Court holds special-called meeting

Commissioners’ Court met in a special-called meeting Monday addressing a short agenda.

After hearing from Lavaca County EMS assistant chief Tim Decker, the court voted to keep the burn ban off until further notice.

County Judge Keith Mudd said the burn ban was lifted on Friday, Dec. 27 with unanimous support from the fire chiefs in the county.

In the discussion about the ban, Decker said at the time of the meeting he did not have the current KBDI reading, but the area had received a little rain this past week and yesterday’s average reading was 551.

He said at the present time there is green grass growing and the moisture content is really good. In addition, there is a forecast for rain later in the week.

“Conditions don’t really support a fire spread and looking at the Forest Service report on moisture content, it says fire control tolerant is pretty low. So, we don’t have to worry about a fire spread right now.”

Decker said he polled the fire chiefs before the meeting and they really didn’t give an answer about a burn ban.

“Not having the fire chiefs saying what they want, in my opinion, I think we should keep the ban status quo,” Decker said. “But, please use caution, use good practices and if you are going to burn please call the sheriff’s office at 361-798-2121.”

Sheriff’s Office

In a second agenda item, the court approved bonds and oath elected officials and deputies.

Also after convening in executive session for 30 minutes, the court voted to approve changes to the Lavaca County Sheriff’s Department organization structure, including personnel positions, titles and salaries.

County Judge Keith Mudd presided over the meeting with commissioners Edward Pustka, Wayne Faircloth, Kenny Siegel and Dennis W. Kocian present for the meeting.