Kerr County Commissioners’ discuss flood recovery during Monday’s meeting

The Kerr County Commissioners’ Court discussed several flood-related topics at the Monday morning meeting.  Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly said that the county is still in the search and rescue phase, with two people still missing after the catastrophic floods on the Fourth of July.

Texas Department of Transportation contractors are currently working on state highways to remove debris.  Contractors are beginning to arrive and are expected to be in Kerr County for several months, according to officials.

The burn ban in Kerr County has been lifted in specific areas that were not impacted by the recent floods.  Those who want to burn something must first contact the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office to obtain a formal burn permit.  Burns will need to be monitored 24/7 and can’t be performed within an hour before or after sunset.

Kerr County residents with property damage need to fill out a “Right of Entry Form” as soon as possible.  The form ensures that the Texas General Land Office and its contractors have the necessary authorization to enter your home and begin work on the damaged property.

Starting on Tuesday, the forms will be available in hard copy at the Hunt School, located at 115 School Road, the Hunt Volunteer Fire Department, located at 151 FM 1340, and the Ingram Volunteer Fire Department, located at 215 TX-39.  The form is also available online.

Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha requested the hiring of a Criminal Investigation Division (CID) Investigator for the sheriff’s office because the floods have increased their workload.  Leitha said there has been a slight uptick in crime in the county , citing instances of fraud and looting.  The motion to hire one CID Investigator was unanimously approved.

On Thursday, the select committee of lawmakers will convene in Kerrville to host another hearing on the flooding.  It will be hosted at the Hill Country Youth Event Center at 9:30 a.m.