Written by Amanda Coers – The Brown County Commissioners met at 9 a.m. on Monday, May 7th, at the Brown County Courthouse to discuss items posted on the agenda. All commissioners from the four precincts were present as well as Brown County Judge Ray West.
Burn Ban – due to the recent rains, the burn ban remains off for Brown County.
Next to be discussed was the consideration and possible approval of transfer of Brown County’s interest in Lot 4, Block 3, Live Oak Acres Addition in Early to the City of Early. City Administrator Tony Aaron spoke with the commissioners regarding the transfer. The triangular tract of property is located in a subdivision in Early.
“This is in an area of Early that we’ve been working on to get rid of dilapidated structures,” Aaron explained. The property is abandoned and back taxes are owed. Aaron informed the commissioners the city would like to clean up the property and eventually place it back on the tax roll. Commissioner Joel Kelton made a motion to approve the transfer, and Commissioner Wayne Shaw seconded. The commissioners approved unanimously.
The commissioner then were asked for approval to clean monuments in front of Brown County Courthouse. Rick Phelps addressed the court on the matter. Brown County Judge asked Phelps if he has contacted the Historical Commission regarding cleaning the monuments, and Phelps said he had not yet.
“I’ve walked by and noticed I can barely read those names,” Phelps said of the monuments which features the names of local veterans. “I want people to be able to see the names on those monuments.”
A biological solution with a nylon scrub brush can be used. Phelps explained an outreach group at his church is willing to help clean the monuments. He told the commissioners he would get in touch with the Historical Commission to confirm the next steps for cleaning the monuments. The Brown County Commissioners Court approved Phelps to make progress with the project, pending confirmation from the Historical Commission.
Joyce Leidig and Lane Masters represented the VFW Auxiliary, and asked the commissioners to approve a military display inside the courthouse. The display would show the 259 soldiers from Brown County killed in action. There will be no cost to the county as funds will be provided by the auxiliary. The commissioners anonymously approved the request. Leidig is hoping to have the project completed before Veteran’s Day 2018.
Also discussed:
Precinct 1 Commissioner Gary Worley – consideration and possible approval of allowing US Special Operation Forces to conduct exercises in Brown County.
This is the third year for the exercises which normally have approval for a year, however this time the approval asked is for three years. Commissioners approved the request for training exercises to be conducted June 2018 through May 2021.
The US Army will be conducting sweeps for live ordinance in the old Camp Bowie area. Brown County Sheriff Vance Hill confirmed his office receives approximately six calls each year regarding items discovered from the old Camp Bowie training exercises more than 50 years ago.
