Commissioners extend burn ban, issue ban on fireworks

Milam County Commissioners agreed to allow for a temporary deputy sheriff through the end of the year, extended the burn ban and banned fireworks during a meeting on Monday.

Commissioners heard a presentation from Milam County Sheriff Mike Clore about bringing in a temporary deputy sheriff for the purpose of coordinating school safety initiatives and grant writing along with being responsible for clearing out evidence. Commissioners agreed to allow for the hiring. The deputy would cost about $38,000 through the end of the year. Clore will pay for the position by selling six surplus vehicles for a total cost of $41,000. 

Commissioners also agreed to extend the burn ban by 90 days and banned fireworks described as rockets on a stick and missiles with fins ahead of the Fourth of July after urging from county fire chiefs about lack of rain and dry vegetation everywhere. 

A radio purchase for Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace Gary Northcott was also approved.

Commissioners tabled an amended agreement with AMR to add the Quick Response Vehicle to ground ambulance services because of questions regarding insurance coverage. 

Earlier last week Milam County Judge Steve Young issued a local state of disaster declaration last week in order to prevent grassfires due to a lack of sufficient rainfall. The order bans the sale of certain fireworks to include the sale and/or use of skyrockets on sticks and rockets with fins through midnight July 5.