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Hays County calls 2024 Road Bond election for November ballot
Natalie Frels • August 21, 2024
SAN MARCOS, Texas—On Tuesday, Aug. 13, the Hays County Commissioners Court approved 5-0 an order calling a bond election for Nov. 5. The 2024 Road Bond would add a total of $0.02 per $100 valuation to the county tax rate, which is recommended at $0.35 per $100 valuation.
“Our residents utilize roads daily and they continue to be one of the top issues of concern,” said Precinct 1 Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe. “It is also important to have an open process to allow our residents to determine if this is a need they are willing to fund. I believe it is important to be conscientious about this bond's financial impact on our families.”
Informational open houses will be held throughout the county in all precincts in order to better inform residents about the 2024 Road Bond prior to Election Day at times and locations to be announced at a future date.
The proposed measure totaling $440 million focuses on projects already in the planning process to ensure continuity of projects and include shovel-ready projects. The selected projects will address substandard roadways to improve safety and increase capacity. As one of the fastest-growing counties, Hays County aims to increase commuter safety, mitigate congestion and create regional connectivity.
According to the Transportation Department, key benefits of the 2024 Road Bond Program include the following:
Improve Safety and Mobility: Improved roadways are essential for enhancing safety, reducing accident rates and ensuring better connectivity across the county. This bond has east-west connectors and the addition of shoulders to existing roadways, allowing for increased connectivity and safety.
Respond to Rapid Population Growth: Hays County is rapidly growing, with the population expected to grow 267% by 2045. This rapid growth necessitates an updated and expanded transportation infrastructure to meet the increasing demands.
Address Current Infrastructure: Many roads remain unchanged despite rapid population growth. An equitable bond budget per precinct ensures that all areas of the County are properly served.
Continue Long-Term Planning: 2016 Road Bond projects that have been developed will now be built with this 2024 program. More project development will occur in the 2024 program to set up projects to be shovel-ready for future state and federal funding opportunities.
Support Economic Development: Improved transportation networks can stimulate economic growth, attract businesses and enhance residents’ overall quality of life.
“Our county’s road infrastructure and public facilities play a critical role in fostering economic growth, ensuring the safety of our residents, and providing essential services to the community,” said Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra. “By calling for a countywide bond for road infrastructure, we can revitalize our roadways, attract businesses, improve public safety and address the needs of our growing community. Investing in our county’s future is an investment in every citizen’s quality of life.”
Precinct 1 projects totaling an estimated $118.5 million include:
- Old Bastrop Highway/CR 266 (Centerpoint Road to Rattler Road)
- Cotton Gin Road/CR 129 (Bonanza Street to SH 21)
- FM 2001 East Interim (Graef Road to Southeast of SH 21)
- William Pettus Road/CR 238 (FM 110 to SH 21)
- High Road/CR 127 (East of Goforth Road to SH 21)
- Leah Avenue (CR 269 to Cottonwood Parkway)
- Dairy Road (Bunton Lane to Cotton Gin Road CR 129)
- Goforth Road (Bunton Lane to Bebee Road/High Road)
- Bunton Lane/CR 153/Heidenreich Lane/Grist Mill Road (Violet Lane to SH 21)
- RM 150 East (Precinct 1 Boundary to SH 21)
- Precinct 1 Discretionary Projects Preliminary Design
“The county will ask our voters to consider approving a road bond in November. As our county continues to grow, so does the need for a safer and improved transportation system. The east side has especially seen a deterioration of many major county roadways,” said Ingalsbe. “Many of the projects in Precinct 1, such as Gristmill, Cotton Gin and High Road, are west-to-east connectors from I-35 to Highway 21, which are very much needed for safety, mobility and connectivity. Also, the Old Bastrop Highway in the San Marcos area, which leads to the San Marcos High School, is important for the safety and mobility of our students and families.”
She added, “Thinking regionally is an important aspect and many of the projects throughout the county have that idea in mind. It’s great working with our local municipal partners and our friends at TxDOT to leverage funds.”
