NEWS
Second budget workshop tackles major infrastructure needs, utility rates proposed
By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
It was a rather subdued City of Bowie budget workshop Monday night as the council went through the major utility budgets and were confronted with long-needed infrastructure repairs, especially in the water distribution and collection system.
As the needs and requests unfolded it was clear Bowie is far behind in upkeep and maintenance of its systems. With major line replacement topping the priority list the idea of borrowing money to finance the expensive repairs was broached.
City Manager Bert Cunningham also proposed rate changes to bring the sewer and water departments closer to paying their own way, along with a tax rate/electric rate increase/reduction offset.
Along with the budget workshop the council went into a half hour executive session to discuss the sale of the property located at Farm-to-Market 1125 and U.S. 287.
Back in open session the council gave Mayor Gaylynn Burris authority to negotiate with the realtor on a potential offer for the land.
The city purchased the 9.59 acres in the summer of 2014 for $178,840. There had been discussion of using the land for a future city office complex, but that plan fell by the wayside due to budget constraints and public outcry.
Rate proposals
Cunningham, working on his first budget as city manager, offered the council some preliminary proposals for rate changes. He said it “horrible” to operate a utility at a deficit because it provides no money for upkeep and it should operate shooting for a 10 percent profit to allow for maintenance.
Looking back a little more than two years ago when new water and sewer rates were proposed, Cunningham said those increases were 25 percent in water and 45 in sewer. In comparison he said his proposal of three percent in water and 15 percent in sewer are minor.
Read the full story in the mid-week 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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