County Commissioners leave burn ban in place
By Carla McKeown/Breckenridge Texan
Stephens County residents remain under a fire ban after the County Commissioners took no action on the agenda item at their meeting this morning, July 8.
County Fire Marshal Wayne McMullen said that even with the rain overnight, he does not recommend removing the fire ban, which was enacted at the previous County Commissioners meeting. The forecast for the upcoming week has very low chances of rain and increasing temperatures, he said.
“All that dead fuel is still out there,” County Commissioner Will Warren said.
Also during the meeting, County Judge Michael Roach presented a letter from SWCA Environmental Consultants regarding a tower for the Aircraft Detection Lighting System at the site of the future windfarm in southeast Stephens County. The ADLS tower will be used to ensure that the lights on the planned wind turbines come on only when an airplane or other aircraft is in the area.
The letter, which will be available for viewing through the County Commissioners office and the County Clerk’s office, provided information and sought input on review of the property where the tower will be located, making sure that any historic and/or archaeological properties in the area are not adversely impacted by the placement of the tower. The commissioners acknowledge receipt of the letter and directed any interested citizens to contact them or SWCA with comments.
The commissioners also approved the payment from the general fund for a firefighting pump for the amount of $4,554.95.
Following the regular meeting, the commissioners were schedule to go into a workshop regarding economic development in the county.
Cutline, top photo: Stephens County Fire Marshal Wayne McMullen talks to those attending the County Commissioners meeting on July 8 about the need to keep the current fire ban in place. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)