Precinct 2 projects totaling an estimated $104 million include:
- Windy Hill Road Interim (Purple Martin Avenue to FM 2001)
- Windy Hill Road Roundabout (Windy Hill at Shadow Creek Boulevard)
- Windy Hill Road Ultimate (Purple Martine Avenue to FM 2001)
- FM 2001 Gap (FM 2001 West to Existing FM 2001)
- Hillside Terrace (I-35 to FM 2001)
- Goforth Road (CR 158 to RM 150)
- RM 150 East Preliminary Design (Lehman Road to Precinct 2 Boundary)
- Precinct 2 Discretionary Projects Preliminary Design
“There are numerous reasons for calling for the proposed road bond, but specifically we need to improve the safety and mobility of our road infrastructure to combat the rapid growth in our county and also to support the economic growth that is here now,” said Precinct 2 Commissioner Dr. Michelle Cohen. “It is important to address the dated road infrastructure that exists in our rural communities and continue the proactive long-term planning of our roads.”
Precinct 3 projects totaling an estimated $109 million include:
- Centerpoint Road (I-35 to FM 2349/Hunter Road)
- Old Kyle Road (RM 12 to RM 3237)
- Yarrington Road (West of Arroyo Ranch to Old Stagecoach Road at RC 16)
- Yarrington Road (I-35 to Old Stagecoach Road)
- Dripping Springs Southwest Connection (U.S. 290 to Precinct 3 Boundary)
- Precinct 3 Discretionary Projects Preliminary Design
“In order to keep up with the rapid growth in Hays County, we will introduce to the voters the option to make continued investments needed in infrastructure,” said Precinct 3 Commissioner Lon Shell.
Precinct 4 projects totaling an estimated $107.7 million include:
- Darden Hill Road/CR 162 (East of Sawyer Ranch Road to RM 1826)
- Darden Hill Road Extension (RM 150 West of Springwood Road to West of Sawyer Ranch Road)
- RM 150 and RM 12 Intersection Improvements (RM 150 at RM 12)
- Fitzhugh Road/CR 101 (RM 12 to Travis County Line)
- Dripping Springs Southwest Connection (Precinct 4 Boundary to RM 12)
- Sawyer Ranch Road Pedestrian Walkway (Meadow Creek Drive to Darden Hill Road)
- Sawyer Ranch Road (U.S. 290 to Darden Hill Road)
- SH 45 Southwest Extension (FM 1626 to I-35)
- Old San Antonio Road Study (Main Street to Travis County Line)
- Precinct 4 Discretionary Projects Preliminary Design
“Transportation and mobility and the ability of our residents to traverse the county safely is one of the highest priorities of the county,” said Precinct 4 Commissioner Walt Smith. “Given the massive growth in Hays County, and specifically in the Buda and Dripping Springs areas, the county must constantly identify needed improvements and changes, and the projects proposed in this bond have been well identified throughout to provide for the safe movement of our residents throughout the county.”
The 2024 Road Bond will now go before voters in the November election.
