By Megan Wehring
HAYS COUNTY — Public miscommunication with the public is causing some residents to question how Hays County leaders are enforcing government decisions and distributing funds.
Those claims came to light at the Hays County Commissioners Court meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 9. Dan Lyons frequently makes an appearance during public comments yet last Tuesday, Groundhog Day, there was no meeting scheduled.
“I admire your audacity,” Lyons snapped. “I don’t know any other group of people who take Groundhog Day off.”
Lyons added that though there is a heavy amount of debt, he does not believe that county leaders are doing anything to climb out of the financial hole.
“The county is sinking under the weight of debt which all of you have done much to accumulate,” Lyons said. “If any of you in the audience are expecting a tax cut in the coming year, I would advise you to think again. I have seen nothing in this current commissioners court to suggest that any of you have the slightest financial acumen.”
Harvey Jenkins, president of the San Marcos Toastmasters Club, agreed that the county needs to cut back on spending.
“Here I stand in Hays County getting that itch again,” Jenkins said. “If y’all don’t stop spending, we are going to be the next Detroit Michigan. I say that because everywhere I look in Hays County, I see money flowing out but I don’t see any coming in and it just dismays me a lot.”
Jenkins concluded that overspending is creating debt that future generations would be forced to pay.
Comments and concerns are welcomed at the Hays County Commissioners Court meetings. For in-person attendance, residents can print and present a public comment form to the clerk in the courtroom prior to 9 a.m. the morning of a meeting. Forms will also be available upon arrival. If residents will not be in attendance, forms can be emailed to [email protected] no later than 5 p.m. the evening prior.
