Abbott Announces Third Special Session
Gov. Greg Abbott on Tuesday issued a proclamation announcing a third Special Legislative Session at 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 20, 2021.
The proclamation identifies 5 agenda items for the third Special Session: redistricting, American Rescue Act appropriations, transgender student participation in UIL, state an local government mandating of COVID-19 vaccines and unlawful restraint of a dog.
Abbott Sept. 7, 2021, called for Legislators to address apportionment of the State of Texas into districts used to elect members of the Texas House of Representatives, the Texas Senate, the State Board of Education, and the United States House of Representatives.
“The Texas Legislature now has the opportunity to redraw legislative and congressional districts in accordance with the new census numbers,” Governor Abbott said Sept. 7 when officially calling for the session. “In addition to redistricting, there are still issues remaining that are critical to building a stronger and brighter future for all Texans.”
Abbott wants the elected officials to also consider “legislation identical to Senate Bill 29 as passed by the Texas Senate in the 87th Legislature, Regular Session, disallowing a student from competing in University Interscholastic League athletic competitions designated for the sex opposite to the student’s sex at birth.”
Up for debate is whether any state or local governmental entities in Texas can mandate that an individual receive a COVID-19 vaccine and, if so, what exemptions should apply to such mandate.
Abbott also calls on Legislators Legislation to consider Legislation “similar to Senate Bill 474 as passed by 87th Legislature, Regular Session, but that addresses the concerns expressed in the governor’s veto statement.” This specifically would address unlawful restraint of a dog and create a criminal offense regarding the matter. After being read on March 9, the proposed legislation was referred to the Criminal Justice committee, testimony was given in committee on April 13, and was received favorably without amendments by the Senate on April 15. It was read a second and third time and passed on April 21. SB 474 passed to the House on April 22, where it was read for the first time and referred to the House criminal jurisprudence committee. It was filed by the committee coordinator on May 12. The bill was laid out in lieu of companion House Bill 873 on May 13, when it was read a second and third time with an amendment failing. Overall, it passed on May 14, then went back to the Senate, who concurred with the House amendment on May 27, with both the House and Senate approving if on May 29, sending it to the Governor, who vetoed it on June 18.
4-H Events: Registration Kick-Off Sept. 23, Foods Fun Day Mug Madness On Sept. 25
By Johanna Hicks, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Family & Community Health Agent Hopkins County
Do you know what the four H’s in 4-H represent? Do you know who the County Extension agents in Hopkins County are? Have you seen the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office in Hopkins County? Do you know a student in grades 3 through 12 who might want to register for 4-H, but you don’t much about it?
If you answered ‘no’ the to first three questions and ‘yes’ to the last, we have the perfect solution for you! A come-and-go 4-H Registration Kick-Off event will take place on Thursday, September 23, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Extension Office, 1200-B West Houston Street in Sulphur Springs. Our office is very easy to find! We are directly in front of the Hopkins County Civic Center and across the driveway from the Southwest Dairy Museum. We will have displays, refreshments, and copies of the most recent 4-H Gazette. Anyone who wants to sign up for 4-H that evening may register that evening on site. We will walk you through the steps. The registration fee is $25 until October 31, and $30 after that date.
Of course, you don’t have to attend the event to register for 4-H. You may go to https://texas.4honline.com and follow the on-screen instructions. The 4-H year is September 1 through August 31 and registered 4-H members will receive a copy of the 4-H Gazette newsletter and have the opportunity to participate in many activities throughout the year. There are currently 5 clubs in Hopkins County: Infinity (meets at the Extension Office), Miller Grove, Cumby (school-based club), Paws (Sulphur Springs 4th & 5th grade campus), and Veterinary Science (for older kids). Numerous county-wide events and workshops take place throughout the year, which are open to all 4-H members.
Hopkins County ended the 2020-2021 year with approximately 200 members and we hope to top that this year! And as always, if you have questions, please don’t hesitate to call our office at 903-885-3443. We’ll be glad to assist!
4-H Foods Fund Day
While we’re on the topic of 4-H, I want to announce a fun event for 4-H members coming up later this month. “Mug Madness” will take place on Saturday, September 25, 10 a.m. at the Extension Office. During this event, 4-H’ers will learn about hand hygiene, reading a recipe, measuring ingredients, and will have the opportunity to take home at least two items that they create during the workshop. Each 4-H member is asked to bring at least two coffee mugs for the project. There is not cost for the workshop, but we are asking for those who plan to attend to please call the Extension Office. We don’t want to run out of ingredients! Call 903-885-3443 with name and phone number so we can plan adequately.
