DeWitt Commissioners vote no on burn ban, hears SJRC presentation

DeWitt County Commissioners agreed not to implement a burn ban at the Aug. 26 meeting. A presentation was also heard from the SJRC Belong Organization, and the tax rate was officially adopted.

Commissioners looked at the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) in making the decision to not impose a burn ban.

“We are getting setup for a little bit of rain this week,” Judge Daryl Fowler said. “There will be potentially two inches of rain in the forecast. The average KBDI drought index for the whole county is 471 which is below the threshold that we must achieve (for a burn ban.) The highest drought region in the county is 618 and the greenest part of the county is 374.”

A member of SJRC Belong spoke about their mission and provided statistics to the court. Belong is an organization in Texas that cares for children and families who have been affected by trauma, abuse, or neglect. Their mission is to offer help and hope to assist in the victim’s journey to healing. It started in 2021.

They recently held a “resource round-up” for those interested in getting involved.

“That was great and there were a lot of resources from DeWitt County that came and mingled and networked,” SJRC Director Nicole Nguyen said. “It was neat to see the local community come together. We are working on a resource sheet to give out to all the local nonprofits and resources and churches.”

SJRC covers seven counties including Lavaca, Gonzales, DeWitt, Jackson, Victoria and Goliad County. There are 170 children in the foster care system with 24 coming from DeWitt County.

“We’re working on bringing capacity here in DeWitt County through foster homes and residential treatment centers,” Nguyen said. “Our first residential treatment center opened in Victoria.”

SJRC Belong will be hosting a “family fun day” for foster families in September at the Zoo in Victoria.

The tax rate of 34.401 cents per $100 of taxable property for fiscal year 2024-25 was officially adopted after a public hearing was held. The proposed budget for fiscal year 2025 was also adopted.

Commissioners also approved a resolution authorizing a county grant in support of services provided by Meals on Wheels South Texas. This grant was provided through the Texas Department of Agriculture.

The organization is asking for $12,500. Meals on Wheels South Texas served 6,400 meals by the end of July.

Other items on the agenda include:

• Commissioners made an order setting the salaries for DeWitt County officials and employees as well and county auditors and assistants.

• Commissioners received the 2025 budget from the DeWitt County Historical Commission.

• A renewal of a one year contract for detention services between the Guadalupe County Juvenile Board and DeWitt County was approved. Another one-year contract for residential services between the Victoria County Juvenile Justice Center and DeWitt County was approved.

• Commissioners approved a renewal rate for the Inmate Health Services Agreement between Southern Health Partners and DeWitt County.

• Commissioners approved out of state truancy training for the Chief Juvenile Probation Officer and the Truancy Officer. This will be on Oct. 6 in Charlotte, North Carolina.