The burn ban, which has been in place for several months in Brown County due to dry weather and excessive temperatures, was lifted by Brown County commissioners on Monday.
A brief discussion of the recent rains last weekend and green grass ended with commissioners cautiously lifting the ban. Commissioner Steve Adams reminded the court that this can be a temporary lifting of the ban, as it can be reinstated at the next meeting if needed. The commissioners’ court is scheduled to meet next on November 7th; however, if necessary, the court can call a special meeting to place a new burn ban into effect.
“We can always call a special meeting with 72 hours notice,” said Commissioner Adams.
Warmer weather and winds were a concern to Commissioner Richard Gist of Precinct 3. After a motion to lift the ban was made by Commissioner Larry Traweek, commissioners voted unanimously in favor.
“This court would advise and hope that people would use extreme caution. There’s lots of brush out there and lots of folks have been keeping their burn piles and a lot of people need to burn,” said Adams. “I think this was very successfully done this week and a lifting of this ban may not last for long. I think we all agree on that if the weather continues to be dry with no rainfall.”
Other matters on the commissioners’ agenda:
*Brent Bush and a representative from DeltAlert gave a presentation and discussion regarding possibly replacing the current alert system for emergency notifications. Currently, the county pays $15,000 every year for the Code Red System and the new system offered by DeltAlert will cost approximately $14,750 for two years. According to DeltAlert and Bush, this system is being considered because it has more features and more information that would benefit the county. More discussion will be held with other leaders in the county including the cities of Brownwood, Early and Bangs before the county makes a decision.
*Commissioner Gist received approval for installation of a Zephyr Water Supply Corporation along County Road 321 which will require a cut in the unpaved roadway.
*Chief Deputy Bobby Duvall of the Brown County Sheriff’s Office reported employee changes which were approved. Joel Moore will be replacing jailer Joseph Armstrong at the same starting salary. Duvall also stated that the jail count was 145 as of Monday morning.