Liberty County court accepts budget amendment, introduces interim permit director

The Liberty County Commissioners' Court voted July 1 to accept a budget amendment to cover the salary for the Plum Grove annex supervisory position and introduced Cesley McKenna as the county's interim permit department director, effective July 1.

The court's presiding officer said the amendment reflects an annual compensation figure of 60,000 and will not raise the budget for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2026, but that the position and its pay must be included in the 2027 permit department budget. A motion to approve the amendment was made by Bruce and seconded by David, and the court called for a vote. The transcript records verbal assent but does not include a detailed roll-call tally.

A commissioner asked McKenna to stand and introduced her to the court, noting that supporting printed materials did not list McKenna's salary because the paperwork had been processed in Dwayne's office. The commissioner also reminded members to use a new decorum form for submitting items to the court and said McKenna's salary action occurred outside of court action. “Welcome aboard,” the commissioner added.

Cesley McKenna, identified in the meeting as interim permit department director, thanked the court and said she already has plans under way. “I have ideas and plans that we're putting into motion already,” McKenna said, and added she would visit each commissioner’s office to introduce herself and discuss any needs. She invited commissioners and staff to contact her office with questions.

After the amendment discussion the court moved to adjourn; a motion by Bruce, seconded by David, carried and the presiding officer declared the meeting adjourned.

The transcript does not record a detailed vote tally for the amendment; the court recorded verbal assent during the roll call. No other agenda items were discussed.