Burnet County authorizes Chapter 391 commission, appoints county representatives over 765kV transmission review

Burnet County Commissioners on Feb. 24 authorized the creation of a Chapter 391 commission with the City of Burnet to coordinate the county's response to the Bell County East to Big Hill 765kV Transmission Line Project and appointed county representatives to the panel.

The action followed an executive session under Texas Government Code 551.071 for consultation with the county attorney on confidential legal matters and anticipated litigation related to the LCRA/ONCOR electric line and applicability of Chapter 391 of the Local Government Code. The court reconvened at 10:46 a.m. and voted 5-0 to authorize formation of the joint 391 Commission.

Commissioner Damon Beierle and Justice of the Peace Frank Riley were appointed as Burnet County's representatives on the commission by a unanimous vote. The appointment motion was made and seconded and recorded as passing 5-0.

Several members of the public addressed the court following the executive-session update; the minutes list speakers (Randy Prince, Claire Nelson, Andrew Bouton, Lucina Bouton and Beth Kuntz) but the transcript provided does not include verbatim remarks from those speakers.

Why it matters: a Chapter 391 commission is an interlocal mechanism that can coordinate local responses to large infrastructure proposals that cross jurisdictions. The county's action creates a formal structure for Burnet County and the City of Burnet to review technical, legal and community impacts of the 765kV transmission proposal and pursue joint positions or legal options as necessary.

The court recorded the executive session start at 9:54 a.m. and reconvened at 10:46 a.m.; subsequent steps will include establishing the commission's membership, scope and meeting schedule in coordination with the City of Burnet. No specific timeline or budget for the commission was recorded in the meeting minutes.