[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6510694,"mediaKeyId","5356885-1f406f465b26eae2fa97bbdb150749c5","parentId",5356885,"title","Christian Journey Courses asks county for sustained funding for jail behavioral-health program","audioSeconds",1157,"startMs",9717000,"endMs",10874000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5356885-1f406f465b26eae2fa97bbdb150749c5&start=9717&end=10874","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5356885-1f406f465b26eae2fa97bbdb150749c5/thumbnail_9717000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6510694/Kendall-County/Texas/Christian-Journey-Courses-asks-county-for-sustained-funding-for-jail-behavioral-health-program","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6510694-a27f0ec6e667b08122c7f1d40c1f6c1d/orig.mp4?Expires=1775213528&Signature=cRJjja1JjLWT45eYQmTYx-peyCBqxpFIxAR5R8xKbigTkQ-R2n~cjjaJyXlhbP6TVKMFpoG8U38MqiuXDePp1anUL0FO39RaIevBoN9pzAqrTCXVSguRwtoBmGo9w19S7qcppMINoCuApgODAhmIqF4nNs-N50CCaiMHfPfuKgjJJx1RhHDeNN0qL5Sfbg~05X1VldPhzn1ExqoXJov0gcvxH7qrrt0TcK9nQ~8I1vsCbKlHMAtLif9ycWIPEGbaG7mn6lF-9qEXXjRZ4RLP77lxbNZtOTVsuMaNEHji79-noB3o5eFs~vE54-cfDk8yq3~V-I3g0ct1dduV19umQw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Kendall County","date","2025-06-17T00:00:00Z","article","Christian Journey Courses’ executive director told the commissioners on Tuesday that the nonprofit’s mentoring and behavioral-health curriculum for jail inmates has shown strong local results and asked Kendall County to fund the program on a fee-for-service basis.

Why it matters: The organization said it has been operating a pilot in the county jail since January 2022 and expanded to both men’s and women’s programs in 2023. The group said each enrolled inmate receives more than 20 hours of mentoring and that corrections staff reported improved atmosphere and prisoner behavior when classes are in session.

Program and costs: Executive Director Lynn Heckler described the program as a behavioral-health intervention designed to teach life skills, conflict resolution and job-readiness. The organization asked for $73,730 from the county to support a full-time coordinator, modest operating costs, materials and modest bookkeeping and marketing expenses. Heckler said her organization currently operates on a lean budget and that the nonprofit’s leaders have been doing much of the work pro bono.

County response and metrics: Commissioners praised the program but asked for measurable outcome data, including recidivism or follow-up indicators. Sheriff’s and jail staff present said they do not keep formal recidivism metrics tied to the program but reported, anecdotally, that participants rarely return to the jail. Commissioners suggested the nonprofit pursue grants and other outside funding and noted the county provided emergency funding ($12,000) in a prior year; they asked Christian Journey Courses to supply metrics and clarified that any fee-for-service contract would require county procurement and contracting steps.

Next steps: The commissioners requested a formal breakdown of outcomes and costs and instructed staff to evaluate whether a contract model is the appropriate mechanism to fund the program moving forward.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Commissioners Court Special Call Meeting Budget Workshop - Jun 17, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Christian Journey Courses presented its jail-based mentoring curriculum and asked Kendall County for a fee-for-service contract to continue and expand a behavioral-health program it said reduces jail tensions and aids participants.","taxTitle","Kendall County, Texas","taxId",63803,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6510699,"Krakowski/Rainbow senior center seeks larger county subsidy as Meals on Wheels demand grows",1031,8837000,9868000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5356885-1f406f465b26eae2fa97bbdb150749c5&start=8837&end=9868","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5356885-1f406f465b26eae2fa97bbdb150749c5/thumbnail_8837000.jpg","/articles/6510699/Kendall-County/Texas/KrakowskiRainbow-senior-center-seeks-larger-county-subsidy-as-Meals-on-Wheels-demand-grows","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6510699-1021c690aca62e2f40416e0e049152b9/orig.mp4?Expires=1775213528&Signature=mr6pJtc-nYIRdOvDkqyIl~lI2THh5RZRXantzl06e7JyZlX9WV717HRg~6TtgblsyvQUV9ej7klrw3tviRI2LSTqJH522VwYKIQLGHweWRZzqwtLFqWFB0ZrncFiW0kOHlSNGlhDxoUQJkG0ynHaD390B3PYTS5KF5zivMwQbwJalQETsYPQE~CLeYYtRm1YUNzThpx1EghxwPXemBpUQ6dskebM8OZBUy~5dg3RdeGddJRrjulhtRSalBPesC4qkQrb6XctdBSKqBrnBumADXKMVL3E6aBQ8EIqb8QTIQQedOa2-tMenbo3HkJgywwbWNnci-CLP9s1u6xmWuX2Yw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A representative for the local senior services organization told county commissioners Tuesday the group has expanded services dramatically in recent years — including Meals on Wheels deliveries, congregate dining and transportation — and sought $50,000 a year in county support to fill a federal funding shortfall.

