Photo courtesy Hays County

Big decisions made in 2013

Major water contract In September, the county entered into a water reservation agreement with Forestar Real Estate Group, an Austin-based company looking to pump up to 45,000 acre-feet of water annually from leases it has in Bastrop and Lee counties. 1115 Medicaid waivers The county has partnered with Live Oak Health Partners to deliver health care to Hays County residents. Using 1115 Medicaid waivers, the county is able to get $1.25 of federal money for every $1 it spends on health care. Hays County Judge Bert Cobb said the county has become a leader in the state of using the waivers. Transportation plan The county completed a nearly two-year process of creating a transportation master plan in early 2013. The county's previous plan was adopted in the early 2000s, and more than 60,000 people have moved to Hays County since that plan was adopted. Continued work on FM 1626 Since 2012, the county has been working to expand FM 1626, which provides many Hays County residents an alternative to I-35 when traveling to Austin. The road will be widened to include four lanes and a continuous left-turn lane. The first phase is expected to be completed in late 2014.

Top issues for 2014

Economic development Commissioners Court has made the decision to stop giving tax breaks as a form of an economic development incentive. Instead, the county has begun favoring tax rebates, which are offered when companies reach certain goals. Cobb said Hays County is intent on attracting quality employers to improve the county's economy. Education Cobb said voter approval of bonds for school districts throughout the county means education will be a hot topic in 2014. San Marcos CISD approved $77 million of bond projects in 2013. Hays CISD is also considering calling a bond election in May. Agriculture center "We need a new generation of farmers," Cobb said. The county is hoping to address this need by working with Texas State University and Texas A&M University to develop an agriculture education center in San Marcos. Work on that project will be ongoing throughout the year. Transportation The county will continue work on many of the projects using the $207 million worth of road bonds approved by voters in November 2008, Cobb said. Through the Texas Department of Transportation's pass-thru financing program, up to $133 million will be refunded to the county.

Meetings

The Hays County Commissioners Court meets Tuesdays at 9 a.m. County Courthouse, 111 San Antonio St., San Marcos 512-393-2205

Terms and compensation

The County Judge earns $81,411.00 and commissioners earn $68,339.52 annually. They serve four-year terms.

Media coverage

Commissioners Court meetings are streamed online at www.co.hays.tx.us/commcourtlive