NOTE: This election is unrelated to the March 3, 2026 primary election, which includes party voting for offices in Burnet and Llano counties.
Burnet City Council has three full-term seats up for grabs in the upcoming May 2 election, and five applicants have applied for the positions. Only the top three vote-getters will take office after the ballots are counted.
There are four seats total up for election, with three seats at their full two-year terms, and one with a partial term that expires on May 1, 2027. The unexpired term is to fill the spot left vacant by former councilor Tres Clinton, who stepped down in December 2025.
The seats up for election include those held by councilors Tommy Gaut, Cindia Talamantez, Philip Thurman, and Tres Clinton (vacant seat, unexpired term).
Candidate information
Five candidates filed to run for the three, full, two-year terms. These candidates will run against each other under one ballot section, and the top three vote-getters will be elected to fill the seats.
One candidate filed to run for the partial term, which is considered a separate office from the other three seats. This candidate will almost certainly take office after the election as they are running unopposed.
Filed Candidates for full-term seats
Cindia Talamantez
Sky Hullum
Lee Carney
Juan Anthony Francisco Jr.
Danny Lester
Filed candidate for partial term
Crista Bromley (partial term, unopposed)
Important Election dates
April 2 – Last day to register to vote
April 20-28 – Early voting period
May 2 – Election Day
Council information
The Burnet City Council consists of seven members–six councilors and the mayor–elected to represent city residents at the municipal level.
Councilors serve two-year terms in unpaid, volunteer positions. Members may serve no more than three consecutive terms.
While the day-to-day operation of the city is handled by the city manager, the council is responsible for hiring city managers, setting policies, guiding the direction of the city, appointing members of boards and commissions, creating the city budget, setting the city tax rate, and collaborating with city administration.
The city council typically meets at 5 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month.
Contact the City Secretary’s Office at (512) 756-8560 or visit the city of Burnet elections page for more information.
News stories, staff photos, and other online content are copyrighted property of Victory Media. Reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited without the express written consent of the publisher.
NOTE: This election is unrelated to the March 3, 2026 primary election, which includes party voting for offices in Burnet and Llano counties.
The candidates running for Marble Falls City Council in May are locked in, with the filing window having closed on Friday, Feb. 13.
Marble Falls residents will vote to fill three city council seats in the coming election, with Place 1 and Place 3 contested and Place 5 uncontested.
The council is made up of seven elected officials– six councilors and one mayor– who collectively represent the people of Marble Falls and make decisions on city policies, budgets, tax rates, and the hiring and firing of the city manager.
CANDIDATES
Current Place 1 Councilor Griff Morris is not seeking reelection, and three candidates have filed to run for his seat: Rix Smith, Mark Mayfield, and Rhonda Brown.
Incumbent Place 3 Councilor Lauren Haltom is running for re-election, facing off against former mayor Dave Rhodes.
Richard Westerman is running uncontested for re-election for the Place 5 seat.
City council members serve two-year terms, with staggered elections so that three seats are filled each cycle. Councilors, along with the mayor, may serve up to three terms total.
This volunteer role comes with no pay, and the council meets twice per month. City council members make decisions on local policies, budgets, tax rates, and community issues, voting on ordinances and guiding city development.
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Hosted at the Horseshoe Bay Resort, the event featured dinner, entertainment, and auctions benefiting CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of the Highland Lakes Area, which recruits and trains volunteers to advocate for children in abuse and neglect cases across five counties.
“Boots & BBQ is more than a fundraiser, it’s what makes it possible for CASA volunteers to show up consistently for children in foster care across our 5-county service area,” Brittany Grubbs, CASA of the Highland Lakes area executive director, told DailyTrib. “When the court is making life-changing decisions, a CASA volunteer brings the child’s day-to-day reality into the room and advocates for what’s safe, stable, and in their best interest. This event helps ensure more children in our area have that steady voice by their side.”