Why it matters: The center reported that senior services are increasing as the county ages: it said it served almost 1,936 individuals last year, provided close to 59,000 Meals on Wheels deliveries to 388 clients and more than 17,000 congregate-meal servings at the center. The center also reported nearly 8,000 rides to medical appointments and other destinations; demand for transportation has grown faster than other services.

Funding request and county reaction: The center asked commissioners to increase the county allocation to $50,000 annually to maintain and expand Meals on Wheels and transportation. Commissioners expressed sympathy for the center’s needs and acknowledged the center’s role in preventing hunger and isolation among older residents, but several commissioners said the county faces tight staffing and budget constraints and expressed reluctance to increase allocations by the full amount requested. One commissioner suggested a smaller increase; another asked staff to check for possible overlap with Alamo Regional Transit service paid through a different allocation.

Next steps: County staff and commissioners asked the center to supply more detailed documentation of needs and to coordinate with county staff on potential funding lines. Commissioners discussed whether donation and grant lines, or ACOG/Alamo Regional Transit coordination, could reduce duplication in transportation services before committing additional county funds.

","The Kendall County senior center and Meals on Wheels arm asked commissioners for a $50,000 annual county subsidy to sustain fast-growing meal delivery, congregate dining and transportation services as federal pandemic-era funding declined.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6510704,"Boerne–Kendall EDC asks commissioners to restore long-term funding; court proposes restoring $50,000",1658,3737000,5395000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5356885-1f406f465b26eae2fa97bbdb150749c5&start=3737&end=5395","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5356885-1f406f465b26eae2fa97bbdb150749c5/thumbnail_3737000.jpg","/articles/6510704/Kendall-County/Texas/BoerneKendall-EDC-asks-commissioners-to-restore-long-term-funding-court-proposes-restoring-50000","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6510704-51fe1f2074bb85770b46c3cc1c5aaa16/orig.mp4?Expires=1775213528&Signature=T3XKJ~diELDVK31aN-JuIOROHFDkOxFg-RDWFm6DE7RnXpK9YTBC0-bR7cMXnV0YpQRsvWyMnZDC0Ey7waxKvD11Iqj12-kkMYWNj8EuQ7xBrhDXXgKjPQPNrNvEXx4M0B~iGzx7OLDkn9ac1cggVZzJxwe9mSsLyffUdwEzIJ0KCRkMuaHHcRIHyj5tHhzs2jaGF8-k3LcLI0pzOqKCiDuXDVc7Lx5yNsgr2G6mh5sOjJ6ClpGZXpBy1oaG3kk3SSYyqOyFyvHVTWSuit60roZawoScl8pG9WQQULt0BWocHdQMO8ftytErtR1XifjIdY3u54CcjFXw1vKDLFRj1g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Boerne–Kendall County Economic Development Corporation (BKC EDC) told county commissioners on Tuesday it needs increased support to keep up with rising costs and to continue recruiting business and managing retention programs across the county.

Why it matters: EDC leaders said their organization helped attract nearly $100 million in capital investment and more than 350 jobs to Kendall County since 2020. They urged the commissioners to increase county support from the $45,000 the county provided last year to $60,000 to keep staff and programming at previous levels.

What the EDC presented: Chairman Dakota Durden and CEO Amy Storey reviewed the EDC’s activities, including site-selection assistance, a data platform used to provide market information to prospective businesses, retail strategy studies, “Das Greenhouse” incubator support and video marketing. Storey said the EDC’s operating budget sits near the bottom 15–20% of comparable economic organizations statewide and that rising vendor and software costs (she cited the loss of an “Impact Dashboard” subscription) have reduced capacity for paid services the EDC previously provided.

