ECR88D compact excavator under BuyBoard contract was authorized at $125,371 to support roadside drainage and culvert work.

Personnel actions approved included several resignations, hires and transfers across sheriff's, county clerk, road and bridge, and district attorney offices, and the court approved a health-services contract with UT Southwestern Medical Center for specified organ-transplant care rates.

Two requests were tabled for further review: (1) a request from the Commemorative Air Force for rent relief and lease adjustments at the Ingleside Regional Airport, and (2) an interlocal mapping grant application with the Nueces River Authority and the Texas Water Development Board for countywide flood mapping (grant value and local match discussed below). The court also approved an interlocal-style memorandum of understanding with the City of Odem for a process to identify potential collaborative projects subject to later court approval.

Votes were recorded as \"motion carries\" in most cases; where a tally was given, the reclassification combining the deputy emergency management coordinator and the floodplain manager position passed 4-1.

The court adjourned at approximately 10:08 a.m.

Votes at a glance (selected items):
- Approval of June 23 minutes: motion carried.
- Claims, including reissue to French Ellison Truck Company ($3,540.82): motion carried.
- Budget line-item transfers: motion carried unanimously.
- Consent agenda items 2.3A'G (training records, auditor reports, asset transfers): motion carried.
- RFP authorization: Sinton Airport terminal remodel (go out for sealed RFP): motion carried.
- Award: RFQ 2025-053 (legal services) to Bickerstaff Heath Gatto & Associates: motion carried.
- Award: RFP 2025-007 (disaster debris removal) to CrowderGulf LLC: motion carried.
- Award: RFP 2025-008 (debris monitoring) to TrueNorth Emergency Management LLC: motion carried.
- Award: RFP 2025S009 (emergency logistics) to Gardner Environmental Services: motion carried.
- Purchase: 2025 Volvo ECR88D compact excavator, $125,371: motion carried.
- Juvenile detention agreements with Starr, Duval and Jim Hogg counties: motion carried.
- Personnel actions (resignations, hires, transfers noted on the agenda): motions carried as presented, with select items pulled for separate discussion.
- Reclassification to combine deputy EMC and floodplain manager (personnel item 3.1f): approved 4-1.

All motions and formal actions taken at the meeting appear on the court's official minutes; items tabled will return for additional review or legal review as noted by staff and the county attorney.

","The Commissioners Court voted on claims, transfers, airport and emergency-management contracts, personnel changes and other routine business on July 1. Two grant items and a request from the Commemorative Air Force were tabled for further review.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Court approves combining deputy emergency management coordinator and floodplain manager despite concerns about advertising and qualifications

Commissioners approve general MOU process with City of Odem for future project agreements; court discusses Transportation Code limits

Commemorative Air Force asks San Patricio County for rent relief at Ingleside Regional Airport; commissioners table request for legal review

San Patricio County WIC receives roughly $1.3 million federal award for Oct 2025-Sept 2026

San Patricio County Commissioners approve routine claims, contracts and personnel actions; several items tabled