City Council To Consider Approving Budget, Lower Tax Rate, Increase To City Utility Fees At Sept. 7 Meeting
Sulphur Springs City Council has a full agenda tonight (Sept. 7, 2021), with numerous financial items to be considered, including the proposed budget, tax rate, city utility fees, permit fees, asset forfeiture and EDC budgets, The agenda also includes a rezoning request, utility easement request, bids for water materials for the College Street road project, and resolutions for playground equipment for Pacific Park and four requests for 380 agreements.
Budget and Tax Rate
Ordinance 2783 is an appropriations ordinance for the 2021-2022 fiscal year and Ordinance 2784 sets the tax rate for FY 2021-22. The tax rate is factored based on a 9 page formula set by the state, which can be viewed by clicking here. The City Council is slated prior to these items to hold a public hearing prior to these items to give community members who have questions or wish to address the city officials regarding the tax rate to do so.
The proposal tax rate is just over 1-cent lower for the 2021-22 tax year. That means instead of being charged $0.44 per $100 property value, Sulphur Springs taxpayers will be charged $0.42692 per $100 property value, with $0.06451 of the tax rate designated to go toward debt service and the remaining $0.36241 to go toward maintenance and operations expenses, according to the 2022 Proposed Budget, which the city will also consider at the Sept. 7 meeting.
While the tax rate is a little bit lower, that does not, however, mean that tax bills will be lower. Most property values are appraised higher this year which, depending on the appraised value of the property, likely will mean taxpayers’ city property tax bill will still increase. The tax rate is derived using the formula assigned by the state. While the City Council sets the tax rate, within the established parameters, the elected city board does not have any say in appraisals, which are conducted by the Appraisal District or their designees.
| GENERAL FUND REVENUE- PROPERTY TAX | FY 2018-19 Per $100 Property Valuation | FY 2019-20 Per $100 Property Valuation | FY 2020-21 Per $100 Property Valuation | FY 2021-22 Per $100 Property Valuation (Proposed) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maintenance & Operation | $0.38260 | $0.37204 | $0.36713 | $0.36241 |
| I&S (Debt Service) | $0.057400 | $0.067960 | $0.072370 | $0.64510 |
| Property Tax Rate Per $100 Valuation | $0.44000 | $0.44000 | $0.44000 | $0.42692 |
The rate will raise $507,107 more in total property tax revenue than last, an 11.3 percent increase, with $52,715 in tax revenue coming from new property added to the tax roll over the last year, according to the proposed budget information posted for review.
For instance, the taxable value on an average homestead in Sulphur Springs was estimated at $105,229 in the 2020-2021 tax year, but would be $115,012 in tax year 2021-2022That’d increase the tax bill for the average homestead by about $28, from $263.01 in 2020-21 to $491.01 in 2021-22, according to the Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Increase (an increase in overall tax revenue, not tax rate) posted in August by the City of Sulphur Springs.
Also to be discussed and considered are the asset forfeiture budget, Economic Development Corporation Budget. The city budget and tax rate, will be read for the first time at the 7 p.m. meeting Sept. 7, at Sulphur Springs Municipal Building, then presented again later in the month at another special council meeting for second reading and final approval.
City Utility Rates
Three other ordinances as proposed would increase and set the city’s water, sewer and sanitation rates by an estimated $1.33 per city utility bill for residential customers. That would raise the minimum city utility bill from $47.86 to $49.19 per month for residential customers, as proposed.
The monthly water demand charge would increase from $7.86 to $8.02 for those with water meters less than four inches in size with a monthly demand charge plus a charge of $4.05 for each 1,000 gallons of metered water. Monthly water rates for active connections with the system with meters 4 inches or larger would be set at a minimum $939.52 for 0-230,000 gallons of water, with an additional fee of 3.78 per 1,000 gallons of water for all usage above 230,000 gallons. (see page 110 of the 2022 proposed budget to view Ordinance No. 2785 setting the water rate)
Ordinance No. 2786 (page 112 of the proposed city budget) would increase sewer rates from $27.65 to $28.10, for 0-4,000 gallons usage, and $4.07 per thousand gallons usage for over 4,000 gallons, figured based on water consumption. The proposed 2 percent sewer rate increase would help keep up with inflation, which has increased the cost the city pays for chemicals, materials and employee wages to treat wastewater, city officials reported at an August budget work session.
Ordinance No. 2787 (pages 112-113 in the proposed city budget) would increase the city sanitation rate (trash service) 5 percent, from $12.45 plus tax to $13.07 plus tax for hand collection of trash twice a week for each dwelling unit, multi-family residences for each unit, and mobile home park for each unit counted in the park. The monthly charge for commercial collection would be $26.15 per commercial unit. Business rates would be billed per yard from 3-8 years based on frequency of collection weekly. For a temporary dumpster, one used for less than 6 months), a $102.84 delivery fee would be charges as well as any other pass through fees charges. Assistant City Manager/Finance Director Lesa Smith explained that the City of Sulphur Springs’ contracts with Sanitation Solutions and Republic Services; their contracts allow for the two companies to adjust the rates charged to the city by the CPI in October of every year. As of June 30, 2021, that amount was up 6.1 percent from June 2020. Last year, the contracted prices increased by 1.3 percent, but the city did not increase customer rates.
The City Council too will be asked at the 7 p.m. meeting Sept. 7, to consider approving on first reading ordinances setting these rates, and another establishing a master fee schedule of costs, fees and rates associated with permitting, utility services and other services provided by the city. The ordinances, if approved, would be presented again at a meeting later in the month for second reading and final approval.
Other items
The City Council will also be asked to consider four 380 agreements, one each for property at: 219 Craig Street, 447 Houston Street, and Lots 3R and 1R at 410 Houston Street.
