Lady Cats Volleyball Closes Out Final Day of Garland Tournament Going 1-1
The Lady Cats volleyball team were originally slated to begin day two of the Garland tournament at 8 A.M. versus Ranchview, but they pulled out of the tournament due to the coronavirus.
With that, Coach Bailey Dorner and her Lady Cats were given the automatic win in the tournament held at Sachse High School, allowing her team to move on to the next round where they would be facing Tatum on court two at 10:30 A.M.
Set one started a theme that would last throughout the entire duration of the best of three match; a back-and-forth affair.
The first set between Sulphur Springs and Tatum tied eight separate times; 1-1, 2-2, 8-8, 9-9, 10-10, 11-11, 12-12 and 13-13, before the Lady Eagles would score 12 of the next 19 points en route to a 25-20 set one win.
Set two started out with the Lady Cats firing on all cylinders, reeling off six straight heading 6-0 in to a Tatum time-out.
The Lady Eagles eventually found their footing, able to pull in close to Sulphur Springs, but never within three points as the Lady Cats capitalized on their strong start in a 25-16 set two win to tie the match up at one set a piece.
In the deciding set three, neither team wanted to give up an inch.
The Lady Cats started out hot like in set two, scoring three straight points at the onset of set three, but then the Lady Eagles turned up the heat as they scored six of the next eight points to lead Sulphur Springs 6-5.
Coach Dorner’s Lady Cats were able to retake the lead at 10-7, but the next phase of the game was akin to the Maginot line.
Tatum and Sulphur Springs traded blows back and forth, tying set three at 10-10, 11-11 and 12-12, before Tatum took control of the game from there.
Even though the Lady Cats showed a tough fighting spirit, never relenting, it was not enough Saturday morning as the Lady Eagles took set three 25-18 and the match against Sulphur Springs. The two teams tied five times in set three.
With the loss, Coach Dorner and her Lady Cats were eliminated from the Garland Tournament after going 2-1 on Friday and 1-1 on Saturday, Aug. 14.
Lady Cats volleyball’s season record now stands at 4-3 after the tournament. Next up, Coach Dorner’s squad will be traveling out to Greenville on Tuesday, Aug. 17 when they take on the Lady Lions.
JV will get things going at 4:30 P.M. followed with the varsity, who are scheduled to serve the first ball at 5:30 P.M.
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.
Vehicle Pursuit Through Sulphur Springs Ends With A Crash
A vehicle pursuit through Sulphur Springs ended with a crash and an arrest early Saturday morning, according to arrest reports.
(HCSO jail photo)
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Silas Whaley attempted to stop a white Chevrolet Cobalt around 3:30 a.m. Aug. 14, 2021, for failing to yield right-of-way and failure to stop at a designated stopping point on Como Street at College Street. The driver failed to yield and the officer pursued the car as it continued on Como Street, Whaley alleged in arrest reports.
The vehicle pursuit ended when the Cobalt crashed at the Como-Putman Street intersection. The driver then attempted to run on foot from the officer. Whaley was able to take the man, identified as Rashad Oneal “Shad” Hall, into custody.
The 30-year-old Commerce man was booked into Hopkins County jail just before 5 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021, for evading arrest or detention with a vehicle and driving while license invalid with previous convictions.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
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.
Paris District Road Report for the Week of August 16, 2021
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the week of Aug. 16, 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 69, Grayson County: from FM 1897 in Bells to SH 11 in Whitewright. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews perform base repairs on the roadway. Work is expected to begin Aug. 9.
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. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project.
SH 289, Grayson County: in Gunter at the FM 121 intersection. Watch for occasional lane closures as construction crews work on installing a traffic signal at the intersection.
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 75 full depth concrete repair, Grayson County: Crews will be working on US 75 each week from Sunday night through Thursday night. Lane closures will be present at night for crews to replace failed concrete. Lane closures will begin at 7:30 p.m. each night and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m. This work will extend from the Collin-Grayson County line to the Oklahoma State line.
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 Monday, Wednesday and Friday during the daytime.
FM 120, Grayson County: from SH 289 to Cemetery Road. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs on the roadway.
FM 697, Grayson County: from SH 11 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.
