TipSheet: Travis County, 10.17.17

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.

10. Consider and take appropriate action on a three-month Interlocal Cooperation Agreement for Wildlife Damage Management with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service for FY18. (Commissioner Gómez)

Monitor’s Take: Disagreement over how coyotes and other wild animals should be dealt with – lethally or not – has cast controversy over this item. When the court discussed it last Tuesday, it seemed as if the prevailing direction will lead to a short-term extension of the existing agreement with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service while county staff explores other options.

11. Consider and take appropriate action on an appointment to the Travis County Healthcare District (DBA Central Health) Board of Managers. (Judge Eckhardt)

Monitor’s Take: If there were an old lion of Central Health’s board of managers, it would arguably be Clarke Heidrick, who has been around since the hospital district was created in 2004. Heidrick has also been a familiar face at Commissioners Court where he’s been an avid defender of Central Health amidst the ongoing controversy over its financial policies. But now it seems the party is over. Heidrick will step down at the end of the year, opening up his seat to a new person willing to get in the middle of the county, the hospital district and its dogged critics.

25. Consider and take appropriate action on the Order of the Travis County Commissioners Court Amending the Travis County Healthcare District Financial Policies for FY18. (Judge Eckhardt)

Monitor’s Approval: We’ve lost count of how many recent agendas have featured this item only to see the court postpone action for some reason or another. The streak can’t last forever though and we’re feeling optimistic that this could be the week. Please, God, let it be the week.

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