Hays County Govt | Municipal Services (original) (raw)

Welcome TO HAYS COUNTY!

Hays County is in Central Texas. It was established in 1848. Our County Seat is
San Marcos. Visit this page to learn more about our history.

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November 5 Election Results

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Announcements

Public Meeting Notice: Collective Bargaining

To view the original notice, click here . Notice of Open Deliberations Pursuant to Section 174.108 of the Fire and Police Employee Relations Act, this public notice is provided regarding deliberations relating to collective bargaining between: Hays County, Texas and the Hays County Law Enforcement Association (HCLEA) as the exclusive bargaining agent on behalf of the police officers of the Hays County Sheriff’s Office and the Hays County Constable Offices Date/Time: Monday, October 28, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. Location: Hays County Public Safety Building Room 1304 – Dispatch Training Room 810 S. Stagecoach Trail San Marcos, Texas 78666 Subject: Contract negotiations providing for collective bargaining between Hays County, Texas (“County”) and the Hays County Law Enforcement Association (“HCLEA”). Public Notice Members of the public and press are permitted to observe and monitor the deliberation, but active participation in discussions or presentations is expressly prohibited unless permitted by the Ground Rules established by the County and HCLEA. Representatives for either the County or HCLEA may suspend the meeting at any time during the proceedings for consultation with their respective attorney. Pursuant to Section 551.071 of the Texas Government Code, the County’s deliberations during this period are closed to the public. Accessibility Statement for Disabled Persons. This meeting site is accessible to disabled persons as follows: the meeting room is on the first floor of the building and entrance to the building is accessible. Parking spaces reserved for disabled persons are in front of the entrance. The use of cellular phones or sound activated pager is prohibited while deliberations are being conducted. Please step outside the meeting room should you elect to utilize these devices.

Public Meeting Notice: Collective Bargaining

By Natalie Frels • October 17, 2024

To view the original notice, click here . Notice of Open Deliberations Pursuant to Section 174.108 of the Fire and Police Employee Relations Act, this public notice is provided regarding deliberations relating to collective bargaining between: Hays County, Texas and the Hays County Law Enforcement Association (HCLEA) as the exclusive bargaining agent on behalf of the police officers of the Hays County Sheriff’s Office and the Hays County Constable Offices Date/Time: Monday, October 21, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. Location: Hays County Public Safety Building Room 1304 – Dispatch Training Room 810 S. Stagecoach Trail San Marcos, Texas 78666 Subject: Contract negotiations providing for collective bargaining between Hays County, Texas (“County”) and the Hays County Law Enforcement Association (“HCLEA”). Public Notice Members of the public and press are permitted to observe and monitor the deliberation, but active participation in discussions or presentations is expressly prohibited unless permitted by the Ground Rules established by the County and HCLEA. Representatives for either the County or HCLEA may suspend the meeting at any time during the proceedings for consultation with their respective attorney. Pursuant to Section 551.071 of the Texas Government Code, the County’s deliberations during this period are closed to the public. Accessibility Statement for Disabled Persons. This meeting site is accessible to disabled persons as follows: the meeting room is on the first floor of the building and entrance to the building is accessible. Parking spaces reserved for disabled persons are in front of the entrance. The use of cellular phones or sound activated pager is prohibited while deliberations are being conducted. Please step outside the meeting room should you elect to utilize these devices.

Public Meeting Notice: Collective Bargaining

By Sofia Fitterer • October 4, 2024

To view the original notice click here . Notice of Open Deliberations Pursuant to Section 174.108 of the Fire and Police Employee Relations Act, this public notice is provided regarding deliberations relating to collective bargaining between: Hays County, Texas and the Hays County Law Enforcement Association (HCLEA ) as the exclusive bargaining agent on behalf of the police officers of the Hays County Sheriff’s Office and the Hays County Constable Offices Date/Time: Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. Location: Hays County Public Safety Building Room 1304 – Dispatch Training Room 810 S. Stagecoach Trail San Marcos, Texas 78666 Subject: Contract negotiations providing for collective bargaining between Hays County, Texas (“County”) and the Hays County Law Enforcement Association (“HCLEA”). Public Notice Members of the public and press are permitted to observe and monitor the deliberation, but active participation in discussions or presentations is expressly prohibited unless permitted by the Ground Rules established by the County and HCLEA. Representatives for either the County or HCLEA may suspend the meeting at any time during the proceedings for consultation with their respective attorney. Pursuant to Section 551.071 of the Texas Government Code, the County’s deliberations during this period are closed to the public. Accessibility Statement for Disabled Persons. This meeting site is accessible to disabled persons as follows: the meeting room is on the first floor of the building and entrance to the building is accessible. Parking spaces reserved for disabled persons are in front of the entrance. The use of cellular phones or sound activated pager is prohibited while deliberations are being conducted. Please step outside the meeting room should you elect to utilize these devices.

