A short discussion led to commissioners deciding not to implement a burn ban or restrict the use of fireworks for this year’s “December fireworks season.”

Commissioner Precinct 2 Joel Kelton spoke of the current weather conditions and the burn ban, “If they had one (a fire), they couldn’t get to it.”  Kelton was referring to weekend emergency calls which resulted in many first responders, EMS and law enforcement officers themselves becoming stuck in the ice after sliding off of the roadway.

When considering the fireworks ban, attention was brought to the fact that the county is not in a designated drought area, and without a burn ban in place, the court could not take action on a ban against fireworks.

Although the county approved the use of fireworks this year, most incorporated cities in Brown County such as Brownwood and Early have ordinances in place prohibiting the use of fireworks in the city limits.

No ban was implemented; however, the public is urged to use care when shooting off fireworks as there is still plenty of underbrush and tall grasses, which could fuel a wildfire despite the recent precipitation and lingering ice within the county.

In another unrelated matter on the agenda, Brown County Sheriff’s Captain Tony Aaron received approval for an employee change.

Due to the recent retirement of BCSO Sgt. Lana Guthrie, Vance Hill was promoted to Criminal Investigation Department Sergeant.  Hill was working within CID; however with the promotion will receive a $200/month raise with the position.  This employee change was effective as of December 1, 2013.

Aaron also reported on the jail count, which is at 163.  Eight of those inmates are on contract from other counties according to Aaron.