KAUFMAN COUNTY–Commissioners voted to issue a burn ban during the regular meeting Aug. 1. Fire Marshall Paul Ayres told commissioners that during this time of year, conditions often make burning dangerous, and this season is already proving to be high-risk.
Ayres went on to tell commissioners that the first major grass fire of the season occurred last week when 20 acres ignited as a result of bailing hay. He stated that grass is currently completely cured, making it a very fast burn, and that over the coming days, conditions will continue to get dryer.
For the foreseeable future, outdoor burning is prohibited. Violation of the burn ban is a class C misdemeanor.
Commissioners also voted to proclaim Aug. 6-12 National Health Center Week in Kaufman County. Olivia Sanders of Carevide, a community health center providing health care services in Kaufman county, approached commissioners about the proclamation, stating how happy she was that healthcare workers were able to be in the community making a real difference.
Each year in August, the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) sponsors this week to celebrate and increase awareness of the country’s 1,400 community health centers. The week is used as a means to honor staff board members and supporters for commitment and passion in providing comprehensive healthcare services.
Each National Health Center Week comes with a theme from NACHC. The theme for 2023 is “The Roadmap to a Stronger America.”
“Community Health Centers serve as the beacon of strength, service, and care in their communities. In moments of pain and loss, they offer support and love,” says NACHC. “In moments of triumph, they offer hope and a vision for the future. This year’s National Health Center Week theme takes us on a virtual road trip across America, highlighting the achievements and amazing work being done at Community Health Centers in every state and territory.”
Each day from Aug. 6 to Aug. 12 will celebrate a different focus area, including public health in housing, healthcare for the homeless, patient appreciation, children’s healthcare and more.
Commissioners unanimously approved the proclamation.
In other business, commissioners:
• Approved consent agenda items.
• Approved final play of Up Away Oaks located at County Roads 279 and 279A in Precinct 1.
• Approved the infrastructure design plan for Post Mobile Home Community.
• Approved the transfer of $10,000 from the 2019 Precinct 4 road bond to finish road work near Grays Prairie.
• Approved letters to all jurisdictions Kaufman County collects concerning Appraisal District supplemental refunds.
• Approved auditor budget line item and budget transfers.
• Approved claims for payment and financial information as provided by the county auditor.
• Discussed and approved preliminary fiscal year 2023-24 budgets.