Commission approves policy allowing county employees to volunteer, with approval, at San Antonio Food Bank drives in 2026

The court approved a policy permitting Wilson County employees to volunteer at San Antonio Food Bank drives during work hours for calendar year 2026, provided the employee obtains approval from their elected official or department head. The motion was made and seconded and the court voted "aye." Commissioners discussed how departments should manage participation, including overtime versus comp time and ensuring core services are not compromised.

Why it matters: county employees often staff and volunteer at large community drives; the authorization clarifies county support while preserving department control over staffing and service continuity. Commissioners said the policy should be revisited annually and that department heads would decide whether employees may take the additional hour for the event.

County action and next steps: the motion was approved and staff will include the policy on record. Departments were urged to communicate participation expectations ahead of events and to coordinate requests with supervisors so that staffing remains adequate and overtime/comp time is handled consistently.

The transcript records the motion and an affirmative vote; the court clarified department discretion and encouraged written agreements with external partners for large events to define responsibilities and liability.