Brown County Commissioners approved additional funding of approximately $2,000 needed to purchase the replacement patrol unit for the Sheriff’s Office. Captain Tony Aaron of the Brown County Sheriff’s Office explained to the court that the insurance totaled the car out at an amount of $20,873; however, the claim will be paid out at $18,175 due to the blue book value given to the car minus a $500 deductible. The unit being totaled is a 2009 Dodge Charger with 30,000 miles which caused the depreciated value. The vehicle was recently involved in a wreck that caused it to be totaled.
Last week, commissioners approved this purchase with the contingency of the insurance paying an amount of $20,873 and using $12,125 from the county equipment fund to pay for accessories and the difference of the claim and the actual cost of a replacement vehicle. Aaron has located a replacement vehicle that can be purchased from Dallas Dodge for $22,050.
Aaron also presented the jail count which was 172 total. 137 of which were males and the remaining 35 were females.
In another item on the Commissioners Court agenda, the county approved the renewal of their employee health insurance coverage which will realize some money back this year. The current health insurance held by the county is through the Texas Association of Counties Pool with Blue Cross Blue Shield. Painter and Johnson, represented by Karen Campbell and Maricia Dowden, explained to the court that although the current policy rate was increasing 2%, the county would be getting a credit amount of $173,000, which means an overall savings of 7%. The credit to the county is due to a low amount of claims being paid out during last fiscal year.
“It’s a good way to start our budget workshop,” stated Nina Cox, county Auditor.
Other matters on the agenda Included:
*Judge Frank Griffin addressed the court, informing them of a $50,381 DWI Court Grant approval. Griffin explained that the state has recommended that the comissioners’ court oversee the use of funds and that any funding not spent be returned to the Justice Department. This grant is an increase compared to what was received last year.
“This will allow us to do a whole lot more alcohol testing,” stated Griffin.
*Commissioners approved an employee change, jailer position, at the Brown County Jail.
*Commissioners participated in a county budget workshop.
