WASHINGTON CO. COMMISSIONERS RECEIVE ECONOMIC REPORT

  

Washington County Commissioners heard an update on the status of economic projects in the county during a series of reports at their meeting today (Tuesday).

Brenham | Washington County Economic Development Director Teresa Rosales presented her third quarter economic report, going through some of the new business going on in her department, work being done in housing, and a change of note for a popular event held in downtown Brenham.

Commenting on economic project news, Rosales said the department is working through the compliance process on all abatement agreements.  She also gave hints at some prospective developments that have shown interest in Washington County – including manufacturing, energy, lodging, and health – but cautioned that nothing is set in stone at this point.

Moving into discussion on housing, Rosales said a list of 10 recommendations was shared with the Brenham City Council by the local housing task force.  Some of the changes, which include adjustments to municipal code, have been approved.  Others are being researched further, like improvements to downtown apartments and sampling smaller lot sizes for developers. 

Rosales mentioned that median home prices locally are $295,000, down 3 percent from the same timeframe last year, and below the state’s median price of $340,000.

Rosales also announced that the monthly farmer and artisan market is changing locations from around the courthouse square to the Commerce Street parking lot.  The change starts with this Friday’s market.

For employment and hiring, Rosales stated that a job fair is planned in January in partnership with Workforce Solutions. 

Also at today’s meeting, commissioners:

• Met in executive session to discuss the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property. Commissioners voted unanimously after the executive session to give the county judge authority to negotiate regarding the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property. Negotiations are subject to commissioners court approval.
• Received a presentation from the Washington Extension Education Association.  Members of the WEEA presented the court with baskets of goodies and a check for $74,508, representing the amount of hours contributed by volunteers over the past year.
• Heard quarterly reports from the EMS and Human Resource Departments.
• Proclaimed the month of November as Operation Green Light in Washington County.  The program is led by the National Association of Counties and the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers, and is meant to raise awareness about the challenges faced by veterans and the resources available for them.
• Approved the 2024 holiday schedule for county employees.
• Approved the job description and title for the Public Affairs Director position approved in the 2024 budget.
• Approved a 14-month bond for Darius Smith with the Precinct 3 Constable’s Office.  Smith is serving the remainder of the term of David Blakey, who declared his candidacy for county sheriff.
• Approved the annual request for the county auditor to complete an audit of the 21^st Judicial District Attorney’s asset seizure and forfeiture accounts.