Chris Cowan was hired four months ago to handle environmental crimes in Burnet County. He's been so busy with cases that the county is seeking funding for a second officer to help him. Courtesy photo
STAFF WRITER JARED FIELDS
Just over four months into the job, Environmental Crimes Deputy Chris Cowan already is a victim of his own success.
The position was funded from a Capital Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG) grant to make Cowan the first such officer in the state.
Now, he has 36 pending felony cases and more to get to. This has raised two problems. One: The position has no budget for overtime. Two: Cowan has been even busier than the county anticipated he would be.
“He reached forty hours (last week) by six o’clock Wednesday,” said Precinct 4 Constable Missy Bindseil to Burnet County Commissioners on Feb. 12. “Chris can’t just stop and say, ‘I’m at forty hours.’ These are potential first and second-degree felonies.”
That’s why the commissioners approved a resolution to submit another CAPCOG grant application for a second environmental crimes deputy.
The application deadline is Feb. 28; however, the county will not hear an acceptance or denial until sometime this summer.
The application for a second deputy also will be accompanied by a second request for funds to cover Cowan’s position. Cowan’s first year was covered by a grant for 100 percent of his salary. The second year can be only for 80 percent of the first year’s amount. The county will submit two separate applications but might have to combine the applications into one.
“We’re coming up on a milestone,” Cowan said. “The first prosecutions of illegal dumping cases are going to grand jury soon. Things are moving along great.”
News stories, staff photos, and other online content are copyrighted property of Victory Media. Reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited without the express written consent of the publisher.
This Content Submission and License Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into by and between Victory Media Marketing LLC (“Company,” “we,” or “us”) and you (“User,” “you,” or “Submitter”) upon your submission of content through our websites’ See it, Share It form.
Submitted Content “Submitted Content” means any news tips, text, descriptions, images, photographs, videos, audio files, recordings, or other materials you upload, submit, or provide to us via the news tips forms on DailyTrib.com, KBEYfm.com, 101highlandlakes.com, or any other websites owned or operated by Victory Media Marketing LLC.
License Grant By submitting any Submitted Content, you hereby grant to Company a worldwide, non- exclusive, perpetual, irrevocable, royalty-free, fully sublicensable, and transferable license to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, create derivative works from, distribute, perform, display, and otherwise exploit the Submitted Content in any form or medium (now known or hereafter developed), including but not limited to:
Publishing on DailyTrib.com, KBEYfm.com, 101highlandlakes.com, other Company websites, apps, newsletters, and social media platforms (such as Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, etc.).
Editing, formatting, or combining with other content for news, promotional, archival, or commercial purposes.
Allowing third parties (e.g., affiliates, syndication partners) to use it under the same terms. You retain ownership of the copyright in your Submitted Content, subject to the license granted above.
User Representations and Warranties You represent and warrant that:
You are at least 18 years old and have the full right and authority to grant the rights in this Agreement.
The Submitted Content is your original work or you have obtained all necessary permissions, consents, and releases (including from any individuals appearing in photos/videos or owners of any third-party materials).
The Submitted Content does not infringe any third-party intellectual property rights, privacy rights, publicity rights, or defame any person.
It complies with all applicable laws and does not contain viruses, malware, or prohibited content.
You will not submit false, misleading, or confidential information.
No Compensation You understand and agree that you will receive no compensation for the submission or use of your Submitted Content.
Indemnification You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Company, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, liabilities, losses, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising from your breach of this Agreement or any third-party claims related to your Submitted Content.
Moral Rights and Publicity You waive any moral rights or rights of attribution in the Submitted Content to the extent permitted by law. Company may use your name, username, or likeness in connection with the Submitted Content if applicable.
Termination and Removal Company may, in its sole discretion, edit, refuse to post, or remove any Submitted Content at any time without notice. This Agreement survives any termination.
Governing Law This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to conflict of laws principles. Any disputes shall be resolved exclusively in the courts located in Burnet County, Texas.
Entire Agreement This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties and supersedes all prior agreements. Modifications must be in writing. By submitting content, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Agreement.
