Brewster County commissioners approve countywide burn ban, amend budget for body‑worn camera grant and OK tourism contracts

The Brewster County Commissioners Court met Nov. 25, 2025, in Alpine and unanimously approved a countywide burn ban, budget adjustments related to the Body Worn Camera grant, and a set of tourism marketing contracts. Commissioner Ruben Ortega called the meeting to order at 9:31 a.m.; County Judge Greg P. Henington was absent.

The court approved a burn ban to run from Nov. 28, 2025, through Jan. 12, 2026. Commissioner Jim Westermann moved to adopt the Burn Ban Order and Commissioner William "Mo" Morrow seconded; the motion passed 4-0. The burn ban was presented by Commissioner Ruben Ortega as an emergency-management measure; no public comments were offered at the meeting.

County Comptroller Malynda Richardson presented three payment reports and a set of budget and line-item adjustments. The court approved the expense reports and accepted a budget amendment to address a reduction in the award amount for the Body Worn Camera grant. The amendment directs the county to make line-item adjustments using county funds to cover the grant match and any overage; the transcript notes the reduction in the grant award but does not specify the dollar amount of the award reduction. Commissioner Sara Allen Colando moved to approve the adjustments; Commissioners Westermann and Morrow seconded as recorded and the motions passed 4-0.

Robert Alvarez, Executive Director of Brewster County Tourism, reported on visitation and marketing and presented contract renewals and placements. The court approved a renewal with 12 Rounds Media and two 2026 USA TODAY placements (Your Guide to National Parks; Go Escape Texas and the Southwest) by unanimous vote.

Other routine items approved included payment reports and minutes: the court approved minutes from the regular Nov. 12, 2025 meeting and the special Nov. 19, 2025 meeting, and authorized a $1,299 purchase of a desk for the District Clerk's office to be paid from LATCF funds. Commissioner William "Mo" Morrow moved to approve the desk purchase; Commissioner Jim Westermann seconded and the motion passed 4-0.

The court noted its right to convene an executive session under Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code if needed and set its next regular meeting for Dec. 9, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. Commissioner Sara Allen Colando moved to adjourn at 10:04 a.m.; Commissioner Morrow seconded and the motion passed 4-0.

Votes at a glance - Approve minutes (Nov. 12, 2025): mover Sara Allen Colando; second William "Mo" Morrow; outcome approved 4-0 (Westermann, Colando, Ortega, Morrow yes). - Approve minutes (Nov. 19, 2025): mover William "Mo" Morrow; second Jim Westermann; outcome approved 4-0. - Approve District Clerk desk ($1,299, LATCF): mover William "Mo" Morrow; second Jim Westermann; outcome approved 4-0. - Approve Brewster County Burn Ban (Nov. 28, 2025–Jan. 12, 2026): mover Jim Westermann; second William "Mo" Morrow; outcome approved 4-0. - Approve payment reports presented by Comptroller: mover Sara Allen Colando; second Jim Westermann; outcome approved 4-0. - Approve budget adjustments including amendment for Body Worn Camera grant (reduction in award; county funds to cover match/overage): mover Sara Allen Colando; second William "Mo" Morrow; outcome approved 4-0. - Approve 12 Rounds Media contract and two USA TODAY 2026 placements: mover Sara Allen Colando; seconds William "Mo" Morrow and Jim Westermann; outcome approved 4-0.

What happened and why it matters: The burn ban is a time‑limited public‑safety directive covering late November through mid‑January that restricts outdoor burning across Brewster County. The budget amendment for the Body Worn Camera grant indicates the county will cover shortfalls created by a reduced award; the transcript does not list the reduced award amount or the exact county contribution. The tourism contracts represent routine marketing investments for 2026.

Next steps: The court set its next regular meeting for Dec. 9, 2025; no executive session was convened during this meeting.