Soaking rains ease Caldwell County drought

By LPR Staff
Editor/POST-REGISTER

Encouraged by rainfall totals that topped seven inches in some areas, the Caldwell County Commissioners’ Court opted to temporarily lift the outdoor burning ban.

After suffering several months with Keetch-Byram ratings near 800, last weekend’s rains offered a reprieve for Caldwell County, bringing the danger index

below 700 throughout Caldwell County.

The Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) is used by the Texas Forest Service to determine wildfire dangers, and is based upon a number of factors, including moisture totals and the flammability of ground materials.

Although a KBDI index over 600 is still dangerous, and associated with severe, fast-moving and destructive grass fires, the ratings in Caldwell County mark a significant improvement over conditions in the recent past.

While outdoor burning will continue to be allowed, residents are urged to take caution when burning. Dry grasses pose a significant risk of igniting quickly and “controlled burns” can quickly go out of control, threatening property, homes and lives.

The Caldwell County Commissioners will reassess the status of the burn ban during their next regular meeting on Monday, April 27.

In brief news:
The Commissioners approved a resolution expressing support for a legislative program addressing the “e-waste crisis.” This legislative measure will encourage computer users and manufacturers to recycle computers rather than throwing them away when users upgrade their equipment. They also considered writing a letter in conjunction with their support recommending that computer sales outlets offer discounts for equipment traded in by customers at upgrade.

They approved the purchase and installation of new carpet in the lobby of the Caldwell County Judicial Center. The cost of the carpet will be approximately $1,785. Precinct 2 Commissioner Charles Bullock voted against the carpet purchase.

The county paid bills in the amount of $124,370.38, which includes $5,929.90 in indigent legal defense and $7,591.15 for indigent health care.

The Caldwell County Commissioners meet on the second, third and fourth Monday of each month at 9 a.m. in Room 100 of the Caldwell County Courthouse.