At today’s meeting of the Brown County Commissioners Court, agreement was given to renovations to a new building for the Brownwood/Brown County Health Department.

The Health Department is cramped for room at its current location at 510 E. Lee Street, and is planning to move to a larger building at 305 Booker Street, behind the Texas State Technical College building on Main Street.  The building is owned by the City of Brownwood, and was used for a time by TSTC, but is now vacant.

Renovations to accommodate the Health Department at the 305 Booker building are estimated to cost as much as $1.2 million.  The Commissioners agreed to pay up to half of that amount, or $600,000.  Today’s vote was non-binding, pending agreement with the City of Brownwood and a contract.  At that time the Commissioners will vote again on a binding commitment.

In other action today:

*** Commissioners agreed to a four-year depository agreement with Texas Bank.  The current agreement with Texas Bank expires on May 31.  Both Texas Bank and Citizens National Bank submitted bids for the next depository agreement.  A sub-committee consisting of two Commissioners, County Auditor Jennifer Robison, and County Treasurer Ann Krpoun recommended a renewal with Texas Bank, and the Commissioners voted to do so.

*** Approved a new plat for subdivision development at Salt Creek Estates.

*** Passed on two invoices from Black’s Plumbing for work done at the Juvenile Center.  There is a dispute over responsibility for some of the work done at the Center, between Black Plumbing and Big Country Foundation Repair.  Commissioners decided to postpone approval of payment for the work until the Commissioners meeting on May 8, when representatives of both businesses can attend and explain their case.

*** Took no action on a burn ban, leaving the current “No Burn Ban” in place.

*** Honored Brownwood Police Officer Fred Bastardo as “Outstanding First Responder of the First Quarter.”  Bastardo is the School Resource Officer at Brownwood High School.  Chief of Police Ed Kading described Bastardo as “the role model for public servants.”  He said Bastardo works well with the students, and works with the Brownwood ISD staff to develop plans to ensure the safety and security of the schools and students.  He is loved by all, said Kading.