Watch Live: Williamson County Commissioners Court Meeting

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TX — Williamson County Commissioners Court members will gather for their regular meeting on Tuesday, with a number of key agenda items.

The Sept. 24 meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. at the courthouse on 710 S Main St. Among the items to be discussed are the proposed selling of retired police canine, Axel, to its handler, Deputy Derek Garretson, for $1. The item is the 27th on the agenda of 66 topics of discussion and potential action.

In the agenda packet, officials explain that veterinarian Shane Daigle confirmed the dog has experienced health issues in the last three years that continue to worsen. The police canine also suffers an eye issue known as lenticular sclerosis affecting its peripheral sight. Given that the health conditions have affected the canine's police work, Daigle has recommended Axle be retired from active duty, according to information found on the commissioners' agenda packet.

Upon receipt of the animal, the deputy will be responsible for the dog's medical and food expenses, according to the agenda packet.

Live Stream: Watch Williamson County Commissioners Court Meeting

But the item is expected to engender some criticism given its tie-in to the recent firing of canine unit officers by Sheriff Robert Chody ensnaring one of Axle's handlers. Chody discovered the canine unit officers had engaged in commentary on their personal cell phones he found disparaging to the chain of command, prompting the firing.

Given that history, the otherwise heartwarming nature of an ailing canine going to his handler to be cared for is steeped in controversy. Sources have told Patch community members will sign up to speak before the commissioners in regard to the item.

Among other items to be considered:

• Discuss, consider, and take any appropriate action designating Tuesdays of each month during Fiscal Year 2020 as the Regular Term or Regular Meeting day of the week of the Williamson County Commissioners Court and all other meetings or sessions of Commissioners Court being Special Terms or Special Meetings.
• Discuss, consider and take any appropriate action regarding approval and receipt of the Standard Agreement with Ranch at Cypress Creek Municipal Utility District #1 regarding off duty contracting of county sheriff deputies. The proposed agreement would give permission for Ranch at Cypress Creek MUD #1 to contract county deputies in a private capacity and the county to invoice Cypress Creek MUD #1 for deputies' vehicle usage. The current agreement expires on Sept. 30.
• A proclamation is planned to honor Dr. Virginia Headley upon her retirement from the Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD).
• Discuss, consider and take appropriate action on the Employee Policy Manual. If approved, proposed changes would be effective Oct.1. The manual has been revamped since the recent resignation of former Commander Stephen Deaton following outrage when his offensive Facebookpage was revealed.

To see the full agenda, click here.