Protecting and preserving water resources came up again at the September 11 Commissioners Court meeting.

Karnes City resident Paul Bordovsky, spokesman for the Evergreen Underground Water Conservation District, of which Karnes County is a founding member, brought the court up-to-date.

Much of the discussion centered on the process of reverse osmosis of brackish water and the needs of outside water companies like SAWS and BexarMet. Bordovsky referred to two sections of the water code,

"The district may not deny a permit based on the fact that the applicant seeks to transfer groundwater outside of the district but may limit a permit issued under this section if conditions are subject to Subsection C," Bordovsky said.

He also shared the section that says, "A district shall adopt rules as necessary to implement this section but may not adopt rules expressly prohibiting the export of groundwater."

He stated that it is quite clear to a number of the counties involved that the growth of the larger cities will necessitate the implementation of means to gain other water sources. Judge Alger Kendall, Jr. expressed his thanks for the update to county officials agreeing that all should be aware of the increasing need for water expansion projects.

Discussion of agenda items brought approval of several.

The court approved the overtime payment for sheriff’s deputies to be involved in "Operation Border Star" set up through the Department of Public Safety and Homeland Security. Since roads through Karnes County and surrounding areas are becoming corridors for illegal aliens and drug smuggling across the border, Sheriff Jalufka said, "It is necessary to be involved in this operation and the upcoming meetings in Kingsville."

"Overtime fees the county pays for those attending will be reimbursed by the Homeland Security Department," said Jalufka.

Commissioner Stormy Rossett asked if the reimbursement from Homeland Security was in writing. He also asked if the sheriff’s department would be short-handed while the deputy was gone.

Sheriff Jalufka assured county officials that the force would be able to manage the time for the participation in the operations and that it was necessary to be a part of the meetings to be able to participate in the program.

After discussion, the court approved a one-year involvement in Operation Border Star, including overtime pay for deputies involved.

In another matter concerning service fees for sheriffs and constables, county officials approved raising the $75 payment for such duties to $100 for the calendar year 2008.

When discussing the county’s consideration of passing an order for the rules and regulations to implement a recently passed Chapter 822 of the Texas Health and Safety Code concerning dangerous dogs and the owners of those dogs, a request was made to not only include the implementation for the welfare of humans but also for the protection of other animals. The rules and regulations as approved by Commissioners Court will include that stipulation.

The final items that met approval were the combining of voting precincts for the November Constitutional Amendment election and establishing an additional voting box in the Fashing Civic Center for the Karnes City ISD Rollback election. Appointment of election judges for the changes as mentioned were also approved.

During the meeting, County Judge Kendall read a proclamation concerning Camino Real and from Texas Governor Perry concerning the designation of September 2007 as "Destination Dignity Month." Former County Judge Alfred Pawelek was present to talk about the facility and to give an update on the HMHR facility and the HMHR Board’s decision to purchase the facility.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Judge Kendall reported that there still had not been a decision for the county’s replacement for its trash collections. There may be a decision for the county’s purchase of the compacter now in use, but more will follow on this matter.