[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6076479,"mediaKeyId","2969326-a4b3ce9c5f3b5a204dfc5ba62e1fcdcf","parentId",2969326,"title","Greater Longview United Way outlines GLOW partnerships, literacy programs at council meeting","audioSeconds",605,"startMs",267000,"endMs",872000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2969326-a4b3ce9c5f3b5a204dfc5ba62e1fcdcf&start=267&end=872","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2969326-a4b3ce9c5f3b5a204dfc5ba62e1fcdcf/thumbnail_267000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6076479/Longview/Gregg-County/Texas/Greater-Longview-United-Way-outlines-GLOW-partnerships-literacy-programs-at-council-meeting","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076479-b3c3e370d3b242056fc68168af9050dc/orig.mp4?Expires=1770835562&Signature=jHyogTjer-Xs2IhYlRw-N0mg~qAyIGOBNC-R4MhGYbVc4NDpgKuxLczAAJWIyT47l2pkmorRUpSGfiotm1-mdmSOKRJhumgEle8ObVAq2cZvUH1jITcpAl4HLYXYWjaYSSjJcxhgMYiFhw0AMKlaLIIDMw5C~fFZy0LdNHFGbfcDQnXyB~tOH5fUgzDxwMUAiTFFuKRw6UjeX2A0YtWwL8hSqLdvzADnbIGA9CcRBqc5i35PjpVZlsV4woqqGv8CzlZCKMyNyGxVlAT2DVmtd8fL2QHQJr69M7Kr5WAvr6bBeuz~G3AsobnrOe9tg4chdc0C43N3nFHc6X26k3ZTdw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Longview, TX","date","2025-04-12T13:15:02.14Z","article","Greater Longview United Way representatives presented an overview of the GLOW (Greater Longview Optimal Wellness) partnership and described several literacy and resource-connection initiatives during the Longview City Council meeting on April 10.

Reverend Dr. Evan Dolev, executive director of the Greater Longview United Way, told the council the organization supports 19 nonprofits and 32 programs across Gregg County and follows the ALICE metric (asset limited, income constrained, employed) to identify households just above the federal poverty line. Dolev said the combined ALICE and poverty populations in the county are roughly 44 percent, meaning many residents face tight margins for basic needs.

Dolev highlighted literacy programs including Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (which he said has delivered \"over 50,000 books\" locally and enrolled \"over 2,400 kids\" in Gregg County), and a book-vending-machine program placed in local elementary schools (\"almost 21 machines\" and \"over 9,000 books\" distributed). He also described the county’s 2-1-1-style info line, which fields about 1,500 calls a year and helps connect residents to rent, utilities, prescriptions and other assistance; the United Way receives annual grants from the city and county to support that service.

Council members praised the vending-machine literacy effort and asked about United Way’s small staff; Dolev said four staff run the programs, supported by volunteer grant-review teams. He thanked the city and county for partnership funding and noted Dwayne Archer of Public Works serves as this year’s campaign chair. The presentation concluded with staff offering to answer questions and encouraging nonprofits to apply for current grants.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","April 10, 2025 City Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Representatives from Greater Longview United Way described the organization’s GLOW partnership, literacy initiatives and referral info line during a presentation to the Longview City Council.","taxTitle","Longview, Gregg County, Texas","taxId",2796,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6076485,"Votes at a glance: Longview City Council actions on zoning, consent agenda and contracts (April 10, 2025)",193,1141000,1334000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2969326-a4b3ce9c5f3b5a204dfc5ba62e1fcdcf&start=1141&end=1334","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2969326-a4b3ce9c5f3b5a204dfc5ba62e1fcdcf/thumbnail_1141000.jpg","/articles/6076485/Longview/Gregg-County/Texas/Votes-at-a-glance-Longview-City-Council-actions-on-zoning-consent-agenda-and-contracts-April-10-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076485-07a550c608b1fd8b2ccd8d541adb960f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770835562&Signature=n5tBnokUUE1lb0PGHbB9OkLLQHTjszt6dDvF7pmPXjmHbGYEmeqWi5ekRfpYzOk3-MQ6jZaBOATS24CFwpveBH4tCRLu-5Gqw0KRn5eeRubOtcfd49Nd13-vXu4BZimsQ03rXzgPCMpjFqokL8IyWYP9iyeaxUYqyVD2fcvqmXA4IWB-jBt0EkCAHaT-gT7sy1Gk5wxjzMkLw69A1oPvw6k44moMLT4R5ALSM7VtV6EZhYbUMxyqN~BjqTRA2W5yCOVb3t7ZRVJ3974Im0fn7AMqkUhi5KyWo2TU3msvtJRHL1SY-D8SKpy~BulRzyoQbUmDenrDLlkIdtNqhN~9Iw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its April 10 meeting the Longview City Council approved several routine and substantive items. Key outcomes:

- Consent agenda: Approved with one vote in opposition (Shannon). The consent agenda included routine approvals; item G (a fence contract with T and N Fence Construction) had earlier questions and was left on the consent agenda for approval.

