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.
Montague County Judge Kevin Benton has signed an order lifting the outdoor burn ban effective Oct. 7.
Persons are still urged to be cautious when they are out working in the countryside to avoid any spark that could cause a wildfire.
Oct 2
5-8 p.m. – Fall Sip & Stroll With Me, throughout downtown Bowie. Purchase the required armbands and wineglass at 101 E. Pecan or at a participating merchant for $15. Fiddlers will be jamming and horse-drawn carriage rides
Oct. 3
8 a.m. – Pickleball Tournament at The Blade in Pelham Park.
9-10 a.m. – Fiddler registration, Bowie Fire Hall, 203 Walnut
10 a.m. – Championship fiddler’s contest begins.
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Piston Heads Auto Club Antique and Classic Car Show, Tarrant Street between Mason and Smythe. Registration 9-11 a.m., awards at 3 p.m. Mason and Smythe for entrance
10 a.m.- 4 p.m. – Heritage Market with food vendors, crafts, gifts, home decor and more. Set up on the plaza area on Smythe Street. Kid’s Coop inflatables and pedal cars on the bank parking lot. Horse-drawn carriage rides will be offered.
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Montague County Creative Arts exhibit and contest at the Bowie Library, 301 Walnut.
11:30 a.m.- Pumpkin sweep contest, egg toss and egg race games in front of the main stage on Smythe Street.
2 p.m. – Art exhibit awards reception at the library.
3 p.m. – Drawing for a bass guitar at fiddler stage in the fire hall,
3 p.m. – Piston Heads Auto Club Show awards, show registration table on Tarrant Street.
Live performances – Main Street stage on Smythe
10 a.m. – Bowie Youth Cheerleaders: Pee-Wee third and fourth graders.
10:30 a.m. – Bowie Intermediate students (third-fifth grade).
11 a.m. – Bowie youth cheerleaders: Juniors fifth and sixth graders.
11:15 a.m. – Ava Layne Bryan, 13-year-old singer from Alvord.
Noon – Bowie youth cheerleaders: Midgets first and second graders.
12:15 p.m. – Rising Stars Performing Arts Center.
Hymns for the Hungry is an event organized by Bowie First Methodist Church to benefit God’s Table, the food ministry operated out of First Freewill Baptist Church of Bowie six nights a week.
This event allows surrounding churches or organizations to share their gift of music to benefit God’s Table. This year’s Hymns for the Hungry will be 5 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 25 at the Bowie Community Center, 413 Pelham.
Admission fee is $1.00. Last year, this event raised more than $15,000 thanks to local sponsors and community’s participation. God’s Table depends on this fundraiser which is operated by volunteers from across the community.
Help by attending this event and supporting God’s Table. “Meal deals” of a hot dog, chips, and drink will be served for $5. Dessert is by donation.
Cakes will be auctioned off intermittently throughout the event, and anyone is welcome to bring one to donate. Drawings for gift cards to local establishments also will take place. All proceeds will go directly to God’s Table, which is now feeding approximately 100 people each night.
If you would like to participate or need more information call or text Jarae Scruggs @ 940-841-1212, or you may call the Bowie First Methodist Church office directly at 940-872-3384.
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