Wildcats and Lady Cats Soccer Begins The Edge June 23
Wildcats Soccer Coach Alexi Upton announced Friday (June 19) that soccer will begin The Edge conditioning program for Wildcats and Lady Cats on Tuesday, June 23 at Gerald Prim Stadium. Students from entering 7th graders to entering 12th graders are welcome. The Wildcats will be at The Prim Tuesday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. until 9 a.m. The Lady Cats sessions, under Head Coach Javier Aguayo, will take place Tuesdays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Offered will be weight work, conditioning and skill drills. On Friday, there will be an all soccer shoot around and skill work for Wildcats and Lady Cats from 8 a.m. until 9 a.m. Coach Upton said there would be temperature checks with followup questions, no sharing of personal items, distancing, group size limits and masks. Bathrooms and locker rooms will be open. Coach Upton said the participants need to bring their own water and equipment. He said soccer coaches would work with those participating also in other sports. The Edge for soccer players will continue through the end of July but with several days off next month.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Brinker Volunteer Fire Dept. Plans a BBQ, Open House on Saturday June 27, 2-8 pm
On Saturday June 27, Captain Wade McDaniel is inviting everyone to the Brinker Volunteer Fire Department located on FM 69 South in Hopkins County for a fun fundraising event. The volunteers will be preparing BBQ plus sides like beans and potato salad which anyone can enjoy by donation. In a phone call to KSST, McDaniel stated, “this will be pretty good BBQ! You can get a plate or just a sandwich. You can eat inside with us, or get yours boxed to go. We will be serving from 2-8pm that day. We also want everyone to see our building and our trucks. We’re at 1415 FM 69 South, in southeastern Hopkins County.”
The Brinker fundraiser is for the whole family and will offer kid-friendly entertainment. “We’ve got a bounce house coming. We plan have a dunking booth and give free fire truck rides. We will also be cooking hot dogs for the kids. You can enjoy all this for a donation.” When asked what the fundraiser was for, McDaniel replied, “we have had a lot of expense in the past year in the way of improvements. It’s one of the ways we thought of to get folks to come out and see the improvements we’ve made, and our station, our vehicles and equipment. Our Chief is Carl Nix and we have a force of about 15 volunteer firemen at this time. We want to welcome the public to get to know us and what we do”. If you would like to make a donation to the Brinker Volunteer Fire Department, it can be mailed to 1415 FM 69 South, Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482.
Dedication of Winnsboro’s Community Garden to Late Councilman, Volunteer
The dedication of a community garden was made on Thursday evening, June 18, 2020, to Mel Mellenberger, a long-time community servant. The community garden, built on property near the rodeo grounds in Winnsboro, was completed earlier this year and first cultivated in March. This is it’s first growing season and it has already produced early crops of greens and now is producing tomatoes, squash and other summer vegetables that the members enjoy growing. A crowd was in attendance for the dedication, delivered by David Taylor, Pastor of Walnut Street Baptist Church. A welcome and recognitions were given by Stacy Knight-Finley, Director of the Winnsboro Dept. of Parks and Recreation.
During the dedication, it was stated, “Mel Mellenberger was a community volunteer in all things, a trait carried over from his service in the US Marine Corps; Church events, Winnsboro ISD school events, civic events, parades, the Food Bank, VIPS (Volunteers in Police Service), HAWKS, Hooves&Halos… the list of his contributions goes on, including the setup, security, and teardown weekly of the Farmers Market. He had just been elected to the Winnsboro City Council when he passed unexpectedly at the age of 77 on June 18, 2019. When discussion came about as to what to call the new community garden, the topic started and stopped with “Mel!!” The garden provides hands-on educational classes for citizens of all ages, food stability knowledge, and will support the Winnsboro Resource Center with fresh produce as it grows.”
Hopkins County Resident Describes Experience With COVID-19
Hopkins County resident Triston Pullen reported recently being diagnosed with and suffering from COVID-19. Although considered recovered, Pullen like others who have experienced the coronavirus, continues to work to rebuild his health.
“It’s real. For some people it’s a walk in the park. For some people it’s the worst sickness they’ve ever had. For some, it’s asymptomatic,” Pullen said. “It was bad. People are not wrong. It’s like the flu, only it’s 50 times worse than the flu.”
Pullen said he only spent about 3 days in bed with the flu, but COVID-19 hung around for about 2 weeks.
