NEWS
Bowie council to consider allowing structures on Bowie Reservoir side of Amon Carter
The Bowie City Council will consider an ordinance that would lift restrictions for building docks, piers, walkways and boathouses on the Bowie Reservoir side of Lake Amon G. Carter when it meets at 6 p.m. on June 13.
When City Manager Bert Cunningham raised the idea of selling the 24 acres of lakefront property on the reservoir side next to Silver Lakes Ranch last month, he said he would bring back an ordinance to allow those structures on that side of the lake, but it would include stiff provisions for inspection and maintenance including a fine for violations.
The ordinance outlines all construction must be approved by the city through a permit process. The permit fee for new construction is proposed at $10,000. There is no permit fee for general maintenance. Plans for new structures must be submitted to the city for review.
Size and setback limitations are stated, along with restrictions such as no toilet facilities of any kind will be allowed on any structure built past the lakefront property line. Fuel pumping facilities exceeding 55 gallons are not allowed on structures going past that lakefront line. They will be limited to a single story and a sundeck or roof. White photocell lighting also would be required from dusk to dawn for boater safety. The ordinance also outlines design loads, roof loads, design minimums, inspections, removal and inadequate maintenance violations. Those violations could carry a $2,000 fine.
In new business, the city officials will consider the hotel/motel quarterly report. The consent agenda and community interest items also are listed for the panel.
The city manager’s report will touch on the following topics: Firewall installation, software upgrade, budget process, Ussery sewer line progress, Texas Water Development Board sewer line project, rodeo arena and BMX Bike Park.
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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