While discussing the extremely dry weather conditions of the county, the Judge stated that the area fire departments “need some help and relief.”

“Frankly, all these out of control fires have been due to carelessness and irresponsibility of people not taking enough caution when burning,” said Judge Guthrie.

Area fire departments have been extremely busy ever since a burn ban was lifted according to the Court. “The run sheets are unbelievable,” said Judge Guthrie, “with statistics showing 16 calls in just three days, for example.”

Answering a question from a citizen attending the court, Guthrie stated that if a burn ban is in place, “you won’t be able to burn even in controlled situations.”

A burn ban has been re-instated throughout the county for 90 days, beginning May 27th. The burn ban must have been in effect by June 10th if a fireworks ban for July 4th is to even be considered.

A pass-worded emergency notification system, CAPCOG, was approved for use by the Court. Authorization for the County Judge Guthrie to sign a Letter of Agreement with CAPCOG creates the ability for the county to participate in the system with actual emergency calls being routed in specific pathways. The motion to allow the Judge to sign for this agreement was made and approved.

The Texas County & District Retirement System benefits plan for the year 2009 was briefly discussed and then approved.

The final revision of the plat for the Ranches of Brushy Top subdivision was reviewed with the surveyor saying that there are “no changes between the preliminary plat and the final plat.” The revision was approved.

Court adjourned.