The Brown County Commissioners Court today voted to hire Goldsmith Solutions for an assessment of the County’s information technology infrastructure.  Goldsmith is a consulting firm with offices in Abilene, Dallas, and Austin, which specializes in computer systems in county governments.  They will look at the telephone, computer, and networks systems in the Brown County courthouse, Sheriff’s office, and Elections Office, report to the Commissioners as to the current state of the County’s IT systems, and make recommendations for improvements where needed.  The cost of the project will be $17,800.  Both Sheriff Vance Hill and District Judge Mike Smith spoke in favor of the project, and offered monies from their budgets to help pay for it.  The project is expected to take about thirty days, and be complete by the end of September.

Pat McLaughlin, Director of Government Affairs for the County, addressed the Commissioners and requested a resolution of approval for a grant application for law enforcement safety equipment.  The State of Texas has a Bullet Resistant Shield Grant program that provides protective shields that are resistant to rifle bullets.  Officers must have completed Active Shooter training to qualify for the shields.  The shields cost about $5,000 – $6,000 each, but are paid for in full by the State if the County’s grant application is approved.  Sheriff Hill said he could use as many as fifteen of the protective shields.  The Commissioners unanimously approved the resolution approving the grant application.

Lisa Dick of the Brownwood/Brown County Health Department addressed the Commissioners concerning the Department’s building on Lee Street.  She said the building is showing its age, and they either need to expand and update the current building, or re-locate.  She has found a building owned by Texas State Technical College (TSTC), near their classroom building, that is currently not being used.  TSTC is willing to offer a no-cost lease, if the Health Department will pay for all necessary renovations, which are estimated to be approximately $800,000.  Dick asked that the Commissioners use $400,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act funds for this purpose.  She has requested that the City of Brownwood provide the other $400,000 (which the City is considering but has not yet approved).  The Commissioners indicated support for the project, but asked Ms. Dick for more detailed information.  No action was taken today.

Doug Hurt, Justice of the Peace, Precinct #1, addressed the Commissioners and requested a one-time $1000 bonus for clerks in the JP offices.  County Attorney Jennifer Broughton said she researched the issue, and said that the Commissioners can not make one-time bonus payments to employees.  The Commissioners can make salary adjustments, if desired.  No action was taken.

In other business today:

*** The Commissioners voted to keep in place the burn ban.

*** Commissioners approved two new private water lines to be installed by Zephyr Water Supply.

*** Commissioners voted to approve a new County map plat produced by County Surveyor Don King, correcting some problems with Mountain View Lane.

*** Approved the hiring of a new County jailor.

*** Heard a request from representatives of several County Volunteer Fire Departments for funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.  The Commissioners replied that currently they are working on the County budget for the fiscal year 2022/23, and will consider at a later date how to dispense the ARPA funds.  Another story with more details on this request will follow soon on this news site.