A highlight of the live auction was a $25,000 private plane trip package donated by Gage & Cade Construction in partnership with Toss It Dumpsters. Gage & Cade Construction served as presenting sponsor for the fifth consecutive year.
CASA for the Highland Lakes Area is a nonprofit that trains and supports volunteer advocates for children in foster care across Burnet, Blanco, Llano, Lampasas and San Saba counties.
News stories, staff photos, and other online content are copyrighted property of Victory Media. Reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited without the express written consent of the publisher.
Agendas for Highland Lakes governments are posted 72 hours before a meeting so are not always ready by the time this story is published. Check the links for more information.
Tuesday, Feb. 16
Horseshoe Bay City Council
3 p.m. regular meeting
Council Chambers, 9101 W. FM 2147 in Horseshoe Bay
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The Eiger Express Pipeline, a planned 450-mile natural gas pipeline that would run across the state of Texas, is expected to pass through northeast Burnet County by 2027 pending construction approval.
The Eiger Express is the second major natural gas pipeline that would cross Burnet County in the last three years, following the development of the Matterhorn Express Pipeline, which was spearheaded by the same developers of the Eiger in 2023.
Around 97 percent of the Eiger Express will run along current right of ways and pipeline routes of the Matterhorn, meaning most properties to be affected by the Eiger have likely already been affected by the Matterhorn’s installation.
Precinct 2 Commissioner Damon Beierle told DailyTrib that he and other members of the commissioners court had worries about the possibility of more pipelines when Matterhorn was first introduced. That project was completed in 2024.
“Unfortunately, when the right of ways were established it made way for another (pipeline) to come in beside it,” Beierle said. “From a county standpoint, our hands are pretty tied. Once they broke the ice on (Matterhorn), they can just follow the existing easements.”
Beierle was also critical of the Matterhorn’s negative effects on the county, noting the noise levels of the pipeline’s lift station near the Burnet County line, which have been said to register at over 100 decibels while operating.
The project will begin construction in 2027 so long as it satisfies federal, state, and local regulations. As Beierle mentioned, the developers had procured the necessary permits and 50-foot easements along the Matterhorn’s route, and would likely face minimal regulatory roadblocks on the Eiger Express.
According to the Eiger Express website, developers have been working with federal agencies to survey the pipeline’s route for its effects on the environment. Once the surveys are completed, the developers would move to secure the required environmental and construction permits from necessary agencies.
A stakeholder meeting open only to landowners that would be directly affected by the project was held on Feb. 11 to provide information on the construction and landowners’ rights.
The project and limited information about its route were initially announced in August 2025. It is a joint venture between ONEOK Inc., Whitewater, MPLX, and Endbridge Inc.
Key takeaways
The Eiger Express Pipeline is planned to be approximately 450 miles long and up to 48 inches in diameter.
The pipeline will transport up to 3.7 billion cubic feet of natural gas a day along its route from the Permian Basin in West Texas to Katy, Texas.
A projected 37.8 million homes would be provided daily electricity using the pipeline’s resources.
The projected state and local tax revenue from the pipeline’s operation is roughly $28.5 million.
The project has the right to eminent domain, but the developers say it would be used as a last resort.
News stories, staff photos, and other online content are copyrighted property of Victory Media. Reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited without the express written consent of the publisher.
The 2026 DailyTrib Llano County Republican Primary Candidates Forum was held on Thursday, Feb. 12, at the Llano County Community Center. DailyTrib has assembled a basic guide for navigating the event’s online recording to better share what candidates had to say on the record about some of the biggest issues facing the county.
At the event, Llano County judge candidates Rob Hardy and Richard Kepp, along with Precinct 4 commissioner candidates Jerry Don Moss and Robert Little, introduced themselves, answered pointed questions, and provided closing remarks.
The winner of the Republican nomination for county judge will almost certainly take office in 2027 due to the lack of a Democratic challenger in the general election. The winner of the nomination for Precinct 4 commissioner will likely go on to face the Democratic candidate, Leila Green Little, in the November general election.
