[{"_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",6225930,"mediaKeyId","3526276-2896eaa98ed23d8854b11956b4c8b3d7","parentId",3526276,"title","Council approves resolution to seek TxDOT funding for sidewalks along North Wharton (FM 653)","audioSeconds",202,"startMs",774000,"endMs",976000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3526276-2896eaa98ed23d8854b11956b4c8b3d7&start=774&end=976","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3526276-2896eaa98ed23d8854b11956b4c8b3d7/thumbnail_774000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6225930/El-Campo/Wharton-County/Texas/Council-approves-resolution-to-seek-TxDOT-funding-for-sidewalks-along-North-Wharton-FM-653","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6225930-72c9e6d8721a3bddd58a174e37fa9228/orig.mp4?Expires=1775541951&Signature=G162sVrgq3c~JVcBxbWaWGGm-PJftUTQ4ipIdHBFC54EuJG4zK87CmqSL2AyN6JGTAoX--QnCzyQQcFrQ4ZNiFRvEmx1KfbdWc3J6EIghjD~tbJ26fkS-pmAIGFgnzFFiXbTpYln12ZUCGsGcyQjD6FEzyfWkyzm7vi8VNgUZxa9sYPrMZ1BGgQ9iyTed-tz6CPd5XZNzhpkr4Uqn3cG5myCIEnLSotZnD2O~A2DROIV2oY2CEqfMCu2aJJllgJxCYIdowh6jRgF66wnLTN8X4ozL~rmL8uXfWaFkW~qz-SEvwTsFKAJU5Uqv5Xv4GVSAGvlUI0BR7gT6OOJP-qDlg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of El Campo, TX","date","2025-05-22T19:47:46Z","article","The El Campo City Council voted to adopt a resolution supporting an application to the Texas Department of Transportation’s Transportation Alternatives Program to build sidewalks, curb ramps and pedestrian crosswalks along North Wharton Street (FM 653).

City staff told council the resolution (R2025-26) is required by TxDOT to apply for the funding. The staff report says the city would commit up to 20% local funds for construction costs and acknowledges project funding would be awarded on a reimbursement basis; the council heard staff estimate that 20% of the total project cost is about $4.9 million.

When a council member asked whether the city would ultimately have to pay the local match, a staff member named Kevin said the city is eligible for “transportation credits, which will take the entirety of that. So 0 cost.” Kevin also described the sidewalk extents: “It's actually both side all the way to Strand, and then that's right across from Friendship Park, and then on the East side all the way down to Jackson Street.” He added that TxDOT’s larger road plan associated with the area includes removing ditches and installing curb and gutter and that the road would be reconfigured to three lanes under the broader plan.

Staff said the application must be submitted by June 20 and that award notifications typically arrive in August to early September. The presentation noted that, if awarded, TxDOT would take over the project and the sidewalks would be incorporated into the agency’s overall roadway plan.

A council member moved to approve the resolution; another councilmember seconded the motion, and the mayor called the vote. The motion carried.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of El Campo City Council Regular Meeting - May 27, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The El Campo City Council voted to adopt a resolution supporting a TxDOT grant application for sidewalks, curb ramps and crosswalks on North Wharton Street (FM 653).","taxTitle","El Campo, Wharton County, Texas","taxId",69629,"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},6225935,"City receives unmodified audit opinion for fiscal 2024; general fund shows budget shortfall",593,149000,742000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3526276-2896eaa98ed23d8854b11956b4c8b3d7&start=149&end=742","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3526276-2896eaa98ed23d8854b11956b4c8b3d7/thumbnail_149000.jpg","/articles/6225935/El-Campo/Wharton-County/Texas/City-receives-unmodified-audit-opinion-for-fiscal-2024-general-fund-shows-budget-shortfall","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6225935-c6cf9f5334ac34ba25cc04be6fbbfb74/orig.mp4?Expires=1775541951&Signature=d3deIVYx3-AqZEbwk2xBVYfkZDP7FX7g0bCRB8e~tpATL-4wDV6VbCT6c4uUD-JbcmdvwxnZ9zah57FaEvRpDhJ7Vj8~RIPV6IjmZBoOZyx6xiCI~ryfsfTmfEsiGyV-mqpacKbMvPsXAHaHVlBEq3z2r90w-lEqMIpIbFKd1FAlVUugUNLzEp-nNMV3F0wsk37bhJy9pyhwuXwyty4uPB8LQYew04R5o4ISYTJfUNJpkxMOskVICNnfWcz1Dm6fl57UQCjh5ny0AR43U1lHDj13RKyOTEyS9Q-f37WOIrPLbySKIwJ~JVfYsj1xciNlt7sRmoXtP9IFdsp3kiwUkg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","An independent auditor told the El Campo City Council on Tuesday that the city received an unmodified audit opinion for the fiscal year ended Sept. 30, 2024.

