Hardin County approves grant applications, contracts and budget moves; 45‑day burn ban extended

Hardin County commissioners met March 10, 2026, in Lumberton and approved a package of routine financial items, grant applications, contract authorizations and change orders while extending the county'wide outdoor burning ban for 45 days amid ongoing extreme drought conditions.

The court voted to extend the March 3 disaster declaration and the associated outdoor burning restrictions for 45 days, citing current and forecasted drought. Commissioners said they will revisit the ban if the National Weather Service updates forecasts that show short-term relief.

In other actions the court approved submission of several state grant applications as requested by county staff. The court adopted an amended Resolution 3‑26 to authorize submission of an Edward Burn Memorial Justice Assistance Grant application, approved Resolution 8‑26 to seek up to $25,000 in law enforcement terrorism prevention grant funds, and approved Resolution 9‑26 to apply for State Homeland Security Program funding. Grants Coordinator F. Woodward was listed as the staff contact for the public safety grant submissions.

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