Hays County residents push for larger representation on transportation task force

The Hays County Commissioners Court convened on July 8, 2025, to discuss the formation of a Citizens Transportation Task Force (CTTF) aimed at addressing the county's transportation needs. The meeting featured public comments that highlighted concerns regarding the proposed structure of the task force and its implications for community representation.

David Patterson from Buda initiated the discussion, advocating for a more inclusive approach to the task force. He argued that having only one representative from each precinct would not adequately reflect the diverse transportation needs across Hays County, particularly in larger precincts like 3 and 4. Patterson emphasized the importance of including multiple voices from each precinct to ensure a comprehensive understanding of local infrastructure concerns.

Virginia Parker, representing the San Marcos River Foundation, echoed Patterson's sentiments. She suggested that a larger task force could effectively prioritize road projects based on community needs, traffic, and safety. Parker proposed that each commissioner appoint two residents to the task force, while the county judge should appoint three, creating a more robust group capable of thorough discussions. She urged the commissioners to expedite the task force's formation and avoid appealing a recent court decision that could delay necessary road improvements.

Jim Camp, a former plaintiff in a lawsuit against the county for violating the Texas Open Meetings Act, also voiced his concerns. He criticized the proposed single-representative model, arguing it could lead to a lack of transparency and community engagement. Camp called for a larger task force to ensure diverse representation and to mitigate perceptions of favoritism in the road bond process.

Following the public comments, the commissioners decided to table the item for further consideration. The meeting underscored the community's desire for a more inclusive and transparent process in addressing Hays County's transportation challenges, with calls for immediate action to establish a representative task force. The next steps remain to be determined as the court continues to evaluate the feedback received.