Bids are expected to be considered and a contract potentially awarded for water materials for the College Street road project, adopting an annual investment policy; an easement with Oncor Electric Delivery LLC at Coleman Park Water Tower; an ordinance to rezone Lot 10 A of Town Addition at 618 Oak Avenue from multifamily (a house) to light commercial, for future business use; authorize updated service credits; final reading of a request to rezone the 1.89-acre Lot 3R-3 at 125 Weaver Drive from heavy industrial to multifamily, for potential future residential development on the site; and playground equipment for Pacific Park.
DSHS Announces 126th Hopkins County COVID Death
186 New Cases, 118 Recoveries, 292 Active Cases Of Coronavirus Reported So Far In September
Texas Department of State Health Services had announced the 126th Hopkins County COVID death Monday. A total of 186 new cases, 118 additional recoveries and one coronavirus death have been reported for Hopkins County during the first 6 days of September 2021, leaving 392 Hopkins County residents who still actively had the virus at noon on Labor Day.
COVID Deaths
According to the DSHS County Trends dashboard, the latest confirmed COVID death among Hopkins County residents occurred on Sept. 1. That makes 42 Hopkins County residents who have died in 2021 as a direct result of coronavirus, and 11 of those deaths occurred in August, 126 county residents who’ve died from COVID-19 since July 17,2020. (Although the first Hopkins County COVID-19 case was confirmed on March 27, 2020, the county had no confirmed COVID deaths until July 17, 2020.) That’s 0.34 percent of the overall Hopkins population who’ve died from COVID-19. The fatality rate increases to 4.94 percent for all county residents who’ve had COVID since last year who have died from the virus.
DSHS only reports COVID deaths as those deaths for which COVID-19 is listed as a direct cause of death on the death certificate. A medical certifier, usually a doctor, determines the cause of death. DSHS does not include deaths of people who had COVID-19 but died of an unrelated cause, according to the DHS website.
(In other words, if person confirmed to have COVID was in a car wreck while on the way to the hospital or doctor, and perished as a result of injuries sustained in the crash, the cause of death would not be reported by the person certifying the death certificate or by DSHS as a COVID-19 fatality. Similarly, if a person who has cancer or heart disease is diagnosed with COVID and dies as a result of complications from the cancer or heart failure, the death would be listed as cancer or heart failure, not COVID.)
Fatalities are reported by where the person lived as listed on the death certificate. So, the death of a person from COVID, regardless of the place of death, would be counted in their home county’s COVID death count, not for the city or county where they died.
Case Counts
Last week, Aug. 29-Sept. 4, a total of 100 Hopkins County residents had received lab-confirmed positive COVID test results. Nine additional county residents tested positive on Sunday and 15 new lab-confirmed cases were reported on Sept. 6, 2021. That’s 124 new lab-confirmed cases in Hopkins County so far in September and 175 new lab confirmed cases since Aug. 29. A total of 1,474 Hopkins County residents have received positive lab tests results for COVID in 2021. Cumulatively. since March 12, 2021, that’s 2,553 confirmed COVID cases in people whose addresses include Hopkins County zip codes. That means 6.88 percent of all Hopkins County residents since last March have received lab confirmed COVID-19 test results.
DSHS uses the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definition to identify confirmed COVID case. A person who has tested positive for COVID through a molecular test that looks for the virus’ genetic material is, according to the CDC, a confirmed case.
A total of 73 probable cases were also noted for Hopkins County last week, 60 of them during the first 4 days of September. Two additional probable cases have been reported this week, for a total of 75 probable cases in the past 9 days, 62 during the first 6 days of September. So far this year, 886 probable cases have been reported for Hopkins County. Since Nov. 1, 2020, when the state began tracking probable cases, 1,988 Hopkins County residents were reported as having probable COVID cases. That’s 6.34 percent of the overall population of Hopkins County considered to have COVID since March of 2020.
DSHS also uses the CDC definition when identifying and reporting probable COVID cases. A person who has either tested positive through an antigen test or has a combination of symptoms and a known exposure to someone with COVID-19 without a more likely diagnosis is considered by the CDC as a “probable case” of COVID.
Combined, Hopkins County has had 186 new cases reported during the first six days of September, and 250 new confirmed and probable cases reported since Aug. 29. Cumulatively, 2,360 Hopkins County residents have had COVID in 2021 and 4,541 since March 27, 2021. That’s 12.25 percent of the county population who’ve had COVID (lab-confirmed and probable cases) since March of last year.
A total of 147 Hopkins County residents were reported to have recovered from COVID-19 last week, 87 from Sept. 1-4, 2021. Fourteen additional recoveries were reported on Sunday and 17 on Monday, for a total of 118 Hopkins County residents who’ve gotten over the virus in September. The 31 new recoveries this week increase the total so far this year to 1,957. Cumulatively, that’s 4,024 of the 4,541 Hopkins County COVID cases reported as recovered.
The active COVID-19 case count remains high, but has continued to decline over the past three days, from 403 on Friday to 397 on Saturday, 395 Sunday and 392 Sept. 6. Last week, the daily case count was an average 385.25, with a low of 293 on Monday and peaking at 403 on Friday.
To put that into perspective, nine county residents tested positive and six recovered from Sept. 1-6, 2020, for a cumulative total on Sept. 6, 2020 of 252 cumulative cases (0.68 percent of the overall population) and 202 recoveries since March, with 12 active cases and eight COVID fatalities (0.2 percent of the total population and 3.17 percent of the overall cases.)
