H’wick council considers budget, taxes

Howardwick aldermen considered several items of business when they met last Tuesday, August 13.
Budget and tax rate discussions were early on the agenda, and the city council voted to propose maintaining the current rate of 40 cents per $100 valuation.

During budget discussions, local resident Jody Ratcliff volunteered to purchase a new refrigerator for the community center.

Mayor Tony Clemishire reported that the city did not receive the community development grant that it hoped would pay for street improvements. It was also reported that a fish fry will be held this Saturday at 5 p.m. at the Clarendon County Club to benefit the City of Howardwick Fire Department.

In public comments, former mayor Greta Byars complained about underage drivers running four-wheelers and golf carts in the city.

The council approved bids on properties through Texas Communities Group, and the city also approved selling three lots of its own. Aldermen also authorized purchasing an app through TCG to assist the city’s code officer, who is in training.

In fire department business, the board approved Resolution 160, creating a bank account for the reconstituted Ctiy of Howardwick Fire Department.

Interim Fire Chief Brice Hawley gave a very informative update on the department. City Hall said this week that six volunteer applicants for the department are being vetted now and are likely to be approved.

Foster & Lambert was selected again to do the city’s audit, and Ordinance 118 was approved, amending Ordinance 102 to reaffirm that Red River Water Authority will continue to do the billing for the city’s trash service on the water bills.

The council considered 13 designs for the Howardwick entrance sign and narrowed it to three top choices. Those will be put before the citizens in attendance at the next city council meeting to pick a winner.