Fireworks will be part of the Independence Day celebration this year in Brown County as commissioners agreed to take no action on a ban for 2013 at their meeting Monday, allowing fireworks across the county.
There will be no restrictions against fireworks in the county and the traditional fireworks display at Lake Brownwood to celebrate Independence Day can be enjoyed this year with no problems.
Commissioners also agreed to take no action implementing a burn ban in the county, and all four commissioners present at Monday’s meeting agreed that the area was “okay” without implementing a burn ban for this week. When considering the fireworks ban, attention was brought to the fact that the county is not in a designated drought area, and without a burn ban in place, the court could not take action on a ban against fireworks.
Although the county approved the use of fireworks this year, most incorporated cities in Brown County such as Brownwood and Early have ordinances in place prohibiting the use of fireworks in the city limits.In other matters on Monday’s agenda:
*Brown County Sheriff’s Captain Tony Aaron received approval for equipment purchases including: (1) an updated forensic device with trade-in of the current equipment (cost: $7083) to be taken out of the BSCO miscellaneous funds. Cost of software each following year will be $3000, to be taken out of the Chapter 59 seizure/forfeiture fund; (2) 4 new tasers and holsters (cost: $3479.79), to be paid from $2335.63 received from the sale of a surplus Ford and the difference to be paid from the seizure/forfeiture fund; (3) a tactical vest and helmet for newly hired deputy (cost: $2401.06), to be paid from the contributions fund.
*Aaron also received approval for sale or disposal of equipment and other items. These items include surplus and salvage items such as old lights, radios and sirens along with seized jewelry, firearms and coins awarded to BCSO by the court. With the exception of the lights, radios and sirens, items will be auctioned in the near future at the law enforcement center. The lights, radios and sirens will be donated to local volunteer fire departments according to their need; and Aaron stated that BCSO would like to see the equipment evenly distributed to VFDs within the county.
*Commissioners approved all three bids for paving, seal coating and materials which were opened at last week’s meeting of the court. Commissioners consulted with County Attorney Shane Britton who stated that all bids could be considered because materials from each of the three companies were proprietary formulas and being different items that the county could benefit from.
*Commissioners granted approval for a general warranty deed to Jacob Powell for Lot 40 of the Deer Run Acres Subdivision. Commissioners accepted a bid of $14,526, which was previously approved by the Bangs Independent School District.
The court then voted to recess until their next meeting to be held Monday, June 17th at 9:00 a.m.
