Resolutions were plentiful at Monday’s commissioners’ court as Brown County approved several along with a new hire at the courthouse.
Kitty Cavanaugh with the Brown County Child Welfare Board received approval for a new board member, Cindy Hadley (recently located to Brown County from Alvin, Texas) to replace board member Cheryl Nelson who stepped down after her term ended earlier this year. Hadley’s term will expire September 30, 2014.
Cavanaugh also received approval of a resolution proclaiming November 26th as Brown County Adoption Day. On this date, between 7-10 Brown County children, who were in the care of the state, will finalize their adoptions into families. The day will be celebrated with gifts for the children along with a balloon release. According to Cavanaugh, there are 22 children in Brown County who are available and ready to be adopted.
Commissioners also approved a proclamation declaring November as Official Home Care and Hospice Month.County Attorney Shane Britton received approval of a Children’s Advocacy Center Grant resolution. According to Britton, this resolution completes the grant process for funding of the center opened earlier this year in Early. This $28,600 grant is partially funded through the West Central Texas Council of Governments and requires no matching of monies from the county. Other grants, such as the state grant ($55,000), require “in kind” matching, which is already completed through volunteer hours and services given to the center.
Commissioners also approved an Indigent Defense Grant resolution. According to officials, this resolution was necessary for Brown County to receive funds from the Indigent Defense Commission.
Commissioners from all precincts also agreed that the county was not in need of a burn ban and elected to pass on the matter unanimously.
County Clerk Sharon Ferguson received approval for new hire Rhonda Earp as deputy county clerk at $18,500, a salary $500 above the beginning county salary. This increased rate was given due to Earp’s qualification and previous work experience with the county. Commissioners approved Earp’s hire with a 4 to 1 vote, with Commissioner Joel Kelton voting against the salary amount.
“I feel you guys just opened a can of worms,” said Kelton, who explained that this may set a precedent for other department heads to ask for higher salaries for their new employees in the future. Kelton reminded commissioners of their decision earlier this year when they declined Brown County Sheriff’s Department request to hire a highly qualified and trained deputy at a salary slightly higher than base pay.
Brown County Commissioners received a request of a replat of the Feather Bay Phase I by Billy F. Gresset, owner of lot 102 of the subdivision. According to Gresset and county surveyor Don King, a 0.13 acre portion of the road, Mallard Loop, is to be surveyed off (by Roy Pfingston) and replatted as a part of Gresset’s property. According to County Judge Ray West, because this is a subdivision, the commissioners’ court has to approve the final copy, have copies of paid tax certificates of all Feather Bay owned properties within the subdivision, approval of the replat by King, and the replat can be filed. West encouraged Gresset to obtain legal ownership of the portion of land through a special warranty or quit claim deed from the owners of the private road Feather Bay Partners.
Commissioners will meet again at 9:00am on Tuesday, November 13th in the commissioners’ courtroom.
