At Monday’s meeting of the Brown County Commissioners Court, the Commissioners voted to support an effort to have a mental health liaison in the 35th District Courtroom, here in Brownwood.  In court cases involving a defendant with mental health issues, the liaison, if approved, will coordinate between the court, the attorneys, and the jail.  The liaison would be provided by the local Center for Life Resources, and would help the court expedite and streamline court processes, and thus shorten court procedures.  The Commissioners voted to approve a letter of support for an application for the Mental Health Court Liaison Pilot Program through the Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health.  The program from the State would provide $165,000 for two years.  Only five counties will be approved.  According to Cliff Karnes, Grants Administrator for Brown County, competition for the grants will be strong, and there is no guarantee that Brown County will be approved for the funding.

The Commissioners also voted to apply for state funds to improve public safety communications in Brown County.  The Texas Office of Public Safety, part of the Governor’s Office, is offering funding for the Public Safety Communications Inter-operability Enhancement Project.  This project is designed to update local law enforcement communications systems to current platforms approved by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency).  If approved, funding in the amount of $951,179 would be split between the Brown County Sheriff’s Office, as well as the City Police Departments in Brownwood, Bangs, and Early.  Once again, the application for the funding will be very competitive, and there is no guarantee that our application will be approved.

Also the Commissioners approved and authorized County Judge Pro Tem Joel Kelton to apply for funding from the Texas Attorney General’s Office.  The AG Office from time to time receives money from the National Opioid Settlement program, and the money is distributed to the local levels.  This application will be for some of that money.

In other business:

*** County Treasurer David Becktold reported that Brown County, in the first quarter of 2026, received interest of $87,363 on County funds deposited in bank Certificates of Deposit.

*** Approved a private water line to be installed on County Road 326 by Zephyr Water Supply Corporation.

*** Approved two private lines of gas to be installed on County Roads 381 and 615 by Atmos Energy.

*** Took no action on the burn ban, leaving the Burn Ban OFF for now.