SH 78, Fannin County: from US 69 to SH 11. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level 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 work on rehabilitating the roadway.
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.
US 79 at Loop 286, Lamar County: Watch for workers and equipment while crews perform slope repair work.
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 temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
SH 37, Red River County: from US 271 (Bogata) to the Franklin County line. Watch for work zones and drive safely through construction areas as final work is being performed.
BU 271D, Red River County: from US 271 to SP 38 (Bogata). 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 daytime lane closures while crews place final hot mix surface.
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, FM 513 SH 224 and SH34 at various locations. Contract mowers will be operating throughout the county this week. Maintenance crews will also be sweeping on US 69 between Lone Oak and Greenville as needed. Maintenance contract crews will be performing debris removal on I-30 and guard rail repair at various locations around Hunt County. Contracted maintenance crews will be mowing various locations in 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 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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Wildcats Football Tops Liberty Eylau in Scrimmage Opener
In a hot Friday night in Texarkana, only one team would emerge victorious in the scrimmage opener for Sulphur Springs.
Thankfully for Coach Owens and his staff, it was the visiting Wildcats who would leave Harris Field as the victors, beating Liberty Eylau 9-7 in Texarkana on Aug. 13.
As is to be expected in both teams’ first match of the season, both teams struggled early punching the ball in the end zone.
Sulphur Springs received the ball to start the game, and began a streak of three straight drives that ended in punts for both teams.
It was not until the fourth drive, at the beginning of the second quarter, that a drive ended in a play that was not a punt — LE turned the ball over on downs.
The Wildcats, capitalizing on the Leopard’s lost momentum, proceeded to go on an 11-play, three-and-a-half minute drive in which they were able to kick it through the uprights to take a 3-0 lead with 7:40 left in the first half.
Neither team would score again until the third quarter, when both teams started to find their grooves.
Liberty Eylau came out firing in the second half; the Leopards went on an 11-play, three minute drive of their own, scoring on a 29-yard touchdown pass to give LE the lead at 7-3.
The Sulphur Springs offense responded with another 10+ play drive, where the Wildcats were able to get their first touchdown and first passing TD of the game to retake the lead for good at 9-7 with 7:40 left in the third.
Both teams would trade drives ending mostly with punts from there, as Sulphur Springs held on to beat Liberty Eylau in Texarkana 9-7.
There were several standouts; both QBs Matthew Mitchell and Brady Driver had impressive nights, but also receivers Carson Fenton and CJ Williams made big catches. Running backs JJ Hall and Douglas Deloney also produced big numbers, combining for almost 100 yards through the ground and air in the scrimmage victory.
Korderrian “Bull” Turner was able to scoop up an LE fumble on defense.
While there were plenty of key players and positives from Friday night’s scrimmage win, Coach Owens and his staff still have things they can improve upon on before their second and final scrimmage versus Pleasant Grove.
That game is next Thursday, Aug. 19 at Gerald Prim Stadium and is set to kick-off at 7 P.M.
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.
Sulphur Springs Officials Discuss City Tax Rate, Budget During Workshops
Reduction In Tax Rate, Small Increase In Utility Fees Proposed
Sulphur Springs officials have been hard at work this summer shaping and tightening up a budget for the 2021-2022 fiscal year. After two special meetings with Sulphur Springs City Council, officials anticipated proposing a city tax rate that will be not quite 2 cents lower, while recommending a small increase to city utility fees to keep up with inflation and apply toward infrastructure maintenance and upkeep.
All operations would be funded in the FY 2021-2022 budget, along with a few capital projects, some large equipment purchases for some city departments, and a 3 percent across the board cost of living raise for city employees. Some city departments, however, could see additional increases to help them retain personnel and better compete with other agencies in the next funding year.
Tax Rate
Sulphur Springs Assistant City Manager/Finance Director Lesa Smith introduced the budget to the City Council in a packed hour-long work session prior to the Aug. 3 meeting. Another work session was held Tuesday evening with the various city department heads present to give a brief overview of their departments and answer any questions the City Council members might have.
