WASHINGTON CO. COMMISSIONERS EXTEND DISASTER DECLARATION FOR DROUGHT, WILDFIRES
Washington County Commissioners voted today (Tuesday) to extend the county’s state of disaster declaration for drought and risk of wildfires.
The disaster declaration was first signed on Thursday by County Judge John Durrenberger, but would have expired in seven days unless the court took action to continue or renew it. The declaration will now remain in effect until commissioners modify or rescind it.
Emergency Management Coordinator Bryan Ruemke said the prolonged dry conditions have brought an increase in wildfires, and while some rain has come, it has not been as much as what was hoped for.
Ruemke said the declaration helps the county with its purchasing options in emergency situations, so that it does not have to go through all of the statutes normally required. The declaration may assist in acquiring grant funds related to the drought and wildfires, if funds later become available.
Ruemke said the declaration could also provide relief to landowners adversely impacted by the drought.
The City of Brenham officially measured 0.35 inches of rain on Monday, although residents in other parts of the county reported on social media that they received more, including upwards of 2 inches for some living in the Burton area.
Also in court today, commissioners:
- Entered into an interlocal agreement with the City of Burton for road improvement services on Texas Street, Burton Street, San Marcos Street, Railroad Street, North Brazos Street, North Colorado Street, Navasota Street and South Main Street. The county will supply labor and equipment up to $15,000, and the city will reimburse the county for all materials, labor and equipment costs exceeding $15,000.
- Approved a second extension of the lease agreement between the county and the City of Brenham concerning the communications facility at 301 North Baylor Street. The Brenham City Council approved its portion of the agreement at its meeting last week.
- Approved an amended community service contract with Faith Mission and Help Center, as well as an addendum to the amended contract.
- Purchased a 2022 Ford F-150 for the Engineering and Development Services department through the state cooperative purchasing program, BuyBoard. The truck is from Chastang Ford in Houston for $38,788; no bids were received from local vendors.
- Heard monthly reports from the Information Technology department, emergency management coordinator, county and district clerks, justices of the peace, auditor, tax assessor-collector, treasurer, constables and elections department.