Purchasing a new patrol unit for the Sheriff’s Office, phone systems for the jail and renewing a contract for local ambulance services with Guardian EMS were all topics on the agenda of the Brown County Commissioners’ Court Monday morning.

Ross Bradley, representing Guardian EMS approached the court regarding renewal of the contract with the county and City of Brownwood.  The current contract expires at the end of the year; however, it was important that the terms of the contract be worked out so that Guardian can consider new equipment purchases which depend on the outcome of these negotiations.

Commissioners approved the contract renewal unanimously after a short discussion.  The term of the contract will be for another five years with terms allowing for extensions of the contract up to 15 years.   Brown County Judge Ray West said that the City of Brownwood has indicated that they will accept the terms of the contract as well.

“This means we don’t have to come to the table for another 15 years possibly,” stated Ross.

There have been no cost of living increases to the contract that the county and city have with Guardian in the last 5 years although the contract did have a clause allowing approval for such.  With the economy being a little soft, Guardian recognized that this would be a bad time to ask for an increase so the new contract will have a clause allowing up to 3% increases each year which will be contingent upon approval from both the commissioners’ court and the city and not to be implemented until January of 2012.

The commissioners agreed that Guardian has provided excellent service to the citizens of the county.

“It’s the hope that by 2012, we will be able to work this (3% increase per year) into our budget in 2012,” stated West.  “We’ll take it a year at a time.  We can expect some inflation in the coming years and hopefully 3% will cover that increase in cost of living.”

In other unrelated items on the agenda,

*Captain Tony Aaron of the Brown County Sheriff’s Department came before the commissioners to ask for consideration and possible approval of a replacement patrol vehicle and equipment.  This is to replace the unit that was destroyed when an officer responded to livestock on a county road and hit one of the horses.  The 2009 Dodge Charger received $20,873 in damages according to the insurance adjuster.

Due to Brown County being a closed range county, land owners are required to put up fences to keep their livestock inside their property.  Because of this, the insurance may not cover the vehicle directly; it may become the owner of the horse that is deemed responsible for the damage to the vehicle.  Another problem for the Sheriff’s Office and the county is that the current insurance policy does not cover the contents of the vehicle.  $20,000 worth of equipment was damaged during the incident as well.  One suggestion made was to increase the current insurance for future coverage of equipment which will increase the premium as well.

Aaron stated that he has located a $22,050 replacement car from Dallas Dodge; however installation of equipment will be an additional cost.  Aaron suggested that the funds may be available in the county’s equipment fund.  Nina Cox confirmed that there were adequate funds available for this use.

West explained that the replacement of the vehicle will depend on the insurance claim proceeds and until a decision is reached, the vehicle cannot be purchased.  After discussion, the court approved the vehicle purchase subject to receiving $20,873 claim from Texas Association of Counties (the insurance provider) and to use $12,125 from the county equipment fund for emergency equipment needed on the patrol vehicle.

*Aaron also gave a report on the jail count.  Currently there are 167 inmates.  134 are male and 33 are female.

*Chief Deputy Bobby Duvall reported that Sheriff Grubbs is recovering, but “feels cooped up and is ready to come home.”  “If it were up to him, he would have come home on Friday,” stated Duvall.

*Commissioners approved the purchase of a new jail phone and video equipment system on a five year contract with a company called Infinity.   The new terms would include a 38.5% income share from the inmate phone service sales which are in the form of prepaid phone cards.

*Commissioners approved and granted permission for County Auditor Nina Cox to advertise for electric services for the county.  The current contract will expire December 31, 2010.  Bids will be sought for service to begin January 1, 2011 in hopes of securing a low rate now in case rates increase later in the year.

*Deborah Keith with Hill Country Children’s Advocacy Center came to discuss the services provided to Brown County victims of child abuse and request possible financial support.  Commissioners agreed that a very valuable service is given through the Children’s Advocacy Center and asked Keith to show them a copy of the center’s operating budget to help with their consideration.  No action was taken at this time.