Earlier this month, Smith reported that budget was figured using the same 44-cent per $100 property valuation tax rate the city has imposed for about 20 years. She noted that number could change, however, after additional appraisal figures are in. At least 300 appraisals had been challenged and were still pending, so the first budget draft presented for fiscal year 2021-22 was figured at the 2020-21 rate. Smith said she’d be in contact with the Appraisal District and anticipated presented updated numbers at the next budget work session of Aug. 10. Based on the Aug. 3 estimate, the 44-cent tax rate would generate $4,487,570 in tax revenue for the city.
On Tuesday, Aug. 10, Smith reported as expected some things had changed and, at this time, anticipates proposing a tax rate that is actually $0.01308 per $100 tax valuation lower than the current rate. The tax rate is figured based on the formula assigned by Texas Legislature. The highest the rate the city can adopt without requiring a tax election is $0.42692. That would generate $4,230,300 in tax revenue. That’s $257,270 less than was projected one week before.
Smith explained that the 2021 calculated tax rates for 2022 takes into account three different numbers, the no-new-revenue rate (previously known as the effective rate), the voter approval rate (previously the rollback rate) and the de minimis rate.
The no-new-revenue rate is the tax rate that the city would need to adopt to generate the same property tax revenue as the previous year from the same properties. The city’s now-new-revenue rate is $0.38130 per $100 property valuation.
The voter-approval rate is a calculated maximum rate allowed by law without voter approval, 3.5 percent added to the no-new-revenue maintenance and operations tax plus unused increments. The city voter-approval rate is $0.41506.
The de minimis rate is designed to give cities with a population of less than 30,000 some relief from the 3.5 percent voter-approval rate. The de minimis rate is the sum of a taxing unit’s no-new-revenue maintenance and operations rate. The de minimis rate, when applied to a taxing unit’s current total value, will impose an amount of taxes equal to $500,000 and the taxing unit’s current debt rate. The calculated proposed de minimis rate for 2021-2022 for Sulphur Springs, based on the most recent figures, would be $0.42692. This is the amount city officials are proposing the city tax rate be set at.
(The full 9-page 80-step 2021 Tax Rate Calculation Worksheet can be viewed on the city website, or by clicking here.)
| GENERAL FUND REVENUE- PROPERTY TAX | FY 2016 Per $100 Property Valuation | FY 2017 Per $100 Property Valuation | FY 2018 Per $100 Property Valuation | FY 2019 Per $100 Property Valuation | FY 2020 Per $100 Property Valuation | FY 2021 Per $100 Property Valuation | *FY 2022 Per $100 Property Valuation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maintenance & Operation | $0.37730 | $0.37940 | $0.38120 | $0.38260 | $0.37204 | $0.36713 | $0.36241 |
| + Debt | $0.62700 | $0.60600 | $0.058800 | $0.057400 | $0.067960 | $0.072370 | $0.64510 |
| Property Tax Rate Per $100 Valuation | $0.44000 | $0.44000 | $0.44000 | $0.44000 | $0.44000 | $0.44000 | $0.42692 |
However, that does not mean people’s tax bills won’t increase in 2022. Appraisal values in Sulphur Springs are up, so an increased appraisal on taxable property would mean a higher tax bill, even if taxed at the lower rate.
Even with the 2-cent drop in the tax rate, the city anticipates the total tax levy on all properties in the city increasing by almost $308,700 to $4.935 million, with just over $44,700 coming from new construction and the rest from increased appraisal values on taxable properties.
So, in essence, a Sulphur Springs homestead that is valued at $115,229 (the average taxable value) would pay $15.04 less in city taxes during FY 2021-2022 than the $463.01 paid this year if the homestead’s appraisal value remained unchanged in 2021. However, according to the Notice of Public Hearing posted by the city Aug. 11, 2021, on average that same homestead in 2021 is now valued at $115,012 (a 9.29 percent increase). So, at the 2021 tax rate of $042692 per $100 property valuation, the tax bill for that homestead will actually be $491.01, a $28 increase in FY 2021-22.
A commercial property valued unchanged at $5.9 million would pay $772 less in city taxes in 2021-2022 than they would with a 44-cent tax rate. However, commercial properties too have be appraised at higher values over the last year as well.
According to the projection the Notice About 2021 Tax Rates posted Aug. 11, 2021, on the city website, the city anticipates having $4.4 million left in the general fund and $8,641 in the debt service fund, that are unencumbered by corresponding debt obligation, at the end of the fiscal year.
