The Texas Historical Commission (THC) recently recognized the Brown County Historical Commission with the 2012 Distinguished Service Award. The honor was presented during a meeting of the Brown County Commissioner’s Court on Monday, July 2nd. The award recognizes the county historical commissions (CHCs) that have demonstrated a dedication to several of the THC’s programs as well as preservation efforts that lead to a greater understanding of state and local history.
One of the Brown County Historical Commission’s recent projects included the renovation and repair of the old Brown County Jail, which currently serves as a museum of the county’s history as well as the Firearms Museum of Texas which hosts visiting displays such as the Guns of the Empire, currently displayed.
CHCs are a vital link in Texas’ preservation network and few other states have a built-in mechanism that makes possible a preservation organization in every county. Some of the exemplary efforts considered for the Distinguished Service Award include advancing youth programs, overseeing historical marker applications, recording oral histories, cemetery preservation and assisting local museums. CHCs work in a dynamic and positive partnership with the THC to preserve Texas’ heritage for the use, education, enjoyment and economic benefit of present and future generations. Other responsibilities maintained by CHCs include the preservation of countless historic buildings, artifacts, documents and other pieces of Texas history.
For more information about the Distinguished Service Award, visit www.thc.state.tx.us or contact the History Program’s Division at 512-463-5853.
In other matters on the agenda:
*Commissioners did not implement a burn ban.
*Judge Frank Griffin received approval of temporary employee Rhonda Arp to fill in for Brenda Arp while she is out for medical reasons for approximately 4-6 weeks. Brenda Arp is using sick and vacation days to receive full pay during her absence. The temporary salary of Rhonda Arp will be paid from the temporary employee fund; however is expected to exceed this fund’s current balance of $1500 with the remainder being paid from the general fund. Rhonda Arp’s start date was Thursday, June 28th.
*County Auditor Nina Cox was granted approval for budget amendments totaling $448,396 which will be adjusted from the general fund. According to Cox, the majority of the amendments are due to indigent care increasing over $300,000 and the purchase of the water heaters at the jail.
Administrative assistant Amy Hamrick stated that this amount would have been more had Brownwood Regional Medical Center not worked out a deal with the county to remain at the rates they were currently paying. Hamrick explained that the economy, as well as the higher unemployment rate, has contributed to the large amount of indigent care that is required through federal mandates.
“Without our relationship with Brownwood Regional Medical Center this would have been much more. We need to applaud Brownwood Regional Medical Center for their cooperation,” said Hamrick.
*Brown County Emergency Management Coordinator received approval for DeltAlert contracts between Brown County and the cities of Brownwood, Early and Bangs. According to Bush, the cost of DeltAlert is $3000 total for the county’s weather warning service, the previous Code Red cost the county $7500 according to Bush. These contracts include the following amounts as payments for each of the cities’ portions according to population: Bangs $126, Early $201, and Brownwood $1570, said Bush.
*Brown County Sheriff Bobby Grubbs received approval for an employee changes. According to Grubbs, Regina Cunningham was hired to fill the vacancy left by Amanda Holmes as a jailor and Kelly Marsh, who had previously been with BCSO as courthouse security, has been reinstated. Marsh had resigned to take a position at Tarleton State University as security and is now returning to BCSO. Grubbs also received approval to pay certification pay of $225 and a uniform allowance of $50 per month to Jim Cornelius and change his title to Administrative Office Deputy. Cornelius is a certified peace officer, who performs many tasks for BCSO from administrative office to law enforcement such as security at the court house, going out on a call when necessary, serving warrants, making arrests, and transporting inmates. Grubbs stated that Cornelius was a good solid employee and an asset to BCSO; that these actions were “out of fairness to him.” Grubbs also stated that Cornelius’ job functions will not change and that all funding for the additional pay will come from BCSO’s inmate telephone fund.
*Commissioner Pct. 3 Richard Gist received approval to advertise for paving and seal coating bids. Gist also was granted approval for installation of a waterline on County Road 381 (Old May Road). This is an application for the City of Early for a utility installation by TxDOT for the new Bruner Auto facility and will be in the county’s right of way. A road cut will be necessary according to Assistant City Manager Wayne Creel, who stated that TxDOT will pave the roadway and install curbs and gutters.
*Commissioners passed on an item to be considered regarding possible increase in flood control structures funds from the county. The matter will be addressed during the July 16th budget hearing according to County Judge Ray West.
*A tax resale deed was unanimously approved by commissioners to be issued to Mayra Munoz for Lot 8, Block 2, Highland View Addition (1715 7th Street). Munoz bid $1500 on the property which had a total of $10,049.43 of taxes, feeds and penalties. Of this amount, $4200 was back taxes.
Pictured above Judge Ray West presents the certificate to Brown County Historical Commission president Ronnie Lappe and members of the commission.
