By Anton Riecher
On a motion by Precinct 4 Commissioner Danny Lawler, the Medina County Commissioners Court voted unanimously Monday to accept the donation of a compact utility tractor initially designated for use in emergency operations following the recent Guadalupe River flooding.
The tractor, a 2025 Mahindra 1640 valued at $40,139, is one of five donated by the manufacturer for use in Kerr County through Bill’s Tractor and More in Hondo, County Judge Keith Lutz said. Following that effort, the tractor, complete with bucket, grapple and backhoe, will ultimately be donated to Medina County.
Precinct 1 Commissioner Jessica Castiglione seconded the motion by Lawler to accept the donation under the provisions of the Texas Local Government Code.
Ballot to include 17 ammendments to Constitution
In other business, the commissioners approved an order permitting county elections administrator Lupe C. Torres to proceed with arrangements for the November 4 general election in Medina County. The upcoming ballot includes 17 amendments to the Texas Constitution.
The county will operate three locations for early voting and eight locations for election day voting, Torres said.
Again on a motion by Lawler, the commissioners voted unanimously to approve a bid for remodeling of the former Hondo National Bank building as a future county office location. The renovation includes removal of the bank vault, Lutz said.
Finances
County Treasurer Debra Graff reported accounts payable totaling $1.353 million, not including $5,000 in postage and two wire transfers for interest payments totaling $337,134. Disbursement of funds since the last commissioners’ court meeting covering utilities, fuel and dental plans totaled $37,732.
Subdivisions
On a motion by Castiglione, the commissioners voted unanimously to approve a final plat establishing Chaam Subdivision on County Road 467. The motion was seconded by Precinct 2 Commissioner Larry Sittre.
Murder Cases
The court also voted to approve an interlocal agreement with the Hill Country Regional Public Defender Office to provide court-appointed counsel for individuals charged with capital murder. Hill Country serves Kerr, Medina, Gillespie, Bandera and Kendall counties, providing indigent defense and pre-trial services.
Renewal
Also approved by commissioners was a renewal of the contract with the Texas Health & Human Services Commission Women, Infants and Children (WIC) local agency. The program helps families across the state by providing nutrition education, breastfeeding support, healthy foods and referrals to health care and other community services.
The new contract extends from October 2025 to September 2026.
Executive Session
Commissioners also met in closed executive session to deliberate on economic development negotiations. No action was taken after nearly an hour behind closed doors.