Brown County Commissioners approved a proclamation naming the month of May as Motorcycle Awareness Month at their meeting Monday, April 29th.

The proclamation urged citizens of the community to be aware of the inherent danger involved in operating a motorcycle and for riders and motorists alike to give each other mutual respect they each deserve on the roadways.

Although campaigns have brought awareness and have reduced some of the risks and fatalities involved in motorcycling, there are still many dangers.  Some of the following are listed in the proclamation:

• Because motorcyclists are virtually unprotected in comparison to other drivers in automobiles, injury and death of the cyclist involved in a crash is more likely to occur.
• There are more citizens involved in motorcycling now than have been in the past.
• Anyone who puts themselves behind the wheel of an automobile needs to become aware of motorcyclists.
• Motorcycles should be regarded in the same respect as any other vehicle on the roadways.
• It is the responsibility of motorcyclists and motorists alike to obey all traffic laws.

Pictured above are commissioners with local motorcycle club members Luis Chapa, Joe Castaneda, Lonnie Perceval, Mike Landers, Wade Hayes, and Carl Carroll.  Clubs represented include Iron Horse Riding Club, Rebel Riders and Survivors United.

In other matters on Monday’s agenda:

*Commissioners took no action on a burn ban.

*Jail Administrator Becky Caffey opened sealed bids before Commissioners regarding food service for the Brown County Jail.

*Caffey received approval of an exemption for sealed bids under section 262.024(d) of the Local Government Code for purchase of fresh produce, mild, bread and any other foods that may have been omitted from the above food service bids.

*Commissioners approved employee changes at the Brown County Jail of Jeffrey Dempsey replacing jailor Mark Shaw at base salary.  Brown County Sheriff’s Captain Tony Aaron stated that the jail is still in need of more jailers and are at a “critical point” where the county may see overtime coming into play if more are not hired in the very near future.  Two current jailers have put in their notice due to opportunities to attend DPS School or Texas Juvenile Justice Department and a few other positions remain unfilled at this time according to Aaron.

*Commissioners approved deed without warranty to Kirk and Tammy Johnson for Lot 11, Block 3, Lamar Terrace Addition, also known as Lake View Estates Addition to Lake Brownwood and Lot 12, Block 3, Lamar Terrace Addition also known as Lake View Estates Addition to Lake Brownwood.

Commissioners will meet next at 9:00 AM on May 6th in the Brown County Commissioners Courtroom.