Medina County

Medina County Offices

Medina County Town List

Medina County is located west of Bexar County in southwest Texas. The county has significant cities and towns: Castroville, Mico, D Hanis, Devine, Hondo, Natalia, La Coste, Rio Yancey, Medina. Near the geographic center is Hondo, the county seat. The population of Medina county as of 2021 was 51,584, with the whites alone taking over 93% of the population. The county derived its name from the Medina River.

Medina County Topography and Climate

The Medina River cuts across the northeastern part of the county. The Frio River drains western Medina. The county is 1331 square miles and has an elevation between 635 and 1995 feet. The Balcones Escarpment divides the county into two, east and west. This escarpment also splits the Hill County and Edwards Plateau to the north and to the south, Rio Grande plains.

Medina has a sub-humid and subtropical climate with hot and dry summers. The county experiences an average rainfall of 28.4 inches and average humidity of 81% in the early morning and 49% in the early evenings. The average temperature is 42 degrees to 96 degrees. The county’s growing season lasts 263 days.

Northern Medina County has a dark waxy limestone soil which supports brush, grass, live and shinnery oaks, mesquite, and junipers. The southern side has clay and sandy loam soils that support buffalo, post oak, bluestem, live oak, mesquite, and cottontop grass. Along the river banks, you’ll experience a larger vegetation of cypress and pecan trees.

Around 45% of the county is prime farmland. The Medina Lake Reservoir sources its water from the Medina River. The reservoir is used for extensive irrigation in the county’s eastern half. The residents have made other reservoirs from different creeks. Local ranchers have sizable tanks to store more water.

Mineral Composition in Medina County

Medina County also has mineral compositions like gas, oil, clay, gravel, and sand. Western Medina County has quality clay used in producing bricks and tiles. Crushed pebbles, limestone, flintstone, and caliche are also found in Medina county. These are highly used in road construction.

Medina County is also a source of one high-quality natural fertilizer, bat guano. The mineral is mined in the hills north of Hondo. In Ney’s Cave, one of the most significant bat habitats globally. During the civil war, Guano was used as gunpowder.

Medina Tourist Attractions

Medina County has several attractions for everyone. First is the Twisted Sisters. It is a collection of road networks connected perfectly for auto and motorcycle enthusiasts. It is one of the ranked motorcycle roads in America. Though the area is not as smooth as it seems, it needs a little experience. The winds add to the inclined, narrow, and twisty roads.

On entering these roads, warning signs state the dangers of riding in such a place. Leakey is along the route and contains a gas station and eating places. There’s the Bent Rim Grill, and if you’re in a hurry, the San Juan’s Taqueria has delicious tacos for you.

Secondly, there are the Vines on The Rocks. At this location, you could grab yourself a glass of wine and enjoy the flavors. The area specializes in Tempranillo wine from the vineyard grapes. Their tasting rooms are very comfortable for incoming guests. The owner of the place is very welcoming and friendly to all guests. So if you want a place to relax, Vine on The Rocks is the place to visit.

The Spa at Escondida is another place you should visit around Medina County. The Spa is peaceful and relaxed. The Spa offers food and drinks for all its guests. The staff gives you a wonderful experience, and they are very accommodating.

Other attractions include Love Creek Orchards, Cider Mill, and Wheeler Ranch.

Medina County Office

Medina County Office comprises several state-owned offices that help run government duties and serve the general public.

The county judge is Honorable Chris Schuchart. Jennifer Adlong and Jessica Walden assist him. The office is open at 8 am and closed at 5 pm on weekdays with a 1 hour from noon. The office contacts are (830) 741-6020/1 and fax: (830) 741-6025.

Medina County no longer has an attorney but has a Criminal District Attorney, Mark P. Haby. His office is in Hondo, Texas and his contacts are phone (830) 741-6187 or fax (830) 741-6033. To get more information on this, visit the Criminal District Attorney.

Medina County clerk is Gina Champion. The clerk’s office contacts are (830) 741- 6040 or (830) 741-6015. Major activities in the office run between 8 am and 3.30 pm.

Medina County Auditor is Eduardo Lopez, assisted by Rubi Cline, Beverly Ham, Julie Schneider, Ernesto Alejandro, and Sarah Muennink. The office’s contacts are phone:830-741-6090 or fax: 830-741-6094.

The Medina County Tax Assessor Collector is Melissa Lutz. You can visit the county’s website for information about the tax assessor-collector office. Medina County’s Court of Law is headed by Honorable Mark Cashion. He is assisted by Shanna Curiel and Criminal Court Coordinator Janna Heilig. The office’s contact is phone: 830-741-6060

Medina County Treasurer

The Medina County Treasurer’s office is under the Texas constitution. All county receipts should pass through the Treasurer. This office liaises together with the county and its bank account. The Treasurer keeps all transaction records belonging to the county. The treasury ensures that all expenditure and public funds are safe.

Also, in Medina County, the Treasurer works as an investments officer and manages the county’s cash flow safely. Furthermore, this office takes care of payments concerning vendor invoices and handles all liability and insurance claims. The HR department in the office manages the payroll.

The office is governed by Debbie Southwell, who is the main Treasurer. He is assisted by

Jennifer Konegni(Assistant Treasurer), Amye Laughlin(Accounts Payable), Cynthia Stanukinos(Accounts Payable), and Pamela Roman(Cash Receipts).