On Feb. 16, Georgetown Public Works employees removed an estimated 240 bricks from walkways surrounding the Williamson County Courthouse and returned them to the historical commission.
"The city sidewalks are for pedestrian traffic, not monuments," Council Member Stephen Fought said during the workshop.
According to a release from the city, the program was originally suspended in June after several public concerns were made.
"We conducted a background review of the memorial brick program due to the recent concerns raised about certain bricks honoring Confederate soldiers,” City Manager David Morgan said in a June letter to the commission. "While we appreciate our partnership and the work the commission does to preserve the county's history, the city will require a formal agreement approved by the council before moving forward."
The commission provided a proposed interlocal agreement to council at the February workshop, but council chose not to move forward.
The rejected agreement released the city from having maintenance liability other than damage and suggested the city and commission work together during an appeals process.
Commission Fundraising Chair Shelby Little informed the city that he did not know the exact revenue but did claim the program helped support a majority of the commission's projects.
"The intent and purpose of the program is to give our citizens the opportunity to recognize and memorialize family members, veterans and events that are important to them and help tell the rich history of Georgetown and Williamson County," Shelby said.
For more than a decade, Georgetown citizens were able to purchase a paver for $50 through the commission to honor war veterans.
Protesters stood outside of the courthouse during the removal process Feb. 16.
Visit https://government.georgetown.org/city-management/memorial-brick-program to learn more.
