Winchell Volunteer Fire Department seeks county support for radio maintenance fees

The Brown County Commissioners Court convened on July 10, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including discussions on contract amendments and requests from local volunteer fire departments.

The meeting began with a review of a contract amendment related to courthouse operations. A commissioner raised concerns about a deduction in certified payments that had been overlooked, which led to a debate on whether to wait for further cost assessments before proceeding with the amendment. The discussion highlighted the importance of clarity in contract terms and the need for thorough review to avoid future misunderstandings.

Following this, representatives from the Winchell and Banks Volunteer Fire Department presented a request for assistance regarding maintenance fees for county radios. The department currently pays a maintenance fee of $18 per radio, which is set to increase to $20. They emphasized the significance of these radios in enhancing communication and operational efficiency. The fire department requested approval for maintenance agreements for nine additional radios, which would incur a monthly cost of approximately $162.

Commissioners discussed the potential for reallocating unused radios within the county, as an audit was underway to identify radios that were not being utilized. This could lead to cost savings and better resource management. The court agreed to postpone a decision on the maintenance agreement until the audit results were available, ensuring that any future commitments would be based on accurate data.

Overall, the meeting underscored the importance of clear communication and fiscal responsibility in managing county resources, particularly in supporting local emergency services. The court plans to revisit the radio maintenance agreement in future sessions, pending the completion of the audit.