Big decisions made in 2015
The 2015-16 Waller County Commissioners Court, from left: Justin Beckendorff, Jeron Barnett, Judge Carbett “Trey” Duhon III, Russell Klecka, John A. Amsler.[/caption]
Commissioners Court reset
Three new faces joined the Waller County Commissioners Court in 2015. Voters elected Justin Beckendorff, Precinct 4, Russell Klecka, Precinct 2; and Judge Trey Duhon to replace three outgoing officials. Duhon said the new commissioners—who join John Amsler, Precinct 1, and Jeron Barnett, Precinct 3—will help make Waller County a better place.
Voters OK liquor sales in bars
Waller County voters in November passed a proposition that allows liquor to be sold in county restaurants and bars. Under a Prohibition-era law, restaurants in the county were prohibited from selling hard alcohol, said Justin Beckendorff, Waller County Commissioner Precinct 4. The new law allows the sale of beer and hard liquor a change Beckendorff said would draw more upscale restaurants to the county, notably in the Precinct 4 area.
Duhon to assist criminal court
Faced with a growing need for help in the legal aspects of county business, Commissioners Court Judge Trey Duhon III has started to assist on various criminal matters. Duhon—who has a law license—s able to sign warrants to draw blood from DUI suspects and also assists with probate and juvenile court. He will be compensated by the state.
Top issues for 2016
Cane Island development
The Cane Island residential development, which is the city of Katy’s first master planned community, had its grand opening in summer 2015. The community is in the city of Katy but is located in Precinct 4 of Waller County. The community is expected to have more than 2,000 homes when completed. The community will be connected to I-10 by February with the completion of the Cane Island Overpass, linking the interstate to Cane Island Parkway.
Future growth, repairs eyed
County officials will be studying various aspects of county growth and development throughout 2016, said Judge Trey Duhon III. Faced with growing residential sprawl from the western areas of Houston as well as a need to renovate and replace outdated buildings, the commissioners are expected to tackle various issues and may consider a bond referendum. Duhon said a 2014 study done by the county identified five county buildings in dire need of renovations or being fully rebuilt. Two buildings in particular are in very poor shape, Duhon said–the county jail and the justice of the peace building that houses the sheriff’s office. In order to renovate the buildings, and do other construction, county officials may consider future bond packages, Duhon said.
Meetings
The commissioners meet every Wednesday at 9 a.m.
836 Austin St. Hempstead 800-901-4412
Terms and pay
The county judge and commissioners serve four-year terms and have no limits on the number of terms they serve. The judge earns a salary of $80,322 per year and commissioners earn an annual salary of $61,414.50.
Video Coverage
Meetings can be viewed online live at www.co.waller.tx.us