Hospital Reports
On Sept. 5, 2021, Trauma Service Area hospital which includes all hospitals in Northeast Texas including CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital Sulphur Springs, held at total of 194 COVID-19 patients, including 119 in general beds, 75 in ICU beds, 24 on ventilators and 20 who COVID patients who were admitted in the previous 24 hours.
That’s out of 843 total staffed hospital beds, which contained 653 patients, leaving 116 hospital beds and one adult ICU bed available, along with 59 available ventilators.
COVID Hospitalizations accounted for 23.01 percent of the total hospital capacity in TSA on Sept. 5, 2021, the second lowest in the past week, and down for the second time in as many days. Overall, COVID patients accounted for 23.57 percent of the hospital capacity in TSA F over the past 7 day (Aug. 30-Sept. 5) in TSA F.
High Speed Vehicle Pursuit On I-30 Results In Manhunt In Dike Area, Multiple Arrests
A high speed vehicle pursuit along Interstate 30 in Hopkins County Sunday night resulted in a manhunt for the occupants who fled after their vehicle was disabled on a county road in the Dike area. All suspects had been located and were in custody by 9:30 a.m. Labor Day, according to police and sheriff’s reports.
Cumby Police Officer Justin Talley initiated the traffic stop near the 110 mile marker on I-30 east at 7:54 p.m. Sept. 5, 20210. He attempted to stop a gray Dodge Charger being driven at a rate of 98 miles per hour on I-30 east, a 75 mph speed zone. Instead of stopping, however, the driver accelerated to and continued on I-30 at speeds in excess of 130 mph.
The car, after about 20 miles, turned off I-30 in northeastern Hopkins County. It was disabled on County Road 3563. The suspects fled on foot into the Dike area.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office deputies at 8:36 p.m. were actively assisting in the search. The manhunt in the Dike area reportedly focused on the area west of County Road 3563, just north of FM 69 north for the suspects, reported to be five black males. They posted a notice on the department’s Facebook page, asking anyone who saw anything suspicious in the Dike area to call 911.
At 10:38 p.m. Sunday, Cumby Police Officer Talley and HCSO Deputy Jason Lavender reported 18-year-old Christopher Kirby Keel and 19-year-old Jahlon Crisean Martin, both of Little Rock, Arkansas, had been located on a county road and were taken into custody for possession of the keys to the disabled Charger, inside of which 2.15 ounces of marijuana was allegedly found. Martin was confirmed to be the owner of the car. Keel took credit for driving the vehicle during the pursuit.
A Texas Department of Public safety helicopter and Texas Department of Criminal Justice search hounds were called in to assist the Cumby and county officers in their search for the three remaining suspects. By 1:11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 6, 2021, all except two of the suspects were in custody. HCSO at that time reported the DPS helicopter and prison dogs had exhausted their capabilities in the search.
After interviewing the suspects in custody, HCSO officers speculated the unaccounted for pair may have been picked up by a motorist. Deputies remained still in the area and citizens were cautioned to remain alert throughout the night for anyone or anything suspicious, and asked them to call 911 if they observed anything that could be related to the pursuit and manhunt.
A citizen reportedly traveling the area for work later Monday morning reportedly spotted the remaining pair and held them until officers could arrive to take custody of them.
Hopkins County jail reports show Brayhlon Nathaniel Martin and Deangelo Dayyon Neely, both 18, were also booked into Hopkins County jail early Sept. 6, 2021, on evading arrest or detention with a vehicle and possession of 2 ounces or more but less than 4 ounces of marijuana charges.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Houston Man Arrested In Hopkins County On Parole Warrant
A 53-year-old Houston man was arrested in Hopkins County Sunday morning on a parole warrant, according to arrest and jail reports.
Cumby Police Lt. Paul Robertson reported stopping a 2010 Dodge Charger a 10:45 a.m. Sept. 5, 2021, in Cumby for a traffic violation. During a roadside interview, Robertson discovered James Alfred Cox-Ramey was wanted by Texas Department of Criminal Justice for violation of parole, which he was on for homicide, according to arrest reports.
The Houston man was arrested and transported to Hopkins County jail, where he was booked at 11:48 a.m. Sunday on the warrant. The car was impounded. The violation was alleged to have occurred on May 10, 2021, Robertson noted in arrest reports.
Cox-Ramey, who is also known by James Alfred Ramey, Raymond Alfred, James Alfred Cox, Jerry Lee Grimes, Ramey James, Alfred Ramey and James Ramey, was held in the county jail Monday, Sept. 6, 2021, on the TDCJ charge, acording to jail reports.
HHS Recognizes National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
AUSTIN – During the month of September, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission is working to reduce the stigma surrounding suicide and increase awareness about suicide prevention. HHSC encourages Texans to learn about available resources and to become aware of the common warning signs of suicide.
“We want every Texan who’s facing a crisis, or knows someone who is, to know that you are not alone and help is available,” said HHS State Suicide Prevention Coordinator Tammy Weppleman. “It’s important that we share every resource at our disposal and have conversations about this serious public health issue.”
In 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that suicide was the second leading cause of death for Texans ages 10 to 34 years old and nearly 4,000 people were lost to suicide statewide.
The most common warning signs of suicide include talking about or writing about suicide, expressing hopelessness or worthlessness, planning or looking for a way to kill themselves, increasing use of substances and withdrawing from family and friends.
If someone is at risk for suicide, it’s important to act right away, offer hope and get help as soon as possible. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 (800-273-TALK) is available 24/7 to connect people in crisis and concerned family members with counselors for emotional support and other services.
In addition to the crisis line, Texas is highlighting other resources to help Texans in need:
- The Crisis Text Lineprovides access to free counseling through text messaging 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Text TX to 741741 for assistance.
