Brown County commissioners implemented a burn ban during Monday’s meeting of the court after wildfire outbreaks in southern Brown County on Saturday.
After a brief discussion regarding the outbreak of several accidental wildfires, commissioners expressed concerns with drought conditions and the volatile fire conditions.
“After Saturday, I think a burn ban needs to go back into effect. All of the counties contiguous to Brown County have a burn ban in effect and I think we need to put one in place,” said Commissioner Gary Worley of Precinct 1.
Commissioner Joel Kelton of Precinct 2 agreed although he did point out that Saturday’s fires were accidental and not caused by any fire getting set or out of control.
Commissioner Larry Traweek was also in agreement and stated, “These fires show how little it takes to start a fire.”
A unanimous vote was heard and Brown County is now under a burn ban.
In other matters on Monday’s agenda:
*Commissioner Worley received approval to increase the salary of Shane Moody to the starting salary of a road hand. Moody was hired below this rate and his salary has been incrementally increased since his hiring and now having proved his abilities as a road hand, Worley wanted to increase his salary to the county’s base salary for road hands.*Sheriff Bobby Grubbs received approval for the hiring of Deputy Taylor Fletcher who replaces Michelle Holder. Approval was also given for the hiring of Jailor Donald Batiste who replaces Jailor Arnold.
*Brown County Jail Administrator Becky Caffey received approval to continue solicitation of bids for “any food item,” on a yearly basis with three proposals. According to Caffey, the jail food service is able to save the county money with this process.
*Caffey also received approval to change the employment status of jailors originally hired as temporary food service help to permanent status part time employees. These jailors would now receive 3 hours of sick and vacation days per month as well as part time retirement benefits.
*County Judge Ray West received approval to buy two filing cabinets for the county court at a total cost of $2,150.
*Ann Krpoun received approval for hiring Grace Heffner as a temporary assistant while her current assistant is on maternity leave.
*Judge West received approval of the Interlocal Agreement of Regional Public Defender for Capital Cases at an amount of approximately $40,000 for the year.
*County Clerk Sharon Ferguson received approval to hire Kelly Ezell employee to replace Angelica Dees who left the office on January 7, 2014. This new hire brings the county clerk’s office to a full staff.