Closing Thought
“If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way.”
Napoleon Hill
Contact Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed., at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, P.O. Box 518, 1200-B West Houston St, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483; 903-885-3443; or [email protected].
Cumby VFD To Host Memorial Walk Saturday In Honor Of the 343 Firefighters on 9/11
The Cumby Volunteer Fire Department will be hosting a Memorial Walk Saturday, to pay tribute to the 343 firefighters who lost their lives on 9/11. The 3.43 mile walk will begin at the CYSA fields and travel east on FM 499, making the loop down the north Interstate 30 service road, then turn on Frisco Street (FM 275) and end at CVFD Station 11, 101 West Main Street, across from City Hall in Cumby.
No sign-up, registration needed, or money is needed for any who wish to participate in the Memorial Walk on the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the nation. All that’s needed is time to reflect and a willingness to come together with others.
Any who would like to walk with the Cumby VFD members are welcome, as are any who’d like to stand along the route to show support for the tribute and the effort to ensure they are never forgotten. The walk will begin at the CYSA Field Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, at 7:46 a.m. the time the first of the World Trade Center twin towers was struck by a plane. Those who’ve never been to the Cumby YSA Field, should be able to find it by typing in 45PJ+GX Cumby, Texas to Google Maps or plug n the GPS coordinates: 33°08’10.7″N 95°49’03.2″W.
For additional information, contact Ryan Horne at 936-645-6475 or Jimmy Helfferich at 903-335-1616.
Chamber Connection – September 8, 2021: One Week Left to Register as a Stew Contest Cook
By Butch Burney
The deadline is one week away for stew cooks to get their registration forms in for the 52nd Annual World Championship Hopkins County Stew Contest, which will be held Saturday, Oct. 23, at Buford Park.
Come by the chamber office or send us an email and we will get the registration form to you or download one off our website, hopkinschamber.org. We are expecting a big turnout for this year’s event, so be sure and get your spot.
We will have the north and south sides of the park open for cooking, along with a vendor market. We are expecting a fully open stew.
The deadline is also approaching for businesses that would like to sponsor some of the winning stew pots.
For this opportunity, call or email me at [email protected].
Additionally, the Camber is still accepting vendors for the Stew Fest Market, which will be located on the south side of Buford Park during Friday night and Saturday Stew Contest activities. This is a great opportunity to sell goods or to promote your business to 7,000 people who attend the Stew Contest annually. Vendors may rent booth space to sell goods or distribute information about their business. Booths will be assigned on a first-paid basis. Access to electricity is not guaranteed. Generators are permitted. Vendors who are interested in purchasing booth space, call the Chamber of Commerce at 903-885-6515 email us at [email protected].
Register to Hear Hall and Slaton
The Texas State Legislature has been in the national news, and you will have a chance to get the inside scoop when State Sen. Bob Hall and State Rep. Bryan Slaton will be in town for a Lunch and Learn from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 15. Registration closes Wednesday, Sept. 8, so get your forms in now. Forms are on our website, so sign up to learn how laws passed (and not passed) by the Texas Legislature will affect your business. Lunch will be provided at the Sulphur Springs Country Club. Tickets are $15 for Chamber members and $20 for non-members. Thanks for Atmos Energy and Oncor for sponsoring this important luncheon..
Neal McCoy Concert
A concert featuring country music artist Neal McCoy is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 10, to benefit the “Wall That Heals” that will be stopping in Sulphur Springs in November.
Concert tickets may be purchased at outhousetickets.com for $40-75.
The Wall That Heals is a mobile replica of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, DC. It will be making the only stop in Texas here the first week of November. Help defray the costs of bringing this tribute to Sulphur Springs and enjoy a great concert at the same time.
Go to Hopkins County Freedom Ball or Wall that Heals Sulphur Springs on Facebook for more information.
Christmas Ornaments
Our annual Christmas ornaments are for sale for $40 at the Chamber office. They feature the City Hall at Christmastime, and are the fourth in our series of ornaments featuring county scenes.
Ribeye Roundup
The Ribeye Roundup, kids zone and evening concert are coming to Celebration Plaza on Saturday, Oct. 2. You can purchase tickets at Texas Heritage National Bank.
You can also buy t-shirts to promote the event for $12 at the Chamber office, 110 Main St. Come by and pick up your shirt today.