- The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255 (TALK) offers guidance and assistance for people and their loved ones experiencing thoughts of suicide.
- Dedicated line for veterans: press 1.
- For people who are deaf and hard of hearing: use your preferred relay service or dial 711, then 800-273-8255.
- For Spanish speakers: La Red Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio: 888-628-9454.
- The Suicide Prevention Wallet card, in Englishand Spanish, quickly identifies warning signs and specific steps to help someone who is struggling.
- The Texas Veterans + Family Alliance Grant Program enables communities to identify and address mental health needs of veterans and their families.
- The Texas Mental Health Program for Veterans is a community-based resource for veterans and their families struggling with suicide.
- HHS offers free Mental Health First Aid eight-hour courses to public school and higher education employees to help them recognize risk factors and warning signs of a person in distress and how they can reach out to help and connect them with resources.
- People can call the Local Mental Health Authority in their area to be connected to mental health services.
For more information about suicide prevention, visit the HHS Suicide Prevention webpage.
Construction Of New EMS Station Hits Snag, But Continues Making Progress
Whitley: Medicaid Waiver, Pandemic Impact Hospital District Budget But Overall Tentative Audit A “Great Report”
Construction of the new EMS station/hospital district headquarters on Airport Road is progressing but did hit a snag recently, EMS and hospital district officials reported this week during the regular meeting of Hopkins County Hospital District. An outside auditor also noted that while things are looking much better financially for EMS and the hospital district, the overall budget is impacted by Texas Medicaid Waiver, QIPP and the pandemic.
New EMS Station
Ground work is well under way at the Airport Road site, just across the street from CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County EMS’ current station. The dirt is being leveled out and the site raised to make it suitable for the new EMS/HCHD headquarters. Grading has been delayed, however.
“They had some utility line issues that they are working on. They’re having to resurvey some different things with the grades. So, other than that, there’s no big update – unless there’s some big utility line issues, but they think they can work through some grade issues on the driveways. They’re trying to solve that,” Brent Smith, Hopkins County EMS Director/HCHD chief operating officer, told the hospital district board at their Aug. 30 meeting.
Financial Matters
Deborah Whitley with BKD CPAs noted she’d normally present the annual hospital district audit findings in March, however, with everything going on with CHRISTUS, the audit was delayed this year.
She said industry factors such as the 1115 Texas Medicaid waiver and turmoil surrounding it can have a significant impact on healthcare. The district has benefitted from it financially for a number of years. The waiver is the transition period from the time a state hasn’t extended Medicaid to the period it has extended it. Texas has been under a waiver extension since 2011. Prior to the Trump Administration’s departure, Texas filed for another 10-year waiver. The Trump Administration approved the waiver. In April of 2021, the Biden Administration canceled the waiver extension. Texas then sued the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services over their right to cancel, then the state reapplied in July for an extension. The state hadn’t been approved for the extension as of Aug. 30. The old extension expires in September 2022.That gives the state a year to put it together.
However, the QIPP program is a part of the extension application program. (The Quality Incentive Payment Program serves as a resource to help nursing facilities achieve transformation. This performance-based program encourages NFs to improve the quality and innovation of their services through implementation of program-wide improvement processes for which facilities are compensated for meeting or exceeding certain goals. Improvement is based upon several indices of success, including quality metrics that are collected by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, according to Texas Health and Human Services. If the waiver isn’t renewed the HCHD will lose a couple of million dollars in funding, Whitley noted. For instance nursing home QIPP revenues to actual activity before adjusted put $1,389,661 in the HCHD.
HCHD CEO Ron Folwell, who attended the meeting via conference call, asked if there were any projects on when that would happen and what that would be like if it does indeed happen.
“There are federal funds out there. Texas has got to figure out a way to access those federal funds. So the State of Texas has to be able to figure out what are the parameters we’re going to live under to access those funds. That’s the dispute right now because it’s the reshuffling of money,” Whitley said. “I would tell you that I think it’s a very high percentage that the waiver is approved but I don’t have any odds on the way the funds are going to be allocated to what programs. So, I don’ t know how many dollars of funding, Ron, the QIPP program will actually get.”
Hopkins County Hospital District has receive about $3.5 million from the nursing home program. In 2017, HJCHD receive a profit of $16,000, the funds went up the next year to $850,000, fell to $750,000 and in the past year was almost $2.1 million from funding from the 1115 waiver through the nursing home program, according to financial BKD representative.
Whitley also said while pricing transparency isn’t something that HCHD has to worry about day-to-day, but since the district was so close to the hospital operations for so long, it’s something the Hospital District Board needs to be aware of. A deadline of Jan. 1, 2021, was set for hospitals give to patients inforamtion about charges, out-of-pocket costs and things of that nature. CMS is putting in place a monitoring and enforcement plan for hospitals that are out of compliance to follow.
“It’s important for you to know the whole healthcare system is working a lot on pricing transparency. Following a lot of this, he health plans are going to have requirements for some of that transparency as well. There should be information on a hospital’s website for your to see information on different charges for different services. If those aren’t as transparent, CMS is going to start doing website auditors and put hospitals on affirmative action plans on when they are going to become compliant and if they are not and penalties potentially following,” Whitley said. “that’s just important for you as a board to know that is probably one of hte things CHRISTUS is having a challenge with to get done.”
Also in early 20202, the federal government put $175 billion for the health care industry, nursing homes included. The Hospital District received about $4 million in provider relief funds. Those funds were received prior to June 30, 2020. Those funds had to be expended by June 30, 2021. The reporting of those funds will have to be done prior to Sept. 30, 2021Any funds not spent for the purpose for which the district received them, those funds will have to be returned by Oct. 30, 2021. That means an enormous amount of reporting nation wide on a portal. That should receive high priority in September between the Hospital District and the nursing homes, and has already begun, Whitley noted.
