Brown County Commissioners took action Monday removing the burn ban which had been in place since May 5th.
With recent rains and the Keetch-Byram Drought Index map not indicating the area to be in a drought, commissioners voted to remove the ban. Currently Brown County is indicated in a 0-200 level on the index, which is determined by moisture levels within the soil of an area. The drought index of 0 represents no moisture depletion, and an index of 800 represents absolutely dry conditions.
Commissioner Joel Kelton, Precinct 2 recommended removal of the ban while Commissioner Gary Worley, Precinct 1 reminded the court that removing the ban could cause difficulties if the court intended to limit use of fireworks for the Independence Day holiday at their next meeting. After a short discussion, commissioners voted unanimously to remove the ban until further notice.
“The only thing I have to say is that we need to think about fireworks on July 4th, any action would have to be taken before June 15th,” reminded Worley. “If we remove the burn ban today, in another week, I don’t think it would be dry enough to put a burn ban back on. That’s the only thing I think we need to think about.”
County Judge Ray West stated that the subject of limiting fireworks could be taken up at the next week’s meeting; however to make a finding to limit fireworks because of imminent fire danger due to drought conditions would be difficult to prove as the Keetch-Byram Drought Index currently shows Brown County not to be in drought conditions.“We are greener now than we were this time last year,” said Commissioner Larry Traweek of Precinct 4 as he voiced favor of removing the ban.
In other matters on Monday’s agenda:
*Commissioner Kelton received approval for the lease of a water truck for Precinct 2. Kelton explained that the truck currently being used has come to the end of its lease. He stated that a 2007 model water truck with 42,000 miles has been located and is available at a cost of $42,000 after a 3 month lease. Kelton stated that he intends to purchase the truck if, during the lease, no problems have been encountered with the vehicle. The lease was approved and the matter of purchasing the truck will be taken up at a future meeting of the court.
*Commissioners retroactively proclaimed the month of May as Community Action Month.
*Commissioners held discussion with Lake Shore property owners Bill Werner and Jim McCall regarding a gate which has been placed at a boat ramp in the Lake Shore Addition. The access to the ramp, which is a right of the property owners of the addition according to Werner, has been blocked by a single property owner who has placed a gate and posted signs stating “private boat launch.” Judge West informed the property owners that they needed to take the matter to County Attorney Shane Britton to find if the property is in fact mentioned in the restrictions of the subdivision and what legal actions may be taken by the property owners or the county.
*Brown County Sheriff’s Captain Tony Aaron received approval of employee changes involving the promotion of Lieutenant Robert Ramirez to BCSO’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Ramirez was appointed to CID after Sergeant Lana Guthrie retired and Vance Hill was promoted to her position as supervisor. Ramirez fills the position left open due to Hill’s promotion. Aaron also reported the Brown County Jail Count at 172 inmates as of Monday morning.
