The Burnet County Commissioners have introduced a new policy requiring background checks for all county employees. This decision was approved during a meeting on January 28 by Pct. 1 Commissioner Jim Luther Jr., Pct. 2 Commissioner Damon Beierle, Pct. 3 Commissioner Chad Collier, and Pct. 4 Commissioner Joe Don Dockery. The policy aims to enhance security and compliance with state and federal guidelines.
Background Checks for All Employees
According to County Human Resources Director Shirley Bullard, the updated policy mandates background checks for all newly hired employees, regardless of their job role or access to secure data. While employees handling sensitive information have always undergone screenings, this is the first county-wide background check requirement.
“Eventually, all county employees will be required to undergo a background check,” Bullard said, emphasizing that the process will be implemented as soon as possible.
Compliance with Security Standards
The new policy aligns with the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) certification and security procedures, particularly for employees accessing the Enterprise Justice Case Management System. The Texas Department of Public Safety supports these security measures to ensure compliance.
Bullard clarified that the goal is not to terminate employees based on background check results but rather to follow proper procedures. “If an employee does not work with sensitive data, the elected official will have more discretion in determining their suitability for a role,” she explained.
E-Verify and Data Protection
Burnet County relies on the federal E-Verify system to verify employee eligibility. This system checks identity documents as required by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration.
Bullard assured that all information collected through background checks would be handled confidentially. “Data will be securely stored as part of an employee’s protected records, following legal guidelines,” she said.
Ensuring a Secure and Compliant Workforce
With this new policy, Burnet County aims to strengthen security measures while maintaining fair employment practices. By following federal and state regulations, the county seeks to ensure a safe and efficient work environment for all employees. As implementation progresses, officials will continue to refine the process to balance security, compliance, and fairness in hiring and employment decisions.
