COUNTY LIFE
Nocona elections’ bill goes to Gov. Abbott
As the Texas Legislative session came to a close this past week, a last-minute amendment was accepted that will allow all the Nocona taxing entities to move their elections to November.
Senate Bill 2620, supported in the House by Rep. David Spiller and in the Senate by Sen. Drew Springer, has been sent to the governor for his signature following the approval of an amendment that included all the local entities, not just the City of Nocona.
The bill gives municipalities in a county with a population less than 20,000 to vote to move their local elections to the November uniform election date. This act would take effect Sept. 1, 2023.
In 2015 the state offered a one-time opportunity for local governments to move their city, school or special district elections from May to November. One of the goals of the original legislation was to allow the entities to share the cost of elections.
In Montague County all the cities, schools and watersheds made the move to November, but the Nocona entities stuck together including the city, school district and hospital district board. Officials at the time thought sharing the cost three ways would work fine, unfortunately that has not been the case as the majority of elections since that time have been uncontested.
Read the full story in the mid-week Bowie News.
Montague County Commissioner’s Court will meet at 9 a.m. on Nov. 25.
Members will consider an anti-fraud policy and adding it to the personnel policy. The annual liability renewal with the Texas Association of Counties Risk Pool will be reviewed.
Montague County officials will be enrolling in the TAC 2025 certified cybersecurity course required by the state for all employees who use county computers.
Other topics for Monday will include the bond for the county treasurer, review an account application with Schad & Pulte Welding Supply, Inc and consider raising the road hand clothing allowance from $500 to $1,000.
By BARBARA GREEN
[email protected]
It was family night for the City of Bowie Fire Department as members gathered for the annual pre-Thanksgiving awards dinner this week.
Firefighter of the Year awards, service awards and officers and firefighters were pinned with their new badges.
Fire Chief Doug Page opened the evening with a remembrance of a fallen firefighter, James Dunham who died 25 years ago on Nov. 18. This Saint Jo firefighter was responding to a car accident at Forestburg and after he arrived suffered a heart attack. Page noted his daughter is auxiliary member Renee Hart.
Chad Long, member of the department for one year and one month received the Firefighter of the Year Award. Kelly Tomlin, nine-year member, was selected by the volunteers to receive the Roy Gene Williams Award.
Read the full story in the weekend Bowie News.
Top photo- New lieutenants Michael Burrows and Chad Gerlach received the oath from Mayor Gaylynn Burris. (Photo by Barbara Green)
The new Montague County Animal Rescue, which will be helping with operation of the new county animal shelter, invite you to “Wine Like A Dog” on Dec. 3 at Kimber Creek Wine Bar and Gift Shop in downtown Bowie.
The evening will include wine and charcuterie from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., while raising funds for the rescue organization. Tickets are $50.
Melanie Gillespie of Montague County Animal Rescue said the new 501c3 has completed its agreement to work with Montague County operating the animal shelter.
“Your support enables us to launch the opening of the first county-run animal shelter. We invite you to join our mission of rescuing, rehabilitating and finding loving homes for animals in need,” said Gillespie.
Limited tickets will be offered at the door based on availability. Those with questions may call Gillespie at 469-951-0215 or email [email protected].
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