Brown County Commissioners unanimously approved a new fingerprinting system for the Brown County Jail Monday after learning that the current system no longer functions.

Commissioners were presented by sheriff’s office officials a proposal to upgrade the current Mentalix system or purchase a new system from L1 Solutions.   The upgraded system was estimated to cost about $24,000.  The new system from L1 Solutions costs a little over $33,000 which not only includes the electronic fingerprinting system but also features a mug shot system.

“The big difference between this system (L1 Solutions) and the Mentalix quote is that this one also includes a system for taking mug shots which we do separately right now and its going to need to be addressed as well in the next couple of years so this would effectively kill two birds with one stone,” said County Network Administrator Matt Krischke.

Officials said that the Mentalix fingerprint system has been in use at the jail for about 10 years, but since the equipment breakdown, law enforcement officers are taking fingerprints manually and submitting them to the state.

Commissioners approved the purchase of the L1 Solutions system for an estimated cost of $33,299.  Jail fees collected from McCulloch County will help pay for the new system.

In other county business addressed Monday:

-Because of recent rain, no burn ban was issued.

-Commissioners approved the installation of a private water line across County Road 367.

-Commissioners approved an employee replacement at the Brown County Jail.

-Commissioners approved an interlocal agreement with Brookesmith ISD to build an approach to the new bus barn.  Brookesmith ISD still has to approve the agreement.

-Commissioners approved a new copier lease for the district clerk’s office.

-Commissioners postponed a request to move the Famer’s Market to the north side of the courthouse to check if for profit sales can take place on county property.