County response: Commissioners said they value the EDC’s work. Judge Stolarczyk (acting in the court’s leadership during the workshop) said he had proposed restoring the EDC allocation to $50,000 in the proposed FY2026 budget; several commissioners voiced support for restoring the prior baseline. Commissioner Chapman explicitly said he favored $60,000, while other commissioners expressed support for returning to $50,000 pending final budget review.

Next steps: The judge confirmed the proposed FY2026 budget will include $50,000 for the EDC; commissioners and EDC staff agreed to continue discussions about deliverables and the EDC’s strategic plan work. Storey said she would continue outreach to secure private-member support and pursue grants, and asked the court to consider the EDC’s request in the final budget adoption.

","The Boerne–Kendall County Economic Development Corporation requested $60,000 from the county for FY2026 to support business attraction, retention and a strategic plan; the judge proposed restoring the EDC’s funding to the historical $50,000 and commissioners expressed general support pending final budget adoption.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6510709,"County staff and benefits broker push ‘CSI’ wellness incentive; commissioners agree to add $2,700 to HR budget",1951,2125000,4076000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5356885-1f406f465b26eae2fa97bbdb150749c5&start=2125&end=4076","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5356885-1f406f465b26eae2fa97bbdb150749c5/thumbnail_2125000.jpg","/articles/6510709/Kendall-County/Texas/County-staff-and-benefits-broker-push-CSI-wellness-incentive-commissioners-agree-to-add-2700-to-HR-budget","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6510709-f52aacd9e60bd24e61d7cc0313f515c1/orig.mp4?Expires=1775213528&Signature=YwkJrjY0LzsLy-U6o35VG5le0pJkpH5PVNW6lISpU0~vE-3BA~Ha9FhEptGzG5z6Febr5WeRiY9z81aZRhzgT7hE2JRUnaOqzIkEAmqD0oz7n870XoR0G4gyzx8A1euamRyX0STXYK-3Ysbfw9WMmih7DMrlkfpJphVNQVXaisV1xrVkH5dncA1SW9-WBGNyzVMGx826gs0kcw9q8oe6WtCpb6Kcy1cb9fr9LrydNeX1K-abBFgNx5BsoiOQPkRAq-ZV~RSF5ovtBmXBz7XYiu61ud~fIhCPg55jOKGHKeWvgJ~ZGgZuzhGLfqNbjLa15JaKtxoTdeaTOnjpYWAocQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Human Resources and Kendall County’s health-benefits broker presented options on Tuesday for a county wellness incentive aimed at increasing annual physicals and dental exams among employees and, the broker said, lowering long-term health claims.

Why it matters: The county participates in a benefits-rewards program that returns money to the employer when employees complete wellness activities. Implementing a county-specific incentive would automatically secure a portion of that employer reward pool, the consultant said, and could be structured in different ways — a raffle for larger gift cards, guaranteed small gift cards, paid time off, or a choice between time off and an entry to a raffle.

What was proposed: The broker presented four options and recommended offering employees a choice, because that approach tends to increase participation. He said the county is eligible for up to $9,000 a year from the carrier’s employer-rewards pool and that implementing the CSI would automatically add $2,700 to the county’s reward payment next year. “By implementing a wellness incentive, you will increase whatever you’re currently getting. You’ll add 30% of that pot,” the broker said.

Budget decision: Commissioners and HR staff agreed to add $2,700 to Human Resources’ meeting-expenses line (Department 4.96) to seed the incentive, and to budget $4,500 in total meeting expenses for FY2026 — interpreting prior HR program income and the $2,700 as the source for the prizes or raffle. HR said the $2,700 could be used to buy gift cards for a raffle timed for the holiday season or to seed PTO-type incentives, noting there may be a lag between incentive payments and carrier reimbursements.

Format and administration: HR said the county’s wellness activities and tracking tools are hosted on the benefits platform (WebMD) and that the vendor handles much of the administration. HR also described employer rewards already earned through the program and said employee participation rates for annual physicals and dental cleanings were below what some peer counties achieve. Commissioners asked HR to bring a formal action item and sample prize allocations to the next regular meeting for final approval.

