Commissioners Approve Pretrial Diversion Funds and Outdoor Burning Restrictions in Tricia County

The San Patricio County Commissioners Court convened on August 25, 2025, to address several key issues, including financial matters and public safety regulations.

One of the primary discussions involved the approval of a pretrial diversion supplement for Mary Anne Rodriguez, amounting to $5,263, which will be effective from September 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025. The motion to accept this financial allocation was unanimously approved by the court.

In a significant public safety measure, the court considered a request from Scott Marion, the Emergency Management Coordinator and Fire Marshal, to impose a 90-day ban on outdoor burning in South Tricia County. This decision was based on the current conditions assessed by the GABEDI. The motion to approve the burning restriction was also passed without opposition.

The meeting further addressed personnel matters, including the retirement of Kathleen Farrell from the county extension office, effective August 31, 2025. Her monthly salary was set at $2,970.33, with an additional $50 phone allowance. The court approved this retirement motion, acknowledging her long service of nearly 44 years.

Additionally, the court recorded a salary status change for Cynthia List, a court recorder for the district court, who will begin her employment at a monthly salary of $10,068.48 starting October 1, 2025. This motion was also approved.

The court then moved into an executive session to discuss legal matters, including litigation with RWE and Veil, as well as a potential settlement proposal. Following the session, the court accepted the settlement offer from RWE and denied a single case agreement for a current county employee with the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, which was carried unanimously. The decisions made during this session reflect the court's ongoing commitment to public safety and effective management of county resources.