TipSheet: Travis County, 11.24.15

The Travis County Commissioners Court meets at 9 a.m. Tuesday. In the interest of space, we’ve decided not to post the entire agenda here. The County Clerk’s office hosts a copy at its website.

2. Consider and take appropriate action regarding County response to weather events in Travis and surrounding counties. (Judge Eckhardt)

Monitor’s Take: The latest twist in the county’s response to the deadly floods in late October comes courtesy of Gov. Greg Abbott. On Friday, the governor declared a state of disaster in 15 counties, including Travis. That’s a big step towards a similar proclamation by President Barack Obama which could channel millions in federal dollars to local relief efforts.

11. Consider and take appropriate action on Travis County appointments to the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA) Board of Directors. (Judge Eckhardt)

Monitor’s Take: With the expiration date of the terms of two of Travis County’s appointees to the CTRMA board coming up next February, the Commissioners Court will have the opportunity to inject new blood into the transportation agency. Because he’s been on the board since 2009, the commissioners will have to issue a call for applications to fill Charles Heimsath’s seat. David Armbrust was appointed in 2012 and won’t have to face any competition to maintain his seat.

24. Approve Modification No. 16 to Contract No. 4500000031 (H.T.E. Contract No. 07T00173VC), Securus Technologies, Inc., for Inmate Pay Phone Services and Video Visitation. (Judge Eckhardt)

Monitor’s Take: There’s no backup material on this item to indicate exactly what modification is under consideration, but dollars to doughnuts says it is linked to the recent restoration of in-person visitations at the Travis County Correctional Complex.