News

Hays County takes first step toward jail-based competency restoration program

By Natalie Frels • January 8, 2025

SAN MARCOS, Texas – On Tuesday, Jan. 7, the Hays County Commissioners Court approved letters of support for a future jail-based competency restoration (JBCR) program. In partnership with Hill Country MHDD, the program would provide therapy and treatment to help incompetent defendants understand the judicial system to assist their attorneys effectively in their own defense. According to Hays County District Attorney Kelly Higgins, the county currently houses all incompetent defendants in jail until such time as the state’s mental hospitals can accommodate and treat them. Many times, this involves a wait of more than a year, sometimes as much as 20 months. The county is responsible for the payment of these lengthy jail placements. This interminable delay in providing restoration treatment, in part, creates the issues the county must address through a JBCR program. “The anguish of our current system is that people on the margins are waiting in jail,” Higgins said. “The existing regime is the worst possible arrangement for these vulnerable persons.” With JBCR, the expenses related to these long waits will be obviated, and incompetent defendants may be restored to competency within a reasonable time, he explained. “What we’re dealing with are people who have maybe committed an act as a symptom of mental illness, yet because of the lack of statewide resources, we do need to be able to release people from jail to receive treatment,” Higgins said Tuesday. “I want to dignify these defendant’s liberty interests.” The court was unanimous in its support of the future program. Its vote to approve the letters of support is the first step in exploring a partnership with Hill Country MHDD for a future JBCR program. While some members of the public expressed concerns about the program, details regarding services and oversight will be addressed at a later date — an essential aspect of moving forward with a future JBCR program contract with Hill Country MHDD. “This is just the first step in the process,” said Precinct 2 Commissioner Dr. Michelle Cohen. “If it comes back to the court, we will review these services and what the oversight would be.” “We want to have meaningful treatment for these individuals that I don’t believe we’ve had in the past,” said Precinct 1 Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe. “We need to be sure that if we move forward with these programs, the details are an important part of the contract.” “I do believe this program has the right intentions,” said Precinct 3 Commissioner Morgan Hammer. “There are needs we currently don’t have, but the District Attorney’s Office has shown compassion with this program; I think it’s in the right hands.” “We need services in general, and we cannot let the logistics outweigh the need,” said Precinct 4 Commissioner Walt Smith. “The state won’t step up and take care of the issue. I’m excited to see this finally come to fruition; this is an important first step.” Finally, Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra agreed with the commissioners, noting, “This judicial system has taken magnificent steps – leaps and bounds. Has everything been spot on? No, but we have moved the needle. It’s our job to take care of our residents. We are a unified front. This is one more spot on the kaleidoscope for a safe, prosperous community.”

San Marcos man convicted for intoxication assault

By Natalie Frels • January 3, 2025

SAN MARCOS, Texas – Hays County Criminal District Attorney Kelly Higgins announced today that a Hays County man, Manuel Mendoza, Jr., 38, pleaded guilty to four counts of intoxication assault on December 19, 2024, and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Mendoza had previously been convicted of intoxication assault in Hamilton County, Texas. The four counts represent the four people injured in the collision. Mendoza was accused of causing serious bodily injury to four people on the night of June 11, 2023, while operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Mendoza was driving Northbound on IH-35, traveling around 100 miles per hour, when his Kia Sorento collided with one of the victim’s vehicles near Kyle Correctional Center. A third vehicle swerved to avoid the collision and crashed. Mendoza’s blood-alcohol content was over the legal limit, and he was arrested on scene by Kyle PD. The Hays County District Attorney’s Office wishes to recognize the staff at Kyle Correctional Center, Hays-San Marcos Fire/EMS and KPD for their immediate assistance at the scene. Their quick response and the great work of medical staff at multiple local hospitals saved lives. In particular, HCDAO wishes to recognize KPD Corporal Colby Bryant for his thorough and professional investigation of this matter. Assistant Criminal District Attorney Cyrus Morgan prosecuted the case. After sentencing, DA Higgins stated, “The victims in this case did not deserve the life-changing tortures inflicted upon them by Mr. Mendoza. And without the victims’ strength and resolve, our office could not have achieved this result.”

Hays County supports Homeless Coalition efforts with PIT Count

By Natalie Frels • November 22, 2024

SAN MARCOS, Texas – On Jan. 23, the Hays County Homeless Coalition, in partnership with Texas Homeless Network (THN), local agencies and volunteers, will conduct the annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, a crucial initiative aimed at assessing homelessness in our community. This one-day census will provide vital data to help shape future programs and resources for individuals experiencing homelessness. The PIT Count is a nationwide effort mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to collect data on homelessness. Each year, communities across the country gather information on the number of individuals and families experiencing homelessness on a single night in January. The data not only helps to quantify the issue, but also guides local policy and funding decisions. "Understanding the scope of homelessness in our community is essential to developing effective solutions," said Peyton Wagner, Hays County behavioral health coordinator and chair of the PIT planning team. "The PIT Count allows us to identify trends, allocate resources more effectively and engage the community in addressing this pressing issue." Volunteers will be deployed throughout the county to conduct surveys and provide support to individuals experiencing homelessness. The data submitted to THN will be analyzed and reported to HUD, contributing to a national understanding of homelessness trends. Community members are encouraged to participate by volunteering, spreading awareness or contributing to local shelters and support services. "We are grateful to the volunteers and partners who dedicate their time to this important work," said Nancy Heintz, member of the Hays County Homeless Coalition Board of Directors. "Together, we can create a clearer snapshot of homelessness and work collaboratively to implement solutions that ensure everyone has a safe place to call home." For more information on how to get involved with the PIT Count, contact this year’s volunteer coordinator, Tyler Staton, at tyler.staton@hayscountytx.gov, or PIT committee chair, Peyton Wagner, at peyton.wagner@hayscountytx.gov.