Annual Audit
Whitley presented what she called a “great report” to the Hospital district during the Aug. 30 meeting. The bottom line reported in 2020 was an increase of $4,9 million, up from the 2019 net income of $2.1 million, Whitley reported. The QIPP program, which accounted for $1,389,661of that increase and improved EMS efficiencies were huge factors in that gain, Whitley reported.
EMS receivables brought in $675,000 more than estimated collections and $686,754. She reported an increase of $2.5 million in 2020 to the district’s operating income. EMS’ net revenue increased by $1 million and nursing home revenue increased buy $1.3 million. Property tax revenue increased by $339,000 from Oct. 1, 2019 to Sept. 30, 2020, Another $114,000 gain from insurance proceeds on ambulance that was impaired,
However, the district did see a $179,000 decrease in interest income.
She noted that the two stapled packets presented to the board, each is a tentative draft for review purposes because the EMS director was still trying to confirm one number that’s material enough that she wasn’t quite comfortable list the documents as a final audit. There are one or two monetary changes that could be impacted, although Whitley and the HCHD officials don’t think so, If nothing changed over the last week or when Smith provided the final information needed, the final audit will look exactly like the packet presents presented at the Aug. 30 meeting, she noted.
From 2019-2020, HCHD’s cash went up about $3 million from $10 million to $13 million.
“That’s a big jump. That’s the reason I know your bottom line of $4.9 million is good, because I see cash in the bank, cash in hand. Another amount that changed is the amount of the QIPP program. You were expecting at the end of Sept. 30 was $4.4 million compared to about $3 million in the previous year, so that’s $1.4 million additional dollars in the QIPP program that still had not been received,” Whitley noted.
She said that $4.1 million of the $4.9 million in prepaid nursing facility fees was provider relief funds distributed to nursing homes. About $810,000 of that was Medicare advance payments that came in for the nursing homes.
All of those funds came in and were funneled back out except about $30,000, shown as a receivable on the books.
“You’re on the hook for this money if the nursing homes don’t pay it back, And until that revenue is recognized, I’m keeping it on the books because that would be a holdback from you from the nursing homes if they don’t give you everything that you need to be able to report that correctly. I’m recording it as received and you’ve given it to the nursing homes,” Whitley said. “That’s the money I would expect you’ll see in your net revenue. It recognizes revenue in fiscal year 2021. Once you’re earned the right to keep that, report it as spent.”
Prepaid expenses and other expenses was up about $950,000, That’s up $400,000, with the bulk of that prepaid rent from CHRISTUS. The district also has another $600,000 increase from EMS deployments.
In September 2020, there was still about $600,000 to account for. Smith and the auditors were sure EMS had received $200,000 of that amount, but not the remaining $400,000. Smith was trying at the time the report was composed to locate that information as the COO was out on medical leave. He noted at the Aug. 30 meeting that the funding comes from Texas Department of State Health Services finances, which works at a slower pace.
Assets were up about $9 million this time last year. Two new ambulances were purchased in 2020, for about $150,000 each. Construction progress, the start of the new EMS headquarters and hiring or an architectural firm, had just begun at a cost of about $175,000.
After the deal in which CHRISTUS agreed to purchase HCHD’s remaining shares in the Healthcare Alliance is reflected in the budget, the long term debt of $24 million for bonds will be paid with proceeds from the deal and go away. Until then, it will remain on the books although paid.
Funding was expected to come into the QIPP funds to be be distributed to nursing homes at hte end of FH 2020. More was expected to come in last year, and more is expected to be paid out for the nursing home’s share of the QIPP program funding, Whitley said. The more than $4,121,000 doled out, the nursing homes have to provide poof the funding was used as allocated so the hospital district, as owner, doesn’t have to pay it back.
A $3.2 million lease security budget on the balance sheet represents the initial lease money that CHRISTUS put up at the very beginning of the deal. That’s goes away during the course of the sail. It will be converted into the overall sales proceeds.
Overall, HCHD had an equity improvement of $4,922,000 for the year, Whitley said.
She noted initially reported to the district as profit was $6 million, but an adjustment of $1.2 million was made, reducing that to $4.9 million, the majority of which was reconciling cash throughout the year, the auditor noted.
Looking at district operations, EMS has traditionally and over the last 3 years finished with a negative balance. In 2020, that number finally flipped to a positive number, due largely to the $600 in federal funding the EMS service received to cover expenses while responding in other areas to emergency or critical medical situations.
Smith noted the district has already had quite a few deployments in 2021 as well, which should help improve the bottom line in the coming budget year which finishes this month as well.
Indigent care funds balance, depreciation on buildings and interest expense on the bond payment also are in the 2020 budget, which comprise a loss.
When comparing current cash in excess of current liabilities, HCHD’s liquidity continues to grow stronger annually. If all funding stopped with not even a dollar in additional funding coming in, HCHD could operate EMS for 3 years with the amount of cash the district had on hand on Sept. 30, 2020.
“Over the last 3 years, I’m happy to report you’ve done a better job of getting those bills turned into cash sooner. Not that the cash is a lot, but you’re getting it turned around faster. So, I’m happiest to see that trend up there,” Whitley said of accounts payable.
She said that it will be a major challenge for HCHD to get all of the documentation of direct COVID-19 expenses and capital purchases from nursing homes to get them turned in by the Sept. 30, 2021 deadline. When HCHD complete its reporting, it will have completed documentation for six nursing homes (all in other counties). She recommended not starting entering information in the reporting portal until all 6 nursing facilities have all of the needed paperwork in to HCHD and district officials are 100 percent comfortable with the documentation on how the money is spent, because the burden will be on the hospital district in 3 years to show everything is in order.
