Brown County commissioners approved a series of administrative and operational changes Monday, including a plan to expand the county’s digital records and a $10 fee for retrieving records. Commissioners also took no action to lift the current burn ban, leaving it in effect.

The actions came during the Brown County Commissioners Court meeting reported Sept. 21, 2026. County Clerk Sharon Ferguson and District Clerk Cheryl Jones presented updates on efforts to convert older records from microfilm, microfiche and paper into digital files.

Record conversion expected to take 18 to 24 months

Ferguson said the archive plan is intended to add records to the existing computer system, reduce manual searches and make more information available for electronic retrieval at the courthouse and through the internet. The plan also seeks to reduce the need for paper records.

The records covered include deeds, official public records, assumed names, marriage licenses, civil filings and probate case filings. Jones said the District Clerk’s office began using the Net Data system in 2000 to image minutes and criminal cases dating from 1996 forward.

Her office is changing from Net Data to the Tyler Enterprises Justice system, a transition expected to take 18 to 24 months. The project will cover civil, divorce, tax and criminal case files in the District Clerk’s office.

“Our goal is to eventually get all records scanned from January 1996 forward and eventually be able to scan all records as each case is closed. The ultimate goal is to back scan all closed files prior to 1996 for easy access…”

Commissioners approved a $10 retrieval fee. The fee will help fund the continuing conversion of records to digital files.

Wildfire grant and purchasing rules updated

Brown County Emergency Management Coordinator Cliff Karnes presented an update to the Community Wildfire Defense Grant. The county works with the Pecan Bayou Soil and Water Conservation District on wildfire-related events, and the proposed update would help acquire equipment for tasks such as mowing and maintaining rights-of-way. Commissioners approved the update.

Commissioners also approved a change to large-purchase bidding procedures. County Auditor Mitch Moore said state law now requires bidding for purchases over $100,000, replacing the county’s previous $50,000 threshold. Purchases must still receive Commissioners Court approval even when bidding is not required.

Other decisions from the meeting

  • Hank Hunter was nominated to the Board of Trustees of the Center for Life Resources.
  • County Treasurer David Becktold was named administrator for the optional Corebridge Financial Plan for county employees.
  • Sheriff and constable fees were approved effective Jan. 1, 2027, with no changes to current fees.
  • The 2027 Commissioners Court calendar was approved, calling for meetings on the first and third Monday of each month, with four holiday-related exceptions.
  • The 2027 county holiday schedule, containing 14 holidays, was approved.

The burn ban remains on following the court’s decision to take no action on it.