[{"_1":2,"_120":-5,"_121":-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",[32,74,86,97,109],{"_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":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6552018,"mediaKeyId","5226248-f920d5fcd82ac81c74103707645a9780","parentId",5226248,"title","Budget workshop centers on pay, policing staffing and infrastructure needs","audioSeconds",6051,"startMs",1187000,"endMs",7238000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5226248-f920d5fcd82ac81c74103707645a9780&start=1187&end=7238","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5226248-f920d5fcd82ac81c74103707645a9780/thumbnail_1187000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6552018/Crockett/Houston-County/Texas/Budget-workshop-centers-on-pay-policing-staffing-and-infrastructure-needs","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6552018-8baac18b36d82e5aefe49286ac1734bc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175504&Signature=Dd6E9B3yQlCkslAjiQonBsgkstzM1yFiENyQd0tJaPiQDnysloQ8PZBwxCMFnRNhyFAAlZBRXvXe6wsgVRtZH~l1h9kUVqs-6~7DY5Py9nnDIKvTQFZoEhMEI0Qqfl6mgcu4LcsnpZcU4hT6UXrcw~k-TDbC00wo34P2GTYVj8ld0qFFCCdK0-W6B5i2garLFrXi~AyeimcYmOV8Vjf0urzWs22vFakfkp-I988CBzRuhP0oWThP-dP-~4LQ5-lZL7XitdmG5vGmbJV3kSh3LD50pmLIcRfG1qzaiJU4L7cmH-sz~3O9zQ9h3RuzmAdkA1W8XbzZ~vWEkIEypQtPoQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-07-07T13:55:34Z","article","City staff opened a budget workshop outlining revenue trends, one-time funding sources and multiple capital and ongoing personnel requests that council must weigh as it prepares next year\u0000\u0000's budget.

Staff said franchise revenues (electric, gas, cable, telephone) have trended downward and projected continuing declines of about 5% annually; property tax collections include an option to adopt a \"no new revenue\" rate and a voter-approval rate (staff quoted the voter-approval threshold as 3.5 percent) that together constrain how much new revenue can be raised without triggering a petition or election. Staff estimated the immediate new money available without triggering an election at roughly $102,000 ($30,000 from the no-new-revenue calculation and roughly $69,000 from the voter-approval threshold), and said new construction valuations could add about $30,000 under a no-new-revenue rate.

The Economic Development Corporation (EDC) wind-down was a recurring topic: staff said the half-cent EDC sales tax generates about $750,000 a year and that current obligations include roughly $2 million tied to the Votec center and other previously approved projects; those obligations constrain how EDC funds may be used going forward and require budget amendments aligned with the wind-down resolution.

One-time ARPA funds (American Rescue Plan Act) were highlighted as available for capital, one-time purchases or projects but not sustainable recurring personnel costs. Staff said ARPA has already funded items including police vehicles and pavilion repairs and that remaining ARPA balances would be reported back to council.

Public safety and staffing emerged as the most prominent discussion items. The Police Chief presented a package of requests including officer pay increases, officer proficiency pay, and equipment (portable/mobile radios and vehicles). The chief urged the council to address entry-level pay and retention, noting the department\u0000\u0000's difficulty competing with nearby agencies and private-sector opportunities. He proposed adding five patrol officers through a federal grant that would pay full salary Year 1, with the city paying 25% in Year 2, 50% in Year 3, 75% in Year 4 and 100% in Year 5 if council continued the positions; the chief said this staggered funding is intended to expand patrol capacity while limiting the city's immediate budget impact. The packet included quotes and cost scenarios for radios (Motorola and lower-cost options), vehicles and a proposal to remodel or add 1,400-1,500 square feet to address a property/evidence room shortage.

The Fire Chief described volunteer shortages and the operational challenge of meeting a 2-in/2-out safety requirement when only a small volunteer roster responds. The fire chief said mutual aid helps but that volunteer numbers are aging and that grants, a junior firefighter program and stronger recruitment (including social media outreach) are part of a proposed plan to bolster paid and volunteer staffing.

