SAN MARCOS — The Hays County Commissioners Court approved an item between Blanco River Ranch Properties, LP and Hays County that would provide the necessary right-of-way needed for the Yarrington Road expansion at its Dec. 17 meeting.
According to commissioner Lon Shell, this project has been in the transportation plan for “a long time.”
“I want to thank the landowner for being willing to work with us,” said Shell, as the land owner is willing to donate it to the county. “Through this agreement, the owner of the property will be replatting the right-of-way that we need to construct the roads.”
He also stated that the owner will be reimbursed for the replatting, due to the county's change in design.
Additionally, the owners requested that if they were to ever start a Public Improvement District (PID), that the county would consider it. Albert Cortez, project manager for Blanco River Ranch, stated that there are 1,100 acres that could be up for a PID in the future.
“We want to create something that isn’t just this giant concrete and asphalt road, make it something that’s not just pleasing, but responsible for the environment that it’s placed in,” concluded Shell.
The item passed unanimously.
The commissioners also honored anniversaries and retirees at the meeting, including Hays County Sheriff Gary Cutler.
“I can’t think of a better way to leave my law enforcement career than being sheriff of this great county,” began Cutler. “I want to thank the citizens of Hays County for all of their support and then, the men and women of the Hays County Sheriff’s Department. They are the best in the business.”
In the Nov. 5 election, HCSO deputy Anthony Hipolito earned the position as the county’s newest sheriff with more than 50% of the votes.
Shell, who has held the district three seat since 2017, is also leaving his position, with Morgan Hammer taking over the position in 2025.
“Obviously, I love you all and I’m not moving, but I don’t expect that you’ll see me here too many times. Although, there might be a reason to make a public comment now and then. You know, I’ve always wanted to be on the other side there on some of those comments; I might give that a shot,” joked Shell.
The court will resume its meetings in January 2025.
