At Monday’s meeting of the Brown County Commissioners Court, a proposed new weather radar system was presented.  Dr. Brian Hirth of Texas Tech University, spoke to the Commissioners about current weather radars in West Texas, and the proposal to add one in Brown County.  The West Texas Mesonet system currently has 176 weather radars that cover West Texas, the Panhandle, and the Texas Hill Country, going as far south as San Antonio.  The system provides high-resolution radar coverage, measuring 28 weather parameters at 1-minute intervals.  The radar system is used to gather more information, and improve the accuracy of weather forecasts.

The West Texas Mesonet system currently has some gaps in its coverage, and Dr. Hines said they would like to add up to 40 new stations, including near Brownwood, Fredericksburg, and Sonora.  Several possible sites for a weather radar in southern Brown County have been identified.  Dr. Hines asked the Commissioners for help in identifying a landowner who would be willing to host a radar site on his/her property.  The Commissioners agreed to help.

Sheriff Vance Hill addressed the Commissioners on two matters.  First concerned new patrol vehicles.  The Sheriff’s Department is acquiring four new Chevrolet Tahoes, to replace older vehicles.  The vehicles cost $55,420, plus $26,800 for installed equipment, for a total of $82,220 each.  Sheriff Hill recommended a four-year financing plan through American Finance Leasing, with an annual payment of $93,893.  The Commissioners approved.

Sheriff Hill also spoke about some proposed addition to the Brown County Law Enforcement building on West Commerce.  Hill said the jail Sallyport and Property Rooms are full, and more storage space is needed.  The proposed plan would add a second floor to each of the rooms, to be built by Dees Construction at a cost of $74,170.  Sheriff Hill reported that the inmate phone fund has enough money to pay for the expansion.   The Commissioners approved.

In other business:

*** District Judge Mike Smith and District Clerk Sheryl Jones spoke of a new, more modern jury selection plan known as Enterprise Jury.  The Commissioners approved

*** Commissioners approved the installation by Oncor of a new private electrical line on CR-136.

***  Commissioners agreed to leave in place the current Burn Ban.