NEWS
Commissioners continue budget, review septic system fees/duties in closed session
Montague County Commissioners face a lengthy agenda of business at a 9 a.m. June 13 meeting including fees and duties of the county sewer/septic inspector and a budget workshop.
The discussion of the septic inspector duties is set for an executive session with any action back in open session.
In the budget workshop, county officials are expected to start presenting their budget proposals for the new fiscal year. Final certified values will not be available until late July.
The Montague County 4-H members will make their annual interpretation to the court reviewing some of their activities for the past year. The Upper Trinity Water Groundwater Conservation District staff also will provide an update on its work this year.
Several annual tasks are scheduled including the court going out for bids for gravel and various sizes of rock; the county investment policy will be reviewed; endorsement of the Texoma Area Paratransit System new administrative/operations facility and future transit terminal; vendor licensing addendum with Justice Solutions; request unclaimed property capital credits for counties from the Texas Comptroller; and consider the North Texas Tri-County Child Fatality Review Team Interagency Agreement.
Facing rising gas and diesel prices commissioners will consider amending the fuel line item to cover a projected shortfall of $25,150.
Atmos Energy Corporation will submit three right-of-way road bore applications for work in precincts two, three and four on Haney Road, Tage Road, Harper Road and Lonestar Road. Unanticipated revenue from those permits also will be approved.
More property development is coming to the county with several preliminary plats up for review: Lots 1-30 Carter Heights, 63.82 acres in the Daniel Farris Survey; lots 1-5 Kingdom Heights, 30 acres in the S.A. Mills Survey; lots 1-2, Kingdom Heights II, 10.03 acres in the T.E.&L Co. Survey and lots 1-13 Stonewood Ranch 48.87 acres in the Henry D. Lindsey subdivision.
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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