Other capital and maintenance requests discussed included: repairs and painting at City Hall and the Civic Center (to improve acoustics and finish work), replacing toilets and fixtures at the Ag Arena (estimate ~$21,000), security camera systems for the civic center and fire station, a used pad-foot steel roller (estimates $50,000\u0000\u0000$70,000) to improve road base compaction, lift-station repairs at a South 19th Street wastewater site, and vehicle reassignment to better match department operational needs.

Council members repeatedly raised the tension between hiring additional staff and funding pay increases to retain existing employees. Several members said they supported improving pay for entry-level positions to reduce turnover; others emphasized infrastructure and street maintenance needs and worried about increasing taxes for vulnerable residents. Staff recommended continuing discussions and returning to the next regular meeting with updated revenue projections, EDC budget amendments consistent with the wind-down resolution and more detailed cost estimates for prioritized capital items.

Staff said health insurance estimates were flat for the coming year and that cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) scenarios for all city employees were presented as a 3% ($115,000 estimated total cost) and a 5% ($191,000 estimated total) option; staff said any salary change affects fringe benefits and retirement contributions and would be reflected in final projections. Council directed staff to return with clearer revenue/expenditure projections and more detailed proposals for personnel and capital priorities at the next regular meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Crockett City Council Meeting - 07/07/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Council heard a budget workshop in which staff presented revenue forecasts, EDC wind-down constraints, ARPA one-time funds and a set of capital and personnel requests emphasizing police pay and staffing to address retention and public safety capacity.","taxTitle","Crockett, Houston County, Texas","taxId",69526,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6552022,"Crockett grants 30-day extension to Lincoln Lumber after notice of default",462,691000,1153000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5226248-f920d5fcd82ac81c74103707645a9780&start=691&end=1153","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5226248-f920d5fcd82ac81c74103707645a9780/thumbnail_691000.jpg","/articles/6552022/Crockett/Houston-County/Texas/Crockett-grants-30-day-extension-to-Lincoln-Lumber-after-notice-of-default","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6552022-3624f9bdb5b4b568f05c520e37248db3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175504&Signature=akZvuP~OJGhXNsiB6KN1QZoxyVnyqb4Abw-kPxrvIP06L9pLJc2PTBN5SFTTbxcRH9-RtD-kjo1i-y~2UXmX48NQLmgE2giTS~iZs~gy1BSNj2HB0Gr71hiP2eVPBt7O-VhgAiSHo-eMKvFJgT-ldmPBSISM0Zpy1XhlhzAM~5Yh1HunkBTnsjp6JS5jVU6Yw5qoKimwrNPDaK0c1BmxlUDmAruOdQ-AUpiCMKHO1rJoPh6aVFfas9uhQ12FqotvLT7-lXVReWwVFYY3ZuwpSWF2jYdDxdE~Qt0vk5QzF2UR8JtxhWiIJtnXOKSqtFE0b9C1StjKk5NYWBtCJsziqA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Crockett granted Lincoln Lumber a 30-day extension to the cure period under its tax abatement and incentives agreement after the city issued a notice of default following the company's closure of its Crockett site.

City staff told council Lincoln Lumber acknowledged the closure and the default but has asked for time to meet with legal counsel and the city's commissioners to present additional information. Staff said Lincoln Lumber argues it may have met or exceeded some obligations under the agreement, but because operations at the Crockett site have ceased, the company is technically in default under the agreement's performance and clawback provisions.

Staff asked council to grant a 30-day extension to allow Lincoln Lumber to present new information and any proposed concessions; staff said they did not have dates for when Lincoln Lumber first notified the city of closure but confirmed a notice of default had been prepared and sent. Several council members expressed concern about setting a precedent if the city forgave performance requirements for other businesses; staff said any changes would be considered after counsel and commissioners reviewed the company's presentation.

