FALFURRIAS – Wednesday’s storms are a reminder of a dilemma. The walls of Brooks County Courthouse leak into the room that houses public documents.

Only a state agency can fix the problem, according to the county judge.

Brooks County houses the county clerk's records in the basement of the courthouse.

Documents dating back to the 1800s include marriage licenses, deeds and leases. The moisture poses a risk.

"It'll work for a little while," said Brooks County Judge Imelda Barrera of the patch jobs and methods staff used to hold back the moisture. "Then it goes back to the same thing."

The county cannot make any more permanent fixes, such as replacing the wall.

Barrera said the Texas Historical Commission has to approve a solution.

"Because it is a historical site, everything belongs to them,” she said.

Barrera said the county will meet with the historical commission Thursday. She said she will ask for help.