Brown County commissioners approved a county-wide burn ban Monday and said that the time is right to reinstate it because there is no chance of rain in the near future and conditions exist for the possibility of wildfires.

Commissioner Joel Kelton of Precinct 2 stated that he spoke with officials of the May Volunteer Fire Department who agreed that “it wouldn’t hurt to be under a burn ban at this time.”

With no rain in the forecast, Precinct 1 Commissioner Bob Clark made the motion to put a burn ban in effect in Brown County.   Precinct 3 Commissioner Richard Gist agreed that it was a good idea because of all the fuels (dry vegetation) available for wildfires. The ban was unanimously approved.

In other matters on Monday’s court agenda:

*Commissioners approved the hiring of two jailers.  Jose Contreras will replace Joel Moore and Joshua Holmes will replace James Taylor as jailors at the Brown County Jail.  Both Contreras and Holmes will begin work at base pay jailor salary.  Brown County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Bobby Duvall reported that the jail count is at 149 inmates, 3 of which are present by contract with other counties.

* The placement of two stop signs at the intersection of Limerick and Waterford Drive in the Shamrock Shores area was approved.  According to Administrative Assistant Amy Hamrick, the signs were necessary to meet requirements in order to have deputies patrol the area.

*District Clerk Jan Brown received approval from the court to transfer Becky Dudley from the position of assistant to chief deputy at the starting chief deputy salary.  Dudley replaces Donna Steele whose resignation was effective as of November 29th.  Dudley’s new position start date was accepted as December 1, 2012.

*Commissioners were given a presentation about electronic and digital elections equipment by Hart Intercivic of Austin.  Although funding is not available for such purchase at this time, Suzy Young along with Derek Hutson and Ken Hart led a lengthy conversation about the benefits and efficiency of the Hart Intercivic products and customer service.  Voting equipment was on display for the court to view and operate.  According to Young, no federal funds are available at this time to help Brown County purchase new elections equipment; however, she stated that funds from overseeing outside elections may one day be used to help fund such a purchase.

Pictured below, County Judge Ray West takes a look at the equipment with Hart Intercivic President Derek Hutson.