KAUFMAN–During the regular Kaufman County commissioners court meeting Aug. 20, Fire Marshal Chief Investigator Mike Taylor informs county commissioners of the recent increase of fires in the county. With the Aug. 19 temperature of 107 degrees, Taylor applauds the fire department for their work in handling the fires. Considering the county is about a week away from finishing the burning of debris by recent storms, Taylor offers a one-week grace period on the burn ban for the county. It was also mentioned that the fire department has purchased new signs for the burn ban. After learning that the new signs will read both English and Spanish, commissioners approved the burn ban order. 
Taylor also informs the court that the Fire department is working under the 2018 fire codes. With the rise of fires, the fire department asks that commissioners amend the Kaufman County fire code in reference to the proper storage of energy systems. Llithium batteries have been a recent problem for the fire department, as they can cause fires if they are not properly stored. The fire department has buried lithium batteries and asks that the public be aware of how to properly store and dispose of them. Taylor also asks that the public be aware of companies that will properly dispose of the batteries. Kaufman county commissioners approved to amend the Kaufman County fire code, and it was stated that the improper storage of lithium batteries is considered a Class B misdemeanor. 
In other business, commissioners;
• Discussed the pet adoption center’s open house 12 p.m. through 3 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 24.
• Approved Commissioner’s court meeting minutes for Aug. 13.
• Approved Commissioner’s court workshop meeting minutes for Aug. 13.
• Approved Commissioner’s special invitation meeting minutes for Aug. 15. 
• Approved the appointment of election judges, alternate judges, early voting officers, ballot board judges, alternate ballot board judge and central counting station personnel for the 2024-26 submission term in accordance with the Texas election code.
• Approved the execution of a joint election contract for entities to join the county on the Nov. 2024 ballot in accordance with section 271 of the Texas election code.
• Discussed the treasurer’s monthly report for July.
• Approved the supplement agreement #5 for the FM 548 project between Kaufman County and Westwood in the amount of $311,031. 
• Approved the supplement agreement #2 for the FM 548 project between Kaufman County and Jacobs in the amount of $346,544. 
• Approved the tax assessors-collector’s monthly property tax collections report and auto-collection report for July.
• Approved Hoefer Welker as the architect for the election and fleet services project for Kaufman County.
• Approved line-item and budget transfers and corrections.
• Approved claims for payment and or financial information as provided by the county auditor.