The Notice About 2021 Tax Rates can be viewed and downloaded from the city website, http://www.sulphurspringstx.org/, by clicking the REQUIRED TAX RATE AND BUDGET POSTINGS link on the main page, then selecting Notice about 2021 Tax Rates, or by clicking here.
Utility Rates
During the Aug. 3 meeting, Smith said city staff is proposing increases in utility costs.
A 2 percent increase is proposed in sewer rates, this would help keep up with inflation, which has increased the cost the city pays for chemicals, materials and employee wages to treat wastewater. In terms of city utility bills, that would increase the rate from $27.55 to $28.10 per 4,000 gallons, the rate would increase from $3.99 to $4.07 per 1,000 gallons after 4,000 gallons for residential rates.
A 5 percent increase is proposed for sanitation rates. Smith explained that the City of Sulphur Springs’ contracts with Sanitation Solutions and Republic Services allows 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.
So, the city is proposing increasing the hand collect sanitation rate for residential customers from $12.45 to $13.07 and raising the commercial hand collect rate from $24.90 to $26.15.
City officials also anticipate proposing a water rate increase. The base water fee would rise from $7.86 to $8.02, according to data presented on Aug. 3.
| Utility Category | Current Minimum Bill | Proposed Minimum Bill |
|---|---|---|
| Water | $7.86 | $8.02 |
| Sewer | $27.65 | $28.10 |
| Trash | $12.45 Plus Tax | $13.07 Plus Tax |
| Total | $47.86 | $49.19 |
Aug. 3, 2021 – Monthly Difference: $1.33
Overall, the rate increases for the three utility functions would increase the minimum city utility bill by $1.33 per month, raising the minimum bill from $47.86 to $49.19 per month for residential customers, as proposed.
A Texas Municipal League annual study of 568 cities showed that the average wastewater cost per 5,000 gallons for residential customers is $36.09 and per 50,000 gallons for commercial customers is $285.73 in the 29 cities with a population of 15,001-20,000, into which Sulphur Springs follows. That means the proposed wastewater rate increase would still be $3.92 per 5,000 gallons below the average rate for residential and $70.41 less than the average commercial rate in cities of a similar size.
Sulphur Springs water usage rates, according to the TML study of 592 cities, would still be less than the average of other Texas cities of similar population. The average water fee among the 29 cities with similar population and 5,980 customers is $33.87 per 5,000 gallons of water for residential and $328.27 per 50,000 gallons of water for commercial customers. That man even with the proposed increase, Sulphur Springs’ water rates would still be $5.60 less for residential and $117.75 less for commercial rates than the average rates for cities within the same population range, Smith reported.
Additional Funds
The city also expects to receive $4,022,557.09 in American Rescue Plan Act funding, with the amount divided over 2 years. In fact, all of the ARP Act funding must be spent by the end of 2024.
It also must be kept separate from the general fund budget. Smith said it will be deposited into its own sub fund within the Special Revenue Fund named simply ARPA Fund. As expenses and uses are identified, the funding will then be transferred into the appropriate fund within the overall city budget.
The majority of the funding has been earmarked for water plant upgrades. ARPA funds may also be used to reimburse funds for lost revenue due to the pandemic.
Capital projects earmarked in the 2022 budget include $1.712 million from the general fund for street and drainage work; $50,000 from the enterprise fund and $200,000 in EDC contributions approved in 2019 by voters for park improvements, specifically the construction of a new senior citizens center and new Grays building; a $750,000 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Park Grant for a new playground and renovations to Pacific Park; and interest on cash balance will go toward preparation of the old Thermo mine property for development.
The parks projects will include finishing the design for and construction of the senior citizens activity center. The city has been awarded the grant, but is still waiting on a contract from TPWD for the $750,000 grant for the Pacific Park improvement to move forward. Additional funding is in the works. Once that contract is signed, the city will begin the Pacific Park remodel, which is to include the playground, sports pavilion, splash pad, restrooms, small pavilion and greenspace.
A total of $1,310,280 will go two toward street and drainage improvements, including annual overlay program and repair of College Street to Patton Street, along with some drainage repair as well. These street and drainage improvements will be performed without any additional debt, using funds put back into the general fund annually.
