Brownwood News –  Brown County Commissioners met in Regular Session at 9:00 am Monday, August 19. Commissioner Joel Kelton presided over the meeting in the absence of County Judge, Dr. Paul Lilly. After an opening prayer by Dave Fair, Commissioners took the following action.

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No one signed up for citizen comments.

Commissioners approved the minutes from the August 12th and August 15th meetings.

Commissioners kept the Burn Ban in place due to excessively dry conditions across the county.

Mr. Gary Worley, Commissioner Pct. 1 – Consideration and possible approval to amend the Commissioners Court Rules of Procedure, Conduct and Decorum to reflect the changes in HB 2840. In his presentation, Worley said the Texas Legislature this year has decided to address the public meetings act, listing and reading three changes made to the rules. (Worley explains the changes in the video recording of the County Commission meeting which is posted on the county website at this LINK.)
Commissioners voted unanimously to amend the changes as presented in HB 2840 effective at the next county commission meeting.

Mr. Gary Worley, Commissioner Pct. 1- Consideration and possible approval of Platt for Dominion Point 3. After listening to a presentation, Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the Platt subject to Don King’s signature.

Mr. Wayne Shaw, Commissioner Pct. 3 – Consideration and possible approval of employee salary change. This was for two county employees who have worked through their probationary period and setting their salary to the next level. Commissioners approved the salary change.

Vance Hill, County Sheriff- Consideration and possible approval to set jail maintenance salary for new applicant.
Sheriff Hill told Commissioners that Les Rush, county jail maintenance supervisor, is going to retire effective October 1. The Sheriff discussed his replacement and asked for a base salary for that person. Hill said he believes a fair salary for the incoming employee would be $35,000 to start the position. That position also requires the person be a certified jailer. Two inside employees have shown interest in the position which requires electrical, plumbing and welding knowledge. Commissioners voted to approve the Sheriff’s request for a salary of $35,000 and certification pay not to exceed $2,700. A clothing allowance is also included with the position.

Vance Hill, County Sheriff- Consideration and possible approval to hire replacement jail maintenance employee. Sheriff Hill asked that whoever is chosen to fill Sgt. Rush’s position be allowed to work alongside Rush starting on September 1st. The extra salary will be covered in the sheriff’s current budget. Two applicants for the job will be interviewed next week, Hill said. Commissioners approved the request by the Sheriff.

Sheriff Hill concluded his time before Commissioners by giving the jail report. As of Monday morning there were 177 inmates in the Brown County Jail, 10 of those being on contract from other counties.

Commissioners also approved bills to be paid as presented by the County Auditor. Commissioners then held a Budget Workshop at 10:00 am Monday morning.