NEWS
Bowie City Council approves water rate increase
After months of debate over water rate increases in the City of Bowie, the city council Tuesday night finally approved the second reading with the rates set to go into effect immediately.
While the ordinance passed last month, it failed on its second reading earlier this month, but Mayor Gaylynn Burris vetoed it bringing it back for further consideration. At that April 8 meeting two council members voted no on the second reading after previously voting yes.
It was agreed no one on the council wanted to see rates increase, but with escalating operational costs as well as mandated improvements to the water plant additional revenue will be necessary. It also will help stabilize the water department budget which has been incurring a large deficit in the last six months due to higher costs for chemicals and related items.
The city also is facing a mandate from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to install a new pump at the raw water pump station, expected to run close to $1 million. The city has been trying to get a variance to allow more time, but the TCEQ has not been forthcoming with that.
Councilor Brent Shaw reluctantly made the motion.
“I have looked at the things we have to do and the town we all want this to be, I don’t see another route. We have to charge more to cover the things we are being charged to do,” said Shaw as he moved to accept the rates.
Donna Ashley made the second and the motion passed with Councilor Brandon Walker continuing his no vote.
Read about all the rates in the Thursday Bowie News.
Members of the Montague County Commissioner’s Court will meet at 9 a.m. on Feb. 9.
An executive session is scheduled to discussion personnel matters pertaining to the current county employee assigned to the septic system inspections and the proposed transfer to the new sewer plant facility, as well as the county employee assigned to the Montague County Animal Shelter. Any action will be taken back in open session.
The court will consider approving a memorandum of understanding between the county and Montague County Animal Rescue. The rescue group has been working with the county to get operations at the animal shelter up and running, along with providing volunteers at the shelter.
Other topics on the agenda include: Approve the 2026 Nationwide 457(b) deferred compensation plan; approve the 2026 Texas Association o Counties ARTS Renewal agreement; and consider the risk management pool liability proposal including $1,000,000 for cybersecurity coverage; amend authorized representatives for TexPool adding Charles Lanier; approve order of election for the 2026 joint primary; consider quotes to replace seven showers and 11 exhaust fans in the jail and consider replat of two lots in Silver lakes Ranch phase seven in precinct two.
Due to a breakdown at the printing press that prints The Bowie News, today’s paper will be delay until later this evening. It will be delivered to the racks and post office as soon as it arrives. We apologize for this delay.
The Boil Water Notice for City of Bowie, TX water customers along Highway 81 from Slaughter Street to Old Bowie Lake has been lifted.
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