County officials discussed the county’s trash collection processes during their Oct. 9 meeting.

With the county operating the trash collection station, hiring a part-time operator for the site, Karen Hale, and extending the hours and days of operation, county officials decided there are other considerations to look into concerning its finalization of the operation.

These include purchasing the trash compactor still on site, costs to charge for unloading trash, selection of a company to provide and remove containers for the trash collection, and looking into the possibility of paper and can recycling.

Commissioner Jeffrey Wiatrek noted, "Trash will be an issue from now on," for the county.

Karnes County’s Commissioners Court adopted the proclamation to designate "October in Karnes County as Domestic Violence Awareness Month." The emphasis is to raise consciousness of the increase in domestic violence on spouses, children and the elderly.

John Banks of Runge then presented a proposal to county officials for approving the resale of 8.239 acres in the original townsite of Runge, Texas. He reported that the city, school and hospital representatives were "all on board" with the resale of the property. And each of the entities listed would benefit from the sale. The proposal was approved.

No action at this time was taken on efforts to establish a set of rules and procedures concerning the recently adopted stricter animal control law in the county. Included in further discussion will be to develop an interlocal agreement with the cities of Karnes City, Falls City and Runge. Kenedy has previously established their procedures.

Approval of setting the hourly pay of $7 for Election Judges and Clerks for the November 6, 2007 election was given along with payment of $25 for the return of election supplies.

In addition, county officials approved the five nominees to be considered for election to the Karnes County Appraisal District Board. The nominees were recommended prior to the meeting. The announcement of the two persons designated to serve on the board will be given at a later date. Other county appointments are to be made for the Review of the County Policy Board and those to fill vacancies on the Sick Leave Pool Committee.

Non-approval was voted regarding the acceptance of a Certificate of Liability Insurance as satisfaction of requirements for the El Oso Water Supply Corporation to indemnify guarantee to Karnes County.

"More will be required through additional negotiations," before approval, according to County Judge Alger Kendall, Jr.

In the final decision of the morning, county officials voted to include Veterans Day, November 12, 2007, as a legal Karnes County holiday. County offices will be closed on that date.