By Anton Riecher
With a single candle burning, lights were lowered in the Medina County Commissioners Court chambers for 106 seconds Monday to commemorate the lives lost in the devastating July 4 flooding that swept the Texas Hill Country.
County Judge Keith Lutz led those gathered for the commissioners’ court session in prayer.
“Dear Lord, we come here with heavy hearts this morning following the last ten days of sadness for our neighbors and our fellow Texans,” Lutz said. “We pray that you will comfort those who have experienced unimaginable loss and grief.”
He also asked that the light of the burning candle “remind us that you are the light and that you will lead us through darkness.”
Lutz also thanked the many Medina County citizens who assisted in the search and rescue operations following the flood.
“We’re just very thankful to have a county, a group of citizens, that step up and help our neighbors in times like these,” he said.
As of Tuesday morning, the toll of those still missing in Kerr County stands at 97.
Action taken by commissioners during the Monday hearing included approval of an interlocal agreement with Lytle ISD to provide campus security for the 2025-2026 school year by assigning two Medina County Sheriff’s Office deputies to serve as school resource officers on Lytle campuses.
“As discussed in the budget workshop, Lytle ISD has requested a second school resource officer,” Lutz said. “This agreement will supersede the agreement currently in place.”
On a motion by Precinct 2 Commissioner Larry Sittre, seconded by Precinct 3 Commissioner David Lynch, the commissioners voted 3-0 to approve the agreement. Precinct 4 Commissioner Danny Lawler was absent from the Monday meeting.
Assistant Criminal District Attorney Margaret Swyers said the Lytle school board is scheduled to take up the matter at their May 28 meeting.
In financial matters, First Assistant County Auditor Jennifer Konegni reported that cash on hand stands at $29.07 million as of July 1. County Treasurer Debra Graff reported accounts payable totaling $407,474 with commissioners approving payment.
Graff also reported disbursement of funds totaling $79,261 since the last commissioners’ court meeting to cover fuel, utilities and dental claims.
In the monthly report for May, Graff reported an ending cash balance of $32.611 million against a debt total of $20.845 million.
Commissioners also approved a final plat establishing units one, two and three of the Talley Ho subdivision in Precinct 1 on Highway 211 on a motion by Precinct 1 Commissioner Jessica Castiglione.
Following nearly an hour in closed executive session, commissioners voted 3-0 on a motion by Castiglione to allow Judge Lutz to enter into negotiations regarding economic development with an undisclosed group identified only as Cyrus.
