Recent rains poured down on the county last week greening up the area and giving Brown County commissioners a reason to take no action on a burn ban and to make no restrictions on fireworks in the county this year.

Unanimous votes decided both issues Monday morning in commissioners’ court and because the county is not in a designated drought area according to County Judge Ray West, there will be no restrictions against fireworks in the county and the traditional fireworks display at Lake Brownwood to celebrate Independence Day will be able to be enjoyed this year with no problems.

In a separate agenda item, Sharon Ferguson received approval for longtime employee Yolanda Bernal to be promoted to the Chief Deputy position.  Bernal has been with the county clerk’s office for 11 years according to Ferguson and will receive a $2500 addition to her current salary.  This position’s funding is covered in the current budget and will not be an additional cost to the county according to Ferguson.

In departmental reports, Judge West stated that approvals of purchase orders for county law enforcement radio equipment which was processed through the West Texas Council of Governments were approved by the State.  The order will move forward.  Once the radios are in hand and installed, the county may apply for the reimbursement from the state.