NEWS
Citizen challenges council action on water/rate hike
By BARBARA GREEN
The first reading of ordinances that will increase water and wastewater rates an annual average of $100 was approved Tuesday night, but not before several Bowie City Council members explained their reasons for supporting the rates in response to one citizen’s questions.
These rates will apply to all residential classes, not commercial customers.
The water base rate will increase from $19.38 to $21.31, while the sewer base will go from $14.80 to $20. Also in the sewer the per thousand gallon rate will go from $2.57 to $2.75 and there will be a 10,000-gallon cap in sewer.
The annual water increase will total $23.16 and the sewer base will be an annual increase of $62.40.
Based on the average monthly use of 7,000 gallons the per thousand total increase for the year may be $77.50. Combined the average total increase for the year would be $100.77.
Tami Buckmaster, a local accountant, challenged the council on the need for such a high rate increase. Two council members responded to her comments with explanations for the changes.
Read the full story in the weekend News.
NEWS
Take advantage of Emergency Supplies Sales Tax weekend
AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) today encouraged Texans to take part in this year’s Emergency Supplies Sales Tax Holiday Weekend starting Saturday, April 27 through Monday, April 29. “Having emergency supplies on-hand is a critical part of being prepared for potential severe weather,” said Governor Abbott. “I encourage Texans across the state to stock up on supplies they might need in an emergency to protect themselves and their loved ones, such as first aid kits, flashlights, or hand-held fire extinguishers.” Signed into law by Governor Abbott in 2015, Senate Bill 905 established Texas’ annual Emergency Supplies Sales Tax Holiday Weekend allowing Texans to purchase certain emergency preparation supplies tax free either online or in person. Texans can visit the Texas Comptroller’s website for more information on qualifying purchases. As spring storms and increased wildfire danger impact Texas, along with the approaching hurricane season which begins on June 1, Texans are encouraged to review disaster preparedness tips and information on building an emergency supply kit at TexasReady.gov. |
NEWS
Draft county subdivision rules prepared for hearing
By BARBARA GREEN
[email protected]
A public hearing has been scheduled for 9:45 a.m. on May 28 for the Montague County Commissioner’s Court to present the updated subdivision regulations that have been in the works for several months.
That date was set during Monday’s court session, where a development officer also was named and a state-required notice was approved. The 89-page draft of the subdivision regulations are available on the county website co.montague.tx.us/page/montague.home.
It was August 2019 when the regulations were adopted by the commissioners after much debate among water well drillers, groundwater district staff and directors, realtors and land developers.
During those original discussions water issues lead the way as many counties especially around heavily populated urban areas are experiencing water shortages and possible contamination due to an inadequate number of houses and wells or even the use of a public water system in the rural areas.
Charley Lanier, who has been working as a grant officer for the county, was named to be the subdivision development officer. After a brief 10-minute executive session, the court named Lanier who they said would be the “initial contact” for all developers who will accept all paperwork and plats.
Read the full story in the mid-week Bowie News.
NEWS
Water line, street repair complete
City of Bowie water and street crews repair a broken water line in the area of Walnut and Smythe last week, along with repairing a large pot hole in the same area. (Photo by Barbara Green)
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