John Watson, an auditor with Brooks Watson and Company, told the council the unmodified opinion means “there are no material errors or inconsistencies in this report we're aware of.” He said total assets exceeded total liabilities by roughly $23.1 million and the city had an overall decrease in net position of about $1 million for the year.

Watson said the city's governmental funds reported a combined ending fund balance of about $8.6 million and that the unassigned fund balance in the general fund was $3,745,035 — about 29% of annual general fund expenditures, or roughly three months of reserves. He also summarized revenue and expense trends: total governmental revenues were about $13.2 million (down slightly from $13.7 million the prior year), and total governmental expenses were about $15.7 million, with public safety accounting for roughly 49% of those expenses.

Watson reviewed budget-to-actual activity for the general fund and said the city budgeted a deficit of $1,296,000 but recorded an actual deficit of $1,795,000 after revenue shortfalls and higher expenditures. He noted proprietary funds (the utility and EMS funds) were operating at a surplus before transfers.

Courtney, the city manager, told council that more recent, post-audit receipts affected the fund balance numbers; for example, a reimbursement described as a hurricane-related payment arrived in the current fiscal year and influenced more recent totals. Watson stressed the audit covered the period ending Sept. 30, 2024, and that later receipts are not reflected in the audited numbers.

Council did not take formal action on the audit. The mayor noted “no action is required” and that the council was being asked only to receive the report. The audit report and supporting letters — including a letter of proposed audit adjustments and a letter with internal-control suggestions — will remain part of the city’s annual report and available on the city website.

The auditor said management adopted all proposed adjustments and that no uncorrected misstatements remained.","An independent auditor told the El Campo City Council on Tuesday that the city received an unmodified audit opinion for the fiscal year ended Sept. 30, 2024.",{"_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},6225921,"Council votes to stop mailing separate late-penalty notices for water bills; staff to expand digital alerts",461,1218000,1679000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3526276-2896eaa98ed23d8854b11956b4c8b3d7&start=1218&end=1679","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3526276-2896eaa98ed23d8854b11956b4c8b3d7/thumbnail_1218000.jpg","/articles/6225921/El-Campo/Wharton-County/Texas/Council-votes-to-stop-mailing-separate-late-penalty-notices-for-water-bills-staff-to-expand-digital-alerts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6225921-d41cbbaf6966852f2fa44ef5f4e5a118/orig.mp4?Expires=1775541951&Signature=hUh3-jr~JXFai7xBEzWKlU0fnm62qjtNQkBJsqhA5rNAIQfnwvgJI25izoF~bmi1LXKD6pt2-4hWw0EneWKrBL0opRmL8GVPkjhoO~lwgUm-vPfn7f9o3LMcF-grJ0vDBVovQ38PyWmBdfB2vkYOv11icuEZ9IoUpdlhm30f098729ltstIV5hRp5S6rZN~eimFRRmK44LGDqejmsWw6lZaAkrpfmt3x9o2lsmvxW1nB5Ye1iSQVt~Ks128qWB~wwp4pUu1mC~U3H-dvqjedCivOqCqXTkFyA5cTgQKlxZqeFSmNdTVjpAOcnF2AFtsBz8wa25F4YJeC1YsNEObMYg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The El Campo City Council approved a motion to discontinue routine mailing of separate late-penalty notices for overdue water bills and directed staff to expand digital notification options.

Staff presenting the item said the city mailed 10,115 late-penalty notices over the past year at a cost of about $8,800 for paper, envelopes and postage (not including staff time). Utility staff reported that many notices are returned as undeliverable; the presenter said returned mail included postmarks ranging across months and that notices sometimes arrive months late.