Arts and Crafts Show
The 2021 Hopkins County Fall Festival Arts & Crafts Show will take place in the Sulphur Springs High School cafeteria and north entry way on Friday, Oct. 22 and Saturday, Oct. 23. This event is open to anyone with hand-made, hand-crafted items to sell. Unique items, including handmade soaps and lotions, greeting cards, Christmas and seasonal decorations, jewelry, wood carvings, and much more will be available for purchase. Contact Johanna Hicks at 903-885-3443 for more information.
Strong Town Seminar
Neal Barker, owner of Town and Country Cleaners has invited Charles Marohn, professional engineer and founder of the Strong Towns movement, to discuss with interested individuals how to improve the trajectory of our town and help us to become more resilient. He focuses on bottom-up strategies for making investments that will actually build wealth, all while improving quality of life for residents of our community.
The discussion is set for 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 23, at The Venue at 219. Registration is free at the website: sulphurspringsstrong.eventbrite.com
Marohn is the founder and president of Strong Towns. He is a professional engineer and a land use planner with decades of experience. He is the author of Strong Towns: A Bottom-Up Revolution to Rebuild American Prosperity (Wiley, 2019). He hosts the Strong Towns Podcast and is a primary writer for Strong Towns’ web content. He has presented Strong Towns concepts in hundreds of cities and towns across North America. Planetizen named him one of the 10 Most Influential Urbanists of all time.
90+ Celebration
The Senior Citizen Center will hold smaller birthday celebrations at each of the six local nursing homes and assisted living centers to take the place of the annual 90+ banquet.
Karon Weatherman, director of the center, will serve cake and ice cream to all the residents of the facilities as well as present the 90+ seniors their Certificates of Award.
The schedule for the celebrations are:
- Wednesday, Sept. 8 at 11 a.m. – Sulphur Springs Health and Rehab;
- Thursday, Sept. 9 at 1 p.m. – Rock Creek Health and Rehab;
- Friday, Sept. 10, at 3:30 p.m. – Carriage House Manor and the Cottages;
- Tuesday, Sept. 14 at 2:30 p.m. – Sunny Springs Nursing and Rehab;
- Wednesday, Sept. 15 at 1 p.m. – Hopkins Place Assisted Living; and
- Thursday, Sept. 16 at 2 p.m. – Wesley House Assisted Living/Wesley Oaks Memory Care.
Business Highlight
The Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce is highlighting a member of the Chamber each week. Please join me in congratulating our Business of the Week for Sept. 8, Interstate Body Shop. You can read biographical stories at the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page and Instagram page.
Ribbon Cutting
Sulphur Springs Floral will host a ribbon cutting on Monday, Sept. 13, at their new location at 309 East Industrial, Suite 30.
Lady Cats Volleyball Team Wins Tough Four-Set Game Versus Pleasant Grove
The Lady Cats volleyball team never relented and fought through to the finish in a back-and-forth, four set thriller on Tuesday, Sept. 7 in the SSHS Main Gym.
The visiting Lady Hawks were able to strike early, taking a 2-0 lead to start the game and later a 7-2 lead over Sulphur Springs, before the Lady Cats were able to strike back and tie it up at 8-8.
From there, it was a seesaw momentum battle, with one team taking the lead, only for the other to catch up and tie the first set.
While the game tied at several points throughout the game, including the first set, once the home Lady Cats were able to go ahead 20-18, they cruised from there to the tune of a 25-18 set one win.
Set two was more of the same at the onset, as the teams were able to tie it up at several points yet again, but Sulphur Springs found their footing and kept momentum en route to a 25-15 set two win.
The Lady Cats scored 10 of the last 13 points in the set.
Mistakes in the third set stopped Sulphur Springs from sweeping Pleasant Grove as the score nearly flipped; set two was a 25-15 dominant set win for the Lady Cats, while set three was a 25-18 win for the visiting Lady Hawks.
With the set three victory over Coach Dorner’s team, Sulphur Springs was forced to win the game in four, or at worst, in five.
Five sets however would not be necessary as even though Pleasant Grove was able to get within striking distance of the Lady Cats in set four, it was never enough as the damage was already done and Sulphur Springs won set four 25-17 and thus the match versus the Lady Hawks, 3-1.
The Lady Cats’ win on their home court, their second straight game at home and second straight win, increases their overall record to 14-10.