Smith said the tourism fund comes from two sources, the hotel occupancy tax and interest earned on cash balance. Hotels remit 3 percent of their gross receipts to the city, making up the hotel occupancy tax. Although the hotel industry was initially impacted negatively by the pandemic in 2020, this budget is back to pre-pandemic levels, Smith reported.
This will go to help pay for department operating expenses, $50,000 to the downtown department, and grants to local historical and art organizations as decided by the Tourism Board.
The Airport Fund, as of the Aug. 3 budget work session, was projected to receive $542,310 in revenues from the sale of fuel and leases, a $50,000 grant, $59,000 in COVID relief funding; with an additional $45,000 transferred in. A total of $536,647 has been allocated from the sales and leases for airport operating expenses and $125,000 in the airport fund will go toward airport capital expenses.
Funding from the I&S portion of property taxes, late tax and interest payments, transfers from other funds and fund balance will be used to make the city’s $1,958,618 debt payments, $3,500 in bond fees. Also in 2022, the city anticipates a remaining principal of $12,218,124.
The city anticipates the internal services fund will be composed by transferring in $1.48 million, $230,000 in dependent health insurance payments, interest from cash balances, property and liability claim receipts and some use of fund balance. These funds will be used to pay the estimated (as of Aug. 3) $1.52 million in health coverage for city employees, and property and liability insurance and claims.
The Downtown TIFRZ Fund is also included in the city budget. The base value in 2007 when the FIFRZ was created was $14.1 million. The estimated value of the area in 2021 was almost $30.5 million. That’s an estimated value capture of $16.3 million. That’s an increase in taxable value of 115 percent since 2007.
These are a few of the function and funds within the overall city budget that have been discussed during the Aug. 3 and Aug. 10 budget work sessions between city staff and the City Council. These are projected amounts. The city staff will continue to tighten the budget and firm up numbers. The budget is not official until approved by the City Council. A draft of the proposed budget is expected to be available on the city website for anyone to review prior to the public hearing on the budget and tax rate.
Budget, Tax Rate Hearings
At the conclusion of the Aug. 10 budget work session, the City Council officially set the schedule for adoption of the FY 2022 budget and adoption of a tax rate. The hearing is required because the proposed 2021 tax rate is expected to generate more revenue than the 2020 total tax levy
- On Sept. 7, during the regular 7 p.m. meeting at the Municipal Building (City Hall, 201 North Davis St.), the City Council will be asked to consider on first reading ordinances adopting the budget as proposed that evening as well as the tax rate and utility rates. A public hearing will be conducted. The Notice of Public Hearing on Tax (Revenue) Increase, can be viewed on the city website or by clicking here.
- The City Council is slated the convene again on Sept. 21, at 7:30 p.m. for a public hearing to hear any public comments regarding the the proposed budget, tax rate and utility rates. The second and final reading of ordinances adopting the budget, tax rate and utility rates will be conducted. If approved, this would make rates adopted Sept. 21 officials.
Lady Cats Volleyball Goes 2-1 in Day One of Garland Tournament
The Lady Cats volleyball team will have their hands full the next two weekends as they participate in not one but two tournaments over the course of this weekend and next.
Today Coach Bailey Dorner, head Lady Cats volleyball coach and her squad travelled out to the DFW metroplex to take part in the Garland tournament.
The Lady Cats were set for a long day of stiff competition, as they were set to play their first game at 9 A.M. versus (Richardson) JJ Pearce.
Sulphur Springs got off to a slow start in the Garland tournament, dropping both sets en route to a sweep at the hands of the Lady Mustangs.
The Lady Cats fared better in their next two contests against Forney and South Garland.
In the second match of the Garland Tournament for Coach Dorner’s squad, Sulphur Springs took on Forney at noon and turned the tables on the Jackrabbits as the Lady Cats got a sweep of their own; 25-16 in set one and a close set two victory at 25-22, to get their first win of the tournament.
Sulphur Springs got their second sweep of the day when they faced South Garland, taking two straight sets 25-7 and 25-14 to get their second and final win of day one of the Garland Tournament.