The last day to register to vote in the primary election was Feb. 2
Use the hyperlinks attached to each timestamp to see excerpts from the video featuring each candidate and their corresponding introductions, responses, and closing remarks. Here is a direct link to the entire show, which is 1 hour, 4 minutes, and 30 seconds in length: 2026 Llano County Republican Primary Candidate Forum
The forum featured two-minute introductions from each candidate, followed by a series of two-minute responses to five questions from each candidate, and it ended with two-minute closing remarks from each candidate.
Four of the questions were asked to all four candidates. The fifth question was unique to the office the candidates were running for. All questions were developed by DailyTrib staff and they were not shown to the candidates prior to the forum.
The candidates initial response order was chosen at random, then the order was shifted to the right following each prompt to allow each candidate an opportunity to respond first and last.
The initial response order was: Hardy, Kepp, Moss, and Little.
Introductions
Each candidate was given two minutes to introduce themselves to the audience prior to the question and answer portion of the event.
Richard Kepp is running for the Republican nomination for Llano County judge. DailyTrib image
Question 2: Roads and Bridges
Preface: Llano County has hundreds of miles of county roads and several bridges that require maintenance, repair, and expansion, which must all be achieved with limited resources, personnel, and equipment. This work is one of the primary responsibilities of the Commissioners Court and is directly facilitated by the budgets that it approves.
Question: What are your specific plans for improving and effectively funding Llano County’s transportation infrastructure?
Jerry Don Moss is running for the Republican nomination for Llano County Pct. 4 commissioner. DailyTrib image
Question 3: Budget Management
Preface: While the Llano County tax rate has decreased by about 12 percent in the last five years, budgeted expenditures have increased significantly. Between 2022 and 2026, budgeted maintenance and operation expenditures have increased by 63.9 percent, the Sheriff’s Office budgeted expenditures have increased by 73.4 percent, and the salaries of Commissioners Court members have risen 28 percent. In that same timeframe, 44.68 percent more property tax revenue has been levied to fund the county budget.
Question: If elected, what is your specific plan, strategy, or philosophy for balancing the needs of the county, government spending, and the tax burden on property owners?
Note: These figures were pulled from the publicly-posted Llano County budgets for the 2021-22fiscal year and the 2025-26fiscal year.
Jerry Don Moss is running for the Republican nomination for Llano County Pct. 4 commissioner. DailyTrib image
Question 4: Unique Responsibilities
Preface: The Llano County Commissioners Court not only manages the budget and tax rate of the county, it has taken on a unique set of responsibilities and inherited others. In 2025, the county took over operations of the Llano Regional Hospital. Since 2021, the court has taken a direct role in the operation and management of the Llano County Library System. The county also manages 17,000 acres of land in Tom Green County on behalf of the Llano Independent School District.
Question: If elected, how do you plan on effectively managing the basic responsibilities of the court and navigating its unique responsibilities such as the Llano Regional Hospital, Llano County Library System, and “School Lands”?
Preface: While the county judge has an equal vote to the commissioners, they are the chair of the Commissioners Court and often represent the county in negotiations with other organizations, agencies, governments, companies, firms, and more. They lead court meetings and direct the county through disasters. The full court votes on the county budget, but the judge leads its development, working alongside the county auditor and several department heads for months every year to see it brought to fruition. Whoever wins this race will be stepping into the role for the first time and will take office without any prior Commissioners Court experience.
Question: This is a two-part question. How have you specifically prepared to take on the role of County Judge? Why do you believe you are capable of effectively serving and representing your constituents?
Unique Question for Pct. 4 Commissioner Candidates
Preface: The race for the Precinct 4 Republican nomination is set to the backdrop of a perceived public personal conflict between the candidates regarding their mutual connection to the Llano County Library System Lawsuit. Commissioner Moss was a named defendant in the lawsuit and Candidate Little is married to the primary plaintiff in that same lawsuit.
