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Comal County funds computers, drone and cameras and hires HNTB for road improvement study
Summary
Commissioners approved a line-item transfer funding five computers, a replacement drone, 36 vehicle cameras for CDL/training, surveying for Blanco Road alignment, and an initial $34,000 HNTB work authorization toward a road improvement program.
County Road & Bridge staff presented a multi-part budget amendment that the commissioners approved to support equipment needs and early planning for a countywide road improvement program.
Mr. Boyd told the court the amendment covers five personal computers for the traffic control group (to bring computers to a 1:1 ratio with staff), a new drone for flood- and asset-observation and training, and 36 outward-facing Samsara cameras to expand CDL training and improve safety. He also described surveying services for the Blanco Road alignment to identify parcels owned by two major property owners (O'Connor and the Russell property) and recommended appraisals and negotiations before any acquisition. Finally, staff requested an initial work authorization of about $34,000 for HNTB to meet with staff and the court to develop a ballpark cost estimate for a road improvement program; the court had previously discussed a potential $360,000 work authorization in later phases.
The court approved the line-item transfer and simultaneously authorized two contract items: a second amendment to Poznicki Camarillo LLC for Blanco Road engineering and a consultant agreement with HNTB Corporation to develop the road improvement program. Mr. Boyd described these steps as preparatory; appraisals and negotiated property discussions would return to the court for final approval.
Commissioners voiced appreciation for the presentation and approved the package by motion and second.
The approvals fund both immediate equipment purchases for operations and initial consultant work intended to produce cost estimates and a programmatic roadmap for future road investments.
