Brown County Commissioners took no action on the burn ban currently in place across the county at their regular meeting of the court on Monday.
After the weekend of rain and flooding across many areas of Texas, Brown County did not see as much precipitation as originally anticipated.
Requests may be called in to the commissioners’ office and approval of burns will be given on a case by case basis.
In other matters on Monday’s agenda:
*Brown County Sheriff’s Captain Vance Hill received approval to accept a $10,000 donation from the Stephen and Mary Birch Foundation. According to Hill these funds come with “no strings attached,” and will be use to purchase specialized equipment and gear for deputies. Hill explained this money will allow BCSO to purchase things they need but that are not in the department’s budget. Last year’s donation from the Birch Foundation was utilized recently to purchase body cameras for deputies.
*Hill also received approval for old televisions and monitors to be declared as surplus. These items will be offered for sale.
*Interim Elections Administrator Larry Franks received approval of November 3rd Special Election Emergency Appointment of Election Judge.*County Clerk Sharon Ferguson received approval to ratify Elections Commission vote for Larry Franks as Interim Elections Administrator and for Franks to receive a $38,158.07 salary as compensation. Commissioners approved the appointment as retroactive to October 9, 2015.
*Ferguson also received approval of DSHS Vital Statistics Unit Contract for issuing remote birth certificates. She explained that this is the same contract as last year, which basically states the remote birth certificates will not be issued at no cost.
*Ferguson received approval to join the Buy Board, TxSmart Buy, which Brown County is not currently a member. TxSmartBuy is a source for scanning and other services that the clerk is currently in need of, according to County Auditor Nina Cox who also stated there is no fee to become a member.