COUNTY COMMISSIONERS APPROVE SPRING CLEANUP CHANGES

  

The City and County have come to an agreement on the annual Spring Cleanup Event at the Citizens Collection Station.  This year, only the first 500 pounds residents bring into the Center during the Cleanup weekend will be free, anything over that amount will incur the regular rate.  Brenham Public Works Director Dane Rau explained to County Commissioners this (Tuesday) morning that it would take a little longer with every load of trash having to be weighed, but that the majority of residents bring in less than 500 pounds.  Commissioners approved the change with County Judge John Brieden commenting that the program prevents debris from ending up in ditches and creeks were it costs even more to clean up.

County Commissioners made several re-appointments during their meeting.  Dorothy Morgan was re-appointed to the Brazos Valley MHMR Board of Trustees where she is the current chair.  They also re-appointed John Gunn and Roger Chambers to the Tax Phase-In Compliance Review Committee.

Commissioners authorized two grant applications to the Office of the Governor, Homeland Security Division.  The Sheriff’s Office will apply for $56,000 for 4 sets of night vision goggles and $38,000 to 10 portable radios.  Commissioners also authorized the County Engineer to purchase a 1 ½ ton truck to be used by the Road and Bridge Department.

Commissioners also heard a number of year end reports from county departments.  County Clerk Beth Rothermel said her office recorded 329 births, 292 deaths, and 254 marriage licenses in the county last year.   Washington County Sheriff Otto Hanak said that part 1 crimes in the county are down by 25 percent since 2013:

Hanak said in the past year, Sheriff’s vehicles recorded 732,000 miles patrolling the county.  Hanak added that in the past year his deputies made 2100 traffic stops and 1400 livestock out and false alarm calls.