Fannin County Judge Butch Henderson opened the meeting by suggesting the court examine janitorial service at the courthouse annex.  Judge Henderson also notified commissioners that the initial wording for a future referendum regarding courthouse restoration had been drafted.

The first action item on the agenda was discussion and possible action regarding the burn ban that has been in effect throughout Fannin County since January.

"We would like to see the burn ban left in effect until the next commissioners court meeting," advised Rodney Blackerby, newly elected president of the Fannin County Fire Chiefs Association.  Blackerby cautioned against lifting the ban when strong winds were creating a high level of danger and he pointed out the extra runs volunteer fire departments were making in counties where the burn ban had been lifted.

Randy Moore, District Conservationist for USDA’s National Resources Conservation Service, presented a different perspective.  

Moore stressed the need some landowners have for controlled burns that can help control brush, cedar and combustible undergrowth before hot, dry summer weather that is rapidly approaching makes reclamation burns much more dangerous.

"The key is doing it right," Moore stated.

Initially, USDA supervised control burns were permissible even with the countywide burn ban, but a proclamation issued by Texas Governor Rick Perry superceded the restrictions that had previously allowed the controlled burns.

"Personally, I don't feel the burn ban needs to be lifted today," commented Fannin County Judge Butch Henderson.

Instead, Judge Henderson suggested a possible compromise that would call for a special meeting of the Fannin County Commissioners Court at 8:30 a.m. Friday, February 29.  Commissioners voted to consider the ongoing burn ban again Friday morning and decide at that time if conditions warranted canceling the burn ban.

Commissioners approved a proclamation regarding March as American Red Cross Month and approved another proclamation that states Poison Prevention Week will be March 16-22 in Fannin County.

Agenda items concerning a security contract for the first floor of the Fannin County Courthouse and a discussion regarding additional space for Fannin County Extension Service Office were both tabled.

Commissioners approved a $1,700 grant from Northeast Texas Resource Conservation and Development that will be used to help the county clean up trash and illegal dumpsites.  The grant will allow each of the four precincts to rent a 30-yard dumpster to be used solely for the collection of trash.

Fannin County BEES (Beautification, Education and Enforcement Strategies), a committee dedicated to promoting environmental awareness, education and responsibility of the citizens of Fannin County, will assist by documenting the process with before-and-after photos.  BEES have also adopted a section of U.S. 82.  BEES is also asking more Fannin County residents to consider taking a more active role in keeping the countryside clean by participating in the Adopt-a-County-Road Program. 

According the BEES website, "BEES will provide orange vests that should be worn at all times during trash pick-up. Signs to warn drivers that you are working hard for Fannin County will be loaned to you, and additional signs to let citizens know that you’re helping to beautify the roads are yours to keep. Safety guidelines and trash bags are also available and the BEES promise to pick up trash that is too heavy or hazardous."

For more information, visit http://www.co.fannin.tx.us/ips/cms/localarealinks/Fannin_County_BEES.html?accessible=true or call the Fannin County Extension Office at 903-583-7453.

Judge Henderson also reminded the court that Fannin County would need to work on resolving the Groundwater Conservation District issue.  Originally, the county asked to be excluded, however TCEQ overruled and gave Fannin County two years to form its own Groundwater Conservation District at an annual cost estimated to be $250,000 or join in with other counties and share the cost. 

The groundwater issue is particularly tough for residents to swallow in light of the fact Fannin County is also likely to have 60,000 acres impacted by two reservoirs that will help Texas meet future surface water needs.

Some counties have chosen to retain counsel and address this matter in the courts.  Jerry Chapman, one of the most knowledgeable water experts in North Texas and general manager of the Greater Texoma Utility Authority, will discuss the Groundwater Conservation District issue in detail at a meeting of the Fannin County Water Supply Agency meeting Thursday in Bonham.

Fannin County Commissioners Court also approved a resolution in support of renewing a grant application for the grand jury coordinator position and voted to approve a resolution for a new grant that could provide a child abuse investigator.