The overview
Presented by Melissa Shannon, Bexar County director of governmental affairs, the agenda was divided into two categories. The first category is initiatives that seek to change a statute or acquire appropriate funding. The second is policy positions, which will direct how the county’s governmental affairs office responds to bills brought up in the 89th legislative session.
Shannon listed three proposed initiatives that the county would bring to the legislature.
Proposed initiatives include:
- Expanding an initiative regarding building permits and inspections to include cities with a population of two million, so county fire inspectors can inspect local buildings.
- A forensic pathologist loan repayment program, which requests funding from the state to encourage individuals to enter the forensic pathology field and to assist with repayment of forensic pathologists’ loans.
- Requesting a statute to allow the county to request a vote on raising the vehicle registration fee to $20, which funds the Alamo Regional Mobility Authority.
During the presentation, Shannon said the policies are more high-level concepts and that the discussion gives the office of governmental affairs a better understanding of county officials' position on items that may arise during the legislative process.
Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai said further discussion is needed to hone down the policies to prioritize items that directly affect the county.
“I want [county officials] to drill down on specific initiatives and have a vetting process, instead of one omnibus of policies,” Sakai said.
The proposed agenda passed 3-0, with Commissioner Grant Moody abstaining.
What’s next?
Upon Sakai’s recommendation, county officials will meet later this year to discuss the proposed agenda in greater detail.
“I will support today’s motion understanding that this is a work in progress,” Sakai said.