Folwell said HCHD would like for BKD’s staff to do that for them. Whitley explained that while the accounting firm can be helpful, going through all of the documentation with them to make sure they are comfortable with it, but HCHD staff will be required to enter the information into the portal.
Whitley also recommended not waiting until Sept. 28, 2021 to begin entering the information into the online reporting portal as it is likely to get jammed up or bogged down due to the large volume on it at that time, and the district would be late getting it in if it went down. She recommended getting it in between Sept. 15 and Sept. 27. She said she wanted to be sure the HCHD Board knew they would be on the hook if the amount reported isn’t accurate, and would be required to pay back at a future date any amount identified as not meeting the requirements.
Angelia Harris, HCHD benefits coordinator, said the nursing homes have been asked to get all of their paperwork in by Aug. 31, 2021, and already had most of the nursing facilities paperwork in already.
A Labor Day Message To Lone Star Workforce From Texas Workforce Commission
TWC: Thank You For Making Texas Thrive
AUSTIN — This Labor Day weekend, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) wants to recognize and pay tribute to the 14 million plus industrious Texans who are the backbone of our economy and the foundation of our state.
Our state’s population is skyrocketing because Texas has built a sturdy economic growth engine, and that attracts new residents and drives population growth. Our skilled workforce is the primary reason companies move to Texas every day and it’s also why our state’s economy is thriving.
We also want to recognize our Texas employers, who create new jobs every day. Our state’s ongoing achievement is linked to the innovation and competitiveness of our employers in a range of growing industries that provide workers with more opportunities to demonstrate their world-class skills.
Meanwhile, there is always more opportunity on the horizon. Texas has jobs and careers. Texas businesses continue to hire, with 714,800 jobs added between July 2020 and July 2021. For those in the market for their next career opportunity, TWC has the tools to help. You can check out open jobs in your area on TWC’s two employment search platforms, MyTxCareer.com and WorkInTexas.com.
But the Texas Workforce system offers more than just online jobs portals. TWC and the state’s 28 local workforce development boards – with over 180 plus Workforce Solutions offices statewide – provide access to job and training opportunities, as well as resources for employers. We work together because our Texas workforce is the engine of the Lone Star state economy.
Simply put, TWC is grateful for the contributions that Texas’ workers have made to help our state rebound strongly, and we want to thank you on this, your holiday. As you enjoy this time with loved ones, we thank you for helping to make Texas a place to be proud of—and the best place to live, work and do business.
Bryan Daniel, Chairman, Commissioner Representing the Public
Julian Alvarez, Commissioner Representing Labor
Aaron Demerson, Commissioner Representing Employers
Meal A Day Menu For Sep. 6-10, 2021
Volunteers prepare meals at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center and deliver them five days a week to Meal A Day program recipients in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County. The Meal A Day Menu for Sep. 6 – Sep. 10, 2021, includes:
- Monday – Corn Dogs, Baked Beans and Potato Chips.
- Tuesday – Chicken Spaghetti, Italian Vegetables and Garlic Sticks.
- Wednesday – Rope Sausage, Sauerkrauts, Black-Eyed Peas and Cornbread.
- Thursday – Steak Fingers ,Mashed Potatoes with Gravy, Green Beans and A Roll.
- Friday – Fish, Cole Slaw, Hush Puppies and Pinto Beans.
The Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center is a place where Senior Citizens age 50 and over can have a good time with old friends and make some new ones. Meal-A-Day is just one service the center provides. The coffee pot is always on and a smile is on each face. The SCC has a full library with all different kinds of reading books that can be taken, read and returned. Take as many as you like and bring some of your books in to share with others. Click here to find more information for seniors citizens.
Cooper Davis Keeps World Championship Hopes Alive with Round 1 Win at PBR Unleash The Beast Major in Fort Worth
Capitalizing on rare stumble by world No. 1 Jose Vitor Leme, Davis gained 39 points in the race for the 2021 PBR World Championship as he seeks his second gold buckle
Backed by the momentum of his home-state crowd, Texan Cooper Davis (Jasper, Texas) was dominant Saturday evening as action got underway for the second PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Unleash The Beast Major of 2021, the Tractor Supply Co. Iron Cowboy, presented by Ariat, in Fort Worth, Texas. Delivering his ninth 90-point ride of the season, the 2016 PBR World Champion won Round 1 of the progressive-elimination event, keeping his hopes alive for winning the 2021 PBR World Championship.
As one of the final riders to compete, Davis remained focused despite an uneasy start to his opening round effort as County Jail (Frontier Rodeo Company) fidgeted in the chutes. However, finding his moment, Davis nodded his head, erupted from the chutes and matched the striking bovine athlete jump-for-jump as the electric crowd erupted in cheer en route to his qualified ride.
Davis’s celebration dirtside was amplified as his score boomed throughout Dickies Arena, marked 90.5 points.
The score not only marked Davis’s ninth 90-point ride of 2021, second-best of any rider on the premier series, but also his seventh round win, which he is also tied for second-most in the league.
Davis’s monstrous score netted him a critical 39 points, allowing him to hone in on No. 1 Jose Vitor Leme (Ribas do Rio Pardo, Brazil), who was uncharacteristically bucked off in Round 1.
Attempting to become just the seventh rider in league history to win multiple PBR World Championships, Davis remained No. 3 in the world but closed to within 643.5 points of No. 1 Leme.
Of the world’s Top 3, Davis was the lone rider to deliver a score. Leme was bested by @PBR on TikTok (Paradigm Bull Co./Lansman Land & Cattle) in 5.53 seconds, while No. 2 Kaique Pacheco (Itatiba, Brazil) was bucked off by Skirt Chaser (Shuler Bucking Bulls) in 2.49 seconds.
