Brown County Commissioners approved joining a Brown County civic partnership to enter into an agreement with Rural Issues Consultant Bob Turner for the 2013 legislative session. The partnership includes the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce, Brown County, the City of Brownwood, the City of Early and the Brownwood Economic Development Corporation.
Turner has represented Brown County for the last 3-4 years as a consultant according to County Judge Ray West. It has been recommended that each entity contribute equally toward the cost of hiring Turner, $5,000 each for a total of $25,000. Should a special session be held, Turner would cover it at no additional cost to the group.
Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Laura Terhune explained to commissioners that Turner has been an effective voice for Brown County. During redistricting in 2012, Turner saw a problem with the lines drawn in Brown County which would have split the county into two different districts with separate congressional representation, Terhune said. She stated that “It did not take a conference call from the county, Turner was already on it and knew that this was not acceptable.”
Judge West announced that he and a few of the commissioners would be attending a legislative day in Austin on Tuesday which is hosted by the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce. While there, West stated that he would be meeting with the Texas Association of Counties Executive Director to discuss county issues and put together a “wish list” to present to Turner. A question was raised by Commissioner Precinct 3 Wayne Shaw why Brown County doesn’t rely on Texas Association of Counties (TAC) to help with legislative issues in Austin. West answered, “They can’t.”Terhune also explained to the court that Turner is the only true voice for Brown County in Austin stating, “They (TAC) are never going to advocate for Brown County and Bob will do that. They cannot advocate just for rural issues because they represent urban counties as well.”
West further explained that counties in the I-35 corridor have a large presence in Austin and many have a “hired gun.” He stated that TAC has to take a position that is not controversial. He supported Terhune’s view of Turner stating that other than our representatives, Jim Keffer and Troy Fraiser, Turner is the county’s only voice.
Brownwood City Council voted Tuesday, December 11th to authorize the city manager to partner with the Chamber of Commerce, Brown County, the City of Early and the Brownwood Economic Development Corporation to enter into an agreement with Rural Issues Consultant Bob Turner for the 2013 legislative session.
Brownwood City Manager Bobby Rountree stated during the December city council meeting that Turner was employed in this manner for these agencies and in the last legislative session with great success.
In other matters on the agenda:
*Commissioners approved installation of a private line in Precinct 3, on County Road 294. This is a Zephyr Water Supply Corporation line which will require a cut in the road, which will be done to county specifications.
*District Clerk Jan Brown received approval of replacement employee Audrey Ward to begin Tuesday, January 5th. Ward will replace Donna Steele who vacated the position on November 29, 2012. Sharon Ferguson presented the employee changes for Brown and stated that she believed this would give the office a full staff.
*The Brown County Sheriff’s Office received several employee changes. Chester Land will be replacing Regina Cunningham as a jailer at a reduced salary to the county. A part time position previously held by Pixie Clark in the jail commissary will be filled by Brandon Ward. Ward vacates a part time position as the visitation clerk and will be replaced by Cynthia Delgado. Joe Thomas joins the BCSO as a patrol deputy replacing Nathan Land who was recently promoted to a detective in the Criminal Investigations Division of BCSO.
*Commissioner Precinct 1 Gary Worley received approval of the purchase of an ice machine for $2900. Worley stated that the ice machine replaces an older model which is housed in the Precinct 1 barn and had broken down. The ice from the machine according to Worley keeps the lunches and drinks for the crews cool while they are out working in the county. Worley stated that he shopped for the machine locally but found it at a restaurant supplier in Arlington for approximately $2000 cheaper than local prices. The ice machine will produce 100 pounds of ice per day and has a storage bin for 300 pounds of ice.
*County Clerk Sharon Ferguson received approval for plat cabinet sleeves. An ongoing discussion for replacement sleeves for survey plats ends with this approval to purchase 302 large Mylar sleeves. Approximately 200 surveys have been damaged by the older sleeves materials, which have removed ink over the years from older surveys. 100 additional sleeves are ordered for future use in plat cabinet #5. Ferguson stated that the sleeves are obsolete now and have to be custom made by Xerox and will cost $3769.80 for 302 sleeves.
*Commissioners adopted procedure for lease of Juvenile Justice Center through sealed bids pursuant to §263.007 of the Texas Local Government Code.
*Brown County elections officials receive approval for new polling location in Blanket, Texas. Voters will now cast their ballots at the First United Methodist Church activity center rather than the Blanket Lions Club building.
