The Brown County Commissioners court held its regular weekly meeting with a relatively full agenda.

The Brown County Sheriff’s office made a couple of requests today.  One was for the purchase of 4 new vehicles for use by the Sheriff’s office.

Captain Tony Aaron requested to place an order for 3 new patrol cars and 1 pickup truck.  Dodge Chargers will be purchased at a state contract price of $21,635.78 each from McKinney Dodge.  The Ford Pickup will be purchased from Big County Ford in Brownwood for $24,900.   These vehicles are police packaged, but will have to have emergency equipment installed after purchase.  All 4 vehicles were budgeted in the new fiscal year.  Commissioners approved the request.

Sheriff Bobby Grubbs also brought some employee changes before commissioners for approval.  They asked to hire Abe Jimenez as a road crew boss for precinct 1 at $24,000 per year.  He will replace a previous employee who recently retired

They also requested the hiring a replacement secretary with pay of $18,000 annually.  Both hirings were approved.

Also in today’s meeting, Brown County residents Brent and Catherine Forsman were allowed to speak to commissioners regarding a pair of issues.  Mrs. Forsman asked commissioners why the health insurance benefit was so high for county employees in her opinion and compared it to her own coverage what she said was much lower. 

County Judge Ray West said, “We have to offer health insurance.  It is the only way we can compete in the employee marketplace.”

When Mrs. Forsman inquired if the taxpayers could have a voice regarding county employee health insurance plans, Judge West replied that taxpayers have their voice every 4 years during elections.

Mr. Forsman then requested that Commissioner Richard Gist see about paving county road 350 where he lives.  After a lengthy discussion, Forsman said that he might be able to get equipment and labor to help with the work if the county could supply the material.  Gist said that he would consider it.

In other action:

-Commissioners made a proclamation for National 4-H Week (see story here)

-Commissioners approved the renewal for the Texas County District Retirement benefit program

-Commissioners approved the renewal for the CIRA contract.  This is the company that operates the county website.

-The Commissioners approved the purchase for some office furniture for $4946.35 which is included in the budget.

-Jule Richmond presented three bids for clean out work to be done to flood prevention sites through the Pecan Bayou Soil and Water Conservation District.