WASHINGTON CO. LEADERS SPEAK AT STATE OF THE COMMUNITY FORUM

Community was a phrase used often during today’s (Tuesday) State of the Community Forum hosted by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce. 

Representatives from the county, the City of Brenham, Brenham and Burton ISDs, and the county EMS department gathered at the Washington County Expo to give individual and collective updates on the current and future outlook of the region.

Precinct 3 County Commissioner Kirk Hanath spoke for County Judge John Durrenberger, who was unable to attend.  Hanath discussed the evolution over the years of county departments like Information Technology, Road and Bridge, EMS and the Expo, along with future plans to upgrade the jail kitchen, create a records storage facility, undertake courthouse landscaping, and build an additional EMS station by Lake Somerville.  He encouraged working toward better partnerships and collaboration, saying, “In unity, there is nothing but strength.”

Next was Brenham Mayor Atwood Kenjura, who gave an overview of the city departments and some major projects in the works, such as the addition of groundwater wells to supplement the water drawn from Lake Somerville and the building of a second fire station.  He also gave a brief update on a controversial proposal by TxDOT to put in raised medians along South Day Street, saying those plans have been set aside for now while new ones are developed.

Brenham ISD Acting Superintendent Clay Gillentine talked about the challenges faced by school districts everywhere in maintaining fiscally sound operations while battling rising costs.  He said the community has rallied behind the school district through these difficult times, and the district is very appreciative and wants to keep growing that relationship in order to ensure that students receive the best of everything.

Burton ISD Superintendent Dr. Edna Kennedy talked about the growth of the school district and the improvements coming as part of the bond project to address that growth.  She asked for continued patience as the pieces of the project come to fruition, saying the wait will be worth it all and more.

Speaking for EMS Director Kevin Deramus, who could not attend due to a scheduling conflict, was EMS Lieutenant Mark Rosenbaum.  Rosenbaum spoke on some of the innovations the department has made in providing care while striving to stay financially responsible.  He also talked about how fortunate the county is to still have a hospital after ones in other rural communities have closed.

After the five speakers concluded their presentations, they sat for a brief question and answer session with the audience. 

Click below to hear the full speech from Kirk Hanath on Washington County.

Click below to listen to the full presentation from Atwood Kenjura on the City of Brenham.

Click below to listen to the full address by Clay Gillentine on Brenham ISD.

Click below to hear Dr. Edna Kennedy's complete speech on Burton ISD.

Click below to listen to Mark Rosenbaum's full report on Washington County EMS.