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Bandera County constables speak to commissioners during their regular session held May 9.
Photo by Jessica Nohealapa’ahi
May 15, 2024
Briefings from Bandera County Commissioners Court
By Jessica Nohealapa’ahi
The Bandera Prophet
Bandera County commissioners will move forward with an application to the State Comptroller of Public Accounts for SB 22 grant funds to provide base salary increases for county constables.
Constables from Precincts 1, 2, 3 and 4 requested the $4,000 pay raise, which commissioners approved 3-1, with Pct. 3 Commissioner Jack Moseley opposed.
“The state pays 25 percent. The taxpayers will have to make up the difference,” Bandera County Judge Richard Evans said. “If we do that, you’ll be making more than justices of the peace.”
“We protect the justices of the peace,” Pct. 2 Constable Greg Spengler said. “We’re out there risking our lives a little bit more.”
Moseley said he supported higher pay, however he said the court was looking at countywide increases across the board with the next budget.
“Right now, I’m a little uncomfortable giving that large of an increase,” Moseley said.
Currently, constables receive $40,798 annually, excluding allowances and longevity pay. The salary increase would be effective next budget year.
~ In other business, commissioners presented a proclamation recognizing National Travel and Tourism Week in Bandera County, May 19-25.
On Tuesday, May 21, from 5-7 p.m., the Bandera County Convention and Visitors Bureau will host a Reception/Wine Share. Last year, more than 100 people attended; this year CVB Manager Carita Jundt said she expected 130 people or more.
The reception, held at the Visitor’s Center, 126 Hwy. 16 S., will feature door prizes, live entertainment, and catering by the Bandera ISD culinary arts students.
~ Commissioners approved a request from the Bandera County Chamber of Commerce and Texas Salt Co. to use the courthouse lawn during the Stampede Market Days, held Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Commissioners also approved Kelly Scott’s chuckwagon, but declined a proposed adult-only biergarten behind the courthouse.
“It seems to me we’ve got enough beer joints on Main Street…we don’t need it on the courthouse lawn,” Evans said.
Constables from Precincts 1, 2, 3 and 4 requested the $4,000 pay raise, which commissioners approved 3-1, with Pct. 3 Commissioner Jack Moseley opposed.
“The state pays 25 percent. The taxpayers will have to make up the difference,” Bandera County Judge Richard Evans said. “If we do that, you’ll be making more than justices of the peace.”
“We protect the justices of the peace,” Pct. 2 Constable Greg Spengler said. “We’re out there risking our lives a little bit more.”
Moseley said he supported higher pay, however he said the court was looking at countywide increases across the board with the next budget.
“Right now, I’m a little uncomfortable giving that large of an increase,” Moseley said.
Currently, constables receive $40,798 annually, excluding allowances and longevity pay. The salary increase would be effective next budget year.
~ In other business, commissioners presented a proclamation recognizing National Travel and Tourism Week in Bandera County, May 19-25.
On Tuesday, May 21, from 5-7 p.m., the Bandera County Convention and Visitors Bureau will host a Reception/Wine Share. Last year, more than 100 people attended; this year CVB Manager Carita Jundt said she expected 130 people or more.
The reception, held at the Visitor’s Center, 126 Hwy. 16 S., will feature door prizes, live entertainment, and catering by the Bandera ISD culinary arts students.
~ Commissioners approved a request from the Bandera County Chamber of Commerce and Texas Salt Co. to use the courthouse lawn during the Stampede Market Days, held Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Commissioners also approved Kelly Scott’s chuckwagon, but declined a proposed adult-only biergarten behind the courthouse.
“It seems to me we’ve got enough beer joints on Main Street…we don’t need it on the courthouse lawn,” Evans said.
