The Hays County Commissioners Court agenda on Tuesday, June 20 was a full one — with the court issuing several proclamations, initiating American Rescue Plan Act funding for some county organizations and addressing recent payroll matters.
Commissioners recognized July as Parks and Recreation Month and the month of June as both LGBTQIA+ Pride Month and Children’s Awareness Month. The court also adopted a proclamation recognizing the dedication of a Texas State Historical Subject Marker for Cuauhtémoc Hall. On a separate note, the court developed a plan to rectify recent payroll errors and establish the responsibilities of County Treasurer Daphne Tenorio after the mandate for who handles payroll was shifted from her office to the county’s Budget Office last month.
Hays County Budget Officer Vickie Dorsett requested prior to Tuesday’s meeting that the court implement a payroll reduction authorization process for overpayments to county employees. The budget office stated it has identified various employees that were overpaid and would like the court to implement a salary reduction authorization process for repayment so that it will not create hardship for employees.
According to information in the agenda, the county treasurer did not fund employee– deferred compensation accounts for the April 15, April 30 and May 15 pay periods. The court discussed authorizing Dorsett to work with VALIC Financial Advisors on a “make-whole” contribution process.
The county needs to submit a formal makewhole request along with 10% of missed contributions in order to fund any losses, but the portion of that 10% that is not needed will be returned to the county. There will also be a $100 an hour fee charged to the county, pending actions taken by the court on Tuesday.
Additionally, the court considered the allocation of American Rescue Plan Act funds to several organizations. Dripping Springs Water Supply Corporation requested $50,000 for lost funds; the Buda VFW Post 12161 requested $21,203; the American Legion Post 290 in Dripping Springs requested $5,605; the Driftwood Historical Conservation Society requested $22,560; and the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce requested $100,000.