Question: Do you believe that this conflict, or the perception of it, will impact your ability to effectively represent all of your constituents? Why or why not?
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The following people were arrested and booked into the Burnet County Jail from Feb. 6 – Feb. 12, 2026, according to the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office. City of residence and release information are listed when available. This list does not constitute an official court document, and all persons are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Ashley Nicole Alexander, 38, of Marble Falls was arrested Feb. 6 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): failure to provide proof of financial responsibility, possession of drug paraphernalia.
Jesse Robert Leppert, 44, of Briggs was arrested Feb. 6 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): public intoxication with three prior convictions.
Delaney Rose Santora, 28, of Leander was arrested Feb. 6 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving while intoxicated with a BAC greater than 0.15, assault causing bodily injury to a family member.
Robert Ray Slaughter II, 17, of Burnet was arrested Feb. 6 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): assault causing bodily injury to a family member. Released on Feb. 7 on $2,000 in bonds.
Brendon Jett Catron, 22, of Brookfield was arrested Feb. 7 by the Department of Public Safety (DPS): driving while intoxicated, second charge. Released on Feb. 8 on $2,500 in bonds.
Miguel Vargas Coronado, 57, of Llano was arrested Feb. 7 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): jumping bail and failure to appear, felony. Released on Feb. 12 on $10,000 in bonds.
Anthony David Funes-Ortega, 18, of Irving was arrested Feb. 7 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 2 of less than 1 gram, possession of marijuana of less than 2 ounces. Released on Feb. 8 on $6,500 in bonds.
Jose Angel Juarez, 22, of Kingsland was arrested Feb. 7 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): possession of marijuana of less than 2 ounces. Released on Feb. 7 on $1,000 in bonds.
Jason Lloyd Painter, 45, of Kingsland was arrested Feb. 7 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): driving while intoxicated with an open container of alcohol. Released on Feb. 8 on $2,500 in bonds.
Rashad Nathaniel Rains, 40, of Burnet was arrested Feb. 7 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): assault causing bodily injury to a family member. Released on Feb. 8 on $2,500 in bonds.
Ruben Ray Robles, 65, of Burnet was arrested Feb. 7 by Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPW): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of more than 1 gram but less than 4 grams, driving without a valid license with a previous conviction or suspension. Released on Feb. 12 on $26,500 in bonds.
Yuliana Ruiz, 21, of Kingsland was arrested Feb. 7 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 2 of less than 1 gram, possession of drug paraphernalia, failure to maintain financial responsibility. Released on Feb. 7 on $11,000 in bonds.
Yuliana Ruiz, 21, of Kingsland was arrested Feb. 7 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): speeding of more than 10% above the posted limit (83/60), failure to maintain financial responsibility. Released on Feb. 7 on $1,000 in bonds.
Matthew David Saturn, 33, of Florence was arrested Feb. 7 by the Department of Public Safety (DPS): driving while intoxicated. Released on Feb. 8 on $1,500 in bonds.
Aaron Bravo-Lopez Jr., 18, of Marble Falls was arrested Feb. 8 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving while intoxicated with an open container of alcohol. Released on Feb. 8 on $1,500 in bonds.
Eduardo Carrera-Martinez, 27, of Cottonwood Shores was arrested Feb. 8 by the Cottonwood Shores Police Department (CTWPD): assault of a family or household member while impeding breathing or circulation, failure to yield right of way on a left turn. Released on Feb. 10 on $25,000 in bonds.
Robert Mathew Hogeda, 49, of Marble Falls was arrested Feb. 8 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of more than 4 grams but less than 200 grams.
Elsa Rodriguez Rangel, 48, of Cottonwood Shores was arrested Feb. 8 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): driving while intoxicated. Released on Feb. 8 on $1,500 in bonds.
Ruben Ray Robles, 65, of Burnet was arrested Feb. 8 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving without a valid license with a previous conviction or suspension. Released on Feb. 12 on $3,000 in bonds.
