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Bowie budget, rate proposals adopted amidst angry debate

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The Bowie City Council met in called session tonight to consider water and wastewater rates that were tabled Monday night, along with adoption of the 2018-19 budget, also tabled.

There was tremendous tension in the meeting with more than a dozen people present in the audience, several obviously upset the city council was considering a rate increase in any area. The mayor pointed out public comments were not listed on the agenda.

Councilor Craig Stallcup reiterated his arguments from Monday against any rate increase if it is not offset with a similar decrease in electric. Things became very tense between him and City Manager Bert Cunningham when he was asked to tell the councilor why the rate increase was necessary. Cunningham said the goal was to make water and sewer begin to fund themselves, as well as work on infrastructure. He said he has explained the philosophy =several times, but Stallcup either does not agree or understand. Stallcup said there is no financial justification for the tax or water rate hikes, which will provide nominal funds to the budget.

Councilor Arlene Bishop, also adamantly against the rate proposals and the budget plans to borrow money to buy some heavy equipment for big projects and other capital equipment for the city, demanded to go into executive session to discuss a salary issue she had discovered. Mayor Gaylynn Burris asked why that was necessary at this time and Bishop said she wants to know why they are reimbursing the city manager for his insurance. Burris convened into executive session that last about six minutes. No action was taken back in regular session.

The council approved on tie votes the proposed rate structures for water and wastewater. Councilors Bishop, Stallcup and Machelle Mills voted no, with Terry Gunter, Wayne Bell and Chuck Malone voting yes. Burris broke the tie with a yes vote.

The budget proposal was approved with Bishop the lone no vote. Stallcup said he believes it is a good budget, a “bold budget,” and there are a lot of good things that can come out of it. However, the only thing he is ashamed of is the rates, adding it is the first time has has “been ashamed to be on the council.”

Watch for mid-week News for full coverage. A second called meeting is planned for Tuesday night, which will allow for the required reading of the rate and budget ordinances.

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Montague County juggles spending Senate Bill 22 funds

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By BARBARA GREEN
[email protected]
April was proclaimed as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Montague County by the commissioner’s court on Monday.
A large group of representatives from the Montague County Child Welfare Board, 2Engage Family Service, Child Protective Services and Court Appointed Special advocates filled the courtroom to present the annual proclamation, which was read by Lorra Lierly.
This month of awareness informs the public about the fight against child abuse in all its forms and at all ages of children, plus its impact on families. Those who wish to report possible concerns can call a hotline at 800-252-5400.
It was a relatively brief agenda of business for the court Monday.
They made some changes to how the Senate Bill 22 grant funds will be spent in the county attorney’s office.
SB22 created a grant program that provides financial assistance based on population to sheriff, district and county attorney offices to ensure professional law enforcement and legal representation of the people’s interests throughout the state. The court approved how it will be spent through the county attorney’s office hiring an investigator to serve that office plus others.

Read the full story in the mid-week Bowie News.

Lorra Lierly presented the proclamation naming April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. She was joined by local county child welfare board members, Child Protective Service staff, CASA and 2Engage Families. (Photo by Barbara Green)
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Saint Jo ISD purchases 25 acres for long-term planning

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By BARBARA GREEN
[email protected]
In an effort to bolster long-term planning, the Saint Jo Independent School District Board of Trustees recently approved the purchase of 25 acres on the west side of the city.
School officials made the announcement in a press release just as the district went on spring break, calling it “a significant milestone in the district’s commitment to providing high-quality education and meeting the needs of its growing student population.”
“We are pleased to announce the acquisition of this valuable land, which will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of education in Saint Jo ISD,” stated Leeton Phillips, president of the Saint Jo ISD School Board.

Read the full story in the mid-week Bowie News.

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City of Saint Jo to try four-day work week for public works, sewer departments

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The Saint Jo City Council approved a 60-day trial of a four-day work week for the public works and sewer departments, but the city office staff will keep their present hours.
According to the March 13 minutes Public Works Director Marty Hilton made the request to change the work week. The council went into executive session to discuss personnel, and back in open session voted 5-0 to try a 60-day trial for the four-day work week for public works.
Two employees will work Monday-Thursday and the other two will

work Tuesday-Friday. It is up to the employees to determine the work schedule that will go from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. starting March 29.

Read the rest of the story in the mid-week Bowie News.

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