Discuss, consider, and take appropriate action on the issuance of a county-wide burn ban, not to exceed 90 days, and to authorize the County Judge to lift said ban when conditions improve.

Williamson County has not seen significant rainfall in multiple weeks and as a result is experiencing the onset of drought conditions. As of July 29th, the Texas Forest Service estimates that the county Keetch-Byrum Drought Index (KBDI) has a high of 609, low of 435, an average of 518, and with a plus 9 modifier daily. If this trend continues, the average on Tuesday August 6, the county will be at or near 581. In addition to the drought conditions, high heat, expected high pressure, low fuel moistures, and wind create dangerous wildfire conditions. While emergency response to wildfires has remained low, the conditions are deteriorating quickly. For reference, the KBDI has a range of 0 (Low) to 800 (Extreme) drought, with anything over 600 to be considered significant for rapid growth and spread of wildfire.