WASHINGTON CO. COMMISSIONERS CANVASS ELECTION RESULTS; SPECIAL MEETING CALLED FOR THURSDAY

  

Washington County Commissioners canvassed the results of the November 5^th general election at their meeting today (Tuesday), making the results official.

Breaking down the totals, Washington County Elections Administrator Carol Jackson said there were 18,343 ballots counted from 25,708 registered voters, which tallies up to a turnout of 71.35 percent.  Of that, 14,456 ballots came from early voting, 3,322 on Election Day, 557 by mail and eight provisional.

In comparison to previous years, the 2022 gubernatorial election drew 14,130 participants out of 24,639 registered voters for a turnout of 57.35 percent.  The 2020 presidential election saw 17,541 ballots cast from 24,051 registered voters for a 72.93 percent turnout.

Commissioner Kirk Hanath thanked everyone who assisted in the election, saying that both the response from voters and the help provided by staff and volunteers was “phenomenal.”  He also said the early voting turnout demonstrates the need and importance of having a dedicated early voting location that is accessible and visible to the public.

Also at today’s meeting, commissioners approved incentive pay for Human Resources Generalist Amber Skalka and supplemental pay for Information Technology Systems Administrator Mark Young. 

Human Resources Director Angela Mlcak said both employees have been spending extra time working with the E911 Department, following the resignations of Robyn Hood as director and Shannon Selden as operations manager.  Skalka has taken on administrative and supervisory duties, while Young has been assisting with the implementation of new software for the department.

Former county commissioner Joy Fuchs said she was concerned about putting someone in from a different department who was not very familiar with how the E911 Department operates at the ground level, mentioning that during previous director transitions she was a part of, there was greater stability with employees who had been there.  Commissioner Candice Bullock replied that Skalka has served as a dispatcher, so she does have a level of experience. 

The court also approved an amendment to the Chapter 381 economic development agreement between the county and BK Stringer, LTD for the Brenham Crossing shopping center.  It also agreed to issue a check for $101,779 to fulfill the terms of the sales tax abatement agreement, which requires annual grant payments through March 2035.

Brenham | Washington County Economic Development Director Teresa Rosales said the amendment adds some clarifying language but does not change any obligations of the county or BK Stringer.  The City of Brenham has already approved the amendment on its end of the agreement.

Commissioners voted 3-1 on the item, with Commissioner Kirk Hanath voting against.  Hanath voted against the original abatement agreement in 2019.   

In other business, the court:

• Approved an interlocal cooperation agreement between the county and the Texas Department of Public Safety.  The agreement outlines the work between the county and the assigned DPS sergeant, updates the scope of services provided, and edits the address of the DPS office to the existing location at Blinn College. 
• Approved a final plat for Chadwick Hogan Estates Phase 2, located along Caney Creek Road in Precinct 2 and consisting of five lots.
• Discussed formal notices from Industry Telephone Company for fiber installation along the county right-of-way of Old Loewe Lane and Schoenemann Road in Precinct 4.  No action was needed.
• Discussed a formal notice form Magnolia Oil & Gas for a temporary lay-flat line along the county right-of-way of Upshaw Road, Haupstrasse Road, Koether Road, Moye Road and Bascome Lane in Precinct 4.
• Received the Information Technology Department’s quarterly report.

Commissioners have called a special meeting for Thursday at 3:30 p.m. at the Washington County Courthouse.  The called meeting will be an executive session for commissioners to consult with an attorney regarding potential legal claims.  Any possible action will occur in open session.