","Kendall County Human Resources and the county’s benefits broker asked commissioners to adopt a county-specific wellness incentive (CSI). Commissioners directed staff to add $2,700 to HR’s meeting expenses line to fund the incentive and to present a formal action item at the next regular court meeting.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6510714,"Kendall County judges ask commissioners to fund court administrator stipend as new district court opens",2046,33000,2079000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5356885-1f406f465b26eae2fa97bbdb150749c5&start=33&end=2079","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5356885-1f406f465b26eae2fa97bbdb150749c5/thumbnail_33000.jpg","/articles/6510714/Kendall-County/Texas/Kendall-County-judges-ask-commissioners-to-fund-court-administrator-stipend-as-new-district-court-opens","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6510714-57bfbd580be25c60a82cee9eaebd2873/orig.mp4?Expires=1775213528&Signature=PyDxL6FFigLiRiyJeS0jrfybXe7dHy-JLc38yljAznE8NYwYf13jIk~5dztMsOOo-SMZyUGfJg0PA~E1WatICF-Un~OzVe~B6MAfclHqBVMonB9gpVAhvnKvVM41N2braIYpH0dTCSMzUANHRolbIgJl3Fj14t4gIq6ewieVluUOwAWXgYR~MWjyEmLv9qzbZOz0DZ7sd~DMn0dBgok2SnXN1QUh~EAavwTDaY1RzgB8WBTrMQP7GZYNZ3L5X1tlGB58ryiAtzyrwexKNuDB7kNkr-xdi3Si4TuM0vvO3GzO8ob5~x6SWgOJHuh6vGBDr2QowMSHa4iCQZKABTOUEw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kendall County judges and county budget staff on Tuesday asked the county commissioners to budget a stipend for a court administrator to manage shared functions as the county stands up a second district court, and to move several shared line items into a single court-systems fund.

Why it matters: Kendall County will have two district judges starting Oct. 1. Judges and staff told the commissioners that shared expenses — transcripts, juror costs, interpreter services and contracts with the regional public defenders and the DPS crime lab — are easier to manage in a consolidated court-systems fund rather than split between two judge budgets. They also asked the court to fund a part-time court administrator stipend to coordinate courtroom usage, jury facilities and court security across both courtrooms.

Judge Cahoon described the change as a response to the new court configuration. “We looked at the budget, and it made sense since you’re going to have two district judges to put the court system’s totals in that budget because it’s not going to be one judge or another judge. They’re both going to be using those funds,” she said. Cahoon detailed how the county already funds a court coordinator under Texas Government Code section 74 and asked commissioners to approve a stipend under the court-administrator authority in section 75 so one person can manage shared needs across both courts.

Court staffing and pay: The county has an existing court coordinator, Mateo Santos, who Judge Cahoon said “has been there longer” and is performing much of the coordinating work. Cahoon told the commissioners she is not requesting a new employee; rather she asked that the court administrator role be a stipend paid to an existing coordinator or other person chosen by the judges. “I would like it to be up to 20,000, and then the two judges will pick what that is instead of hiring somebody new,” Cahoon said. She recommended starting the stipend at $12,000 a year, and told the commissioners the judges would set the actual amount within a range.

Budget mechanics and fund structure: County staff explained the technical change: shared contracts and common courtroom costs would move into Department 4.37 (Court Systems) rather than be divided between Department 4.50 (First District) and Department 4.98 (Eighth District). County staff noted that some lines moved from Department 4.35 into the court-systems fund this year — for example, $225,000 for legal (appointed counsel), $25,000 for transcripts, $25,000 for interpreters and $40,000 for juror expenses — and that the Hill Country Public Defender contract and DPS crime-lab charges historically paid from the court funds would also be reflected in the consolidated line.

Next steps: Commissioners discussed ranges and timing. Judge Cahoon suggested the judges would begin annual administrative meetings around Jan. 2 to review budgets and local rules. The commissioners directed staff to add a stipend line to Department 4.37 and indicated preliminary support for budgeting $12,000 in FY2026 while leaving a $0–$20,000 range for future adjustment.

The court’s staff said they would return with the formal contract language and a specific line item. Commissioners asked for an executive-session briefing on courthouse security and for follow-up details on the consolidated court lines and the proposed stipend before final adoption of the budget.

","Judges and county staff described plans to consolidate shared court-system costs into a single fund as the county establishes a second district court, and asked the commissioners court to include a $12,000-per-year stipend (range requested up to $20,000) for a court administrator in next year’s budget.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Christian Journey Courses asks county for sustained funding for jail behavioral-health program

Krakowski/Rainbow senior center seeks larger county subsidy as Meals on Wheels demand grows

Boerne–Kendall EDC asks commissioners to restore long-term funding; court proposes restoring $50,000

County staff and benefits broker push ‘CSI’ wellness incentive; commissioners agree to add $2,700 to HR budget

Kendall County judges ask commissioners to fund court administrator stipend as new district court opens