NEWS
Bowie mayor resigns; tells TV ‘ongoing tensions’ to blame
Just six months after being elected mayor of the City of Bowie, Bill Miller on Thursday resigned effective immediately.
His one-sentence letter was submitted to City Secretary Sandy Page Thursday, and simply stated “Please accept this letter as notice of my letter of resignation as mayor of the City of Bowie, TX effective immediately upon your receipt of this letter. Respectfully, Bill Miller.”
The mayor did not return a call or message for comment from The Bowie News, however, he told an area TV station there had been ongoing tensions with city leaders, prompted him to resign.
The charter states a vacancy on the council, including mayor, shall be filled for the unexpired term within 30 days by a majority vote or the council may call a special election. If the council does not fill the post in 30 days, a special election is required.
Cunningham said the mayor pro tem may be considered to fill out the term, but that person does not automatically get the job and it would require a council vote. Jason Love, local restaurant owner, was elected mayor pro tem by the council serving in the absence of the mayor.
The city will take applications for those interested in serving on the council. Cunningham said the council has set a timeline to name a mayor before the end of May.
Read the full story in your weekend Bowie News.
By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
Montague County Commissioner’s Court reluctantly returned money to the state connected to Senate Bill 22 in fiscal 2024.
During Monday’s regular session, County Auditor Charley Lanier explained the three transactions. SB 22 provided funding for prosecutor offices to assist with paying staff, and in the sheriff’s office for staff and equipment.
If all the money was not spent it had to be returned. Lanier explained the fund was approved in 2024, but it arrived after the fiscal year began and commissioners did not want to spend any of until the funds actually arrived in county coffers.
Read the full story in the Thursday Bowie News.
The Saint Jo City Council had a brief meeting on June 17.
The 2026-27 budgets for appraisal and tax collections from the Montague County Tax Appraisal District were approved. The tax collection budget faces a 3.71% increase and 2.2% in the appraisal budget.
The city’s payment for tax collections will go from $1,305 for the year down slightly from $1,445 last year. The appraisal portion for Saint Jo will be $9,526, up from $9,361 in 2026.
A municipal election for Nov. 3 was called. Places open on the ballot will be mayor, and the places filled by Melissa McPherson and Jack Dunn, who was appointed to fill out a term.
The council approved a resolution to apply for grants for water infra structure improvements through the Texas Water Development Board. The city is working with engineers from Corlett, Probst and Boyd of Wichita Falls on a proposed project.
The 60th anniversary Jim Bowie Days Celebration opened on June 20th with a full day of activities focusing on sports and a barbecue cookoff.
Festivities continue throughout the week highlight by rodeo, youth rodeo, kid’s activities and Pioneer Court. The second annual Smokedown BBQ Cookout began on Friday night with the steak and beans contests. Three other categories for chicken ribs and brisket followed on Saturday. There were 27 teams, four more than last year.
Conducted by Outlaw BBQ, the grand champion was Vinny McNamara, with 36 points. Steve Cumbie was reserve grand champion with 26 points.
Read about all the weekend’s winners complete with many photos in your Thursday Bowie News.
Top photo – The first annual pickleball tourney drew 17 teams. Teams greet each other before they start play (Photo by Barbara Green0
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