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Residents residing in Hays County are invited to water well screenings and results meeting WIMBERLEY, Texas — The Texas Well Owner Network (TWON) is hosting an upcoming event in Hays County on April 7-8, allowing residents to have their well water screened. Joel Pigg, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service program specialist in College Station, said the Texas Well Owner Network program is for Texas residents who depend on household wells for their water needs. “The TWON program was established to help well owners become familiar with Texas groundwater resources, septic system maintenance, well maintenance and construction and water quality and treatment,” Pigg said. “It allows them to learn more about how to improve and protect their community water resources.” Water samples will be screened for contaminants, including total coliform bacteria, E. coli, nitrate-nitrogen and salinity. Water Sampling and Meeting Information On April 7, water samples can be dropped off at the following times and locations: from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at the Hays County AgriLife Extension office, 200 Stillwater Road, Wimberley; 8:30- 11:30 a.m. at the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District office, 1124 Regal Row, Austin; 8:30-10:30 a.m. at the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District office, 14101 Highway 290 West, Building 100, Suite 212, Austin. On April 8, a follow-up meeting to discuss the screening results will take place from 11:00 a.m. to noon at the Wimberley Village Library, located at 400 FM 2325, Wimberley. Sampling Instructions Pigg said area residents wanting to have their well water screened should pick up a sample bag, a bottle and instructions from the local AgriLife Extension office or Groundwater Conservation District office before April 7. There will be a $15 per sample cost for the screening, and residents may submit as many samples as they like. “It is very important that only sampling bags and bottles be used, and all instructions for proper sampling are followed to ensure accurate results,” he said. “Private water wells should be tested annually, he said. The samples will be screened for contaminants, including total coliform bacteria, E. coli, nitrate-nitrogen and salinity.” Pigg said it is essential for those submitting samples to attend the follow-up meeting to receive results, learn corrective measures for identified problems and improve their understanding of private well management. Well-Water Contaminants Concerns According to Pigg, research indicates that the presence of E. coli bacteria in water suggests that waste from humans or warm-blooded animals may have contaminated the water. Water contaminated with E. coli is also more likely to contain pathogens that can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea or other symptoms. The presence of nitrate-nitrogen in well water is also a concern, and water with nitrate-nitrogen at levels of 10 parts per million is considered unsafe for human consumption. “These nitrate levels above 10 parts per million can disrupt the ability of blood to carry oxygen throughout the body, resulting in a condition called methemoglobinemia,” Pigg said. “Infants younger than 6 months of age are most susceptible to this.” Salinity, as measured by total dissolved solids, will also be determined for each sample, he said. Water with high levels may leave deposits and have a salty taste. Using water with high levels for irrigation may damage soil or plants. The screenings are presented by AgriLife Extension and Texas Water Resources Institute, TWRI, in partnership with the Hays County AgriLife Extension office, Barton Spring Edwards Aquifer Conservation District and the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District. Funding for TWON is through a Clean Water Act Section 319(h) nonpoint source grant provided by the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The project is managed by TWRI, part of Texas A&M AgriLife Research, AgriLife Extension and the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. To learn more about the programs offered through the network or to access additional publications and resources, visit https://twon.tamu.edu. For more information on the water screening, contact Joel Pigg at 979-321-5946 or j-pigg@tamu.edu
To view the original notice, click here. To: All interested Agencies Groups and Individuals Date of publication: March 28th, 2025 This is to give notice that the Texas General Land Office (GLO) will conduct an evaluation as required by Executive Order 11990 and Executive Order 11988, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 in Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands to determine the potential effect that Hays County single family disaster recovery Homeowner Reimbursement Program (HRP) and Homeowner Assistance Program (HAP) actions in wetlands and surrounding Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplains will have on the human environment. The GLO was allocated HUD funding to help address unmet housing needs as a result of the 2024 Texas severe storms and flooding, including Hurricane Beryl (Beryl). On May 15, 2024, a request was declared for a major disaster due to severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding beginning on April 26, 2024, and continued for several weeks. From July 5 to July 9, 2024, Beryl caused extensive wind damage, flooding, and power outages across multiple regions, particularly along the Texas Gulf Coast and inland communities. Wind gusts exceeding 90 mph and rainfall totals surpassing 15 inches in some areas led to significant damage to homes, infrastructure, and businesses. The State of Texas Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) will fund two residential housing programs for eligible county residents whose homes sustained damage from the 2024 disasters. The HAP provides funding primarily for low-to-moderate-income homeowners with direct construction support for storm-impacted owner-occupied single-family residential housing. The activities covered by this program include demolition, rehabilitation, reconstruction, manufactured house replacement, or new construction and their associated elevation, mitigation, utility, site improvements, and relocation assistance, as needed. The HRP provides funding