Brown County Commissioners met Monday morning, April 11, with all members present.

Commissioners received updates on structural and plumbing issues at the Ron Jackson Juvenile Detention Center, at the Sheriff’s Department and newly discovered structural issues at the courthouse.

Commissioners were told that an engineering firm and insurance representatives spent several hours Thursday, April 7, at the Ron Jackson Unit.  Plans are to bring in an additional expert on the plumbing and drainage line issues they are having throughout the facility.

Concerning the Sheriff’s Department, the county will be getting a full report in the near future from the Texas Association of Counties insurance.

As we reported last week, Commissioners were notified Monday, April 4, by the courthouse maintenance department of structural issues and cracks that have developed in the courthouse.  They were also shown a chunk of concrete that had fallen from near the top of the courthouse.  Immediate action was taken last week to inspect and remove any lose pieces from near the top of the courthouse that could potentially fall.  “The goal last week was to get the building safe,” said Pat McLaughlin, Grants and Government Affairs Coordinator for Brown County.

“We need to hear what TAC (Texas Association of Counties) says on insurance.  Something is going to have to be done pretty quick,” said Joel Kelton, County Commissioner.  A full report on the inspection of the courthouse may come as soon as next week.

No official action was taken at this meeting on any of the structural issues, pending further analysis of the buildings.

In other business conducted Monday morning:

The Burn Ban remains in place in Brown County.

Commissioners approved the Treasurer’s/Auditor’s Report dated March 31, 2022 showing Brown County cash and assets at $25,453,679.67.

It was noted in the COVID-19 report that only one positive case was reported last week in Brown County.

Commissioners approved a request from District Judge Mike Smith authorizing a new contract for online legal research provided by Lexis Nexis.  Commissioners were told last week the contract would result in an estimated savings to Brown County of $30,000 over the next three years.

Commissioners approved three employee changes within the Brown County Sheriff’s Department as presented by Becky Caffey.

Commissioners approved the maintenance agreement with Idemia Identity & Security for a scan machine, camera and software for the Sheriff’s Department.

Commissioners approved a request by attorney Ray West to declare abandoned a county road in Precinct 2 and to allow the County Judge to sign the deed.  The road was used prior to the construction of Lake Brownwood.

Commissioners gave Precinct 1 Commissioner Gary Worley permission to seek bids for a pneumatic roller for Precinct 1.

Commissioners gave approval to Brown County Elections Administrator Larry Franks to purchase a box truck, allowing expenditure of up to $37,475.  Franks explained that through the help of Bostick’s Auto and Truck Sales they have located a one owner (previously owned by the Federal Government) box truck.  The old 10-foot box truck, with 105,000 miles, was used to transport voting equipment to the various voting locations throughout the county.  With the recent purchase of new voting equipment, there are far more pieces of equipment than the old truck can hold.  “The 10 foot box truck doesn’t cut it anymore, can’t handle the weight,” said Franks.  The new box truck will have a tail gate lift.  The old truck may be used as a trade-in or could also be placed on Govdeals.com to sell.

Commissioners were reminded that this Friday, April 15 (Good Friday) is a county holiday.  The next Commissioner meeting is Monday, April 18.

The meeting adjourned at 9:42 am.