Pullen, at first, thought he had a really bad sinus infection. After his symptoms continued to worsen he contacted a medical professional. they acknowledged the sinus pressure was evident in his ear and the drainage in his throat, the 24-year-old Hopkins County resident told KSST in a phone interview this week.
He said he contracted COVID-19 despite the many precautions he took. He explained that he has been helping take care of his 72-year-old grandmother since February, so he took precautions to reduce the likelihood of contracting and spreading the illness to his grandmother.
He thought he was prepared for COVID, deep cleaning, following health guidelines and using GermX and Lysol often.
“I took every precaution – face mask I made, gloves – I did everything the CDC said,” Pullen said.
He’d reportedly returned to Hopkins County for only 2 days, after being out-of-state, when he got sick.
He initially believed it to be a sinus infections. On May 31, Pullen reported becoming “really sick all of a sudden,” so he quarantined himself in his room as a precaution and protective measure for his family.
“I got it from someone asymptomatic. No one knew. I know who I got it from and who they got it from. The COVID-19 chain – we all actively knew each other,” Pullen said.
He said for three days he could barely stay awake, and only for about 4 hours a day. He didn’t eat, lost his sense of smell and taste, and his body hurt from the virus.
He reported having a fever of 99.7-103 degrees for 5 days.
On Wednesday, June 3, he said he finally went to a doctor, who agreed he did have some symptoms of a sinus infection, Pullen noted. However, the COVID-19 test was conducted as a precaution and he was sent home to await his test results. If the result was negative for COVID-19 the doctors planned to to recommend mediation for the sinus infection.
“I went home and the fever got worse. Saturday morning around 4 it finally broke,” but that was replaced by coughing and difficulty breathing. That night, June 6, Pullen received the results of his COVID-19 test. He said Sunday and Monday he continued coughing and had difficulty breathing. Tuesday, his cough had gone, but breathing was tough. Wednesday, he woke up breathing better.
“I had 2 heart procedures, one senior year and one freshman year during undergrad. I was sick in February and down for a week. This is the worst sickness I’ve ever had,” Pullen said. “It completely fatigues you. You can’t get out of bed.”
Pullen said his doctor had referred him to therapy in Hopkins County because he is still having some breathing problems.
“I felt like people were squeezing my lungs. I couldn’t catch my breath,” Pullen said during the phone interview with KSST. “Thursday, the day after I tested, was my worst day. I couldn’t sleep all night because of the fever. I was so scared, so sick, so alone,” said Pullen.
He’d been in isolation across the house from his family. His mom had been bringing food and leaving it outside his door. When he contacted his mom, she opened the door and looked at him, so she could see him and he wasn’t alone.
He’d been trying to figure out what to do if his symptoms got any worse. He weighed the merits of trying to drive himself to the hospital in his condition, calling 911 and waiting for EMS to arrive for a transport or to call his mom. His mom, who works during the day, had offered to come get him.
“The reality is I knew how bad I was hurting. I didn’t want my mom to feel that. I definitely didn’t want my grandma to have it,” Pullen said.
He also noted feeling dizzy, and losing his breath when he tried to get up.
“I’m 24 years old. I could not physically get out of bed. I had never slept so much in my life,” Pullen said.
His aunt, a nurse, emphasized the importance of staying hydrated and getting rest. He recalled waking up one morning with fever, and his mouth, skin and even eyeballs felt so dry. He said he stayed up long enough to drink a gallon of distilled water before returning to bed, all the while struggling to breath.
One morning, he woke up and felt the virus was gone. That doesn’t mean he isn’t still experiencing some of the after affects being reported. He said he’s still working on his breathing, and gets out of breath if he talks too long. He’s still not able to sing, and said his full sense of taste and smell isn’t back. He estimates the latter has returned at 50-65 percent. He said he can’t smell lavender or rosemary, and wasn’t able to taste a chicken sandwich.
Just as he began feeling better, Pullen recounted, his mother was contacted at her place of work by someone claiming to be with the CDC. She was told she couldn’t be released back to work for 14 days, then, later was told that she should quarantine and needed to test negative for coronavirus, Pullen alleged.
When he found out what had transpired, Pullen said he checked into the matter and obtained the latest CDC guidelines. He was unhappy someone had obtained his personal information and harassed his mom.