Ashley Marri Varlade-Weyland, 41, of Lampasas was arrested Feb. 8 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): parole warrant, possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of more than 4 grams but less than 200 grams, fraudulent use or possession of identifying information of more than 5 but less than 10 items, failure to identify as a fugitive with intent to give false information, driving without a valid license with a previous conviction or suspension, theft of property valued less than $2,500 with two or more convictions, driving without a valid license, expired motor vehicle registration, failure to maintain financial responsibility.
Cosmo Nevada Carney, 44, of Burnet was arrested Feb. 9 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving while intoxicated with a BAC of greater than 0.15.
Trinten Dale Cave, 19, of Marble Falls was arrested Feb. 9 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): assault causing bodily injury of a family member. Released on Feb. 10 on $10,000 in bonds.
James Clifford Coulter, 41, of Burnet was arrested Feb. 9 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving without a valid license with a previous conviction or suspension. Released on Feb. 9 on $2,500 in bonds.
Reyes Isidro Garcia Jr., 26, of Marble Falls was arrested Feb. 9 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): criminal trespassing, criminal trespassing of a habitation, shelter, superfund, or infrastructure, evading arrest or detention, stalking.
Dillion Neil Hayman, 34, of Big Spring was arrested Feb. 9 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): driving while intoxicated. Released on Feb. 9 on $3,000 in bonds.
David Xavier Ortiz, 22, of Burnet was arrested Feb. 9 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): assault class c. Released on Feb. 10 on $500 in bonds.
Janine Allison Westfall, 63, of Leander was arrested Feb. 9 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of less than 1 gram.
Melody Faith Fuentes, 23, of Houston was arrested Feb. 10 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 2 of less than 1 gram, possession of marijuana of more than 2 ounces but less than 4 ounces. Released on Feb. 11 on $7,500 in bonds.
Lucia Gil, 23, of Houston was arrested Feb. 10 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): possession of marijuana of more than 2 ounces but less than 4 ounces. Released on Feb. 11 on $2,500 in bonds.
Rebecca Fay Jowers, 50, of Granite Shoals was arrested Feb. 10 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): assault of a family or household member impeding breathing or circulation.
Sidney Lynn La Forge, 54, of Granite Shoals was arrested Feb. 10 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of less than 1 gram.
James Koty Reese, 47, of Cottonwood Shores was arrested Feb. 10 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): theft of property valued less than $2,500 with two or more previous convictions. Released on Feb. 12 on $7,500 in bonds.
Jermaine Wilson, 32, was arrested Feb. 10 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): criminal mischief of greater than $300,000, resisting arrest, search, or transportation.
Jerry Don Wright Jr., 64, of Round Mountain was arrested Feb. 10 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): operation of an unregistered motor vehicle. Released on Feb. 11 on $500 in bonds.
Brandie Nicole Adkins, 43, of Burnet was arrested Feb. 11 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): failure to identify as a fugitive with intent to give false information, forgery of a financial instrument of more than $100 but less than $750, possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 of less than 1 gram.
Trinten Dale Cave, 19, of Marble Falls was arrested Feb. 11 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): violation of a bond or protective order. Released on Feb. 12 on $5,000 in bonds.
Samar Lewis, 20, of Jarrell was arrested Feb. 11 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 2 of less than 1 gram. Released on Feb. 11 on $5,000 in bonds.
Susana Martinez-Briceno, 46, of Spicewood was arrested Feb. 11 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of less than 1 gram, resisting arrest, search, or transportation, criminal trespassing, assault of a peace officer or judge.
Shawn Anthony Miles, 30, of Riesel was arrested Feb. 11 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): assault causing bodily injury to a family member.
Billy Jack Ozuna, 49, of Horseshoe Bay was arrested Feb. 11 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): driving without a valid license with a previous conviction or suspension. Released on Feb. 12 on $1,500 in bonds.
