Street repair mulled over by city council Monday

Anyone who has driven the streets of Hallettsville knows they are not in very good shape.

In its regular monthly meeting Monday evening, the city council determined a $6 million bond would an adequate amount for street repairs.

The council requested city administrator Grace Ward to draw up documentation on a 20-year bond.

At the October 16 council meeting, the council hired McCall, Parkhurst & Horton, LLP as bond council for the city and Specialized Public Finance, Inc. as the financial advisor.

The multiple financing tools available are General Obligation Bonds, Certificates of Obligation, Tax Notes and Revenue Bonds.

It was noted that many Texas cities and towns go the Certificates of Obligation route.

On a bond of $6 million, the annual payment would be approximately $501,571.

This is going to be a touch sell,” alderman Dean Madden said. “We will have to go out to the people to convince them this is a good thing.”

The council agreed to waive a building permit fee of $1,009.43 for the for the Lions Club shade structure in Municipal Park.

The project is considered commercial and over $50,000, thus the project requires engineered drawings.

The city will acquire a 2023 Chevrolet 1500 pickup for the Water Department. The existing truck will be used by the Parks Department.

The low bid of $37,920 for the pickup was awarded to Grafe Chevrolet-GMC.

The council reappointed Stanley Bujnoch (Seat 1), Chad Bludau (Seat 3) and Scott Rainosek (Seat 5) for a two-year term on the 4A and 4B Economic Development Board. Alderman Bill Barrera will fill Seat 7.

Their term will expire December 31, 2025.

The Hallettsville Police Department issued 62 citations and 162 warning in November.

The Friench Simpson Library report showed a total circulation of 1,845 for November.

Total library visitors were 757 and website visitors 457.

Others things:

• Dave Washington related to the council the need for curb and gutter at Hallettsville Jr. High.

• Council approved the placing of a manufactured home at 213 Mulberry St.

• The 2024 Holiday Calender was okayed.

• The council agreed to pay bills totaling $426,935.67.

• $900,603.71 was okayed by the council to be moved from the Water & Light Fund to the General Fund.