Fireworks not restricted this year

By LPR Staff
Editor/POST-REGISTER

For the first time in several years, Caldwell County residents will not face any restrictions in aerial fireworks during the Fourth of July season.
The Caldwell County Commissioners voted on Monday not to sign a resolution that would ban fireworks described as “rockets with sticks” or “missiles with fins.” In pa

st years, such fireworks have been banned during both the Fourth of July and New Years fireworks season, because they cause a heightened risk of wildfires in rural areas.
This year, because of the extended periods of wet weather this spring, the Commissioners have not yet been forced to instill a burn ban, and the burn ban is instrumental in the fireworks ban — the County cannot pass the fireworks ban unless it is also under an outdoor burning ban.
Although forecasts call for more rain throughout the week and heading into the weekend, Caldwell County residents are reminded that they must still exercise caution when using fireworks, because fire dangers still exist.
In other business, the Court settled a debate regarding the purchase or continued lease of four motor graders for the Unit Road Department.
County Auditor Sonny Rougeou and Unit Road Administrator Dwight Jeffrey brought a proposal to the Commissioners last week, suggesting the County purchase four Volvo motor graders. In the past, the County has leased Caterpillar graders from Holt. Rougeou and Jeffrey noted the limited use of the graders made a purchase, rather than continuing the lease, a better bargain for the county. The notion was met by resistance from some Commissioners, who suggested continuing with the County’s current vendors, or perhaps purchasing the graders already in Unit Road’s possession.
In the end, the Commissioners opted to negotiate a purchase through Holt of the existing graders.
County Judge H.T. Wright recently received correspondence from the Caldwell County Appraisal District regarding the District’s budget for the coming fiscal year. Chief Appraiser Pete Islas has suggested a total budget for the Appraisal District of $742,593, which is about a 4.7 percent increase over last year’s budget. Caldwell County, along with the other taxing entities in the County, is responsible for paying the district’s budget through tax collections, and therefore receives some input on the budget.
Islas requested the Court discuss the budget and return suggestions or objections as soon as possible, as the Appraisal District board must vote on an approved budget before Sept. 15.
In brief news:
The Court considered allowing the sale of five acres out of a 15-acre tract on Sand Holler Road.
They discussed potential changes to the County’s insurance program.
The County paid bills in the amount of $77,335.24, including $25,5041.77 in indigent healthcare fees.
The Caldwell County Commissioners Court meets on the second, third and fourth Monday of each month at 9 a.m. in Room 100 of the Caldwell County Courthouse.