A motion to approve a 30-day extension to the cure period was made, seconded and carried by council on a voice vote. Staff said the extension simply opens the opportunity for Lincoln Lumber to present its case to counsel and the commissioner's court and does not itself modify the underlying contract or release the company from potential repayment obligations pending council and counsel review.","Council approved a 30-day extension to the cure period in the Lincoln Lumber tax abatement and incentives agreement to allow the company to meet with counsel and present additional information after a closure at the Crockett site and a city's notice of default.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":78,"_47":91,"_49":92,"_51":93,"_53":94,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":95,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":96,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6552028,"Crockett joins alliance and hires special counsel to contest Encore distribution rate increase",253,438000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5226248-f920d5fcd82ac81c74103707645a9780&start=438&end=691","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5226248-f920d5fcd82ac81c74103707645a9780/thumbnail_438000.jpg","/articles/6552028/Crockett/Houston-County/Texas/Crockett-joins-alliance-and-hires-special-counsel-to-contest-Encore-distribution-rate-increase","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6552028-c93627fc7bc5962709fd399ca277a6ff/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175504&Signature=QQ5~tZ~r-1912V5v~rskF-OJVY6xrWSdpZGE5Ayk6dhIE2gFC9ePN43MO5-JSVA4UtzYrZF0Y8ezUwGlf2Sci4vo-NR4Gvjkg39ms-DiA3whzRKIpT5MKMArjdDKsmceSGwNbtq8my7t9k71AJ1TCVj3cD1Y5tqkkHziu7Z9zue6Pbwn0N0aSrC1B-P84HLjBh3Cyi1SXs1fbnEcuAQlV-23VZD1IexJlmNRu6t8RhinhEApOVID1EDqh7R1a~TrpjX5xcPwvNb4O~SlSJsJvugxJYQi99KXfGl~RepYHzrcKcyU03vQ6j7TQElXcBVzTfpyWcmPkR3XUhe4rMn~bQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Crockett approved a resolution to join an Alliance of Encore Cities (AOC) and authorize special counsel to represent the city in upcoming Public Utilities Commission proceedings over Encore\u0000\u0000's proposed distribution rate increase.

City staff summarized a packet of materials sent by Encore, saying the company submitted a voluminous filing and that the Alliance coordinates city intervention before the PUC. Staff told council the average distribution increase would amount to roughly $7 more per month on customer bills. Under PUC procedures described by staff, Encore is required to cover the cost of legal representation for cities that participate in hearings tied to Encore's filing. The council approved hiring Herrera Law & Associates as special counsel, the firm the AOC has retained for PUC hearings.

Staff described the filing as extensive and said the special counsel will attend PUC hearings and seek to limit the proposed increase where possible. Council moved, seconded and approved the resolution; staff said the decision allows Crockett to enter the alliance and have representation at the PUC without the city bearing counsel cost under PUC rules.

Council directed staff to proceed with alliance membership and retain Herrera Law & Associates as the alliance's designated special counsel in the Encore proceedings. Staff said they would update council as the PUC process unfolds.","Council approved a resolution to join the Alliance of Encore Cities and authorize special counsel (Herrera Law & Associates) to participate in Public Utilities Commission (PUC) proceedings over Encore's proposed distribution rate increase estimated at about $7 per month for customers.",{"_33":98,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":99,"_41":100,"_43":101,"_45":102,"_47":103,"_49":104,"_51":105,"_53":106,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":107,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":108,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6552032,"Crockett approves transfer of surplus welding stations to school district",179,254000,433000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5226248-f920d5fcd82ac81c74103707645a9780&start=254&end=433","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5226248-f920d5fcd82ac81c74103707645a9780/thumbnail_254000.jpg","/articles/6552032/Crockett/Houston-County/Texas/Crockett-approves-transfer-of-surplus-welding-stations-to-school-district","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6552032-bc0ded5ba95aa5a763b7a4ed199fad7a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175504&Signature=Ri2QY8evP5siVTotJzNpS4OjRCo4--2f024PTx61IhS~IxdwKQT3YKh26ywCjttXLXtBCnHgQ2vxJuIqoMWNJCg1ruT7MpIVp8P82GdWTnYP5HbxSk1ovKALqFf0e48lm4dF3VYhnaeZ8MYfyS5MXjM8LS8tOnZ4ZsgderGHiy6rBXdQHoj48O4Ns6SP0NyZ7e47YruGS2TDfREyjoIp~Crf5XjCu9YrH~Mb8SH3Ez3laJrZcZumngx3pJ6xni-doQMZncqHTOcWEWruYYl1D7qCu2aI9nPSpno0wRQfSL-9viUP89Ow0mJmRMboZov~HvutEKbNhwqgwBber3SzlA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Crockett City Council voted to approve an interlocal agreement to transfer six welding stations (described by staff as double units, 12 machines in total) to a school district that requested the equipment.