“When all this came about, mom tried to get a test. They wouldn’t give her a test. She had no symptoms,” Pullen said
He was also surprised that he was not contacted while at home in quarantine by the Local Health Authority. He’d heard that the Local Health Authority was contacting people. His experience did not include being called daily by the LHA.
The nurse for the LHA Thursday explained that the Local Health Authority follows up with patients, if needed, to offer support and to put COVID-19 patients in contact with services they may need while at home, but does not contact all patients daily.
Pullen encourages anyone who is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, especially those with breathing problems, to be tested and counted. The virus has no political agenda or social economic preference, but can affect anyone exposed to it, he pointed out.
“I think, in my opinion, a lot of people are not getting tested in Hopkins County, due to price, lack of information or they’re scared of going in there. I don’t usually care what people think of me, but I was scared someone would see me walk in there. There is a stigma,” Pullen said. “… I don’t understand the stigma. There’s no harassment of people who’ve got the flu, but you get COVID and it’s like you did something wrong. That’s not true. People can be the safest, take the most precautions and still get it.”
The Role Of The Local Health Authority During COVID-19 Pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, local emergency management officials have referred to the local Local Health Authority in relation of positive patients. While many know that the LHA is involved during the COVID-19 pandemic, not everyone knows or understands the LHA’s role.
The Local Health Authority is appointed by the county government to provide support services in the absence of a county health department. Dr. I.L. Balkcom IV has served as Hopkins County’s LHA in the absence of a state health department for a number of years. Hopkins County Commissioners Court reappointed Balkcom on March 26 as the LHA.
According to Texas Department of State Health Services, a Health Authority administers state and local laws relating to public health and local laws relating to public health within a local government’s jurisdiction.
LHA Patient Contacts, Tracing
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the LHA primarily helps with tracing not being conducted by the state and serves as a resource for patients and families who are under quarantine, if needed.
According to a LHA nurse, while the LHA may contact patients while they are in quarantine, that does not mean daily phone calls or screenings or that all patients will receive a call from the LHA.
Many patients are under the care of a physician who knows the patient’s medical history and needs or the patient has enough medical knowledge that it’s not necessary for the LHA to follow up with them. In a few cases, people in quarantine have tested positive for COVID-19 but don’t necessarily have any signs and symptoms.
“Typically, if I am informed the patient is under the care of physician or has been educated to what quarantine means, I wait a week or 2 in cases that I know they’ve been contacted by the state and a physician,” the LHA nurse reported.
Those COVID-19 patients in quarantine who have a physician are instructed by that office regarding what they can or should do, what the quarantine should involve, when to seek emergency help if needed, all in accordance with CDC guidelines. The LHA will usually follow up more frequently with COVID-19 patients who do not have a primary care physician, but not every day.
When the pandemic began, the wait for test results could take as long as 19-days to get back. So, by the time that the LHA received information from the state, those people had already healed. Now, the majority of test results are reported within 24-hours to 3 days, which makes keeping up with patients and tracing easier.
The purpose of calling is not to be a pest to people who are in quarantine, especially those who experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. When the LHA does call patients, the health care professional will “serve as kind of an advocate for patients who need a little bit more assistance and help,” according to the LHA nurse.
“We do want to be a resource. They can call if they have new symptoms, need help obtaining a doctor’s release or how to get prescriptions while in quarantine of if they need food, what you can do. We’ll connect those who genuinely need help with 211, food banks or other resources and help them through the steps of getting help,” the LHA nurse reports.
In some instances, that can include providing employers with information regarding testing results. For instance, some people will continue to test positive for a longer duration than others. According to the CDC, notable is that there have been some reports of prolonged detection of RNA without direct correlation to viral culture.
So, a recovered COVID-19 patient may test positive multiple times even though they haven’t had active COVID-19 for a month or more, according to the LHA nurse.
“I can offer guidance,” the LHA nurse said. “I can help educate the employer and patient. I can send them the CDC link; every single thing I’m doing is based on CDC guidelines.”
When the LHA is contacted regarding a positive COVID-19 patient, Dr. Balkcom calls the state to obtain the patient’s contact information. Then, LHA can contact that individual as needed. If the person cannot be contacted, the LHA nurse will work with the state to try to obtain better contact information.
For instance, the information reported to the state was only a Post Office box and a phone number. Sometimes, numbers aren’t working or current. Sometimes, the number is correct but the person doesn’t answer, because it’s a stranger’s number. Officials keep trying. Sometimes, they mail letters.
