At today’s meeting of the Brown County Commissioners Court, approval was given for a new Mental Health Deputy in the Sheriff’s Office.  Sheriff Vance Hill said his department currently has two mental health deputies, but they work only daytime hours.  The new mental health deputy will work evening hours.  In many cases, Hill said, this will allow the mental health deputy to respond to incidents and, where appropriate, arrange mental health treatment for the individual rather than sending him or her to jail.  That will save the County money, and produce a better outcome for the individual.  The salary for the new deputy plus the cost of a vehicle will be paid with grant funds obtained by the local Center for Life Resources.

Commissioners also discussed an addition to the contract with Tyler Technology for new software for the County.  The current software system, NetData, has been used by the County since 1996, and is becoming obsolete.  Last year the County approved an upgrade to a new system from Tyler, but it was recently discovered that the contract did not include software for vital records and land records in the County Clerk’s office.  Sam Goldsmith from Goldsmith Solutions, the County’s information technology consultant, was present today to explain the situation and the cost of adding a module for the vital and land records to the new Tyler software package.  The total cost, including start-up fees, training, and three years’ worth of annual fees of $33,087, is $172, 855.  The Commissioners approved.  Goldsmith said installation of the new system should be complete by 3rd Quarter 2026.

Also the Commissioners discussed the vacant position of Constable – Precinct 2.  This job came open in May upon the retirement of Troy Henderson.  A Constable must be a certified peace officer and live in the Precinct he/she represents.  The County needs to appoint someone to this position to serve until the elections in 2026, but so far has found no one qualified and willing to serve.  If you qualify and are interested in this job, please contact the County Judge’s office.

In other business:

*** Commissioners agreed to leave the Burn Ban OFF for now.

*** Commissioners received the Quarterly investment report from the County Treasurer’s office.  In the 1st Quarter of 2025 Brown County earned $209,855 from interest on CD’s in the bank.  This is about $23,000 more than in the 1st Quarter 2024.

*** Commissioners approved the Brown County Hazard Mitigation Plan.  County Judge Shane Britton said this plan is required by the Federal Government and has been worked on for several years.  It will be submitted to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

*** Commissioners approved the installation of a private water line by Brookesmith Special Utility District from FM-3021 down Mountain View Lane, in the barrow ditch.

*** Commissioners approved the declaration of certain property as dilapidated and approved the sale of said property to a junk yard.  Sheriff Hill said the property includes accessories to patrol cars, such as bumper guards, gun racks, emergency lights and sirens, etc.  The patrol cars are being replaced and will be sold, but the dilapidated property needs to be removed and disposed of first.