Written by Amanda Coers – The Brown County Commissioners met at 9 a.m. inside the Brown County Courthouse to discuss items posted on the agenda. After approval of the minutes from the previous meeting, commissioners discussed the burn ban, agreeing to leave the ban off due to the recent rains. There is currently no burn ban in Brown County. 

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Listed on the agenda was consideration to purchase medical equipment for the courthouse. Representatives from the Brown County Sheriff’s Office informed the commissioners agencies are requesting one defibrillator system per floor of the courthouse.

“The only reason I think we’ve resisted,” Judge West said, addressing why the courthouse was without the medical equipment. “Is the liability if they were misused. You could hurt somebody, you could kill somebody. That’s the only issue I have that gives me reservation about having those.”

Judge West asked about the likelihood of future lawsuits if the systems were used improperly and caused injury or death, versus lawsuits likely if the systems were not available during an emergency situation.

“I’m in favor of these,” Commissioner Joel Kelton said. “We already have training lined up, nearly every government building and schools are required to have these. In my opinion it’s a good idea to have these.” He also added, “I’m not going to live in fear of a lawyer if someone’s life is in danger.” 

Brown County Sheriff Sergeant Dennis Watson explained the systems would be fully automated with audio instructions to assist in an emergency. He further explained the systems are designed to be used by an everyday citizen with very little emergency training 

Judge West felt one system on each floor would be excessive, and if approved, a single system located on the second floor would be sufficient in the case of an emergency within the courthouse. The county judge explained he would like to see further research from insurance experts regarding potential liability of having the lifesaving systems inside the courthouse. 

Commissioner Kelton made a motion to approve the purchase of three systems to be placed on each floor of the courthouse. Commissioner Larry Traweek seconded. Commissioner Gary Worley said he’d like to purchase one instead of three. A vote was taken on the motion, with Kelton and Traweek voting for, and Commissioner Wayne Shaw and Commissioner Worley along with Judge Ray West voting against. The motion did not pass.

Immediately after the vote, commissioner Worley moved to approve the purchase of one system, which Shaw seconded, and the vote was unanimously approved. 

“One is better than none,” Kelton said. The one system will cost $1,155. 

Next, Commissioner Kelton discussed an application for a private line on CR 115 in Precinct 2. The application was approved.

Elections Administrator Karen Opiela requested approval to travel out of state to the Election Center 2018 National Conference to be held August 25-29th in New Orleans, Louisiana. 

“We’re a member of the national association, and so I’d like to keep up with all of the legislation and changes and keep the networking going with all the elections administrators,” Opiela explained. The money for the trip will come from the office travel account and is expected to be reimbursed from the Secretary of State.

Commissioner Worley asked if the same training and education would be available in the state of Texas, but Opiela replied Homeland Security was working directly with the convention to offer education regarding election security. 

“The reason I feel we can go is because we’re actually just using funds from the Secretary of State that come to us and are limited to a narrow use, and this is one of the best uses of it,” Opiela said. 

Cost is $490 for the conference, air fare is $220, hotel stay would amount to approximately $500 for four nights, and some funds needed for daily expenses. 

The request was approved by the commissioners unanimously. 

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