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Brewster County commissioners approve donation, finance, and operational measures; bank depository renewed through 2027
Summary
At the April 8, 2025 regular meeting in Alpine, the Brewster County Commissioners Court approved a $2,500 donation for a courthouse gazebo, a set of project expenditures including cybersecurity and window repairs, a resolution to engage the Public Power Pool for electric-rate negotiations, renewal of bank depository accounts through June 30, 2027, and a resolution supporting rural EMS funding.
ALPINE, Texas — The Brewster County Commissioners Court on April 8 approved a series of routine administrative and operational measures, including a donation for courthouse grounds improvements, multiple project expenditures, a contract authorization for tourism marketing and formal steps to pursue negotiated electric rates on the county’s behalf.
County Judge Greg P. Henington opened the meeting at 9:33 a.m. and led the invocation and pledges. Commissioners Jim Westermann (Pct. 1), Sara Allen Colando (Pct. 2) and William "Mo" Morrow (Pct. 4) were present; Commissioner Ruben Ortega (Pct. 3) was absent.
The Court accepted a $2,500 donation from Judge Val Beard specifically designated for construction of a new gazebo on the Brewster County courthouse lawn. The Court then reviewed the Brewster County Project List and approved an increase to a purchase order for Stockton Glass & Mirror from $13,201.20 to $13,860 to cover replacement windows at the Red Pattillo Center. The Court also approved $2,082.08 for cybersecurity-related services and hardware, and authorized up to $3,000 for new network switches; those funds were allocated from the project list’s designated line item.
Commissioner Colando moved to adopt a resolution authorizing Brewster County to engage the Public Power Pool to negotiate electric power rates on the county’s behalf; the motion passed unanimously. The Court also voted to authorize the County Treasurer to renew the county’s bank depository accounts through June 30, 2027.
On county finance matters, Comptroller Malynda Richardson presented general bills for approval. Commissioner Colando moved to approve the bills; Commissioner Westermann recused himself from discussion and vote on that item, and the motion passed 3-0. The Court heard an update on the county’s conversion to the Tyler Technologies accounting system; no formal action on the conversion was recorded.
The Court approved a resolution supporting state funding for rural emergency medical services after Commissioner Colando read the resolution into the minutes and moved for approval. The Brewster County Sheriff’s Office was authorized to enter a lease agreement for a replacement copier. Emergency Management Coordinator James Etchison presented a report and the Court approved renewing the county burn ban as presented.
Robert Alvarez, executive director of Brewster County Tourism, provided a general tourism update; the Court approved a contract with Texas Highways for marketing as presented. The Tourism Council’s next meeting was scheduled for May 7 at the Lajitas Resort.
Judge Henington announced the next regular Commissioners Court meeting for April 22, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. in Marathon at the Marathon Community Center; the Court adjourned at 10:43 a.m.
Votes at a glance: - Approve minutes of March 25, 2025: motion passed 4-0 (mover: Commissioner William "Mo" Morrow; seconder: Commissioner Sara Allen Colando). - Accept $2,500 donation from Judge Val Beard for courthouse gazebo: approved 4-0 (mover: Judge Greg P. Henington; seconder: Commissioner William "Mo" Morrow). - Increase PO for Stockton Glass & Mirror to $13,860: approved 4-0 (mover: Commissioner Sara Allen Colando; seconder: Commissioner William "Mo" Morrow). - Approve $2,082.08 for cybersecurity services and authorize up to $3,000 for network switches: approved 4-0 (mover: Judge Greg P. Henington; seconder: Commissioner Sara Allen Colando). - Adopt resolution to engage Public Power Pool: approved 4-0 (mover: Commissioner Sara Allen Colando; seconder: Commissioner William "Mo" Morrow). - Authorize bank depository renewal through June 30, 2027: approved 4-0 (mover: Judge Greg P. Henington; seconder: Commissioner Sara Allen Colando). - Approve resolution supporting rural EMS funding: approved 4-0 (mover: Commissioner Sara Allen Colando; seconder: Commissioner William "Mo" Morrow). - Approve lease agreement for Sheriff's Office copier: approved 4-0 (mover: Judge Greg P. Henington; seconder: Commissioner Sara Allen Colando). - Renew Brewster County burn ban: approved 4-0 (mover: Commissioner Sara Allen Colando; seconder: Commissioner Jim Westermann). - Approve general bills as presented: approved 3-0 with Commissioner Jim Westermann recused (mover: Commissioner Sara Allen Colando; seconder: Commissioner William "Mo" Morrow). - Approve Texas Highways contract for tourism marketing: approved 4-0 (mover: Commissioner Sara Allen Colando; seconder: Commissioner Jim Westermann).
The meeting included routine departmental reports from Road & Bridge (presented by Judge Henington on behalf of Superintendent Johnny Salcido), Emergency Management (James Etchison) and the Brewster County Treasurer and Comptroller. No executive session was convened. The Court scheduled its next meeting for April 22, 2025, in Marathon.