The presenter recommended discontinuing routine mailed late-penalty notices and pursuing electronic alternatives such as email, online account alerts, automated calls or text messages. The presentation included per-call pricing for automated calls at roughly $0.10 per call; staff estimated 800 calls would be about $80 per month (about $960 annually), far less than the present mailing cost.

The presenter also told council the utility currently sends between 800 and 900 late notices per month and disconnects about 50 accounts monthly. Staff said many customers have switched to electronic billing after losing regular mail delivery.

Council discussed making an insert on the regular bill to make late-payment penalties clear, using robocalls or texts while documenting delivery, and ensuring the city’s contact information is up to date so field crews can leave door hangers when necessary. A councilmember moved to eliminate mailing separate late-penalty notices and the motion passed by voice vote. Staff said they will implement an outreach plan, roll out the digital-notice options this month and report back in quarterly reports.","Council approved discontinuing routine mailing of separate late-penalty notices for overdue water bills to cut costs and because many mailings are returned undelivered. Staff reported mailing 10,115 late-penalty notices last year at about $8,800 in postage and supplies, sending 8–900 notices monthly and disconnecting roughly 50 accounts monthly;",{"_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},6225925,"Council approves joining legal intervention in AEP Texas rate case; firm to seek reimbursement of rate-case expenses",189,991000,1180000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3526276-2896eaa98ed23d8854b11956b4c8b3d7&start=991&end=1180","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3526276-2896eaa98ed23d8854b11956b4c8b3d7/thumbnail_991000.jpg","/articles/6225925/El-Campo/Wharton-County/Texas/Council-approves-joining-legal-intervention-in-AEP-Texas-rate-case-firm-to-seek-reimbursement-of-rate-case-expenses","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6225925-b79c1ee6041e69b08f05366d4a3e99d9/orig.mp4?Expires=1775541951&Signature=AwPuGlYrSzcYJ-bcJB0QJMFbXcflCIy1aM2ZokWGMssSrW-dvhCGJMkvcH19UlfeacaJvmx31h79qZRgXccO3hb~1JibLT6nJqcHmarjTlWbgbCwV6N7~PVmpM-Ls9q7lnqiLE8gcWr-laiB4nPzCzqP~Slajz60JOr~zvuzv8BTchRKfyf74RuIfomiOcGNmonmpzyxR1o1povndlz~FKn8NBqEExQGfsWJabqSH0Hapu4xPr9iyYw-eupjby~CAteOHkfMcx4QuU6ygJgSE5P5tp22Tysxms2m1EVYvWnlgLaK8YvujGmCPWBYFFIdzEBOUqmdlUjHDm2gUcaL6A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The El Campo City Council voted to approve Resolution R2025-27 to join other municipal participants in intervening in an AEP Texas rate proceeding before the appropriate regulatory commission.

Courtney, the city manager, told council that Lloyd Gosslink (as described in the staff report) had contacted cities to offer coordinated representation to contest AEP’s proposed rate increase. Staff told council the proposed increase would raise residential bills by about $0.60 per month, and that joining the group would not require an upfront cost from the city.

A discussion clarified how legal fees are handled: a staff member explained that, if the coordinated effort is successful to any degree, the attorneys’ fees incurred by the group may be recovered through the rate-setting process and ultimately collected via customer rates. As one speaker put it, those fees “get passed on to the consumer” and “they get AEP does get the authority to add that to your rate to repay those fees.”

A councilmember moved to adopt Resolution R2025-27; another councilmember seconded. The motion carried by voice vote. The resolution authorizes the city to participate and to cooperate with the other cities and the named attorneys and consultants and requires the company to reimburse the city's rate-case expenses if applicable.","El Campo adopted Resolution R2025-27 to join other cities in intervening in an AEP Texas rate proceeding. Staff said joining will not cost the city upfront; council approved cooperation with attorneys and directed that the company reimburse cities' rate-case expenses if the intervention yields billable fees.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves resolution to seek TxDOT funding for sidewalks along North Wharton (FM 653)

City receives unmodified audit opinion for fiscal 2024; general fund shows budget shortfall

Council votes to stop mailing separate late-penalty notices for water bills; staff to expand digital alerts

Council approves joining legal intervention in AEP Texas rate case; firm to seek reimbursement of rate-case expenses