Breckenridge Texan

At their meeting Monday morning, the Stephens County Commissioners listened to a presentation about replacing the boiler in the courthouse, voted to continue the burn ban and recognized a member of the local media who is leaving the area.

After the boiler did not pass inspection recently, Michael McKee with Campos Engineering, Inc., gave a presentation to the Commissioners Court proposing that the company come in and assess the situation in order to determine what all needs to be done to replace the heating and cooling system while retaining the historical integrity of the building. County Judge Michael Roach and the commissioners decided to table the issue until the next meeting, Sept. 26, in order to have more time to consider other options, because of the expense involved.

The commissioners also approved an order stating that items to be placed on the Commissioners Court agenda must be submitted by noon the Thursday prior to the Monday meeting.

Stephens County Fire Marshal Calvin Chaney said that in the past week, the fire department responded to four grass fires and a house fire. He recommended that the commissioners renew the burn ban, and they agreed. The burn ban will be in place for 90 days.

The Commissioners Court also recognized James Norman, former editor of the Breckenridge American, with an official resolution of appreciation for being a valuable media partner in Stephens County. The resolution stated that “… members of the Stephens County Commissioners Court wish to extend our utmost appreciation for his work and friendship, and … (wish) him well in all future endeavors.”

“I really liked covering the area; I had a good time here,” Norman told the commissioners. “Thanks so much for recognizing the work I do. I appreciate it.”

James Norman, center, former newspaper editor in Breckenridge, was recognized by the Stephens County Commissioners Court on Monday for his work as a member of the local media. Pictured, from left are: Ed Russell, Will Warren, County Judge Michael Roach, Norman, Mark McCullough and Eric O’Dell. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)

Before the regular meeting, there were public hearings for comment on the proposed 2020 budget and the 2020 tax rate. There were no citizens present for those hearings. There will be a second hearing on the tax rate at 9 a.m. Monday, Sept. 16.

In other business, the commissioners also approved the following items:

• Renewal of a contract with Domain Listings for the county’s website
• The County Treasurer’s Report for July 2019
• The County Treasurer’s Expenditure Report

The next regular commissioners court meeting is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 23.

Story by Carla McKeown/Breckenridge Texan

Cutline, top photo: Michael McKee with Campos Engineering, Inc., talks to the Stephens County Commissioners about a proposal to analyze the courthouse’s need for a new boiler and air conditioning system. The commissioners voted to table the issue until the next meeting. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/ Breckenridge Texan)