Officials have to be careful in any messages left or sent to protect the patient’s confidentiality. If all routes to contact the person go unanswered, someone may be sent to make contact with the individual if there is a concern.
Patients, either through their doctor, the medical facility or otherwise, may be given the number of the LHA so they can talk to the nurse if they have any needs that aren’t being met that the individual’s PCP cannot provide. The LHA can also help them in figuring the needed length of quarantine or isolation, based on their symptoms and CDC guidelines, so they’ll know when they can leave their home.
Another part of the LHA’s job is to try to identify potential hotspots in the community, then providing businesses and facilities with guidance about infection control procedures and policies that, when implemented, can help with disinfection. This can include things like shutting down break rooms and reducing points of contact, and contact tracing if employees get sick, not necessarily with COVID-19. The LHA can help provide tips for preventative infection control.
A COVID-19 patient is considered recovered and OK, even if he/she tested positive, if the individual has gone 72 hours with symptom resolution. That is the person no longer experiences overwhelming fatigue, fever or other acute symptoms. That’s not to say the person doesn’t have some less acute symptoms still, as a residual cough could last up to months later. That just means, to be recovered, the individual has gone 72 hours without aid of any kind of medicine or fever, has improved respiratory symptoms, and 10 days have passed since the individual’s first appeared.
Often times if the state has not gotten around to collecting trace information from the positive COVID-19 patient, the LHA has the ability to it and report the information collected to the state.
“I’m here when they need me. I can do initial tracing if I need to, if it’s not already done. If I notice that, I can work on that from here, then contact them. State and I work together,” the LHA nurse said.
That is the time-based strategy. There’s also a test-based strategy. Guidelines may be found on the CDC website regarding when it’s OK to leave isolation after having COVID-19 or being exposed to someone who tested positive.
State, Local Information Sharing
A number of variables factor into who reports positive test results and patient recoveries when, which can sometimes mean local reports don’t always match state reports.
For instance, the Texas Department of State Health Services/Health and Human Services COVID-19 Dashboard on June 17 showed 44 total cases of COVID-19 since March, 22 active cases and 22 patient recoveries in Hopkins County. Local emergency management officials and Hopkins County Hospital District/EMS, however, on June 17 reported only 43 cases, including 15 recoveries.
Local emergency management and the LHA aren’t able to report any new numbers or information until the state officially reports it to them, according to the LHA.
“There’s a proper chain to go through. We get in trouble if we release it before they make it official. We do everything we can to abide by the rules that we have to follow. We can’t release information until notified by state,” the LHA nurse said.
The process starts with a person having a test either at a mobile collection site, hospital, clinic, physicians office or other private facility after exhibiting symptoms or being in exposed to someone who has COVID-19. When a positive result is returned, if the test wasn’t conducted by the state, the physician or health professional sends the information to DSHS. The patient is notified, as is the local emergency management coordinator. The LHA also receives a call with the information.
While authorities in some areas have opted to release demographics and statistical information to the public, Hopkins County does not. The state cautioned the LHA and emergency management officials to be careful not to violate patients’ privacy rights. As a rule of thumb, they were advised that if any information released can be used to trace the case back to the patient doing so violates the patient’s rights, according to the LHA nurse.
In small communities, providing zip codes, whether the person is male or female and/or the individual’s age could potentially do just that. It could also incite public concern or panic for that area, or even result in bullying or other negative response toward the COVID-19 patients and their families.
“The second part of that is that nobody can prove it would help anything, but it might create hysteria, which does not help. People should take the same precautions no matter the zip codes and age ranges,” the LHA nurse reported.
The LHA reminds that because COVID-19 is prevalent, it is still important for people to take infection control measures in Hopkins County, especially if those who may be immunocompromised. No matter what age or zip code someone lives in, all can potentially be infected or be infectors, according to the LHA nurse.
“The thing with this virus is that it knows no age discrimination. It can affect newborn to 100. We understand why people want to know ages, but it doesn’t serve any definitive purpose. If it would help our community, we would release it,” the LHA nurse said.
Once a person has met criteria to be considered recovered, with doctor approval, the information is sent to the state. Once the state health agency completes their portion of the process, the LHA is notified that the case is officially cleared as a recovery. Only then are local officials allowed to report recoveries.