Coach Dorner said her squad got off to a slow start, but turned things around and played well against Forney and South Garland.
With the two victories in day one of the Garland Tournament, the Lady Cats can now shift their focus to day two of the tournament, which will be held at Sachse High School.
That game was originally set to begin at 8 A.M. Saturday, Aug. 14, but a cancellation from one of the teams forced Sulphur Springs to now play in the 10:30 AM slot.
Coach Dorner said any other games the Lady Cats will participate in on Saturday, Aug. 14 will depend on whether her squad wins or loses their first game come Saturday.
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.
SSHS Wildcat Theatre’s First Performance Of 2021-22 Planned Aug. 15
Donations Will Benefit Theatre Scholarship Fund
The Sulphur Springs High School Wildcat Theatre’s first performance of the 2021-22 school year begins at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 15, on the SSHS Auditorium stage at the Civic Center. The performance of K.T. Lee’s “On How to Accommodate Marlo’s Frying Pan” will be the conclusion of the students’ annual theater marathon.
“For the marathon, students auditioned online, had two weeks to memorize their lines, work for two days straight on rehearsal and, then, perform. This year’s show is a short, absurdist comedy,” notes Lesha Woodard, SSHS Director of Theatre.
Featured in this speedy performance will be SSHS Theatre students AllieGrace Woodard, Talley Brown, Austin Crump, Oliver Falter, and Aiden Woodard. Crew members will be Brandon Williams, Anayeli DeLaCruz, Cadrian Davis, and Khira Young. SSHS alum Dustin “Dusty” Merrell will direct the play.
Tickets are free at the door. However, donations will be accepted to benefit the SSHS Theatre scholarship fund.
Officials Propose 4-Cent Reduction in County Tax Rate
Hopkins County Tax Assessor/Collect Debbie Pogue Mitchell Friday proposed setting the county tax rate at $0.584035 per $100 property valuation, a 4-cent tax reduction.
Mitchell explained that the Comptroller requires that two rates be considered in establishing a county tax rate and made public: a no-new-revenue tax rate, the amount needed to raise the same amount of property tax revenue from the same properties in both the 2020 tax year and the 2021 tax year, and the voter-approval tax rate, that is the highest tax rate the county may adopt without holding an election to seek voter approval of the proposed county tax rate.
Hopkins County’s no-new-revenue rate is $0.56139 per $100 property valuation. The county’s voter-approval tax rate is $0.585726 per $100, according to the 2021 notice of tax rates and notice of public hearing/notice of public meeting.
After months of budget work sessions between the commissioners court and various county departments, Mitchell recommended that the county tax rate be set at $0.584035 per $100 property valuation for 2021-2022, which is a $0.040857 reduction. That would be less than or equal to the 3.5 percent cap set by the state legislature. That would lower the tax bill on a $100,000 property from $624.892 to $584.035 during the 2021-2022 taxing cycle.
“When I came into office, we had to raise the tax rate almost 7 cents to build the jail, and so this is taking it backward actually for the first time since I’ve been county judge,” Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom said.
While the tax rate is 4 cents lower, county property taxes are projected to raise $888,540 more revenue for Hopkins County during 2021-2022 than the prior year’s $0.624892 county tax rate. Approximately $280,330 of that 6.9 percent increase in tax revenue is from new properties added to the tax roll this year.
“Of course, everybody knows, across the county that everybody’s values increased, and also the county’s debt rate decreased. Those played into the figuring of the tax rate,” Mitchell said.
“Will we see that in this year’s tax [bill], In October, we’ll see the reduction then?” Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Price asked.
“Yes, sir, even though you are working on the 2022 budget, we’re working on the 2021 taxes which come out in October,” Mitchell affirmed.
“So, actually, this new tax rate will take effective immediately — it will impact the taxpayers immediately?” Newsom asked.
Mitchell said confirmed that, when tax notices go out in October, the new adopted rate will be used to calculate county property tax bills.
Because the proposed tax rate is greater than the no-new-revenue tax rate but lower than the voter-approval tax rate one public hearing must be held regarding the tax rate, Mitchell noted.
