NEWS
Saint Jo City Council to discuss zoning change, meet business rep.
Members of the Saint Jo City Council will meet at 6 p.m. on Jan. 10 in city hall to discuss a possible zoning change related to business development and hear from a representative of that prospect.
The council has been in the process of amending the city’s zoning ordinance for a 59.01 acre tract at U.S. Highway 82 and Field Road, which is owned by the city. The proposal is to change it from agricultural district to commercial.
The land has been annexed into the city limits, but it also houses the Easy Street Shelter on a long-term lease and wastewater facilities for the city system. Shelter volunteers last month asked the city to consider deeding the land to the shelter which would allow it to pursue grants or other funding that requires the shelter own the land.
Concerns also were raised if the shelter could continue operating in the same location under the different zoning category. Councilors said last month they would explore those questions with the city’s legal counsel. Cindy Castle of the shelter board is on the agenda to discuss an update on the lease issue.
Mike Medford of Vacaro Venture has been looking into a possible location for Dollar General in Saint Jo. He is on the agenda to discuss commercial development and associated issues, platting and building inspection standards and issues.Other topics on this week’s agenda include: Request by Dena Moragues and Kelly and Jennifer Baeper on the state of Griffis Street and the driveway into the property on Boggess Street; approval of minutes from the last three sessions; discuss and act on a request from Economic 4A on refurbishing signage on U.S. Highway 82; resolution to award bid contracts for the 2021 Texas Community Development Grant program; financial statement and payment of monthly bills.
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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