At their regular meeting on March 24, Brewster County commissioners discussed legislative issues related to the use of public funds for lobbying activities.

County Treasurer Julie Morton voiced her concerns about and opposition to Senate Bill 234 and House Bill 749, filed by Texas Senator Bob Hall, Dist. 2, and Texas Representative Mayes Middleton, Dist. 23, respectively.

Morton said the bills would prohibit using taxpayer funds to lobby, and that would be “detrimental to Brewster County’s voice in Austin.”

Morton said she and the County Treasurers Association of Texas were attempting to gather opposition to the bills.

“I think this will severely prohibit our ability to talk to our legislators about things that are important to us,” she said. “It will severely limit the capacity in which I engage with my state legislators. Being able to utilize the resources available to me through the County Treasurers Association, and all the other elected officials’ associations, and the Texas Association of Counties, is good use for our local tax dollars, and it helps me keep track of all pending legislation.”

County Judge Eleazar Cano clarified that the bills were drafted by legislators in other parts of the state, and in no way represented support by local elected officials. Commissioners then voted unanimously to oppose the proposed bills.

In other news, commissioners approved a 45-day renewal of an order prohibiting outdoor burning due to dry conditions. Cano said a class C misdemeanor and a $500 fine would be the penalties for violation of the order.

Cano then instructed Road and Bridge Superintendent Frenchie Causey to inspect the water tanks at Double Diamond to insure they were working properly, and were filled in case of a fire emergency. However, Commissioner, Pct. 3, Ruben Ortega’s main concern was county liability in the event of a fire. Cano said the county still needed to maintain the water tanks as good practice, and instructed EMC Stephanie Elmore to keep an eye on the tanks, which are to be used for fire suppression only.

Cano recognized Brewster County Veter ans Service Officer Dennis Yancy for his dedicated service to county veterans and the county. Yancy submitted his resignation effective April 1, citing medical care and health issues as reasons for relocating. He added that he would assist the county in finding a replacement.

Finally, Cano and Ortega recognized and thanked volunteers and staff from the Marathon Public Library. The library was recently selected as a finalist for the Institute of Museum and Library Services Award.

The next regularly scheduled commissioners court meeting is set for Wednesday, April 14, at 9:30 a.m. via Facebook Live.