Commissioners Grant Approval for Petition Signatures to be Solicited at Courthouse

Written by Amanda Coers – The Brown County Commissioners met at 9 a.m. on Monday, May 14th, at the Brown County Courthouse to discuss items posted on the agenda. 

Burn Ban – Commissioners agreed to keep the burn ban off, however high winds were a concerned expressed. Rain is forecasted for the area over the next few days.

Memorial Day Fireworks – Commissioner Worley did not expect any individuals to set up for fireworks sales. There was no action taken on the item and the sale of fireworks for Memorial Day was not approved.

Precinct 3 – Commissioner Wayne Shaw opened bids for a semi tractor truck and belly dump trailer. The single bid submitted offered listed $45,000 for a 2003 Peterbuilt Truck, and $20,000 for the belly dump trailer, for a total bid of $65,000. Commissioners approved the proposal to accept the bid. Commissioners also gave approval to purchase the equipment for Precinct 3. TexasBank offered the best financing options according to Commissioner Shaw. Two motor graders will be traded in to offset the cost of the new equipment purchase. 

Howard Wharton asked for approval to use the north porch and grounds of the Brown County Courthouse for Texas Petitions until June 5th. Howard Wharton was not present during court, however Judge Ray West offered explanation for the commissioners. The petition is part of a movement to equalize alcohol sales rules for Brown County. 

Area restaurants and businesses that serve or would like to serve alcohol outside the Brownwood city limits have formed a group called the “Brown County Committee for Better Business.” The committee held a joint press conference at Humphrey Pete’s last week to announce a petition designed to allow citizens to vote on the rules regarding liquor and beer sales in the county.

Commissioner Gary Worley moved to approve the request. Commissioner Shaw seconded, and the request was approved unanimously. 

Brown County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy James Stroope spoke with the commissioners regarding employee changes. The jail will be replacing a jailer after the previous employee quit to work in a different facility. Commissioners approved the employee changes for the Sheriff’s Office. There are 149 inmates currently housed in the Brown County Jail.