for low to moderate-income owner-occupied single-family housing (including manufactured housing). It allows homeowners to be reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket expenses including Small Business Administration disaster home loans, incurred for repairs to their dwelling including elevation, wells and septic needs, reconstruction, rehabilitation, manufactured house replacement, and mitigation. The size of the proposed site, proposed number of units, and project footprint are not currently known, however, as specific sites are identified, they will be assessed for potential impacts related to land use, floodplains, and wetlands. Mitigation measures will be applied as necessary to minimize adverse effects. Within Hays County, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) effective maps include 26,763 acres (6.2%) in the 100-year floodplain Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) Zones A/AE/AO, 11,808 acres (2.7%) in the regulatory floodway, and 0 acres (0%) within the Coastal High Hazard Areas Zone V/VE. Zone X encompasses 5,689 acres (1.3%) of Hays County within the 500-year floodplain and 388,631 acres (89.9%) of Hays County outside all SFHA-designated floodplains. Approximately 7,052 acres (1.6%) within Hays County are designated as wetlands. This includes freshwater emergent wetlands, freshwater forested/shrub wetlands, freshwater ponds, lakes, and riverine wetlands. The extent of the FFRMS floodplain will be determined at a site-specific level using the 0.2 percent flood approach (0.2PFA) or the freeboard value approach (FVA) when appropriate. In addition, siting within the Limit of Moderate Wave Action (LiMWA)/Coastal A Zone will be determined at the site-specific level. Activities within the LiMWA will carry the same mitigation and protection strategy as siting within a coastal high-hazard area (Zone V/VE). The floodplains and wetlands within Hays County serve important environmental functions that contribute to the county’s ecological health and community resilience. These areas provide floodwater storage and conveyance, helping to absorb and slow floodwaters, which reduces downstream flooding and protects nearby properties and infrastructure. Additionally, they support groundwater recharge and discharge, maintaining local water supplies and sustaining the base flow of rivers and streams. The natural vegetation within these floodplains and wetlands also plays a key role in erosion control, stabilizing soils, and preventing sedimentation in waterways. Furthermore, these areas contribute to water quality maintenance by filtering pollutants and sediments, ultimately improving both human and ecological health. In inland counties, they help regulate watershed health, agricultural water retention, and riparian connectivity, ensuring the stability of local water systems and ecosystems. Beyond their ecological significance, these floodplains and wetlands hold intrinsic values that benefit the community. They provide recreational opportunities such as hiking, fishing, birdwatching, and kayaking, contributing to tourism and outdoor enjoyment. These areas also serve as educational and scientific resources, offering opportunities for research and environmental education on hydrology, ecology, and resilience. There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in the FFRMS floodplain and wetland and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment should be given an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information about these areas. Commenters are encouraged to offer alternative sites outside of the FFRMS floodplain and wetland, alternative methods to serve the same project purpose, and methods to minimize and mitigate project impacts on the FFRMS floodplain and wetland. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment about the FFRMS floodplain and wetland can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks and impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of these special areas. Third, as a matter of fairness, when the Federal government determines it will participate in actions taking place in the FFRMS floodplain and wetland, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk. Written comments must be received by GLO at the following address on or before April 14th, 2025: Texas General Land Office ATTN: David Camarena, Director Community Development & Revitalization (CDR) Division PO Box 12873, Austin TX 78711-2873 A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M on weekdays at the address above. Comments may also be submitted via email at env.reviews@recovery.texas.gov.
SAN MARCOS , Texas - Hays County Criminal District Attorney Kelly Higgins announced today that 23-year-old Cory Grado of San Marcos was sentenced to 17 years in prison on March 20, 2025. On March 20, 2025, a jury found Cory Grado guilty of sexual assault and invasive visual recording. The evidence at trial showed that Cory Grado recorded himself sexually assaulting the victim. When officers with the San Marcos Police Department searched the defendant’s phone for evidence, they found numerous images and videos depicting the sexual assault in graphic detail, as well as close-up photos of the victim’s intimate areas. After the jury found the defendant guilty of sexual assault and invasive visual recording, the punishment phase of the trial began. The jurors heard additional testimony from the victim, the victim’s boyfriend and the mother of the victim, detailing the traumatic effect the crimes had on the victim and explaining how much she has suffered as a result. The jury ultimately returned a sentence of 17 years in prison for the sexual assault conviction and a maximum sentence of two years state jail for invasive visual recording. This case was investigated by the San Marcos Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Miranda Ebersole and Elizabeth Schmidt. "We asked the jury to send a message that these crimes are not tolerated in our community, and that is what they have done with their verdict,” Schmidt said. “We want to thank the jurors for their service, especially since they had to review very disturbing evidence. We also want to thank the victim in this case for her bravery and for having the strength to face the defendant in court.” District Attorney Kelly Higgins thanked the investigators, prosecutors and jurors for bringing Grado to justice.
