Scurry County commissioners declare burn ban, approve All‑America City delegation and set road hearings

Scurry County commissioners at a meeting held at 10 a.m. voted to issue a countywide burn ban and took a string of other actions, including approving county representation at the All‑America City Award event in Denver and setting two public hearings on county roads for May 20.

The court voted unanimously to put the county under a burn ban “for right now,” citing dry conditions across much of the jurisdiction. An emergency management staff member told the court the east end of the county has received recent rain and is green, but the west end remains dry and a few windy, hot days would return the county quickly to high fire risk. The court discussed — and rejected at this meeting — splitting the county for a partial ban, instead agreeing to rescind or re‑impose the ban at the next commissioners’ court meeting as conditions change.

Why it matters: The ban affects residents and contractors who burn brush or conduct open‑air burns; commissioners explicitly discussed the possibility of reinstating the restriction rapidly if wind and heat increase. The court instructed staff to prepare the formal order for signature.

Other actions taken

- All‑America City Award delegation and travel: The court approved using county BCD funds and authorized travel so county representatives can join a delegation in Denver this June. Libby Wiggins, special projects director for the City of Snyder, said Snyder was selected as one of 20 finalists and that the delegation will present the community’s sustainability and collaborative programs to a national jury. "It's an incredible opportunity," Wiggins said.

- Public hearings on county roads: The court set a May 20 public hearing to add County Road 2137 back to county maps and a May 20 public hearing to consider abandoning County Road 2215. Court members noted that portions of both roads have changed use or are little used.

- Jail contract with Crosby County: The court approved an agreement to house in‑house inmates for Crosby County; officials described the contract as the same standard arrangement the county has with other jurisdictions.

- Donations accepted: Officials reported donations to county programs: $775 to the library; two donations to the senior center of $270 and $2,098.44 (as recorded in the meeting packet); and a $1,500 donation for trail materials. The court accepted those gifts and recorded them as certified revenue where appropriate.

- Reappointment of local health authority: The court reappointed Dr. Ralph Morris as the county’s local health authority for a two‑year term effective April 15, 2025, through April 15, 2027. County staff said Dr. Morris signed the required state reappointment paperwork.

- Golf course fee discount for firefighters’ fundraiser: The court approved a fee waiver/discount for the Snyder Professional Firefighters Association’s golf tournament fundraiser, which organizers said will raise money for a “Beds for Kids” program. Dylan Smith, representing the association, said organizers are estimating a need for roughly 53 beds at about $300 per bed (about $15,000) based on referrals from schools and local CPS workers. Commissioners noted the county may receive similar future requests and said they will handle them case by case.

- Sale of ZOLL ventilators: The county directed staff to solicit bids to sell up to four of five ZOLL Impact ventilators and to require bids from qualified biomedical or ventilator management firms. Bids will be opened on May 20.

- Financial items: The court approved certified revenues and related budget amendments recorded in the packet: $8,400 from the DCOS for Placeware AI software (budget amendment to miscellaneous maintenance/repair), $1,500 tied to a Texas Parks & Recreation grant for the trail project, and revenue from the anticipated sale of a 2016 Chevy Type 2 ambulance van for $9,500. The court also approved a routine motion to pay county bills.

Meeting context and next steps

Commissioners repeatedly flagged the county’s uneven rainfall and the speed with which a single spark can create a major fire under current conditions. They asked staff to prepare the formal burn ban order for signatures and said they would consider lifting or reimposing the ban at the next scheduled meeting if conditions change. Several items — public hearings, ventilator bid openings and travel plans for the Denver event — were scheduled for the May 20 court meeting.

No executive session was held.

Votes at a glance: the transcript records motions and unanimous or majority approval for the burn ban (motion and second; all in favor), the Crosby County jail agreement (approved), acceptance of donations (approved), setting public hearings for County Road 2137 and County Road 2215 abandonment (approved, both set for May 20), participation in the All‑America City Award delegation and use of BCD funds for travel to Denver (approved), reappointment of Dr. Ralph Morris as local health authority for 4/15/25–4/15/27 (approved), fee discount for the firefighters’ golf fundraiser (approved), solicitation of bids to sell four ZOLL ventilators with bid opening on May 20 (approved), and approval of certified revenues/budget amendments and payment of bills (approved).