City staff told council they had reached out to Crockett Independent School District and learned the district did not need the welding equipment because of recent renovations and lack of space. A former Crockett ISD agriculture instructor who took a position with another district had asked that the city divert the equipment to a school that could use it; staff said the receiving district had indicated it could use the welding stations and related boots and planned to transport the equipment when school staff were available after a regional FFA convention.

The agreement approved by council authorizes conveyance of six welding stations. Staff said contractors at the Propellas building already disconnected electricity and would assist with loading and transport when the receiving district arranged trailers. Council moved and seconded the measure and approved it on a voice vote.

The transfer repurposes city-owned training equipment that staff said is surplus to local school needs and moves it to a program that has requested the machines. Staff said the receiving district\u0000\u0000's board president had already signed paperwork on the district side and that logistical steps to move the units were in progress; council did not appropriate funds for the transfer.

Council did not provide further conditions in its motion. Staff said they would coordinate pickup and final transfer logistics with the school district and contractors.","City council approved an interlocal agreement to convey six welding stations (12 units total, in double configuration) to a school district that requested the equipment after local district said it had no space or need.",{"_33":110,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":111,"_41":112,"_43":113,"_45":79,"_47":114,"_49":115,"_51":116,"_53":117,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":118,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":119,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6552014,"Votes at a glance: Crockett council actions",936,217000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5226248-f920d5fcd82ac81c74103707645a9780&start=217&end=1153","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5226248-f920d5fcd82ac81c74103707645a9780/thumbnail_217000.jpg","/articles/6552014/Crockett/Houston-County/Texas/Votes-at-a-glance-Crockett-council-actions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6552014-d771ba4a7a28c8fa2b07867136a99ee2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175504&Signature=jluDKoqx1gqhCikyEkqAwZJ5DWlp~pDngfPllcji3lV548~V-hOB-PT~CBZqMIc0YbrQOePEfAwjp0JL~VC6NWnDu2dNP4KJyPHmrv3tJ-t1YGzZAmKwq0Gnp7ar8aUhv8bChDwIjqR4grGBDHkgWNT08Za7RFsVG0gg9t3zeRTvwbd-iIBVNOHnYYLQCJrhInClOceSh7I2C3ufTlkQwgfldgvo4wkNCuRs4idSwkAYFzccm0~NQ0GrZkDBlly6m4DSd10douehIteakivjiujrL8QdagxORnC5YeeA8ISgOSsmRXdlnI4zBC8AQ0MYh5yrOptfsmCuWX1Wzy8PHw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Crockett City Council recorded the following formal actions during its special meeting:

- Approval of minutes from the regular session of 06/16/2025. Motion moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.

- Approved an interlocal agreement to convey six welding stations (12 machines in double configuration) to a school district as presented in the packet. Motion moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.

- Approved a resolution to enter the Alliance of Encore Cities (AOC) and to hire Herrera Law & Associates as special counsel to participate in Public Utilities Commission proceedings concerning Encore's distribution rate increase; staff said the average increase would be about $7 per month and that Encore would cover counsel costs under PUC rules. Motion moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.

- Approved a 30-day extension to the cure period in the Lincoln Lumber tax abatement and incentives agreement so the company may meet with counsel and commissioners to present additional information; the extension does not itself modify the contract and staff said any concessions would require separate council or commissioner's court action. Motion moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.

- Motion recorded directing staff to manage EDC wind-down obligations and to present budget amendments to align the EDC budget with its wind-down resolution. Motion moved and seconded; direction recorded.

Individual recorded tallies or roll-call vote counts were not included in the transcript; actions were approved by voice vote where noted.","Summary of formal motions and outcomes reported during the special meeting: approval of minutes, a transfer of welding stations, a resolution to join an alliance and hire counsel on an Encore rate case, and a 30-day cure extension for Lincoln Lumber.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Budget workshop centers on pay, policing staffing and infrastructure needs

Crockett grants 30-day extension to Lincoln Lumber after notice of default

Crockett joins alliance and hires special counsel to contest Encore distribution rate increase

Crockett approves transfer of surplus welding stations to school district

Votes at a glance: Crockett council actions