SAN MARCOS, Texas - Hays County District Attorney Kelly Higgins announced today, March 20, that William Rojas, 28, was found guilty by a Hays County jury on Jan. 23 of murder, tampering with evidence-human corpse, and tampering with evidence. On March 18, Judge Sherri K. Tibbe sentenced Rojas to a life sentence for murder, 20 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) for tampering with evidence-human corpse and 10 years TDCJ for tampering with evidence. During the trial, it was proven that Rojas murdered Esbin Santiago-Gomez with a firearm and then drove the victim’s body into Hays County, where Rojas stripped the victim of all identifying information before attempting to hide Santiago-Gomez’s body. The case was investigated by detectives with the Hays County Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of law enforcement officers with the Travis County Sheriff’s Office, Austin Police Department, Houston Police Department and the Texas Rangers. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Christopher Griffith and Courtney Hansen. Following the verdict, ADA Griffith said, “Mr. Rojas’ callousness in the murder and his actions following the murder were shocking to all those involved. Without the hard work and dedication of detectives with the Hays County Sheriff’s Office, Rojas would not have been brought to answer for his crimes. We offer our deepest sympathies and condolences to Esbin Santiago-Gomez’s family and hope some measure of comfort is found in bringing him justice.” Higgins added, “In addition to our gratitude for the excellent work done in investigation and prosecution of this case, the office would commend the sentence of the court as well-deserved.”
To view the original Notice of Meeting, click here . This Notice is posted according to the Texas Open Meetings Act. (VERNONS TEXAS CODES ANN. GOV. CODE CH.551). The Hays County Sheriff’s Office Civil Service Commission will hold a meeting at 10 am on the 20 th day of March 2025 , in the Hays County Sheriff’s Office Public Safety Building, 1 st floor, Media Room located at 810 South Stagecoach Trail, San Marcos, Texas 78666. An Open Meeting will be held concerning the following subjects: 1. Call the meeting to order 2. Roll Call 3. Public Comments, if any 4. Approval of February 18, 2025, minutes 5. Discussion and possible action regarding the creation of a County email for Commission members to utilize for commission business (Keller) 6. Discussion and possible action regarding adoption of drafted discipline hearing procedures (Keller/Asst CDA Young) 7. Discussion and possible action regarding amendment to Section 3.07.1- Employee Eligibility List (Keller/Chief Deputy Bailey) 8. Discussion and possible action regarding Chapter 8 Promotions and Eligibility and other related processes that fall under the Commission's purview. (Kresta) 9. Adjournment Executive Sessions The Civil Service Commission will announce that it will go into Executive Session, if necessary, pursuant to Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, to receive advice from Legal Counsel to discuss matters of litigation and personnel matters as specifically listed on this agenda. The Civil Service Commission may also announce it will go into Executive Session, if necessary, to receive advice from Legal Counsel regarding any other item on this agenda. ADA Compliance Hays County encourages compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the conduct of all public meetings. To that end, persons with disabilities who plan to attend this meeting and who may need auxiliary aids such as an interpreter for a person who is hearing impaired are requested to contact the Director of the Civil Service Commission at (512) 393-7838 or via e-mail at Sandra.Galvan@hayscountytx.gov as soon as the meeting is posted (72 hours before the meeting) or as soon as practical so that appropriate arrangements can be made. While it would be helpful to receive as much advance notice as possible, Hays County will make every reasonable effort to accommodate any valid request regardless of when it is received. Braille is not available.
