The Brownwood area farmers’ market will have a new location this year after approval by the Brown County Commissioners’ Court on Monday.
The farmers’ market will now be located at the covered parking across the street from the north side of the courthouse. The farmers’ market was approved to operate from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays beginning in late April until mid-August.
According to County Judge Ray West, who presented the matter to the court, a resolution which was passed years ago permits the public to use the north lawn of the court house. The farmers’ market request presented Monday was to use the north lawn; however, because of potential damage to the lawn, use of the sidewalks and street were considered. West stated that the covered parking area was also discussed which will actually provide a better location, both for vendors and for patrons of the market.
West explained that the resolution also approved the use of the courthouse lawn to the public and it provided that this county property could even be used by a candidate running for public office to use for raising campaign funds. Because of this, West stated that there should be no problems using the county owned covered parking for the farmers’ market, which is a private for-profit business. It was noted that most vendors were selling excess produce from gardens and really did not make much profit each week.
“I would look at it as more of a public service than use of county property for private profit,” explained West.
The Farmers’ market was previously located under the Bill Monroe Overpass on Austin Avenue.
In other matters on Monday’s agenda:
*Commissioners did not take action on a burn ban. Commissioners stated that a burn ban should remain on the weekly agenda for consideration and urged that citizens of the county use caution when burning due to the high winds this week.
*Precinct 1 Commissioner Gary Worley and Precinct 3 Commissioner Wayne Shaw received approval for an interlocal agreement to purchase equipment from Roberson County to be used by both precincts. The total cost of the 1995 International Asphalt Distributing Truck and a 1986 chip spreader is $30,000, to be split between the two precincts at $15,000 each. The cost of the equipment includes delivery to Brown County by Roberson County officials according to Worley.
*Brown County Sheriff’s Office received approval for the following employee changes: (1) Joel Florence is demoting from a Sergeant position in the jail to a road crew position; (2) Jailer Shawn McFarland will replace Florence and promote to sergeant; (3) Jailer Mathew Tillery is also promoted to Sergeant and will replace Chester Land.
*Elections Administrator Suzy Young received approval for an interlocal agreement with the City of Brady and Brady ISD for Brown County Elections Office to provide equipment and limited services for their upcoming elections on May 11, 2013. This contract was agreed to at an amount of $2138.06.
*Commissioner Worley received approval for a utility easement for a Zephyr Water Supply line installation along County Road 257. This road is paved and the installation will cross the roadway, requiring a bore beneath the pavement.
*County Treasurer Ann Krpoun received approval of a resolution in opposition to proposed legislation (HB 958) to reduce interest crediting rate for Texas County and District Retirement System. According to Krpoun, the proposed bill would lower the interest credit on contributions from 7% down to 5% each year. TCDRS was created in 1967 and services approximately 225,000 Texas County and District employees. The resolution urges members of the House to fully reject HB 958.
