Brown County Commissioners lifted the burn ban and approved an order authorizing the sale of fireworks for San Jacinto Day, April 21st, during the regular meeting of the court on Monday.
The burn ban, which was instated on Monday, February 8th, was lifted with a unanimous vote of the court on Monday. Commissioners wished to remind the public to still use caution when burning.
“I would like to remind everyone that each county contiguous to Brown County is still under a burn ban,” said Commissioner Gary Worley of Precinct 1. “The winds of March are blowing and will continue that way, just to use extreme caution when they are burning.”
Commissioners also approved an order authorizing the sale of fireworks for San Jacinto Day, for a period from April 14-21. Commissioners stated that they did pass over the opportunity to allow the sale of fireworks for Texas Independence Day, but will consider that next year. Commissioners, with the exception of Worley, voted to approve the order stating that they did not want to prohibit fireworks businesses from having the opportunity to make sales during this time.In other matters on Monday’s agenda:
*Commissioners approved Interlocal Agreement between Brown County and the City of Brady along with the Brady ISD. According to Elections Administrator Larry Franks, the agreement is unchanged from the agreement of the last three years between these entities for the city and school elections in Brady.
*BCSO Chief Deputy Vance Hill received approval to purchase a commercial grade lawnmower for the Law Enforcement Center. According to Hill, the mower is a Hustler 56-inch mower which will be purchased through Brady Butane in Brady for $8248.66. Funds for the purchase, up to $9000, were budgeted, said Hill. Hill reported that the jail count was 164 as of Monday morning.
*County Judge Ray West received approval to accept all three bids for paving, seal coating and asphalt products which were received by the County and opened Monday. The bids are from Kelcy & Sons and Russell Construction for paving and from Wright Asphalt for asphalt products.
*Commissioner Gary Worley received approval to set the speed limit to 45 mph on a portion of County Road 225. This portion includes approximately 1.2 miles of CR 225 from FM 45 South to just past Country Club Drive. The current speed is 55 mph, according to Brown County Sheriff’s Department. The lowering of the speed limit, said Worley, is due to requests by residents in the area and due to the road’s curves and hills.
*Commissioners approved the county’s participation in the payment for legislative liaison services from Bob Turner for the next legislative session. According to Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) Executive Director Ray Tipton, the county is one of six entities, including the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce, the City of Brownwood, the City of Early, Brownwood Economic Development Corporation (BEDC), and Brown County Water Improvement District (BCWID) to participate in the cost of Turner’s consulting fees. This is the first year for BCWID to participate, making each entity’s payment less than prior years. Tipton stated that this partnering has helped to make securing Turner very affordable and that he alerts county leaders of issues being considered which will affect our area even before they reach the floor of the legislature for a vote. Judge West stated that now more than ever, it is important to have a voice and ear in Austin during legislative sessions since the representative and senator of our area are both new, considered freshmen legislators, and will not have the respected voice of Senator Fraser and Representative Keffer, who had over 20 years of experience each.
*Commissioners approved reappointments of Keith Clark, Robert Porter, and Paul Waldrop to the Brown County Hospital Authority Board. All three of the men are serving on the board and have terms expiring soon, but have agreed to serve another term.
*Commissioners approved a policy prohibiting for-profit business solicitations at the Brown County Courthouse. According to Judge West, fundraisers (such as Girl Scout cookie sales and other charitable sales), business solicited by the county or its employees (insurance benefits and deliveries/reorders from businesses like Schwan’s) will be allowed through an exception to the policy. The basic reason for the policy West said was to “prohibit businesses from ‘setting up shop’ in the courthouse– this is just not the place for that.”
