Kerr County extends disaster declaration, pauses some public-record responses as search-and-rescue continues

KERR COUNTY, Texas — The Kerr County Commissioners Court on Monday in July 2025 unanimously voted to extend a local declaration of disaster tied to severe storms and flooding that began July 3 and approved a seven-day extension of a temporary suspension of some Texas Public Information Act response requirements while search-and-rescue and recovery operations continue.

County Judge (name not provided) said the court would reestablish a burn ban effective 5 p.m. the same day and asked commissioners for consent. The court proceeded into agenda business after receiving assent.

The action came as law enforcement, county crews and state and federal partners continued search-and-rescue and recovery work across the county. Kerr County Sheriff (name not provided) told the court that operations remained focused on locating and identifying victims and supporting families. "Reunited family remains our top priority," he said in a public briefing, and he gave a rolling count of recoveries and identifications.

Sheriff (name not provided) reported, "As of 08:30 this morning, we've recovered 75 deceased in Kerr County, including 48 adults and 27 children. 15 adults and 9 children are pending identification." He added that counts were changing during the meeting and asked the public to avoid closed areas so responders can work.

Kenneth Bell, section…