Kevin Matthew Pryor, 48, of Georgetown was arrested Feb. 11 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): driving while intoxicated, second charge. Released on Feb. 12 on $5,000 in bonds.
Bobby Tieck, 20, of Austin was arrested Feb. 11 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 3 of less than 28 grams. Released on Feb. 11 on $2,500 in bonds.
Alan Keith Wallace, 34, of Burnet was arrested Feb. 11 by the Burnet Police Department (BPD): driving without a valid license with a previous conviction or suspension, no fishing license when required.
Trinten Dale Cave, 19, of Marble Falls was arrested Feb. 12 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): burglary of a habitation. Released on Feb. 12 on $50,000 in bonds.
Robert Louis Defelice, 24, of Bertram was arrested Feb. 12 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): theft of property of more than $2,500 but less than $30,000, possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 or 1-B of less than 1 gram.
Karina Guadalupe Lira-Hernandez, 30, of Spicewood was arrested Feb. 12 by the Marble Falls Police Department (MFPD): public intoxication. Released on Feb. 12 on $500 in bonds.
Nancy Ellen Nelson, 63, of Kingsland was arrested Feb. 12 by the Granite Shoals Police Department (GSPD): theft of a service of more than $100 but less than $750. Released on Feb. 12 on $1,500 in bonds.
Ricardo Torres, 37, of Burnet was arrested Feb. 12 by the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO): aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
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Just over a year after opening its doors, Balcones Supply Co. has quickly established itself as a unique gathering spot for drinks and shopping in downtown Marble Falls. The business is part craft beer bar, part outdoor apparel retail space, with an emphasis on hiking, fly fishing, and trendy gear.
“Balcones Supply Co. is just over one year down – and what a year it’s been. Built on community, fueled by support, and filled with cheers. Year two? We’re just getting started! More events, more beers, lots of gear, much more cheers and more with all of you,” Owner Steve Borgic told DailyTrib.
Located on Old Oak Square in downtown Marble Falls, at 309 Main St. #4, Balcones Supply Co. is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from noon to 8 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m.
For more information, call 512-715-2107 or find them on Facebook.
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The Burnet County Courthouse is one step closer to a major rehabilitation after the Burnet County Commissioners Court narrowed in on a design plan during its Tuesday, Feb. 10, meeting. The plan will be used for a grant application that could ultimately help fund the expected multi-million-dollar renovation.
While costs and plans could change, the total construction costs for the rehabilitation are about $9 million. According to county leadership, the overhaul is needed to address leaks, mold, cracks, and structural damage, and to make major repairs to the building’s basement.
The court’s approval on Tuesday did not greenlight construction, but it did approve the court to move forward with a Texas Historical Commission grant application for project planning. This grant would cover hundreds of thousands of dollars in costs, with the county providing $496,236 in matching funds. The application deadline is in May.
The courthouse, which was built in 1937 and extended in 1974, has undergone significant deterioration in the last decade that has prompted calls for a renovation.
The proposed rehabilitation option for the courthouse, which would provide a major facelift to the existing courthouse and its additions. Courtesy photo
The commissioners court was presented with three options to address the aging courthouse: rehabilitate the courthouse and its 1974 addition, restore the courthouse while removing the 1974 addition and extending the basement, or restore the courthouse to its original 1937 design with removal of any additions.
The court unanimously decided on the first option, citing recent renovation work and worries about losing space in the already cramped courthouse.
“We spent an untold amount of money revamping the clerk’s office the last few years,” Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Don Dockery said. “So for us to choose any option that loses space is not an option to me.”
County Judge Bryan Wilson was also in favor of the rehabilitation project, pointing out structural damage to the virtually defunct basement and other issues throughout the courthouse.
“The basement is leaking and subject to mold,” Wilson told DailyTrib. “This option would (rehabilitate) everything as it is, and fix major settling, cracks in the walls, and security issues.”
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