NEWS
Electric rate ordinance back on agenda for second reading
The Bowie City Council will meet at 6 p.m. on March 25 in the council chambers, 307 N. Mason.
Council members are expected to debate once more an electric rate ordinance, which is up for its second reading. The electric rate plan was approved last fall, but it was implemented without a new ordinance. This new ordinance corrects that issue. Previously the city’s engineer had submitted an ordinance to be considered back in 2016 when the last rate hike was implemented, however, it was not put up for council action.
When the most recent rate plan was submitted the engineers reportedly thought the other ordinance had been approved and a new one was not needed. The electric rate reduction was effective Dec. 1, 2018 and was a 90-10 split with 90 percent of the reduction going to residential and 10 percent to industrial.
Two councilors, who were not on the panel when that rate plan was adopted, debated a change to the overall rate plan to spread the reduction out among all rate classes. Council Chuck Malone said it was the council thought giving the reduction to residential would impact the most people and if another reduction was possible it would go to the commercial classes. The ordinance passed with no changes and will face its second reading Tuesday.
An ordinance prohibiting the use of jake brakes by large trucks within the city limits also faces a second reading.
In new business, the 2017-18 outside audit will be presented by officials from Mathis, West and Huffines. A policy for internal controls and cash handling will be considered.
NEWS
Commissioners to meet on Dec. 23
Montague County Commissioners will meet at 9 a.m. on Dec. 23.
The court will consider obligating $276,961.84 of American Rescue Plan funds to completing the new wastewater treatment plant that will serve the courthouse complex. Commissioners have been working on this project much of the year.
Montague County will apply to the Nortex Regional Planning Commission for a solid waste disposal grant to purchase a tire cutter for use by all four precincts.
Developers for Kingdom Estates Phase 2 subdivision will offer a plant for lots 6-10, 16.06 acres located in precinct two.
A cooperative agreement between Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and the county will be presented, along with a non-exclusive license and service agreement between Local Government Solutions and Justices of the Peace one and two.
Annual bonds for seven elected officials will be offered, along with the county attorney’s 2024 Chapter 59 Asset Forfeiture report.
NEWS
New storm shelter grants available
Montague County has received a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to assist individuals with the purchase and installation of a residential storm shelter.
The shelter must be FEMA-approved and individuals must install and pay for the shelter. After installation and passing an inspection, the individual could be eligible for 50% reimbursement of the cost of the storm shelter up to a maximum $3,000 reimbursement.
The initial program allows for financial assistance for the installation of up to 100 storm shelters. Visit the Montague County website at co.montague.tx.us and click on “Safe Room Program,” and under quick links to see the qualifications and requirements for participation in the program.
There is no deadline to apply, but only 100 applicants will be accepted
COUNTY LIFE
First day of winter arrives
It’s here, the first day of winter marked by the winter solstice at 4:21 a.m. on Dec. 21.
The winter solstice is the day with the fewest hours of sunlight throughout the year, making it the “shortest day” of the year. Thankfully, after the winter solstice the days begin to grow longer and longer again and until the summer solstice, the first day of summer and the longest day of the year
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NEWS2 years ago
2 hurt, 1 jailed after shooting incident north of Nocona
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NEWS1 year ago
Suspect indicted, jailed in Tia Hutson murder
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NEWS2 years ago
SO investigating possible murder/suicide
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NEWS2 years ago
Wreck takes the life of BHS teen, 16
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NEWS1 year ago
Murder unsolved – 1 year later Tia Hutson’s family angry, frustrated with no arrest
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NEWS2 years ago
Sheriff’s office called out to infant’s death
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NEWS2 years ago
Bowie Police face three-hour standoff after possible domestic fight
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NEWS2 years ago
Driver stopped by a man running into the street, robbed at knifepoint