County Commissioners reinstate burn ban, approve law enforcement training for Sheriff’s Office employee
The Stephens County Commissioners Court reinstated the burn ban, authorized funding for law enforcement training and approved advertising for county projects during a regular meeting Monday, Dec. 8, but postponed action on a couple of agenda items.
Stephens County Fire Marshal Malcolm Bufkin advises the county commissioners on reinstating a burn ban today, Dec. 8. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)
Following the input of county fire marshal Malcolm Bufkin, the commissioners voted to implement a county-wide burn ban due to dry conditions in the area. According to the Keetch-Byram Drought Index, Stephens County’s KBDI values for today range from 81 to 585 with an average of 391. That indicates that the grass and other vegetation in the area is drying out and could contribute to wildfire intensity.
The commissioners also approved a payment request for a Stephens County Sheriff’s Office employee to attend the peace officer academy. Sheriff Kevin Roach said the funds for the training are in the Sheriff’s Office budget.
Looking toward the upcoming fiscal year, the court authorized advertising for sealed bids for fuel, as well as crushed rock and road materials, for Fiscal Year 2026.
The commissioners agreed to file for the record the completion of education certificates for County Tax Assessor Crystal R. Shook, as well as the financial bonds for numerous county officials and employees.
In other business, the commissioners voted to table an item regarding updates and repairs to the annex building until more information about the cost of the repairs is available. They also tabled an item regarding the expenditure of capital credits funds to advertise the county within the vicinity through a nonprofit bass tournament.
Following the regular agenda items, the court entered into an executive session to discuss legal matters.
Stephens County Commissioners Will Warren, left, and Tanner Wade discuss county business with the rest of the commissioners at their regular meeting on Monday, Dec. 8. Also pictured are County Attorney Gary Trammel, background, and County Clerk Jackie Ensey, right. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)
Cutline, top photo: Stephens County Sheriff Kevin Roach, right, talks to the commissioners court on Monday, Dec. 8, about funding approval for a Sheriff’s Office employee to attend the peace officer academy. The commissioners approved the usage of the funds, which are accounted for in the Sheriff’s Office budget. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)
