Court hears supplemental insurance presentations
The Lavaca County Commissioners’ Court met in a regular meeting Monday morning hearing from two insurance agencies, who presented supplemental insurance plans for county employees for 2026 beginning with the fiscal year starting Oct. 1.
Frank Hejtmanak with Higginbotham Insurance Brokers and Jonathan Davis with Foundation Benefits, both presented information regarding their respective agencies.
Following the presentations, the court voted to table a decision and wait for further information.
Sheriff’s Office
The court addressed several items related to the Lavaca County Sheriff’s Office that included approving an investigations subscription service agreement with LeadsOnline, LLC.
In addition, the court approved using courthouse security funds to hire parttime off duty officers to serve as baliffs in the courtroom under the direction of the sheriff’s office.
Regarding two other items, the court approved the 8th amendment to interlocal cooperation agreement between counties and cities associated with Operation Lone Star for law enforcement services.
Sheriff Steven Greenwell said each time new agencies are added an amendment is required for approval.
He said this amendment included adding the Refugio and Kenedy Police Departments to the list of cooperating law enforcement agencies.
One other item related to the sheriff’s office included approving a bond for deputy investigator, Manuel Franco, III.
TAC-HEBP
The court approved two associated with renewals with the 2026 Texas Association of Counties – Health and Employee Benefits Pool (TAC-HEBP) that included approving the waiting period for new employees entering the county’s health insurance plan from date of hire to a 30-day waiting period.
Also, the court approved a contract to move the Cobra administration to BenefitConnect COBRA department between the county and TAC-HEBP.
Miscellaneous
The court ratified the 2nd 25th Judicial Community Supervision and Corrections Department (CSCD) and Tri-County Juvenile (JPD) decision to move to separate managed entities, beginning the fiscal year.
Judge Keith Mudd said for a long time the Gonzales, Lavaca and Colorado counties adult and juvenile departments have been combined and the combination of the three county departments have made it the largest in the state of Texas.
The court approved the transfer of five radios from the Hallettsville Volunteer Fire Department to the Ezzell VFD.
By a vote of 4-0 with Pct. 1 abstaining, the court approved contract work on CR 217 in relation to recent road construction in the amount of $8,361.
Regarding the sidewalk project to take place on the Courthouse Annex parking log, the court discussed the demolition process of the building that was recently purchased by the county and located on the south end of the parking lot.
The purpose of demolishing the building would be in preparation of TxDOT beginning the sidewalk project next year.
Also, the court approved Judge Mudd to contact the City of Hallettsville about removing unnecessary power lines from the location.
The court approved using contingency funding to hire temporary personnel for the AgriLife Department.
Mudd informed the court that Jennifer Steffek plans to retire from the AgriLife Department’s office at the end of the year.
He said county agent Shannon DeForest has asked to hire temporary personnel to work with Steffek beginning Oct. 1 and work with her for 90 days to receive training.
In other action taken by the court:
• Approved the TCDRS 2026 plan year assessment and contribution rate for Lavaca County.
• Approved a certificate of exemption from subdivision requirements for Kathy and David Orsak.
• Approved the cost of co-hosting with the City of Hallettsville the Golden Crescent Regional Planning Commission annual meeting to be held on Aug. 27 at 6 p.m.
• Approved all consent agenda items.
County judge Keith Mudd presided over the meeting with commissioners Edward Pustka, Wayne Faircloth, Kenny Siegel and Dennis W. Kocian present for the meeting.