CommCtArticle2014Brown County Commissioners, at their regular meeting on Monday, June 15th, approved verification and confirmation of a proclamation of an emergency declaration regarding damage caused by recent flooding in the eastern parts of Precinct 3 in Brown County.

According to Judge Ray West, the county has requested Governor Greg Abbott to sign the proclamation which would allow Brown County Precinct 3 to receive federal funds for repair of damage caused by recent flooding.  According to Commissioner Wayne Shaw, Precinct 3, several roads in the eastern part of the precinct were washed out multiple times during the heavy rains in late May.  A total of 10 inches of rain fell during several consecutive storms.  Shaw estimated the damage to be approximately $500,000 or more.  To receive federal funds, a county must prove at least $130,000 in damages throughout the county, which was easily surpassed in this single precinct, Shaw explained on Monday.

In other unrelated matters on Monday’s agenda:

*Commissioner Wayne Shaw, Pct. 3, received approval for the purchase of a property which is located in front of the Pct. 3 barns.  According to Shaw, acquiring this land would be very beneficial to the county, as it has a nice office (which could be used or sold and moved off of the property) and could allow the precinct facilities room for future expansion if necessary.  The cost of the property is $50,000 which will be paid through the general fund of the county according to Shaw and County Auditor Nina Cox.  Cox stated that the precinct would eventually pay back the $50,000 over time. Judge West stated that he would represent the county for the purchase of the property and would not charge a fee.

*Commissioners approved the annual Road Report which will go before the Brown County Grand Jury on June 25th.