The County Tax Assessor/Collector then asked the Commissioners Court to set the official public hearing, during which public comments may be voiced regarding the planned tax rate and budget. She proposed that a public hearing be held Aug. 23, 2021, during the 9 a.m. Commissioners Court meeting at Hopkins County Courthouse, for the proposed $0.584035 tax rate for 2021-2022. She also recommended the Commissioners Court consider adopting the proposed tax at the Aug. 23, following the public hearing. The court officially set 9 a.m. Aug. 23 as the date and time for the public hearing and to consider adopting the tax rate. The county’s proposed FY 2021-2022 budget (and 2021 tax notices) has been posted to the county’s website for public review and is expected to be announced for consideration on Aug. 23, 2021 as well.
“Because of some innovative programs, the county has some flexibility others do not enjoy. We are able to give employees a raise across the board,” Newsom said.
Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker said attributed the ability to fund a raise for all county employees to “positive growth in Hopkins County and special projects.” The increase in pay should help recruit and retain employees throughout the county, especially deputies, corrections officers and firefighters.
HCSO Chief Deputy Tanner Crump said some “cutting edge programs” are will providing a more competitive pay, that we have been behind on for decades.” That should help retain the quality employees already employed at the sheriff’s office and across the county, and help attract other high caliber applicants when openings do become available.
The Commissioners emphasized that the proposed 12 percent pay raise for all county employees will not come from the the additional tax revenue from new construction and increased appraisal values on property. No tax dollars will be used for pay increases; the special projects are expected to fund the raises. The additional tax revenues will be used for county operations, maintenance, debt service payments and repairs.
Click here to view the Proposed County Budget
Tax notices can be found by clicking here.
Sulphur Springs ISD Media Release for Seamless Summer Option Free Meals 2021-2022
Sulphur Springs ISD’s Child Nutrition Department announced its policy for this school year,
healthy meals will be offered every school day to all students at no cost. Typically, a student’s
application must meet income eligibility requirements to qualify for free or reduced-price meals.
However, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a guidance that allows
schools to offer free meals to all students under the Seamless Summer Option (SSO), at no cost,
for the 2021-2022 school year.
While no application or eligibility determination is required for your student to receive free meals under SSO this school year, income eligibility requirements will likely resume in the 2022-2023 school year.
Because of this likely outcome, Sulphur Springs ISD will process household applications during the school year 2021-2022, for Middle School and High School
students only, as in years past. The online application is now open at Meal App Now.
Pre-K
through 5th grade will continue to be free campuses under the CEP program in the school year 2022-2023.
Meal App Now
https://www.mealappnow.com/mansul/splash.php
Wildcats Football Set for First Scrimmage Today at Liberty Eylau
The Wildcats football team, lead by head coach and athletic director Greg Owens, are prepped for their first scrimmage of the fall 2021 season when they travel out to Texarkana to play Liberty Eylau tonight.
The match is set to kick-off tonight at 7 P.M.
The scrimmage will take place at LESD’s Harris Field, home to the Leopards, and should be a good one between these two teams.
After the Wildcats participate in their first scrimmage tonight at LE at 7:30 P.M., they’ll be back at home next Thursday, Aug. 19, when they take part in their final scrimmage (of two) versus Pleasant Grove.
That game, like the scrimmage tonight, is set to kick-off at 7 P.M.
The Wildcats’ season opener is on Aug. 27, two weeks from today, when they take on Frisco Wakeland at 7:30 P.M. at Gerald Prim Stadium.
Coach Owens will have his hands full over the next month; when speaking with offensive coordinator for the football team, Coach Matt Young said the Wildcats will be tested right out of the gate.
The Wildcats OC said he expects Pleasant Grove (second and final scrimmage opponent) to be a top-10 team in the state, followed by the home-opener against Wakeland, who will be sporting a top-10 defense, Coach Young said.
Sulphur Springs’ second regular season opponent Lovejoy is another top program in the state.
Follow that up with Kaufman on Sept. 10, who won the state 7-on-7 tournament this summer, and Coach Owens and his squad will be tested early and often starting tonight.
But for now, Coach Owens and his staff will focus on how they can take the right first step when they partake in their first scrimmage of the fall 2021 season tonight when they travel to Texarkana to play Liberty Eylau at 7 P.M.
The fall schedule can be found here.
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.
