A $198,000 contract allowing a group to complete reforestation efforts along the Blanco River was approved by a split vote from Hays County Commissioners Tuesday.

But the move to approve funding for TreeFolks, made by a 2-1 vote with Pct. 1 Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe voting against it, came with controversy, as some residents were concerned about using public funds to help repair private property damaged by the 2015 Memorial Day flood.

Lon Shell, Hays County Pct. 3 Commissioner, said he sought t...