Over the last couple of weeks, additional cases and recoveries for Hopkins County were posted on the DSHS/HHS dashboard before local officials received official notification regarding the additional cases.
“That’s frustrating. We’ll see that too, incidences of higher numbers or lower numbers, that don’t match,” the LHA nurse reported.
The LHA nurse is frequently checking those numbers to be sure all cases are counted once only. After Hopkins County officials reported the most new COVID-19 cases in a single day. However, after closer examination by the LHA, one of the 10 cases was discovered to have been recorded twice.
Overall, the LHA works in conjunction with other health and emergency officials during the pandemic to see that as many of the COVID-19 patients health and other needs are met.
COVID-19 patients who have questions or concerns or those seeking clarification related to COVID-19, including symptoms may contact the LHA at 903-440-5902.
Grill Raffle To Benefit Heart of Hope in Sulphur Springs
Heart of Hope is conducting its first ever Raffle. The success of this raffle will allow us to continue helping young women who find themselves in a crisis pregnancy. Heart of Hope offers them proof of pregnancy tests, sonograms, parenting lessons, and other assistance as needed and available. All their services are FREE. All this is available due to the community’s support.
Here is what Heart of Hope is raffling off, a Pit Boss Pro Series grill. This grill comes with two tiers of cast iron cooking grates with 1100 sq. inches of open grilling space using 100% all-natural hardwood pellets. It has a digital control pad, quick dial-in temperature range, and temperature probes. This grill also includes a slide plate flame broiler for access to 10000 F of direct flame searing. Win this grill and in no time you will become a winning chef!
Go to https://rafflecreator.com/pages/37906/heart-of-hope-fundraising-raffle to purchase your chance to win this outstanding grill.
Drawing will be held on the Sulphur Springs town square on July 4th! Winner need not be present but must pick up the grill in Sulphur Springs.
Lady Cats Basketball Coach Brittney Tisdell Has The Edge for High School and Middle Schoolers at SSMS Gym
Lady Cats Basketball Coach Brittney Tisdell, in her third year here, is conducting The Edge conditioning program and sports skills Mondays through Thursdays in the morning at the auxiliary gym at Sulphur Springs Middle School. The Edge got underway June 8. So far numbers have been light for high school players but 20 or more players are showing up for middle school sessions. Coach Tisdell says due to distancing and other restrictions due to coronavirus concerns, players drills are limited to individual work. For high school players, specific basketball skill work includes things like working on getting off shots quickly and shooting free throws. Middle school players are learning lots of basketball fundamentals, such as dribbling and shooting. The girls also get one hour a day of conditioning work. Coach Tisdell says she uses the middle school track for running and the weight room for lifting. She says the off season is a good time for lots of lifting. Coach Tisdell says she doesn’t want players being sore from lifting during the season with games to play. She says some girls are missing sessions due to family vacations and church camps. Coach Tisdell says he is enjoying getting out of her house and seeing some different faces. She says The Edge is also getting her used to getting up early like she will also have to once school gets back in session.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
COVID-19 Mobile Testing Scheduled This Saturday In Sulphur Springs
Hopkins County Emergency Management Team officials announced another COVID-19 mobile testing scheduled this Saturday in Hopkins County. This will be the third mobile test collection offered in Sulphur Springs.
Unlike the April and May mobile testing conducted by the National Guard, the June 20 test collection will not be conducted at Hopkins County Civic Center. Instead, Shannon Oaks Church, located at 1113 East Shannon Road, will serve as the mobile test collection site for Saturday’s testing.
The mobile testing is scheduled will be conducted from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but registration is required. People will be screened if they have COVID-19 symptoms, according to the information released by Hopkins County Emergency Management officials. Mobile test collection is conducted as a “drive-thru.” People arrive as scheduled in their vehicle, follow the vehicle line as directed to the designated personnel. The tested person will remain in the vehicle they are in at all times. Test swab will be processed at a lab other than the collection site, and the individual will be notified if the test shows a positive result.
To register for the mobile testing scheduled this Saturday, go online to txcovidtest.org or call 512-883-2400.
Can’t make it to the Saturday testing, but still want to be screened? Click on the Collection Site Map to view current and upcoming testing locations as reported to Texas Department of Emergency Management. Those scheduling through the map should be aware that unless otherwise stated on the map and site information, deductible, co-pay or co-insurance may apply. Depending on insurance, that could also require physician referral or prior authorization. Those testing are encouraged to call the testing site to verify costs.