Next up, Coach Bailey Dorner and her squad will be on the road on Friday when they make the trip out to Mt. Pleasant to take on the Lady Tigers.
The matches will begin with varsity teams at 4:30 P.M., followed by the freshman and junior varsity teams at 6 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.
Preparation for the Fall Semester at the Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs Center Campus
New student Andres Santos gets information from EOC Advisor Maria Zuniga as he completes preparation for the fall semester at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center campus. For information about the college, call 903-885-1232.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
What To Do If Your COVID Card Is Missing
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs has ONE mission: To Extend the Health Ministry of Jesus Christ.
By Holly Ragan, Senior Market Development, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, [email protected]
Thank you for your patience
Due to a sharp increase in Emergency Room visits as a result of the spike in COVID-19, please expect longer wait times than normal. Rest assured we are doing everything we can to provide high quality care in a timely manner. Thank you in advance for allowing us to provide for your healthcare needs, while extending grace to our staff.
Missing COVID card?
Don’t worry – We manage your medical records if you had your vaccine administered at a CHRISTUS location. You may log in to your “MyChart” account to access the record. If you don’t have a MyChart account, you can call 903.885.3181 to get that setup. You will need a working email address. Or…
Medical Records
Health Information Management is currently closed to the public. If you need medical records, please use one of the following options:
- MyChart – using your MyChart login, please send a message to Medical Records with the information you need and where you would like the records sent.
- Please call 903.439.4045 to speak to staff members who can send your records to care providers for you. If you need the records for yourself, please request an authorization form, complete and return, along with a copy of your identification, to our office via fax or email. The fax number is 903.439.4704.
- We are available by phone Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
COVID Vaccine Clinics
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs will host a COVID Vaccine Clinic every Friday morning from 9am to 12pm in the main lobby of the hospital until further notice. The available vaccines include Moderna (2-doses, ages 18 and older), Pfizer (2-doses, ages 12 and older) and Johnson & Johnson (1-dose, ages 18 and older). Appointments not required, but parent/guardian must accompany anyone 17 and younger.
Effective immediately, boosters are available for the immunocompromised. Effective September 20, 2021, boosters will be available for all vaccinated and is 8-months post-last dose.
Sports Medicine
FREE Saturday Athletic Injury Clinic for student athletes of all ages is here! Saturday sports clinic are held every Saturday from 9am to 11am, on August 21 through November 13. Athletes will get an exam and free x-ray to determine a plan of care to treat their injury. The location will be the CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Orthopedic Office at 103B Medical Circle in Sulphur Springs.
For more information about our Sports Medicine program, or Orthopedic services, please call our office at 903.885.6688.
Please help us preserve our masks for our healthcare providers, and BRING YOUR OWN MASK
With COVID cases rapidly increasing in our community, the hospital requires all visitors to wear a mask while in the facility. There is no entry into the hospital without a mask.
Visitors may wear a cloth or medical mask. Thank you for your continued support of the safety of our patients and associates.
Hospital Bed Availability
While some hospitals are on divert due to a “critical COVID surge,” CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital continues to serve patients, and has available hospital beds, both for COVID and non-COVID diagnoses.
Hospital Visitation
Please note the following guidelines:
- Visitors must acquire masks themselves prior to entering our facility; cloth masks are acceptable. Masks must cover both the nose and the mouth. Visitors must remain masked during their time in the hospital.
- Emergency Department entrance open 24/7
- Main Entrance open 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday
- Gift Shop open
- Visiting hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Types of Visitors:
- COVID receiving aerosol treatments: via tele-visitation only;
- COVID not receiving aerosol treatments: 1 essential support person for the duration of hospital stay – Essential support person will be given a visible wrist band for identification purposes;
- ICU/ER: 1 essential support person only;
- All other patients may have 1 essential support person and 1 visitor (up to 2 persons in room at a time)
- Types of Visitors:
Outpatient Psychiatry Service Changes
Access Physicians Multispecialty Clinic of Sulphur Springs will no longer offer psychiatry services, effective September 1, 2021.
Psychiatry services will be available locally through Forefront Rush Medical Services, P.C. (“Forefront”).
Forefront’s services will be available at 105 Medical Plaza in Sulphur Springs at CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic. Any patient desiring to be seen by Forefront will need a referral from a provider practicing at CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic – Sulphur Springs. You may contact CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic at (903) 885-3181 about obtaining a referral.