- Zoning items (all approved by voice vote):
• Zoning A: Specific-use permit requested by Fisherman's Market at 120 Johnston Street to allow a restaurant to serve mixed beverages (on-site consumption). Planning staff and Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval. (Public hearing opened and closed; item approved.)
• Zoning B: Rezoning at 418 Pearl Street from multifamily to light commercial to permit a hydroponic business; staff and commission recommended approval. (Public hearing opened and closed; item approved.)
• Zoning C: City-requested rezoning along Thornton Street, north of Eden Drive, from multifamily-3 to single-family-4 to bring properties into compliance with current UDC; recommended for approval.
• Zoning D: Rezoning at 107 and 109 East Hoyt Drive from office to single-family-2 to allow construction of a single-family home; recommended for approval.

- Action item A (EMS billing / Emergicon): Approved (see separate article). Vote recorded 5 in favor, 2 opposed.

- Action item B (water resolution regarding Lake Of The Pines): Approved by voice vote; resolution adopted directing the city manager to advocate for Longview’s water interests.

These items were acted on by recorded motion or by voice vote as noted.","The council approved the consent agenda (one opposition), four zoning items and two action items including the EMS billing contract and a water-resolution opposing large-scale sales from Lake Of The Pines.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6076491,"Longview adopts resolution opposing large-scale sales or leases of raw water from Lake of the Pines",1292,3417000,4709000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2969326-a4b3ce9c5f3b5a204dfc5ba62e1fcdcf&start=3417&end=4709","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2969326-a4b3ce9c5f3b5a204dfc5ba62e1fcdcf/thumbnail_3417000.jpg","/articles/6076491/Longview/Gregg-County/Texas/Longview-adopts-resolution-opposing-large-scale-sales-or-leases-of-raw-water-from-Lake-of-the-Pines","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076491-ecb37737519731d5177828ec9bf1c4ad/orig.mp4?Expires=1770835562&Signature=c6enjIXg8yU5zsEAApsGNYWj6rXDbr7eBl0dSFNDcEehfuOioSeseZSunjO1-UinWKTQBGleWoZXkAEoHKdj6EQVrC1ncz2LBLm5LEN36vAvzUQ~AllUqQCDaS8IpF8ga4gTsLOheABXJAVG1VsmmAExVuG1emgXwns2yBsukBbobhCDS17cExl~wbCQwq1Lp0Mr265xZlYM2NKqlUrdBLvKnV3hTyERudkYQ-m4tdTVNQuAwTcEO7bD9dDvfWEBKWAYWka-H99BhmmAGtZVQXPbK9YfnSDSHFxoL0qnhN0K4VRM68~FxAKfki661X-mwOIw6grh~-sgd7UVXagFIw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Longview City Council on April 10 adopted a resolution directing the city manager to advocate for the city’s interest in regional forums and opposing any actions that would compromise raw-water availability from Lake of the Pines, including large sales, leases, or transfers that could increase costs for Longview ratepayers.

The item followed testimony and scientific context from regional experts and conservation groups. Laura Ashley Overdyke, executive director of the Caddo Lake Institute, summarized the environmental risk: she said Caddo Lake is the only natural lake in Texas and that studies show a large sale could leave the lake substantially lower in drought conditions, noting \"about 70% of the time there's plenty of water, it would be fine. But 30% of the time there is not enough water and downstream would be damaged.\" Overdyke described partnerships with the Corps and the Northeast Texas Municipal Water District to manage releases for downstream health.

Retired Corps manager Jerry Thomas described the hydrology of Lake of the Pines and emphasized that flow and releases maintain water quality and habitat. Local lawyer and longtime resident H.D. Bosley and other speakers warned of regional consequences if major water rights were transferred; council members and attendees raised concerns about large pipeline projects and potential transfers to North Texas entities.

