Lavaca County keeps burn ban lifted, approves higher per-call payments and names EMS chief liaison

Lavaca County Commissioners Court on Jan. 13 voted to keep the county burn ban lifted, approved increasing county per‑call payments to volunteer fire departments from $100 to $250, and appointed Lavaca County EMS Chief Tim Decker as a non‑voting liaison between the Lavaca County Fire Association and the court.

County EMS Chief Tim Decker told the court recent rains lowered the KBDI wildfire‑risk index by roughly 182 points and that the index is “down in the 300s.” Decker said, “we could stay without a burn ban,” and the court did not move to impose one.

The court approved a motion, made by Precinct 2 and seconded by Precinct 1, to increase the county payment for a county run from $100 to $250. The motion passed on a voice vote with all members saying “aye.” County officials said the change aims to put funds directly in departments’ hands and to address rising maintenance and fuel costs for apparatus.

Commissioners and fire chiefs described a continuing countywide effort to coordinate equipment, training and funding among the five existing departments in the Lavaca County Fire Association. The court said roughly $60,000 is budgeted this year for fire association support; about $25,000 of that was identified for training, and the court referenced approximately $3,031,000 (as stated in the meeting) for county assets such as swift‑water equipment and boats. The court directed departments to submit quarterly run reports to the fire chiefs association chair, who will forward them to the auditor for payment.

The court also voted, on a motion by Precinct 2 and a second from Precinct 1, to approve Tim Decker serving as a non‑voting liaison between the Lavaca County Fire Association and the commissioners court. The fire chiefs had voted unanimously to designate Decker; the commissioners’ motion passed unanimously. The court said the liaison will relay information both directions and that chiefs remain available to appear before the court when needed.

County officials and chiefs said several new and expanded fire stations and projects are underway: Moulton is building a new station (not yet finished), Shiner plans a new station with groundbreaking expected this month, and Hallettsville is working on an addition. Commissioners encouraged public support for local fire department fundraisers and noted volunteers’ growing operational costs.

The court indicated it will continue to discuss a formal procedure for imposing and lifting burn bans, including consultation with local chiefs and the state forestry service for recommendations. No formal policy change was adopted at this meeting; court members said they will return with proposed procedures.

Ending: The court’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Jan. 27 at 10 a.m.