Second was surging Rookie of the Year contender Eli Vastbinder (Statesville, North Carolina).
Leading the round for the majority of the evening, the North Carolinian was marked 89.5 points when he made the requisite 8 atop Juju (Tommy Julian/D&H Cattle).
Vastbinder’s score netted him 28 world points, allowing him to crack the world’s Top 30. After beginning the event ranked No. 31, Vastbinder is now No. 29.
Dalton Kasel (Muleshoe, Texas) remained in contention to earn his first Major victory in Fort Worth when he covered Schott in The Dark(Julio Moreno/Schott Bucking Bulls) for 87.75 points to tie for third. He split the bronze finish with Joao Henrique Lucas (Bastos, Brazil), who logged a matching score aboard Gladiator’s Hammer (Frontier Rodeo Company).
Both Kasel and Lucas collected 21 world points for their scores. While Lucas remained No. 20 in the world, 2019 PBR Rookie of the Year Kasel climbed one position from No. 17 to No. 16.
Rounding out the Top 5 in Round 1 of the PBR Tractor Supply Co. Iron Cowboy, presented by Ariat, was Jesse Petri (Dublin, Texas) in fifth.
Petri covered DJ Casper (Carr Pro Rodeo) for 87.5 points to net 19 world points.
In addition to punching his ticket to the second round of the Major, Petri also rose one position in the race for the 2021 PBR World Championship, from No. 16 to No. 15.
PBR Unleash The Beast action from Fort Worth, Texas, and Dickies Arena will conclude on Sunday, August 29, starting at 12:45 p.m. CDT, with Rounds 2-5 for the PBR Tractor Supply Co. Iron Cowboy, presented by Ariat.
PBR RidePass on PlutoTV will offer re-airs and on-demand replays of every PBR Unleash The Beast event. PBR RidePass is available on desktops, laptops and mobile devices via www.pluto.tv. Tune to channel 720 for the latest programming schedule.
Paris District Road Report for the week of Sept. 6, 2021
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the week of Sept. 6, 2021. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
US 75, Grayson County: from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between SH 91 and FM 1417 as crews work on building new main lanes, bridges, and retaining walls. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and SH 91. The northbound Washington Street exit ramp is currently closed and exiting traffic is requested to use the Houston/Lamar Street exit ramp. The southbound exit ramp for Park Avenue is currently closed and exiting traffic is requested to use the Lamar/Houston Street exit. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project.
Northbound and Southbound US 75 mainlane traffic has been shifted onto the existing frontage road near West Staples Street and transitions back to the existing mainlanes near West Cherry Street. This operation will allow for reconstruction of the proposed US 75 mainlanes and the bridge over Center Street. Within this area, the US 75 frontage road traffic has been reduced to a single travel lane, while US 75 mainlane traffic still maintains two travel lanes. Both mainlane and frontage road traffic are separated by concrete barriers.
All eastbound and westbound lanes of Center Street under US 75 are closed to traffic. To detour, eastbound Center Street traffic will turn right on the southbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Park Avenue, and turn left on the northbound US 75 frontage road to return to Center Street. Westbound traffic will turn right on the northbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Houston Street, and turn left on the southbound US 75 frontage road to return to Center Street.
Video animations of the northbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch and Center Street detour can be viewed online at:
- Northbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLyVQ6rYNhM
- Southbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch:
- Detour for the Center Street closure at US 75: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIMoHaqAFGg
Northbound and Southbound US 75 mainlane traffic has been shifted onto the existing frontage road from just north of Houston Street and transitions back to the existing main lanes south of North Travis Street. This operation will allow for reconstruction of the proposed US 75 main lanes and the bridge over Washington Street. Within this area, the US 75 frontage road traffic has been reduced to a single travel lane, while US 75 mainlane traffic still maintains two travel lanes. Both mainlane and frontage road traffic are separated by concrete barriers.
All eastbound and westbound lanes of Washington Street under US 75 are closed to traffic. This closure is necessary to complete work in preparation of the mainlane detour. To detour, eastbound Washington Street traffic will turn right on the southbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Lamar Street, and turn left on the northbound US 75 frontage road to return to Washington Street. Westbound traffic will turn right on the northbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on North Travis Street, and turn left on the southbound US 75 frontage road to return to Washington Street.
Video animations of the northbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch and Washington Street detour can be viewed online at:
- Northbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch:
- Southbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch:
- Detour for the Washington Street closure at US 75:
US 75, Grayson County: at the US 82 intersection. Watch for shoulder closures on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between North Loy Lake Road and Lamberth Street as crews work on building new exit ramps. Watch for shoulder closures and lanes shifts on the eastbound and westbound US 82 main lanes between FM 131 and Loy Lake Road while crews perform bridge construction. Watch for lane closures and lane shifts for the frontage roads at the US 75 and US 82 intersection as crews work on bridge construction and construction of new frontage road lanes.
The westbound US 82 exit ramp for Loy Lake road is currently closed for crews to work on widening the US 82 frontage road. Traffic wishing to access Loy Lake Road is requested to take the SH 91 exit ramp (# 643), or the US 75 exit ramp.
The US 75 pedestrian bridge near Pecan Street in Sherman is closed to pedestrian traffic. The pedestrian bridge has been removed. Pedestrians wishing to cross US 75 are advised to cross at the Houston Street signalized intersection.
FM 1417, Grayson County: from US 82 to SH 56. Watch for lane shifts and shoulder closures between US 82 and SH 56 while crews are working to construct the second portion of the new Sand Creek bridge and the approaches to the bridge. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews perform utility work, signal work and temporary widening of the pavement. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project.
