Brown County Commissioners instated a burn ban during Tuesday morning’s meeting of the court.
Commissioners discussed the matter briefly, and Commissioner Joel Kelton of Precinct 2 stated that he had been in contact with members of the May Volunteer Fire Department who told him that it might be a good idea to issue a ban to be cautious.
“I talked to my firemen and we thought the idea (of instating a ban) wouldn’t hurt because we are a little dry and it’s been windy,” he stated. “I’m not against it.”
Precinct 1 Commissioner Gary Worley agreed stating, “We have dodged it through the holidays and recent fireworks.”
The decision was unanimous and the ban was put into place.
The order issued stated that the burn ban was placed into effect because of the finding by the court that circumstances present in all or part of the county create a safety hazard exacerbated by outdoor burning. The ban would prohibit all outdoor burning for a period of 90 days, according to the court.
In other matters on Tuesday’s agenda:
*Commissioners approved a joint resolution for a two party primary election. According to Suzy Young, the agreement is between the Brown County Elections Office, the Democratic Party (represented by Chairman David Bullion) and the Republican Party (represented by Chairman Sammie Stewart) and that the contract is for the primary election on March 4, 2014 and if necessary, a runoff election on May 27, 2014.*Brown County Sheriff’s Captain Tony Aaron received approval for the purchase of four patrol vehicles and emergency equipment for the vehicles. According to Aaron, the amount of $128,000 was previously approved in this fiscal year budget. BCSO plans to purchase four Chevrolet Tahoes at a cost of $27,447 each, a total of $109,788 and equipment not to exceed the remaining amount of $18,212. The vehicles are to be purchased from Caldwell Country Chevrolet, in Caldwell and the equipment and outfitting purchased through several different vendors, most of which will be through Big Country Supply in Abilene. Aaron stated that some equipment will be able to be converted from the current Dodge Charger patrol units such as Watch Guard cameras, laptop computers and radios. Aaron explained that the Chargers will be kept as backup units and that older Ford Crown Victorias will be retired and sold.
*BSCO received approval for purchase of tactical equipment, bullet proof plates, vests and a helmet in the amount of $3318.70. According to Captain Aaron, 50% of the purchase cost will be made from the $6000 Bulletproof Vest Grant recently received and 50% from BSCO seizure fund. According to Brown County Auditor Nina Cox, there is currently a balance of $47,000 in this State forfeiture fund.
*Commissioner Worley received approval of an application for a utility line to be installed by Verizon which will cross County Road 236. The installation will be done to county specifications and will require a cut in the caliche roadway.
*Commissioners approved the purchase of a replacement heater for the shop area of the Brown County AgriLife Extension Office. The heater, a CG130 tubular heater, will be purchased for $1632.00 from Dwight McMillian, according to County Judge Ray West.
*Commissioner Kelton received approval of a utility easement by Windstream on County Road 444 for a replacement of an existing cable in the right of way for a distance of 3700 feet.
