Brown County and the City of Early will exchange two properties under a deal approved Monday by the Brown County Commissioners Court, giving the county additional land for Precinct 3 while providing Early with a barn it needs.

The agreement involves 2.2 acres owned by Brown County on Old May Road and 5.1 acres owned by the City of Early on Hutton Street. The county property includes a barn currently used by Precinct 3. As part of the exchange, the City of Early will pay Brown County $75,000.

Land exchange supports different needs

County officials said Precinct 3 needs the additional acreage for future growth. Early, meanwhile, needs the barn located on the county-owned property. The approved sale and purchase agreement allows both governments to obtain the site features they need through a property swap.

Commissioners approve board and grant measures

Commissioners also approved three additions to the Brown County Child Welfare Board. Board Chairman Lisa Caldwell presented the appointments of Katy Fisher, Ryan Soto and Kinley Gotcher.

County Treasurer David Becktold requested four new checking accounts at Texas Bank for state grants. He explained that grants are available for the County Attorney’s Office, District Attorney’s Office, Sheriff’s Office and District Courtroom, but state law requires a separate account for each grant. Commissioners approved all four accounts.

The court also approved and authorized Acting Brown County Judge Tom Munson to apply for the Rural Law Enforcement Grant program for fiscal year 2026/2027 on behalf of the Brown County Sheriff’s Office.

November election dates set

Stephanie Upfold of the Brown County Elections Administration presented the order authorizing Brown County’s general election on Nov. 3, 2026. Commissioners approved the order.

For residents planning to vote in that election, the registration deadline is Oct. 5, 2026. The deadline to apply for a ballot by mail is Oct. 23. Early voting is scheduled for Oct. 19 through Oct. 30.

  • Voter registration deadline: Monday, Oct. 5, 2026
  • Application deadline to vote by mail: Friday, Oct. 23, 2026
  • Early voting: Monday, Oct. 19, through Friday, Oct. 30, 2026
  • General election: Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026

Commissioners approved a public hearing for Sept. 21 at 9 a.m. to consider the County Clerk Record Archival Fee for fiscal year 2026/2027. The court also scheduled consideration and possible approval of the fee for the same date and time, after the hearing.

No action was taken on the county burn ban. The burn ban remains in effect for now.