Commissioners Court sets guidelines

Cass County commissioners took action Tuesday, March 10, to implement Mass Gathering Guidelines which requires residents to fill out an application with the Cass County Sheriff ’s Office.

This comes after a triple shooting in Douglassville, during the Feb. 7 Pushin Pretty event which drew a large crowd for a bonfire and ATV trail ride.

During the event, the CCSO was dispatched to the event and discovered three people had suffered gunshot wounds. None of the injuries were life-threatening.

Under the Texas Mass Gatherings Act, the county judge or designee must approve any gathering that occurs outside the city limits for more than five continuous hours or for any time between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. in unincorporated areas of Cass County.

This includes events that attract more than 2,500 people, or more than 500 people if more than 51 percent of attendees are expected to be under the age of 21 and alcohol is expected to be served or consumed.

Approvals must also be received when horse or greyhound racing occurs and more than 100 are expected to attend.

Applications for approval of such events may be picked up from the sheriff ’s office, county judge’s office, or county clerk’s office. The applications must be submitted to the Cass County Sheriff ’s Office at 602 Texas Highway 8 in Linden.

Upon receipt, a review board investigates the application and provides findings independently to the county judge, who schedules a hearing no less than 10 days before the event, at which time the application will be heard.

Members of the review board will consist of the sheriff, a fire marshal or designee and health authority. These members will review safety, fire protection, sanitation, and emergency access.

The sheriff ensures the event is adequately staffed with security, ensures the property can withstand the number of guests in attendance, and the safety of emergency services in and out of the venue.

A fire marshal or designee is responsible for ensuring the event has adequate and minimal fire measures in place.

The health authority will ensure health and sanitation laws are obeyed and medical resources are adequately staffed.

Failure to follow the application process, an incomplete application, or identified public safety concerns may result in the denial or revocation of the permit.

If denied, an appeal can be filed with the appropriate district court.

There is currently no filing fee for the application, however, if a mass gathering is held without a permit a fine up to $1,000 and possible jail time could be instilled under Texas law.

Under the Texas Mass Gathering Act, mass gathering events may not be promoted until they are approved.

Applications must be received and filed with the Cass County Sheriff ’s Office, either by email to cindy. turner@casscountytx. gov or by mail to P.O. Box 180, Linden, Texas 75563 (postmarked at least 45 days prior to the event), or in person at 602 Texas Highway 8, Linden.