Brown County’s newest commissioner, Bob Clark (pictured left), participated in his first court meeting February 6th, where several issues including holding off on a burn ban for the county were addressed. He was appointed last week by Judge Ray West to fill the vacancy in Precinct 1 left by Steve Adams’ resignation.

According to commissioners, all four precincts in the county were in good condition regarding water and it was agreed to take no action this week regarding a burn ban.  Due to the area still being in a drought situation, all agreed to post consideration of a burn ban on the next meeting’s agenda, which will be held February 13th.

In other matters:

*Commissioner Larry Traweek received approval to donate the water from his personal stock tank to be used for maintenance on County Road 140.  Commissioners court officials stated Tuesday that Commissioner Traweek is not working on his tank, but that the road that needs to be worked on is located less than 2 miles from the tank and that the road needs work and he will donate the water needed at no cost to the county for maintenance on the County Road.  A couple of mesquites will be knocked down with a county blade to gain access to the water.

*Zephyr ISD received approval to purchase an abandoned alleyway from Brown County which was created in the 1800s and never used, according to ZISD superintendent David Whisenhunt.  According to Whisenhunt, when the school began planning an expansion, they had Don King survey the location of the project and found the alleyway.  An appraisal by Ronnie Blasingame was performed and showed a value of $1000.  Commissioners approved the sale of the land (alleyway) to ZISD for $1000.  A special warranty deed will be granted to ZISD from Brown County.

*Brown County Sheriff’s Office Captain Tony Aaron received approval to apply for a third year for the Violence Against Women Grant which helps fund the position of a family violence investigator for BCSO.   The grant will not be awarded until September.

*BCSO also received approval for staff changes.  A new jailor, Matthew Tillory has been hired.  Aaron also reported that the jail population count is at 146 as of Monday morning.

*Brown County Justice of the Peace Jim Cavanaugh brought discussion of possible use of iTicket before the court.  Further discussion and action will be taken up at the February 13th meeting.