Mosquito Control Spraying Slated June 18 In Cumby
Elections, Cleanup Dates, Audit, Utility Rates Addressed At Recent Cumby City Council Meetings
The City of Cumby announced that a company will be mosquito control spraying in town Thursday evening, June 18. The city approved the mosquito control measures during their regular June board meeting, conducted zia Zoom.
The city was quoted an estimate of $120 from NR (Noble Resources) pest per treatment. The company offers truck-mounted mosquito fogging for town, cities and events. This service is offered by the company as a one-off treatment, as well as ongoing treatments.
In 2018, the City of Cumby had the company provide fogging service to help reduce mosquitoes twice a month, for a total of 8 sprays. The City Council agreed to utilize the company, to be called as needed, with no contract or set number of sprays during the June 9 meeting.
“All treatments are pet and kid friendly,” according to the NR Pest website.
Also at the June 9 meeting, the council took action on a number of additional items, including setting 2 summer cleanup days, calling for a November City Council and Special Election, Utility Rates, demolition of a structure and several other items.
Elections
The City of Cumby was slated to hold an election for Alderman 1 and 2 on the council in May. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, that election had to be canceled. The City Council at their June meeting approved a resolution calling for a regular election on Nov. 3 to elect Alderman Place 1 and 2 as well as mayor.
The council also approved a resolution calling for a special election to reauthorize the local sales and use tax at a rate of ¼ of 1% in order to continue providing revenues for maintenance and repairs to city streets. The special election would also be held Nov. 3 alongside the City Council election and other county, state and national elections. Early voting by personal appearance would be Oct. 18-30,
Summer Cleanup Dates
Cumby City Council had planned a Spring City-Wide Cleanup in April. That too was postponed due to COVID-19. As the state is reopening, Alderman Julie Morris noted four dumpsters would be provided four times a year at no additional charge to the city. She recommended designating 2 days in July as cleanup days and arranging to have the dumpsters on site for city residents to dispose of items that might not otherwise fit in their trash containers.
Alderman Betty McCarter recommended having all four at one time, as the dumpster on the previous cleanup date filled within 2-3 hours.
Mayor Doug Simmerman noted that there could not be more than 1 dumpster out at time because of space limitations.
Cumby Police Chief Paul Robertson reported one problem before was people residing on county roads trying to use dumpsters provided for city residents only. Doing so can result in a fine.
After several dates were discussed, Morris suggested setting summer cleanup on July 11 and 18. The council agreed on the cleanup days.
Utility Rates
The Cumby City Council also approved an ordinance amending city utility rates. The big change will be in units the rates are figured on. Those who don’t use large amounts of water, could see a reduction in their water bills, city officials said.
The monthly base rate is $8 for 1,000 gallons of water, the usage rate would be $8 per $1000 gallon, $4.50 per 1,000 gallon for more than 2,000 gallons , $5.50 per 1,000 gallons over 3,000 gallons, $7 per 1,000 gallons over 5,000 gallons. The bulk water rate would be $45 per load maximum 3,000 gallons per load.
Previously, 3,000 gallons of water would have been $28.40 for a total of $67.20, but the new rate would be $24 for water and $62.20 total for the city utilities bill.
So a bill under the prior rate per 1,000 gallons would be $23 for water, whereas the new rate is only $8 per 1000 gallons of water. The three other utility rates would remain the same: $23 for sewer, $14.50 for garbage, $1.20 sales tax. The total for the old bill would have been $61.70, but the new rate would be $46.70, according to information provided by the fee schedule.
Cumby residents whose water usage falls in the third tier, 5,000 gallons, would see an increase in their bills. The water rate would increase from $39.79 to $40, causing the overall cost to rise from $82.98 to $83.20.
The rate for 7,000 gallons of water would increase from $52.56 to $56, increasing an overall bill from $104.76 to $108.20.
Water usage of 10,000 gallons and up would increase from $72.56 to $80, increasing the overall utility bill from $134.76 to $141.20.
View the June 9 meeting agenda, City Ordinances or Utilities on the city website for additional information regarding city utilities.
Permit/Inspection Ordinance
An ordinance amending two other ordinances and establishing permit and inspection fees was also approved by Cumby City Council. This sets fees for all contract work and will help ensure that the work being performed in done legally and safely. Permitting also helps guard citizens against potentially unscrupulous contractors and better ensure quality work.The new ordinance cleans up the prior ordinances and puts them into a utilitarian source, according to City Attorney Jay Garrett.
