City donates $5,000 for courthouse project

The City of Clarendon donated $5,000 to the restoration of the Donley County Courthouse when city aldermen met last Tuesday, March 12.

County Judge Jack Hall and Donley County Historical Commission Chairman Jean Stavenhagen addressed the city and asked for support.

Hall presented a history of the 1890 building, describing it as a center for everything that has gone on in Clarendon and the county for over 100 years.

Stavenhagen addressed the ongoing fundraiser to finish the project and said the community had been good to support it.

“We have had very good verbal support,” she said, “but now we need money.”

Aldermen voted to take the money from the Motel Bed Tax fund, which is set aside for projects that promote tourism and advertise the community.

In other city business, the board discussed the dumping fees at the Three Feathers Recycling Center. The committee of Aldermen Mac Stavenhagen and Mark White proposed allowing citizens to use three paid water stubs to dump one trailer load of trash. The board approved the motion with Alderman Billy Jack Land voting against the measure.

The taxation of travel trailers in the city limits was discussed. Alderman Bob Watson moved to exempt such property, but his motion died for lack of a second. Other board members felt that it would be unfair to tax cars, leased vehicles, and boats but then exempt travel trailers.

The budget was amended to appropriate funds for the CDBG Water System grant and to raise the Fire Marshall’s salary.

Alice Davis was appointed to serve as presiding judge of the upcoming May municipal election. Linda Smith will serve as early voting clerk, and LeAnn Marcum will be deputy clerk.

A fine from the TNRCC related to arson at the recycling center last year was discussed. The board voted to spend the $1,250 on a supplemental environmental project rather than send the money to Austin. Board consultant Colby Waters will look into different projects and present those options to the city.

Resolutions were passed pursuant to the city’s participation in development grants.

Librarian Carolyn Blackerby asked permission to hire a temporary employee to fill in as needed. The board approved this request.

City Superintendent Jim Roberts reported equipment problems and said the city will need to look at replacing a trash truck before long.