NEWS
Commissioners to consider burn ban at Monday meeting
Montague County could soon find itself under a burn ban as the commissioner’s court considers that action at its 9 a.m. meeting on Aug. 12.
Dry conditions and triple-digit heat are driving the concerns that have lead to many grass fires across the area. Summer’s heat also is expected to continue despite some small possibilities for rain.
After a budget workshop the court will consider accepting the 2024-25 proposed budget and schedule the public hearing.
Kathy Phillips, tax assessor-collector, also will present the certification of appraised values for tax year 2024 and the no new revenue and voter approval tax rates for 2024.
Afterward the court will take a record vote on a rate and schedule that public hearing.
As the new fiscal year draws near the commissioners will consider sheriff and constable fees for the year, as well as imposing any optional Texas Department of Motor vehicle fees for 2025.
Other topics on Monday’s agenda will include:
Order adopting a property tax exemption for qualifying child-care facilities.
Proclamation for Sept. 17 to be proclaimed Constitution Day in the county.
Approve list of county 2025 holidays.
Authorize County Judge Kevin Benton to sign the home-delivered meal grant program resolutions for the Texas Department of Agriculture.
Consider lease agreement with Pitney Bowles and hear proposal from Kofile for preservation of index books in the district clerk’s office.
Discuss purchase of 5.972 acres offered by the Texas Department of Transportation.
Consider precinct three line-item budget adjustment for $15,000 from operating to part-time.
Discuss line-item usage and explanation of purchasing of prohibited items throughout the county.
Re-appoint Greg Ross to the board of directors of the Nortex Housing Finance Corporation.
Members of the Bowie City Council will meet at 6 p.m. on April 8 in the council for its only meeting for the month.
The city manager’s report opens the meeting as he discusses the bid openings for the sewer line replacement project phase two and the North Smythe Street sidewalk reconstruction.
There is only one old item of business, the second reading of the ordinance amending water rates. The average residential customer using 2,000 to 3,000 gallons of water per month will see an increase of $5 to $7.50 based on usage. This is the first water rate increase since 2018.
There are multiple items of new business. The 2023-24 outside audit will be presented by the staff of Mathis, West and Huffines. Four replat requests will be offered through the planning and zoning recommendations.
Base bid amounts for the sewer line replacement project phase two and the Smythe Street sidewalk project also will be reviewed. For the sewer project the base bid is $1,558,103.30. For the sidewalk it is $327,860.66. The sewer work is funded through a loan to the city from the Texas Development Board and the sidewalk through a Downtown Community Development grant program with the city having a matching portion.
The final item before public comments are two ordinance amending the mobile food vendors rules and permits.
After a successful multi-part workshop series last year, the Bowie Business Boost returns with a two-part workshop to take your business to the next level of effectiveness and profitability.
Attend this “AI Made Simple Workshop: Conquer the Tech Chaos and Win Fast” planned for April 24 and May 8. These will be breakfast programs from 7:30 to 10 a.m. The program will be from 8 to 9:30 a.m. with questions and answers to follow. Breakfast will be served 7:30 to 8 a.m.
The programs will be at the Bowie Community Center-west hall. Registration is $20 which includes both sessions. Registration is transferable. Register at accelerationbydesign.com/event-details/bowiebusinessboost25.
Read the full story in the Thursday Bowie News.
By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewonline.com
About 20 people attended the first of what Mayor Kelly Williamson expects to be regular town hall sessions where citizens can be informed or ask questions on issues in the City of Saint Jo.
Williamson and Police Chief Harvey Johnson conducted the meeting. The mayor was elected last year and is retired from the United States Army. He and his wife, Cathy, moved to Saint Jo about three years ago looking to set down some roots after the military. Their son is serving in the 101st Airborne Division.
The mayor said the top pressing issues he sees for the city are streets, then water and sewer systems. However, he exclaimed it all takes money to do that work, and even if state or federal grants those are often funded 80-20, which still leaves a big hunk for the city to fund.
Read the full story in the Thursday Bowie News.
Top photo – Saint Jo Police Chief Harvey Johnson, Fire Chief Scott Thomas and Mayor Kelly Williamson discussed needs in the city at Saturday’s town hall. (News photo by Barbara Green)
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