Caldwell County Commissioners discussed the burn ban, fireworks restrictions, stop signs in Prairie Lea, employee retirement benefits, information for filmmakers and approved multiple plats.
(Pictured l-r: Pct. 1 Commissioner B.J. Westmoreland, Pct. 2 Commissioner Rusty Horne, County Judge Hoppy Haden, Pct. 3 Commissioner Ed Theriot, Pct. 4 Commissioner Dyral Thomas)
Next scheduled meeting
Tuesday, Dec. 10
Emergency Management Chief EMC emphasizes importance of burn ban
Caldwell County Chief Emergency Management Coordinator Hector Rangel told commissioners that there had been a few fires lately that had been the result of people illegally burning after dark. A countywide burn ban is in place due to persisting drought conditions and increased wildfire risk, but people have continued to burn illegally, sometimes waiting until after dark, Rangel said. Some violators have burned items such as couches and other household items which is strictly prohibited even when conditions are favorable and outdoor burning is allowed. Residents are reminded to dispose of those items illegally at the landfill.
Rangel reminded the public that people caught burning illegally will be issued a citation.
Commissioners voted to continue the burn ban, which will be next discussed at the Dec. 10 regular meeting.
County to increase retirement contribution match for employees
Commissioners voted unanimously to increase Caldwell County’s agreement with the Texas County and District Retirement System. Caldwell County currently contributes $1.75 for every dollar that county employees pay into their retirement accounts. That amount is set to go up on Jan. 1, 2025, when the county will begin contributing $2.25 for every $1 paid by employees.
Fireworks restrictions in place for holiday season
As is usually the case, Caldwell County Commissioners voted to restrict the sale of fireworks during the holiday season. The sale and use of fireworks are permitted in unincorporated areas of the county excluding rocket-style fireworks with sticks and missile-style fireworks with fins. The order expires Jan. 1, 2025 or when drought conditions are no longer present.
Stop signs in Prairie Lea to stay
Commissioners voted to leave stop signs in place in Prairie Lea after hearing from a citizen who, citing the findings of a 2022 traffic study, contended some of the signs needed to be removed. Pct. 2 Commissioner Rusty Horne said that while one resident had been vocal about the signs, others who had not addressed the court formally had expressed support for them. The commissioner stressed that they were allowed by the transportation code and he believed they were contributing to public safety. While some residents readily admit they don’t always abide by the stop signs, Horne said, many acknowledged that they do remind them to slow down when driving through Prairie Lea.
Other Action
Commissioners also:
- Approved the preliminary plat for Esperanza Ranch consisting of 34 residential lots on 42.4 acres on Taylorsville Road and FM 86.
- Approved the final plat for Loopsy subdivision consisting of four residential lots on 45.38 acres on Pebblestone Road.
- Approved the final plat for Acorn Grove Estates consisting of 14 residential lots on approximately 61.55 acres on Sierra Drive and Acorn Road.
- Approved the short form plat for Orchard Subdivision consisting of two residential lots on 18.75 acres on Orchard Way and Political Road.
- Approved the short form plat for Dale 1854 Addition consisting of two residential lots on 9.9 acres on FM 1854 and FM 1185.
- Approved a proposal from Davis Kaufman, PLLC to represent the county on matters related to monitoring legislative and regulatory activities during the 89th session of the Texas Legislature.
- Approved a Filming Information Packet for Caldwell County. The packet, which details permitting requirements, fees, rules for filming on county property, filming hours and more, will be posted on the County Judge’s page.
This is only a summary of meeting highlights. Click here to access full meeting minutes and watch video of the meeting.