Kerr County approves interlocal to form Hill Country Energy subregional planning commission; appoints two commissioners

Kerr County Commissioners Court voted unanimously Monday to approve an interlocal cooperation agreement (ILA) and bylaws creating the Hill Country Energy Subregional Planning Commission (HCESRPC) with Kendall County and to appoint two Kerr County commissioners as the initial county voting members on the commission.

The court approved the ILA and bylaws after multi‑county negotiations and legal review under Chapter 391 of the Texas Local Government Code. The court also named Commissioner Christian Holt and Commissioner Pacis as Kerr County’s initial voting members and set an organizational meeting for the commission, subject to Kendall County’s approval.

The ILA formalizes a joint, Chapter 391 subregional planning body that the two counties say will gather information, hear agency plans and make recommendations back to each county’s commissioners court. The ILA and bylaws were negotiated by commissioners appointed by both courts and reviewed by outside counsel; Kerr County officials said the documents reflect those negotiations and include housekeeping edits made before Monday’s vote.

Support and concern from residents

Public commenters at the meeting voiced support for the interlocal and urged local control. Jennifer McCall, a Kendall County commissioner who attended, said, “I just came in support again of the process … I appreciate those members of the community who have been involved.” Several residents also urged the courts to protect groundwater, public safety and property values as the commission begins its work.

Others told the court they remain concerned about fire risk, insurance and property impacts if energy storage facilities are built in the region. Pat Long of Center Point said the effort is “to protect us for our health, safety, our whole welfare,” and Linda Peterson, a resident on Silver Hills Road, urged consideration of insurance impacts on rural property owners.

Scope change: from 'battery' to 'energy storage systems'

The ILA and bylaws use the broader term “energy storage systems” (ESS) rather than the more specific “battery energy storage systems” (BESS). Commissioners said Kendall County requested the broader wording to ensure the commission can review all storage technologies used with wind and solar as well as standalone battery projects. Supporters argued the broader wording will allow the commission to track related generation and storage proposals; some court members and speakers noted that lithium‑ion battery facilities have specific safety questions that the county will examine.

Membership, groundwater and technical participation

The bylaws lay out qualifications for voting members; the court appointed Holt and Pacis as Kerr County’s initial voting members. Commissioners discussed including groundwater authorities on the commission but agreed those entities are separate governmental bodies that would need to vote to participate; the court said groundwater districts and technical groundwater experts may be invited to participate as expert witnesses or stakeholders in commission meetings.

Process and next steps

County officials said the approved ILA and bylaws will be provided to Kendall County so both counties have matching documents for formal adoption. Kerr County commissioners emphasized they would not execute the documents until both sides confirm final text. If Kendall County approves the same language at its meeting, the commission’s initial organizational meeting was announced to be scheduled for Friday at 2 p.m., to be held at the Kerr County courthouse and posted under the Texas Open Meetings Act.

Jonathan Lehi, a former Kerr County commissioner hired under a separate item to assist with the county’s new animal control facility work, told the court he would be available to help coordinate technical and logistical work for projects related to the county’s responsibilities; he also offered to help with outreach and grant searches. The county’s outside counsel and county staff said they will circulate corrected final documents and work with Kendall County so both courts approve identical language before execution.

Why it matters

County leaders said the commission is intended to give local governments a forum for reviewing proposed energy storage and related projects, to collect information from state agencies and developers, and to make local recommendations. Commissioners emphasized the commission itself will be advisory; any formal land‑use or permitting authority remains with the applicable local government or state regulator.

The court approved the ILA, bylaws and appointments unanimously. With Kendall County expected to act next, Kerr County officials said they will post meeting notices and make documents available to the public as the commission begins organizing.