NEWS
Saint Jo Councilor says ‘put up or shut up’ regarding removal of 4A ED board
By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
Voices were raised Wednesday night as the Saint Jo City Council once more discussed the “removal of Economic Development 4A members,” a topic in flux through three previous meetings. After almost an hour of debate, aldermen decided to defer action until the budget process when new members are normally approved.
This agenda topic was last raised on April 27 when Alderman Leroy Voth wanted to know the length of time in total each of the board members had served, but it was listed as the removal of 4A members. Alderman Randal Flusche rescinded the request to remove the Economic 4A members at that meeting.
Mayor Tom Weger said Wednesday Voth placed it on the agenda so the floor was his. Voth said it was a continuation of the previous agenda as he has not received the board member information.
City Secretary Teresa Fangman said she has not received any additional records from the 4A members and she has been sorting through records at the city office. She said the minutes indicate most of the present 4A members were named between 2016 and 2019 and they were approved last October and officers in January.
Weger said the agenda says to discuss removal, not establish their terms. Voth then stated the board member terms are limited to six years, but some have served longer.
Read the full story in the weekend Bowie News.
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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