At Monday’s meeting of the Brown County Commissioners Court, selection of a new provider of emergency messages, alerts, and warnings was made.  Cliff Karnes, the Brown County Emergency Management Coordinator, presented to the Commissioners data from three possible emergency information providers, and recommended HQE Systems.  The Commissioners approved a five-year deal with HQE at a cost of $12,750/year.  Within the next few weeks Brown County citizens will be contacted and asked to register for emergency information messages from HQE.  Citizens will have the choice to receive emergency information via cell phone calls, text messages, and/or email messages.

The Commissioners also appointed Cliff Karnes as the Brown County Public Information Officer.  This is a new position required by the State of Texas, but not funded by the State.  Karnes will attend certification training in August for the Public Information Officer position.

Brenda Arp, Brown County Elections Administrator, presented the Canvass Report for the Primary Election held on March 3, 2026.  In Brown County a total of 7,065 voters turned out, which was 27.89% of all registered voters in the County.  Early voting totaled 4,003 ballots, and Election Day voting totaled 3,062 ballots.  The runoff election will be held on May 26.  Two County races will be in the runoff election:  County Judge – Patrick Howard and Tom Munson; and County Commissioner Precinct 4 – Brandon Byars and Larry Traweek.  A number of statewide runoff elections will also be on the ballot on May 26.

In other business:

*** The County wide Burn Ban was left in place for now.

*** Two pieces of County-owned equipment were declared surplus:  a 1994 Peterbilt Model 379 truck, and a 1995 Ford Model L8000 truck.  Both trucks will be listed for sale on GovDeals.com.

*** Approved the installation of a private electrical line by Oncor on County Road 134.