City Ordinances may be viewed on the city website under the Ordinances heading.
Barker Street Demolition
Cumby City Council agreed to demolish a home at 209 Barker St. The structure has caved in and has not been livable for several years.
The new environmental officer contacted the owner, alan Romans, who indicated a desire to get it up to code, but at this time is unable to do so. The owner was in the process of purchasing an RV when contacted. He indicated he’d like to be able to clear it and seek a VA loan to construct a small home on the property. He is up to date on tax payments.
The demolition, according to city officials, would cost the city approximately $5,000-$6,000. The city officials consider the cost of the damaged structure versus being able later to put a small home, if Romans is approved for one, on the property and back on the tax rolls.
There is currently no tax lien on the property. One could be placed on it for three years if the owner doesn’t follow through by keeping the property up, city officials noted at the regular June council meeting. Romans agreed to sign documents allowing the city to finish tearing down the structure, His cooperation would save the city having to go through a 60 day legal process to be allowed to demolish the dilapidated structure from Barker Street.
Simmerman noted the city has received several complaints regarding the condition of the property. This would eliminate complaints and help the resident while making the neighborhood look a little nicer.
The recommendation received full approval of Cumby City Council.
Municipal Court
Municipal Court Judge Lana Adams like the fire, police and other city departments will be providing regular reports to the city council.
On June 9, Adams reported that things appear to have been pretty chaotic in that department since 2018. An additional clerk has been hired and to have with case load. There have been 34 show cause hearings. One hearing is scheduled for the end of this month, for the first time since 2018. No jury trials can be held until August by order of state officials due to COVID-19.
The court took in approximately $78,000 over the last month, but Adams noted, the City of Cumby will only be allowed to keep about $45,000 of that amount. Municipalities are mandated to pay state service fees and for the Omni system, which tags driver’s licenses so people can’t renew or attain them until they’ve paid off fines.
With the new system, the city court will be able to seek payment for uncollected amounts dating back several years.
“Everything is organized. We did find some anomalies. We’ve been working with Ranger Vance on that. I think every month we’ll see improvement. We’ll do some bench trials every month and some jury trials as we go on,” Adams said.
The Texas Ranger was contacted to review prior records; no charges were filed in connection with the investigation, according to reports.
Annual Audit
Kirk Evans of K. Evans & Associates CPAs reported finding several deficiencies in the city’s record keeping, including not having specific funds within the budget for each separate department and operation, and not logging all expenses and revenues as well as payments made as each transaction is made or bill comes in so that all finances are properly documented and accounted for.
All transactions were coded to the general operating fund, vendors listed twice in the system as separate accounts, incomplete personnel or payroll files, an override of accrued vacation hours in records, failure to properly account for credit card use, no documentation regarding a $15,000 check received as an insurance claim, according to Evans reported and the audit report.
Auditors contact a city’s legal council and any council engaged with the city during audit periods. Attempts to contact the city’s outside council, got no response from that attorney, according to Evans.
Evans said the company’s report lists everything discovered during the audit, which includes several items that needed addressing.
As for the city’s response in dealing with the recommendations, “most of the items, if not all, are being dealt with. Improvements have been made,” Evans said.
“A lot of things have been addressed and improvements are being made in our discussion with the mayor and Codi [Reynolds, city secretary]. We stand here to help, however we can, to see the city make continuous improvements. I know improvements have been made,” Evans said.
The auditor’s report can be viewed on the City of Cumby website in the June 9 agenda packet.
Special June 15 Council Meeting
Cumby City Council also held a special meeting on June 15, in which they were scheduled to consider hiring a special attorney to assist with a forensic audit. The request was rescinded by the attorney so no action was needed, according to the city secretary.
Also discussed at the June 15 meeting was a Texas Department of Motor Vehicle “Registration and Title Bulletin #004-20 Policy and Procedure” regarding operation of off-highway vehicles and golf carts and the issuance of license plates.”
This addresses discussion over the last 2 council meetings a request for the Council to consider allowing use of golf carts on city streets. The legalities of the request for golf carts and comparison of those to other off-highway vehicles was discussed at the May and June council meetings.
The Feb. 27, 2020 DMV document can be viewed in the June 15 meeting agenda packet.