SAN MARCOS, Texas — The Hays County Commissioners Court appointed Erik Granjeno as the new director of Human Resources. The Human Resources Department is responsible for various county activities involving employees, applicants and citizens. An Austin native, Granjeno attended Texas State for a year and finished his education at Western Governors University. As the youngest of four children, he is a first-generation college graduate and a two-time university alumnus. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management and a Master of Science in Management and Leadership. After the 2020 pandemic, Hays County became his home. "I hope to be innovative with our processes and programs while being the director," Granjeno said. He is duly certified by the HRCI Human Resource Certification Institute and SHRM as a senior human resources professional. He brings strategic and tactical skills to this position. He balances protecting the company and serving the people's best interests. "Hays County is growing fast, and I think we need to be able to stay ahead of the market in terms of being an employer of choice," Granjeno said. "I would like to get Hays County into that direction of building our employer branding and putting it out there as an employer of choice for people moving to the area."
SAN MARCOS, Texas — Last month, the Hays County Commissioners Court selected Jonathan Blanco as the new director of the Budget Office. The County Budget Office is responsible for creating and overseeing the county's annual budget. Originally from California, Blanco is an accomplished financial professional with more than a decade of experience managing multi-billion-dollar budgets, grants and fiscal operations in public, private and government sectors. “It is truly an honor to be here at such a pivotal moment in Hays County's growth,” Blanco said. He excels at streamlining financial processes, driving strategic initiatives and leading cross-functional teams to achieve organizational goals. With his expertise in budget management, financial management, grant management and compliance with government regulations, he has proven the ability to implement cost-saving strategies, forecast financial trends and ensure accurate financial reporting. “I am eager to collaborate with the judge, commissioners and county staff as we shape the future of this remarkable community,” Blanco said. “I am privileged to have worked alongside my esteemed predecessor, Vickie Dorsett, before her retirement. Her legacy is one that I am honored to continue, and I am committed to filling the significant role she has left behind.” Blanco is also a proud husband, father of five, combat veteran and devoted handler of his service dog, Leo. He and his family have called Hays County home since January 2025.
WIMBERLEY, Texas — Hays County announced today that a diligence funding agreement has been executed with the City of Wimberley for a future Blue Hole Nature Center, a project led by the Wimberley Parks and Recreation Department that will be dedicated to conservation, education and community engagement. The County confirmed that $3 million has been allotted for the project as part of the 2020 Hays County Parks and Open Space Bond. The Nature Center will be dedicated to hands-on learning, ecological preservation and sustainable recreation. With this funding, the city’s Parks and Recreation Department will design and develop a space connecting people of all ages with the rich biodiversity of the Texas Hill County. Some features include: · Interactive exhibits showcasing the region’s unique ecosystems and wildlife · Educational programming for students, families and lifelong learners · Indoor and outdoor spaces that immerse guests in the natural beauty of Blue Hole Regional Park · Sustainability initiatives that demonstrate water conservation, native landscaping and eco-friendly building practices According to Hays County Precinct 3 Commissioner Morgan Hammer, the bond funding highlights the county’s commitment to protecting natural spaces while making them more accessible and educational for residents and visitors. “Investing in the Blue Hole Nature Center is an investment in the future of Hays County,” said Hammer. “Through the Hays County Parks and Open Space Bond, we are ensuring that our community has access to both protected natural spaces and meaningful environmental education opportunities. The Nature Center will be a place where residents, students and visitors can connect with the land, learn about conservation and be inspired to protect the resources that make Hays County so special.” The Wimberley Parks and Recreation Department will begin planning and developing the Nature Center in the coming months. For more information, visit wimberleyparksandrec.com/blue-hole-nature-center.
