A relatively light agenda at Tuesday's Travis County Commissioners Court meeting included a discussion of the county's jail population and emergency services district planning efforts for the upcoming fiscal year. Here are three more takeaways from Tuesday’s commissioners court meeting:
  • Following a consultation with the county's attorneys in executive session, commissioners announced the county will file suit against hotel management company AustinSuites Management for breach of agreement regarding the status of a lease. No other details were available for release.
  • Commissioners renewed STAR Flight's emergency provider license Tuesday morning after an inspection by the Texas State Department of Health Services found no deficiencies. In a 2-3 vote, commissioners later denied the authority of the County Executive for Emergency Service Josh Davies to execute routine administrative documents that do not require commissioner approval. Commissioners Brigid Shea, Jeff Traviliion and Margaret Gomez commenting on the need for a subcommittee so that commissioners can better understand the subject of the agenda item and how county staff feels about it.
  • A proclamation was also approved Tuesday morning recognizing Travis County employees for their service and efforts during Hurricane Harvey. Austin was able to serve as a shelter and hospitality hub for evacuees thanks to the combined efforts of the city of Austin, county public safety agencies, the American Red Cross and the Central Texas School Safety Consortium, said County Judge Sarah Eckhardt.
“Day in and day out, we have the privilege of working with Travis County employees and partners who at a moment’s notice will drop everything to help their fellow Texans,” Eckhardt said. “Such was the case when Hurricane Harvey hit the Texas shore. Without hesitation and with great precision, all of our departments and staff were ready to lend a helping hand and make certain those affected by the devastating storm found some comfort right here in Austin. We offer our sincerest gratitude to all Travis County staff and partners for their service during that perilous time. There is no doubt they are our most valuable asset.”