Aldermen leave dog tax alone

In the beginning, there were dogs. And the dogs ran wild through the streets. And the town fathers decreed that something must be done. And so it was that Ordinance No. 3 became law.

Through all the changes of time and the dawning of the millennium, the ordinance has stood firm; and last Tuesday, the Clarendon Board of Aldermen resisted the urge to change Ordinance No. 3, affirming by their inaction that City Hall remains committed to keeping the canine influence subdued.

The 105-year-old law is known as the “Dog Tax Ordinance” and was originally number six in the book of ordinances, but it got moved up three places after a 1908 action reorganized the city codes.

The law requires that one dollar be collected for all dogs that are brought to Clarendon and remain here longer than two days. Persons who pay this tax receive a metal tag to attach to their animal. Dogs who don’t have the tag are subject to being taken to the pound.

Enforcement of Ordinance No. 3 is not what it used to be since it was passed on November 14, 1901, less than two months after the city incorporated. City Secretary Linda Smith says only about 18 or 20 people voluntarily pay the tax each year, and that includes Aldermen Michael Tibbets and Janice Knorpp.

During last week’s meeting, the board considered a proposal to double the tax to $2 and to expand the law to include cats. But Alderman Tibbets said there would be no end to expanding the law, suggesting a chicken tax and a guppy tax could come about.

After much discussion, the board decided to let the tax rate stand; but it was announced that Veterinarian Guy Ellis has agreed to collect the tax when he administers rabies shots, which is expected to greatly enhance revenues.

In other city business, Best Western Red River Inn owner Steve Hall addressed the board concerning billboard advertising for Clarendon. He recommended the city use Motel Bed Tax revenue to pay for two outdoor signs – one on southbound US 287 at I-40 outside Amarillo and another on northbound US 287 at Giles.

“With XM (satellite radio) and CDs and everything else, I think it’s hard to get travelers with local radio,” Hall said.

Aldermen approved a three-year contract for the Giles sign for $220 per month and asked Hall to negotiate a better rate for the Amarillo sign.

Like the radio ads approved earlier this year by the board, the billboards will continue the “Experience Clarendon” theme started by the Clarendon EDC.

The board also considered and approved a resolution and a joint election agreement for holding joint elections with the Clarendon College District, the Donley County Hospital District, and the Clarendon Independent School District.

City Engineer Che Shadle consulted the board concerning a proposed seal coat program for this year. He recommended first seal coating streets that were paved in the southeast part of Clarendon in 2003 and then selecting additional streets to preserve.

The board agreed with Shadle and selected Bugbee Ave. from US 287 to Fifth St., Third St. from Carhart to Orpe, and Fourth St. from Gorst to Orpe in that order as priorities.

The board voted to hire Brandon Goodwin and Danny Gaines for the Sanitation Department.

City Secretary Linda Smith reported that City Hall was not going to pursue a grant for a storm shelter at this time. Only five percent of the city’s population would be allowed for the grant utilization. This would result in a shelter of only 485 square feet that could cost $101,850.