County Clerk resigns

Medina County Commissioners Court accepted a letter of resignation from County Clerk Lisa Wernette on July 31.

Commissioners accepted the letter of resignation from County Clerk Lisa Wernette, during their regular meeting on July 31, 2017. The letter was submitted on July 28th. Wernette asked that the resignation become effective on September 30, 2017. After accepting the letter as submitted, Commissioners went into closed session.
After about twenty minutes Commissioners reconvened in open session and announced three candidates would be interviewed for interim county clerk on Wednesday, August 2nd. The candidates are: Elva Miranda, Andi Hearn and Gina Champion. The elected position has over a year left on the term, being up for reelection November 2018 and new term starting January of 2019.
JP Montgomery honored
Justice of the Peace Precinct#4 Phillip Montgomery was honored and celebrated for his tenure as President of the Justice of Peace and Constables Association of Texas. A resolution was signed by the Court. Montgomery was mentioned on the House Floor by Representative Andrew Murr. A flag was flown in Montgomery’s honor on April 15, 2017 for half day.
Justice of the Peace Montgomery has spent countless hours speaking on behalf of the Association trying to get bills passed. His JP career came after some 26 years as a T.A.B.C. Officer and several terms as a Devine councilman. JP’s from the other three precincts were on hand to offer their congratulations and support. “We are proud to have him and of the leadership he provides,” stated Judge Chris Schuchart after reading the resolution.
Sheriff’s Office resignations
During the financial portion of the meeting three resignations were announced all from the Sheriff’s Office and Jail. Resigning was: Bertha Flores, Administrative Assistant; Alyssa Frier, Jailer and Destinee Barrios, Dispatcher.
911 District Reimbursement
The 911 Districting Office asked for a final for this year reimbursement for software and hardware purchases. The office has been implementing a total overhaul of the 911 addressing system. Commissioners had budgeted $125,000 to contribute of which $68,000 was spent this year. The total of this last reimbursement request was $14,551.57. The request was authorized.
Financial reports
Commissioners accepted annual financial reports for the year ended September 30, 2016 from ESD #1 and ESD #6. Commissioner Pct. #3 Larry Sittre made the motion to accept the reports. He did state, “We can look at these numbers all day long and not know what they are.”
ESD #1 is comprised of Castroville VFD, Castroville EMS and Mico VFD. The report stated total revenue was $1,244,819 and total expenses $743,481.
ESD #6 is comprised of Hondo VFD. The report stated total revenue was $757,064 and total expenses $285,613.
Court Reporting
The court reporting system which is a recording system, was authorized for renewal. BIS Digital out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida provides the software, hardware and maintenance of the system that is utilized by the County Court at Law and District Courtroom.
By Trina Williams
Staff Writer