Council Member Gamboa framed the motion, citing local infrastructure investment and calls from area partners. The resolution states the city’s opposition to any actions that would reduce water availability, sell water rights, lease large quantities of raw water, or otherwise increase costs to Longview ratepayers. The motion carried after a second and a voice vote; the mayor announced, \"Resolution is adopted.\"

The council asked the city manager to represent Longview’s interests in relevant state and regional venues and to coordinate with neighboring counties and stakeholders.","The council unanimously adopted a resolution directing the city manager to advocate against actions that would reduce raw-water availability from Lake of the Pines, following presentations about downstream impacts to Caddo Lake and the regional basin.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6076495,"Longview council approves outsourcing EMS billing to Emergicon, adopts adjusted fee schedule",1784,1636000,3420000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2969326-a4b3ce9c5f3b5a204dfc5ba62e1fcdcf&start=1636&end=3420","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2969326-a4b3ce9c5f3b5a204dfc5ba62e1fcdcf/thumbnail_1636000.jpg","/articles/6076495/Longview/Gregg-County/Texas/Longview-council-approves-outsourcing-EMS-billing-to-Emergicon-adopts-adjusted-fee-schedule","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076495-ec205c8e0ea2470218b5165371b9afda/orig.mp4?Expires=1770835562&Signature=k21B5Gl08-GN4Zr8-qPWJpHdABIhgK4l-2uNEXxjBwSmkJNSvQ~xjD72Km4d92xR01f9b-yOWDex2MPOgzooTTCVq47pWc7LbCjG076LsGF1rWPo5DFawnTlOkFkujuyr5BU9~fiy-jsxBDgyAWC85Kkjdq~2DwaYkbKC2rqVJkpAmBmW5-eLG3VAp40hS30uGAczId3xtppSYT3vtOm-rJXOgfPns3JOZ2YshTSBNPrz9uQ~seK5zf1kNBE8kEwuYDCVIFQRi3QQb4hqXitQMfj~OpEY4vGxgv5CP9ZLgTDUErAEiEQL2Bmb9N2oRMX9gnMmeowx2mEhUiEM-Advw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Longview City Council on April 10 voted 5-2 to outsource the city’s EMS billing to Emergicon and to adopt a revised EMS fee schedule intended to capture higher insurance reimbursements while preventing bills for uninsured residents.

Council members debated the financial and operational consequences of the change before the vote. Chief Parker said contracting out the billing would let the department \"focus on the operations and providing the best prehospital care to our citizens and visitors\" while experts handle complex billing. Emergicon representative Raheem Fancy told the council the company manages billing for roughly 200 agencies in Texas and recommended modest increases to mileage and other billing categories to align Longview with industry standards.

The company projected an average collection of about $446 per transport and estimated adjusted collections of roughly $5.4 million annually; Emergicon’s commission would be about 10 percent. Fancy said the proposed changes could bring \"approximately 3.67% more per year, about a hundred $90,000\" in net revenue for the city after the vendor fee. He added that the city would implement a resident write-off so that \"city of Longview residents will be covered\" and would not receive bills when no insurance applies.

Several council members pressed for details about the effect on uninsured or self-pay residents and on the city’s existing EMS subscription program. Fancy said self-pay patients \"would fall under that resident write off category\" and that Emergicon does not send written-off balances to collections. Council members sought clarity about staffing and the current backlog; staff said the in-house billing operation had seen turnover and was behind by two to three months, and that Emergicon offered to begin on-site onboarding immediately if council approved.

Supporters argued the move would reduce liability, lower local staffing needs by one position, and modernize billing software. Opponents raised concerns about outsourcing a municipal function driven by insurance reimbursements and urged more time to review the proposal. After discussion, the council approved the contract and fee changes 5-2.

Votes at a glance: 5 in favor, 2 opposed; item approved.

The council directed staff to finalize a professional services agreement with Emergicon and to implement the adjusted fee schedule and resident-write-off policy as described. The resolution and agreement were authorized by the council vote; staff will return with implementation details and onboarding timelines.","The Longview City Council voted 5-2 to outsource emergency medical services (EMS) billing to Emergicon and to adopt adjustments to the EMS fee schedule intended to increase insurance reimbursements while writing off bills for uninsured residents.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Greater Longview United Way outlines GLOW partnerships, literacy programs at council meeting

Votes at a glance: Longview City Council actions on zoning, consent agenda and contracts (April 10, 2025)

Longview adopts resolution opposing large-scale sales or leases of raw water from Lake of the Pines

Longview council approves outsourcing EMS billing to Emergicon, adopts adjusted fee schedule