FM 131, Grayson County: in Sherman at the Northcreek Drive intersection. Watch for occasional lane closures as construction crews work on installing a traffic signal at the intersection.
US 69, Grayson County: in Bells at the FM 1897 intersection. Watch for occasional lane closures as construction crews work on installing a traffic signal at the intersection.
Yellow Bridge Road (CR 876), Grayson County: Yellow Bridge Road (CR 876) is closed to through traffic at the branch of Pilot Grove Creek so that construction crews can remove and replace the bridge. Local traffic will need to use an alternate roadway such as Brewer Road or County Road 534.
US 69/US 75, Grayson County: at the Red River bridge. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews work to upgrade and replace the existing bridge railing on the bridge and guardrail approaches on the northbound and southbound bridges at the Red River. Watch for lane shifts and narrow lanes throughout the project as crews have shifted traffic to provide room for construction.
FM 121, Grayson County: from Jim Jones Road to FM 3356. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews work to build portions of the new bridges and roadway. Watch for lane shifts and narrow lanes throughout the project as crews have moved traffic to a portion of the new concrete pavement. The ultimate roadway will be a five-lane section consisting of concrete pavement when the project is completed.
US 377, Grayson County: Willis Bridge at the Oklahoma State line. Watch for occasional lane closures on the existing bridge as workers pour concrete for the new bridge structure.
US 377, Grayson County: from US 82 to FM 901. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install sloped end treatments on pipes and install guardrail.
US 75 debris pickup, Grayson County: from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday during the nighttime.
FM 120, Grayson County: from SH 289 to Cemetery Road. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway.
FM 902, Grayson County: from SH 5 to FM 2729. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway.
FM 1753, Grayson and Fannin County: from FM 1897 to SH 78. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 898, Fannin County: from the Grayson County line to SH 121. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 824, Fannin County: from SH 56 in Honey Grove to the Lamar County line. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 1550, Fannin County: from County Road 3330 to SH 34. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
SH 121, Fannin County: from the Collin County line to SH 56. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install sloped end treatments on pipes and install guardrail.
US 82, Fannin County: from SH 121 to the Lamar County Line. Watch for slow-moving construction equipment as crews work on widening US 82 from a two-lane roadway to a four-lane divided roadway. Westbound US 82 traffic has been shifted to the new pavement for the entirety of the project from the Lamar County line to SH 121. Eastbound traffic between SH 121 and the Lamar County line has been opened to two lanes, but occasional daytime lane closures may be present. Drivers who frequent this roadway are advised that all driveways, county roads and farm-to-market roads approaching the new westbound main lanes on US 82 will have a full stop before crossing over to the median.
FM 68, Fannin County: from SH 34 to FM 271. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade perform base repairs on the roadway.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
FM 71, Hopkins County: From FM 3236 to Sulphur Bluff. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews perform striping operations.
Paris Area (Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties)
Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta Co. Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar Co. Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.
US 271 at Loop 286 interchange, Lamar County: Watch for lane and ramp closures while crews mill and place hot mix pavement. Please use an alternate route when possible to minimize traffic congestion in this area.
FM 38, Lamar County: from US 82 to US 82. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures and upgrade bridge rail and metal-beam guard fence.
FM 195, Red River County: from the Lamar County line to SH 37. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures and replace bridge rail. The shoulder at Little Pine Creek will remain closed while the rail work is completed.
FM 1487, Red River County: from FM 909 to FM 910. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews widen and rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 911, Red River County: from BU 82K (Avery) to FM 44. Watch for work zones and drive safely through construction areas as final work is being performed.
US 82, Red River County: from FM 1159 to the Bowie County line. Watch for work zones and drive safely through construction areas as final work is being performed.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903) 455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
FM 36, Hunt County: from FM 36 to FM 751 at various locations: The contractor has been forming and pouring concrete drainage structures on FM 1564. The contractor is working on culverts and safety end treatments on FM 1564 and will be placing chevrons on FM 1570, FM 751 and FM 36.
SH 276, Hunt County, from FM 36 to SH 34 (Quinlan Bypass): The contractor has placed project barricades and has prepared and cleared most of the right-of-way. Preliminary embankment, excavation, and bridge work has begun with all shafts being completed. This work should not affect existing traffic on SH 34 or SH 276. Roadway construction affecting closures on Spur 264 has begun, this work will affect through-traffic between Meyers Avenue to County Road 2304. Weekend work is to be expected. Please be aware of lane closures, and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
FM 1566, Hunt County: from FM 272 near Celeste to State Highway 34. The contractor has begun mile five of this seven-mile project and is currently reworking the subgrade and bringing in flex base, placing geogrid and compacting areas for roadway rehabilitation and widening. Please be aware of lane closures, and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
SH 66 at FM 1570, Hunt County: The contractor has finished placing project striping and will begin working on final punch list items. Please be aware of lane closures, and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
Maintenance crews in Hunt County will be performing base repair operations on FM 816 from Wolfe City to FM 272. Crews will also be on FM 1570 from IH 30 to SH 34 performing edging operations. Crews will be performing potholing various locations in Hunt County. Maintenance contract crews will be performing debris removal on I-30 and guard rail repair at various locations around Hunt County.
Please be careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers and maintain a safe distance from work crews.
Maintenance crews in Rains County will be performing patching work on SH 276 from US 69 to 2-Mile Bridge. Crews will be performing various sign installations, potholing, edging, and debris removal. Maintenance crews will be performing herbicide operation on various roadways. Please watch for lane closures, work zones and workers along the roadway, and maintain a safe distance from work crews.
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