We recommend that you find another specialist to take care of your psychiatric medical needs. If you do not know another specialist, you may contact the Texas Medical Board for resources.
If you wish to obtain copies of your medical records, please come by our office and complete a “Medical Records Release Form” to have your records released to you or to have your records sent to another provider. Our office hours are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (closed for lunch from 12 – 1 p.m.). Please call ahead at 903-919-5034.
Hours of Operation
CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Urgent Care – Sulphur Springs
The CHRISTUS Urgent Care hours of operation are as follows:
- In-Person Care Hours
- Monday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Tuesday, closed
- Wednesday-Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Sunday, closed.
- Virtual Visit Hours
- Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- To schedule a virtual visit, please visit urgentcare.christushealth.org, then select your location and click “Virtual Visit”
The Urgent Care is located at 1339 South Broadway St., and the phone number to call is 903.951.1001.
CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System includes CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospitals – Tyler, South Tyler, Jacksonville, Winnsboro and Sulphur Springs; the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital – Tyler; CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital, a partner of Encompass Health; Tyler Continue CARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital, a long-term acute care facility; and CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic.
CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic is the area’s preferred multi-specialty medical group, with more than 400 Physicians and Advanced Practice Providers representing 36 specialties in 34 locations serving Northeast Texas across 41 counties.
For more information on services available through CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System, visit christustmf.org
- Bed count – 402 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Tyler
- Bed count – 8 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – South Tyler
- Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Jacksonville
- Bed Count – 96 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs
- Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Winnsboro
- Bed count – 94 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital
- Bed count – 96 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart – Tyler
- Bed count – 51 – Tyler Continue CARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital
Winnsboro Police Department Media Report Aug. 30-Sep. 5, 2021
The Winnsboro Police Department’s weekly media report for Aug. 30-Sept. 5, 2021, included the following:
Arrests
- Robert McKenzie, 39 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on August 30, on a Winnsboro Municipal Court warrant and a Texas Department of Criminal Justice Parole & Pardons blue warrant.
- Christopher Smith, 34 years of age, of Mount Vernon, was arrested on August 31, for possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana.
- Jordan Grant, 36 years of age, was arrested on September 2, 2021 for driving while license invalid with previous convictions.
- Francisco Muro, 40 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on September 3, on multiple Municipal Court warrants for speeding, failure to maintain financial responsibility, no driver’s license, and vehicle without required equipment.
- Jana Thomas, 32 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on September 3, on a Franklin County warrant for criminal mischief.
Calls for Service
The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 150 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations
The Winnsboro Police Department issued 53 citations and 55 warnings during this reporting period.
Tuesday Gameday Brings Another Wildcat Team Tennis District Match-Up, Lady Cats Volleyball
The Sept. 7 edition of Tuesday gameday brings Wildcats team tennis in another district bout, and the Lady Cats volleyball team playing in their second straight home game.
The tennis team, lead by Tony Martinez, will be participating in their third district match-up of their fall 2021 season.
They will be participating in six total matches against district foes.
Later this afternoon, the Wildcats will be out in Longview taking on the Lobos.
Last Tuesday Coach Martinez’s team was able to win a match against an always dominant Texas High program, but that was all they could manage in a 18-1 defeat at the Wildcats Tennis Center at the SSISD Athletic Complex.
Team tennis will no doubt be looking for similar results that they achieved in their district opener on Aug. 24 versus Mt. Pleasant where the Wildcats won 19-0 when they travel out to Longview to play the Lobos at 4 P.M.
Moving over to the other team in action on Sept. 7, the Lady Cats volleyball team will be hosting their second-straight home game after not having holding one on their home court in almost a month.
Tonight the Pleasant Grove Hawks will be at the Main Gym in Sulphur Springs High School to take on the Lady Cats volleyball teams.
On Friday, Coach Bailey Dorner’s team hosted Edgewood and won a tough, five-set thriller in which they were able to come-from-behind twice, from down 1-0 and down 2-1 to win 3-2 over the Lady Bulldogs.
The win increased their overall record to 13-10.
Now, the Lady Cats volleyball team will be hoping to extend the win streak to two when they host the Pleasant Grove Hawks in the SSHS Main Gym starting with Freshman/JV squads at 4:30 P.M., followed by the varsity teams at 5:30 P.M.
After Tuesday’s match, Coach Dorner’s team will have their first district match of the year on Friday when they travel to Mt. Pleasant to take on the Lady Tigers.
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.
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.
