WASHINGTON CO. COMMISSIONERS TO VOTE ON BURN BAN

  

Washington County could soon become the next county to enact a burn ban.

County Commissioners will consider Tuesday whether to adopt a burn ban order for the county, prohibiting outdoor burning until the ban is lifted. Washington County is currently the only immediate county in the area without a burn ban.

County Judge John Durrenberger said, after speaking with local fire chiefs this week and conducting a poll, the majority of them agreed on establishing a burn ban.

However, according to Durrenberger, some of the fire chiefs were not in favor of putting one into effect, with some citing that most of the fires the county has seen recently were not burn-ban preventable.

Also at Tuesday’s meeting, the county will consider approving its portion of a commercial tax phase-in for Del Sol Food Company, the maker of Brianna’s Salad Dressing. Brenham City Councilmembers at their last meeting approved their portion of the agreement with Del Sol Food, has purchased the adjacent ADS building, and plans on converting it into their distribution center.

The county’s abatement totals roughly $41,000 over eight years. Durrenberger said the company is estimated to pay $76,000 on average in taxes each year over the course of the abatement.  He believes the abatement is “a good investment”.

Commissioners will also:

• Act on a memorandum of understanding between the county and the Brazos Valley Council of Governments (BVCOG) Transportation Partnership Program, for transportation services for county residents at the Margaret E. Blizzard Senior Activity Center.
• Consider the consolidation of voting precincts for the November 5^th constitutional amendment election.
• Discuss approval of revised EMS position descriptions as discussed during 2019’s budget workshops.
• Consider appointment of Lieutenant Mark Whidden to replace Donna Gomez as a Criminal Justice Advisory Committee member representing Washington County.  The BVCOG coordinates this committee in developing a Regional Strategic Plan and grant funding focusing on criminal justice.
• Discuss the proclamation of September 2019 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in Washington County.  The court will also consider proclaiming September 17^th through the 23^rd as Constitution Week.
• Hear presentation of several monthly reports.

Commissioners will meet Tuesday morning at 9 a.m., at the Washington County Courthouse.