Brown County Commissioners accepted Elections Administrator Suzy Young’s resignation letter during Monday’s meeting of the court.
Commissioners considered the item on their agenda Monday to possibly ratify the May 19th decision of the Brown County Elections Commission to terminate Young from her appointed position as elections administrator. Since the meeting, Commissioners received a resignation letter from Young stating that she would voluntarily step down on June 16, 2015, which would allow the elections office to make it through the Brownwood City Council run-off election, slated for June 13th.
County Judge Ray West explained that the court received a resignation letter on behalf of the commission that would be effective June 16, which was a date requested by the elections staff.
“There’s good and bad either way, whether we accept the letter of resignation effective that date or terminate immediately. I’m rather ambiguous on it to be honest with you,” said West. “At the same time, I want what’s best for the county, and I don’t want the elections office to be without some leadership. I don’t think any of us disagree, that when she is on her game, she is just as good as it gets.”
Commissioner Joel Kelton, Pct. 2, questioned if Young would be present working through to the time of her resignation date of June 16th and expressed his concern for any liabilities that might occur while she was finishing out the time as administrator.
Despite Kelton’s concerns, commissioners accepted the resignation letter in a 3:1 vote with Kelton being the sole member of the court in opposition to the action.In other unrelated matters on Monday’s agenda:
*Commissioners did not take any action on implementing a burn ban due to the recent rainstorms and saturated conditions of the area.
*Commissioners approved the positing of a 35 mph speed limit on a portion of County Road 120 between two cattle guards. According to Commissioner Joel Kelton, this area has had free range livestock present for years.
*Commissioners did not take action on fireworks ban for Independence Day but will continue to monitor the conditions as the deadline of June 15th approaches. Judge West asked commissioners to let him know if they changed their minds on the ban, due to a change in temperatures or high winds.
*Jail Administrator Becky Caffey received approval for discretionary exemptions under 262.024 of the Texas Government Code for food bids. According to Caffey this would be the same exemptions she received approval for last year.
*Caffey also received approval of hiring of a new jailer, Wesley Kite to replace Matthew Rudloff at the same salary.
*Commissioner Joel Kelton received approval of a part time employee, Donnie Graves, for less than 29 hours per week at $11.50/hour to help with mowing due to having no jail crew during the summer. Graves’ start date of May 26, 2015 was approved.
*Wayne Shaw, Pct. 3, received approval for the purchase of a 2014 crew cab pickup. The vehicle will be purchased from Rowdy Allen of Coleman for $21,771.34.
