In its regularly scheduled meeting of June 18, 2024, the Spur city council had included on its agenda an open discussion period for the public to weigh in on the matter of continuing its police department, or considering alternatives. Yet few were on hand to comment.
“We cannot afford to match what counties are getting” with the SB22 grant, said Mayor Louise Jones, and those in attendance generally concurred. “It is unfortunate that municipalities were left out of the grant program,” said Dickens County attorney Aaron Clements, who was present in the audience. Clements said that the base salary for a sheriff’s deputy in Dickens County was $54,000, before overtime and benefits, amounting to a $92,000 annual package. Spur has a budget of $152,000 annually to cover all expenses of running an entire department, said Jones.
“We lost our police chief when he was offered $10,000 more than we could pay,” said Jones. Chief Ramon Golden, who had been on the job less than a year, moved over to the sheriff’s office at the end of May.
Other factors pointed out by the council figure into the matter as well, such as Spur’s need to replace two aging patrol vehicles and no After considerable research, including discussions with similar nearby municipalities, Spur’s mayor and council are agreeable to further discussion with the option of an interlocal agreement with Dickens County that would also add a deputy dedicated just to Spur, Jones said, an arrangement that is permissible under Spur’s city charter. Clements said the county would invite such a discussion.
“Let the county do it,” added new council member Landon Hinson, when asked his position by the mayor. “That would be the way to go.”
Lauren Anderson, consultant with GrantWorks on the city’s application for a Texas Community Development Block Grant, congratulated the city on its successful grant application—though she tempered expectations; “$500,000 doesn’t go very far these days,” Anderson said.
At least 51% of the funds are required to be earmarked for improving accessibility for handicapped people. The city has indicated desired improvements to sidewalks on Burlington Ave., between 6th Street and Harris Street on east and west sides, including relocation of water lines to facilitate any future repairs.
Council read and adopted Resolution #699 authorizing submission of a TCDBG application, then also read and adopted Resolution #700 to designate authorized signatories for the above document. Both motions carried unanimously.
Work is slated to begin in
2025, said Anderson.
Department reports.
For Public Works, director Chris Cornett reported helping with swimming pool startup; working on tables at swimming pool; spraying weeds; spraying for mosquitoes twice.
• For Codes, Barry Ferguson reported that August court dates had been scheduled for action on properties whose owners had not responded to citation letters. Ferguson also discussed issuance of SPAG-recognized addresses within city limits, including correcting some after discrepancies were discovered; and reviewing policies for emergency abatement for substandard properties (if demolition is necessary on any of these, the city can bill for the service, he said). He also mentioned discussion of the need for security lights at the swimming pool, and exploration of options for a ew disposal pit (the MSW dump site can hold about two more structures, he said). Code violations were being addressed, and fire chief Wess Abbott wished to remind citizens above removing dead grass and taking care of properties.
• Acting city secretary reported that City Hall would be closed for the Thursday, July 4, holiday. Next regular city council is scheduled for July 16 next council; budget workshops will come up in July and
August.
• There were no from police or fire departments.
Water bill discrepancy.
Aida Torres discussed at length a claim for $343 in water service fees resulting from periodic cancellations and restarts. Mayor Jones requested that Torres come in to the office resolve the questions, as reference to records would be useful. A motion by council member Rhea Melton to table passed.
Golf cart shed repairs needed. A bid from Day and Day Builders of approximately $4,000 for maintenance to Golf Cart Shed at golf course was presented; the matter was tabled pending further discussion on best practices for requested repairs to the city-owned facility. Council member Hinson abstained from the vote.
Action on approving Texas Community Group tax deeds R5402, R4983, for in-trust properties by Todd Key LLC, for $850, was tabled, on a motion by council member Elaine Harris, until more information is available.
Swimming pool maintenance contract.
A proposed maintenance agreement from Zodiac Pools and Outdoor Living (builders of the new Spur swimming pool) was declined, as the council felt it could handle needs more economically than the proposal of $25,800 per year for Zodiac’s Platinum Pool Service contract.
Employee health benefits.
Council heard an extended presentation on employee health insurance options from the Shamburger Agency. In light of sharply rising premium costs, and a potentially better option via a BaylorScott&White plan presented by Shamburger, council voted not to renew its current coverage with Texas Health Benefits and will choose another plan within the next couple of weeks. Four members voted for the action and one against, with one abstaining.
In other business, council was to discuss and consider ratification of City of Spur Personnel Policy and Administrative Leave Policy Manual. Council reviewed and approved minutes of its May 21 and May 29, 2024, meetings, and reviewed and approved invoices for payment.
Present were Mayor Louise Jones and council members Elaine Harris, Landon Hinson, Rhea Melton, Kristy Price and Don Wright. Council member Laidy Vasquez was absent. City clerk Linda Alexander facilitated the meeting in the absence of acting city secretary Ashley Carothers, who was absent due to an emergency.