SAN MARCOS, Texas – The Hays County Commissioners Court has appointed Matthew Gonzales as the new Health Department Director, reinforcing the county’s commitment to expanding public health services and meeting the growing health needs of the community. The decision was made on Feb. 25, 2025, and Gonzales officially assumed the position on March 1, 2025. This appointment follows the Commissioners Court’s decision to separate the Health Department from Countywide Operations during the drafting of the Fiscal Year 2025 budget. The change aligns Hays County with other county health departments in Texas, ensuring dedicated leadership and resources to address infectious disease prevention, emergency preparedness and community health needs like mental health services. With public health now recognized as an economic driver, this move is part of a broader effort to strengthen the county’s ability to respond to health crises, accelerate recovery efforts and keep the local economy strong. A Central Texas native, Gonzales grew up in Caldwell County and graduated from Lockhart ISD before earning a Bachelor of Public Administration (2021) and a Master of Healthcare Administration (2023) from Texas State University. Gonzales has been a dedicated public servant in Hays County since 2021, beginning as an intern with the Health Department during the COVID-19 pandemic. He later took on key roles, including Planner in Development Services, Technical Support for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, Community Program Manager and Health Department Manager. “It’s an honor to step into this role at such a critical time for public health in Hays County,” Gonzales said. “With our growing population and evolving health challenges, my focus will be on expanding services, strengthening our department’s foundation and ensuring every resident has access to essential health resources. We’re building a healthier future for our community, and I’m excited to lead that effort.” Gonzales has played a key role in major health initiatives, including the 2022 Monkeypox outbreak response and the 2023 Community Health Assessment. He was also instrumental in expanding staff and overseeing the department’s transition to a new facility. Looking ahead, he has set ambitious goals for the Health Department, including: · Reorganizing the department to better prepare for current and future public health challenges. · Expanding community and behavioral health services to improve access for Hays County residents. · Strengthening public health infrastructure to meet the rigorous standards set by the Public Health Accreditation Board. Upcoming Health Department Event As part of its ongoing commitment to community health, the Hays County Health Department will host an MMR vaccine clinic on March 10 from 5 to 7 p.m. at 101 Thermon Drive, San Marcos, Texas. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to protect themselves and their families from measles, mumps and rubella. About the Hays County Health Department The Hays County Health Department is the local health authority for Hays County, providing essential public health services such as immunizations, tuberculosis and sexually transmitted infection services, and public health prevention and intervention programs. For more information about the Health Department’s services and initiatives, visit Hayscountytx.gov/health-department . About Hays County Hays County is located in Central Texas and is part of the Austin-Round Rock metropolitan area. Situated just south of Travis County, it is one of the fastest-growing counties in the state. With an estimated population of 290,000, it is the 19th largest county in Texas.
SAN MARCOS, Texas — A confirmed member of the Mexican Mafia was sentenced by Hays County District Judge Joe Pool to probation for the stabbing of a Seguin man following a hearing on Thursday, Feb. 20. Christopher Eliseo Flores Jr. was sentenced to 10 years deferred adjudication community supervision in a punishment hearing after pleading no contest to assault with a deadly weapon in relation to a Sept. 19, 2021, incident. Flores is also required to serve 180 days in county jail and three months in an in-patient rehabilitation facility before he can serve the term of his probation. During the hearing, an expert on Texas gangs testified that Flores was a confirmed member of the prison gang, the Mexican Mafia. Flores had previously served two prison sentences for manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance and engaging in organized criminal activity. He also served jail time for assault causing bodily injury to a family member, a misdemeanor. The stabbing occurred around closing time at Nephews Bar on the Square in San Marcos on Sept. 19, 2021. According to testimony, the victim, who is not affiliated with a gang, was enjoying the evening with friends before a verbal disagreement broke out between Flores and the victim. At that point, the victim was attacked from behind after an unidentified individual broke a beer bottle over his head. Flores then drew a sharp weapon and struck the victim, resulting in eight wounds spread across the victim’s hand, face, arms and stomach. The cuts caused permanent nerve damage and lacerated the victim’s liver, in addition to leaving his face with a long scar on the right side. Hays County Assistant District Attorneys Jon English and Claudia Garcia presented the court with video evidence from body cameras worn by San Marcos Police officers patrolling downtown San Marcos. Prosecutors also offered hospital photos of the victim’s injuries as evidence of the severity of the crime. The victim testified that he feared retaliation from Flores should he be granted probation. He also told the court that the incident was traumatic and that he suffers from frequent nightmares, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and paranoia. The victim added that he still suffers significant pain from his injuries almost four years after the assault. In the State’s closing argument, English asked that Flores be sentenced to a maximum of 20 years but stressed that anything less than a 15-year prison sentence would not be appropriate in such a violent case. The court took a brief recess to submit Flores to a drug test, which came back negative. Pool then sentenced the defendant to deferred adjudication — the only type of probation a judge can give — which results in the case being dismissed if the defendant successfully completes the probation.
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