NEWS
Bowie budget, rate proposals adopted amidst angry debate
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.
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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