After a lengthy discussion, Brown County Commissioners narrowly adopted a resolution to prohibit the sales and use of aerial fireworks which will be implemented during the 4th of July weekend.
According to Judge Ray West, counties may adopt a ban on fireworks when a county has a 575 or higher Keetch-Byram Drought Index scoring. Although Brown County is in one of the worst droughts in the past several years, the current Keetch-Byram Drought index lists Brown County at scores between 300-700 depending on location. The northern part of the county has experienced more rainfall in the last few months than the south and particularly the southwest portion, which is noted to be 600-700.
The prohibition of aerial, Class C fireworks will go into effect at 6:00pm on July 2, 2011 and last until 6:00am on June 5, 2011. Commissioners declared the county to be in a disaster that has been caused by the drought and that there is possibly inevitable danger of destruction of property by fire if a prohibition of fireworks is not issued. Prohibition of aerial fireworks was narrowly approved by a 3-2 vote. Commissioners Richard Gist of precinct 3 and Joel Kelton of precinct 2 voted against the resolution.
The resolution, according to Judge Ray West, is in accordance with government code 418. Professional fireworks displays are not banned under this prohibition because they are regulated by the federal government. According to Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce and the Brown County Water Improvement District, as of this week, no professional displays are scheduled at Lake Brownwood due to the dry conditions and the low lake level.
After the meeting adjourned, Phillip Tobias, owner of Master Blaster fireworks stand, stated that he was present at the commissioners’ court meeting and hoped to speak to the court regarding the selling of fireworks.
“We want to reassure people that we promote firework safety,” stated Tobias. “We have radio spots and flyers promoting safety and we answer questions from our customers about safely shooting fireworks.”
Tobias stated that generally common sense and properly setting up the aerial fireworks so that they don’t tip over can prevent most risks of fire.
“There is still confusion about fireworks, people forget the science of it,” said Tobias. “The explosion and sparks of aerial fireworks happen in the air and go out before they hit the ground when used properly. People just need to be responsible.”
The use of all fireworks is prohibited inside the city limits of Brownwood, Early, Bangs, and Blanket at any time.
Other matters on the agenda included:
*Extended Warranty Agreement for the metal detector system at the entry of the Brown County courthouse. The cost of the extended warranty agreement was not recommended by Dennis Watson of the Brown County Sheriff’s Office after he reviewed the cost verses the coverage over the three year period of warranty offered. Commissioners agreed with his findings and chose not to act upon the warranty.
*Approval of new member Cheryl Nelson (Brown County Tax Assessor/Collector) to the Brown County Child Welfare Board. Nelson will be taking the place of member Sheri Ornales who has given her resignation to the board. There are currently three openings remaining after Nelson’s membership approval with one other candidate being considered at this time.
*Brown County Sheriff’s Office received approval for new CID Secretary Shawna Karnes who will be replacing Chelsea Thomason in this position. Karnes will be paid the same annual salary as Thomason was receiving.
*Plat approval for the Lodges of Mountain View was tabled to be placed on the agenda for reconsideration during the June 20th commissioner’s court.
