Cooke County commissioners approve consent items, public benches and appoint new fire marshal; lift burn ban

Cooke County Commissioners Court on Jan. 26, 2026 approved a slate of routine business, accepted treasurer reports, granted a community request to install public benches and lending libraries on courthouse grounds at no cost to the county, appointed Rand Brown as the county fire marshal and voted to lift a temporary burn ban.

The court, presided over by the county judge (referred to in the transcript as “Judge”), began by approving the consent agenda and the treasurer’s monthly and quarterly reports by voice votes, each carrying 4–1 with one commissioner absent. Those routine approvals cleared several housekeeping items quickly.

Veronica Sustaita, representing the 2025–2026 Leadership Gainesville class, asked the court to authorize installation of two or more benches and optional small "little lending libraries" around the courthouse at no cost to the county. "Our proposal is to install 2 or more public benches in the surrounding area," Sustaita said, adding the project would include materials and installation paid for by the Leadership Gainesville class. Commissioners discussed placement and mounting (grass mount versus sidewalk) and approved the request with the final location to be determined at the judge’s discretion; the motion passed 4–1 (one commissioner absent).

The court also appointed Rand Brown to serve as Cooke County Fire Marshal for a two-year term beginning Jan. 26, 2026 and ending Jan. 26, 2028. Brown told the court he is "coming from FEMA Region 6" where he served as lead logistics planner, and said he intends to bring those skills to the county role. The court approved the appointment by motion and arranged for the swearing-in immediately following the vote.

Sheriff’s office business included notice that Courthouse Security Deputy Sabrina Fritz is retiring effective the following day and a request to permit her to purchase her duty weapon at fair market value. The sheriff recommended a fair-market price between $350 and $400 and noted the weapon is about five years old; the court approved the sale at the sheriff’s suggested amount by motion (vote 4–1, one commissioner absent). The sheriff also provided information regarding compliance with Senate Bill 8 and related jail enforcement funding.

On public safety policy, the court debated lifting a temporary burn ban. Commissioners said residents needed a short window to burn downed limbs and debris after recent weather; one commissioner opposed the change. The court voted to lift the ban, 3–1 with one absent, while noting the ban could be reinstated quickly if conditions warrant.

The court adjourned following the business.

Votes at a glance
- Consent agenda: approved 4–1 (one absent).
- Treasurer monthly report (Dec. 2025): approved 4–1 (one absent).
- Treasurer quarterly report (Oct–Dec 2025): approved 4–1 (one absent).
- Leadership Gainesville benches and small lending libraries (Item 10): approved 4–1 (one absent).
- Appointment of Rand Brown as Cooke County Fire Marshal (Item 11): approved, swearing-in scheduled; vote reported 4–1 (one absent).
- Sale of retiring deputy’s duty weapon to Deputy Sabrina Fritz at sheriff’s recommended fair market value: approved 4–1 (one absent).
- Burn ban lifted (Item 17): approved 3–1, one absent.

What’s next: Several items were deferred (items 14 and 15 pulled) and the court noted other agenda items—including a TAPS transportation presentation—will be rescheduled for a future meeting.