NEWS
Mayor updates on storm cleanup, available resources
In a Sunday morning press briefing, city officials reported on the clean-up efforts underway across the city.
City crews from all departments have been joined by county teams, Texas Department of Transportation, other cities in the area and many other volunteer organizations eager to help.
Mayor Gaylynn Burris said “saw teams,” from the state have arrived to help cut down large debris. People who have cleared those items at their homes can place them at the curb for pick up or take them to the Bowie Business Park where they can be dropped off. This is for vegetation only, no household trash such as furniture.
Rolloff dumpsters also have been placed around the community for household items. They are located at the junior high parking lot behind the main building, Wilbarger Street and Bowie Industrial Park.
Donations are being accepted at the community center east hall of food, water, diapers and formula only. Also in the west hall there will be a damage assessment team member available to answer questions and help those who incurred damage. Call 211-click option 1 for details.
A storm relief fund will be set up at Legend Bank for monetary, tax deductible donations. Details on that will be available as soon as it is set up. The mayor said it is the hope this can assist those who may be uninsured or under insured.
Burris said CERTZ teams will be going door-to-door to make damage assessment. She said this is vitally important and this information is vital to any future aid programs the city, its businesses and residents may qualify for assistance.
Samaritan’s Purse has come into the city with its volunteers to provide disaster relief. They have chainsaw teams, tarping and they welcome other volunteers to join their efforts. The group is set up at Calvary Baptist Church. Call 940-229-8877 if you would like to help or require assistance.
Residents also are urged to take part in a damage survey listed on the city’s webpage: cityofbowietx.com. This is part of the damage assessment that will be used to determine funding for repair and relief. It also will be on the city’s Facebook page.
The mayor said if there are any citizens who cannot stay in their home due to damage or have needs, go to a local church where they can guide you to some of the resources which are available to help storm victims.
Members of the Bowie City Council will meet at 6 p.m. on Aug. 25 to finalize the budget and conduct a public hearing on a proposed tax rate.
The ordinances adopting both the 2026-27 budget and the 2026 tax rate are on the agenda for action. The public hearing on the tax rate presents a rate of .5750 cents per $100 in property value, which is slightly higher than the 2025 rate that is .5430.
The new rate is projected to generate $2,990,998, compared to $2,703,176 from last year’s rate. This is the first significant change in the rate since 2019, when it was .5445 cents. The next year it went to .5447 cents, where it stayed until 2023, when it went to .5430 cents, through 2025.
A bid will be awarded for the Rock and Pillar Street drainage project. Wall Contractors will be recommended by the city engineer and staff review. The bid came in about $1.3 million, which was lower than the estimated $2 million. It is expected to straighten the channel and get this intersection reopened for traffic after more than a year of closure to collapse of a portion of the pavement on the street.
The council will consider stop signs regulating traffic flow around the Kingdom Ridge Subdivision next to the elementary school.
In the city manager’s report Bert Cunningham will provide information on the hazard mitigation plan, the 2025-26 audit preparation and the bid for the Rock and Pillar project.
Montague County Commissioners will adopt a budget and tax rate when they meet at on Aug. 24 in the courthouse annex.
The budget hearing will be at 8:30 a.m. Aug. 24, followed by a public hearing for the proposed tax rate at 8:45 a.m.
During the regular meeting at 9 a.m., there will be one final budget workshop for any last minute tweaks or changes, followed by adoption of the 2026-27 budget and 2026 tax rate.
The proposed tax rate is .4961 cents per $100 in property value, which is the same rate as 2025. Due to the increase in property values despite the same rate, the total tax levy on all properties will see a 3.64% increase.
A copy of the proposed budget is available on the county website at https://www.co.montague.tx.us/.
Several other financial related items are on the agenda. Accumulated comp time in the sheriff office and jail will be discussed. The commissioners also will consider any year-end expenditures utilizing any or the budget year contingency funds.
Other items on the agenda will include: Acceptance of the District Attorney’s 2023- 2024 and 2025 Chapter 59 asset forfeiture reports and authorize DA Katie Boggeman to sign them; imposition of optional fees from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles for 2027; House Bill 3834 cybersecurity and AI training certification for state and local governments compliance reports; interlocal cooperation agreement between the Department of Public Safety and the county court and district court; review the sherif office application for sheriff immigration law enforcement grant program Senate Bill 8; consider distribution of state grant HB 3000; and consider using Real Estate Station LLC Agent Denise Thurman to sell 5.9 acres on the corner of U.S. 81 and State Highway 59.
It should be no surprise, the month of July is recorded as the hottest month on record for the country.
July wrapped up with seven straight days of 100 degrees or higher July 25-31. August also opened hot with the first 100-plus degree day on Aug. 3 and it has topped that marked through Aug. 19. On Tuesday the high was 107 degrees at the water plant, but in town thermometers recorded 108 and 109 degrees.It was expected to top that mark on Wednesday.
There was no rainfall recorded in July or in August. Bowie has only 21.71 inches for the year so far and Nocona has 22.35 inches.
Lake Amon Carter
Aug. 19 –
917.22 msl, 80.2% full
July 19 – 918.10 msl, 86.1%
Aug. 19, 2025 – 919.84 msl, 98.8% full
Lake is full at 920msl
Lake Nocona
Aug. 19 – 823.48 msl, 76.3% full
July 19 – 824.41 msl, 81.05%
Aug. 19, 2025 – 826.878 msl, 95.85%
Lake full at 827.5msl
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