J Y (Jay) Timmins is running for reelection to the Board of Directors of the Brown County Water Improvement District No. 1. Timmins has served on the board since 1993 and is currently serving as its president.
“My family settled in Brownwood right after the Civil War and we’ve never left. I am a lifelong resident of Brownwood and Brown County. My wife of 42 years Kit and I lived in Brownwood for our first 30 years. The last 12 we have lived on our ranch in the southeast part of the county. We have one son James who, along with his wife and two children, live in Leander, TX where he serves as music pastor for the Northpoint Bible Church. Kit and I are members of the Church of the Good Shepherd where I presently serve as Senior Warden of the Vestry. I have also served on the boards of the Brownwood Jaycees, Boy Scout Comanche Trail Council, Brownwood Chamber of Commerce, Brownwood Country Club and The Texas Wildlife Association. I have over 40 years of experience of successfully operating my own businesses. My recreational interests are hunting, fishing and golf.”
Timmins points out that the water district has been very busy the past few years. They have just brought on line a new state of the art membrane filtration water treatment plant. The renovation of the old plant is scheduled to start this fall. Water conservation mandates were employed last year for the first time in the district’s history due to the drought. Those plans were reviewed and updated at the last board meeting. Also, irrigation rates were raised and plans were put into place to significantly reduce the number of miles of pipeline in the 75 mile system now in service. These actions were in response to a facilities study the board commissioned that showed excessive costs of operation. In response to the drought the board took the proactive step to commission a groundwater feasibility study. The board is prepared to initiate immediate action to develop this additional source of water if the study indicates that such action is possible and prudent. The board expects a full report from this study by its next meeting in May.
Timmins feels that the primary purpose of the district is to secure and provide a dependable supply of water for the area. During this time of drought he feels the Board should be focused on conservation of the water we do have and in securing an additional supply if available. Timmins considers the district a business that should be managed by sound and proven business practices in order to accomplish its purpose. Timmins feels that his years of business experience will be a valuable asset in helping the district secure our future water needs.
Candidates for local elections may submit an announcement of their candidacy to lisa@brownwoodnews.com. Announcements will be published once and in the order they are received