[{"_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",6474279,"mediaKeyId","5742208-58d506286127330d20f68766b3993fe6","parentId",5742208,"title","City reiterates plan for AMI water meter installations, door-hanger protocol and flushing instructions","audioSeconds",4082,"startMs",4980000,"endMs",9062000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5742208-58d506286127330d20f68766b3993fe6&start=4980&end=9062","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5742208-58d506286127330d20f68766b3993fe6/thumbnail_4980000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6474279/Plainview/Hale-County/Texas/City-reiterates-plan-for-AMI-water-meter-installations-door-hanger-protocol-and-flushing-instructions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6474279-9487028fd0ba030a92312235d96aec68/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437985&Signature=OY-UYqckSpyQL0h1ldr4UT6CU~ZuhpzsIY~jWhv4XRGfYR4BRgX041z3wVayHiS6jj0VJ8IV4D3xQcrGP-En4vwz9xtZekmGj-l8BJfUHrfiBY5TszDHHhfQXp7dYwX1IyzvjY0GVJ5D03SNQyBHj0Wg648vu-liW2JYm-ZpizCSeB9DsVMMDo9blSnSgwFaVX-4055z-on4v7BdvAQO6Ep4MW~syIOzcVNuN735CQoHFzq0iuI6PylC2DKJr8E6CE68IjkSRiogJ~N53PvFTDiaytQ4cGh-GBt189ndVM1wZPUniOCSWx8A-JXYGFwoAzN63JobLGELnJxBKAifMg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Plainview","date","2025-09-09T00:00:00Z","article","Plainview — As part of the council meeting packet and public information shared during the Sept. 9 session, the City of Plainview and its contractors — Ameresco and Pedal Valve Incorporated — reiterated plans for an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) water meter replacement project.

The announcement, presented as a recorded or scripted notice during the meeting, explained that contractors will replace existing residential and commercial water meters with AMI meters to improve the city’s water infrastructure and customer information. The presentation repeated several operational details for residents:

- Schedule and identification: Meter installation is scheduled Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., with occasional Saturday work if needed. Contractors will wear identifiable logos and drive marked vehicles.
- On-site procedure: Contractors will not enter homes. Before replacing a meter, crews will knock and ask residents not to use water for approximately 30 minutes during installation. If the installer cannot make contact and determines that water is in use, they will move on and return later.
- Work details: Installers will turn off water, dig up and remove the old meter and meter box, and replace them with a new AMI meter. If an outdoor faucet at the front or side of the residence is accessible, crews will flush the lines after installation. If not accessible, a door hanger will instruct residents how to flush indoor lines (run cold water in a bathtub or outdoor faucet for about one minute; do not use hot water during flushing).
- Missed appointments and safety: If installers cannot complete work because of a locked gate, inaccessible meter, loose dog or other issue, they will leave a door hanger explaining why and how to reschedule.
- Contact and information: Residents were directed to www.plainviewtx.org and the Plainview Is Waterwise page for more information. Phone: (806) 296-1100; email: watermeterproject@plainviewtx.org.

The announcement reiterated that contractors will leave door hangers confirming installations and whether lines were flushed. It also stated that the City and the contractors appreciate resident cooperation during the meter conversions.

Note: The announcement text references a project start of January 2024 in its repeated script. Meeting materials and timing in the transcript should be consulted for the project’s current schedule and any updates from city staff.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Plainview - City Council 9/9/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The City of Plainview and contractors Ameresco and Pedal Valve Incorporated reiterated details of the planned smart water meter (AMI) replacement project: installers will identify themselves, will not enter homes, will leave door hangers and will provide flushing instructions; contact and project website details were provided.","taxTitle","Plainview, Hale County, Texas","taxId",69492,"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},6474284,"Council approves first reading of supplemental appropriations; staff cites interfund transfers to cover carryovers",184,2866000,3050000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5742208-58d506286127330d20f68766b3993fe6&start=2866&end=3050","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5742208-58d506286127330d20f68766b3993fe6/thumbnail_2866000.jpg","/articles/6474284/Plainview/Hale-County/Texas/Council-approves-first-reading-of-supplemental-appropriations-staff-cites-interfund-transfers-to-cover-carryovers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6474284-e9cf85ac5fd6a881cd044bd1b7375df6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437985&Signature=EcY4vhhwFyCYEoCPi7rqB--uM~BbkBNKenaEUEClO7KyLQQZk7saJci7ewYK2bTmyD875JHeds-Qx9d2vlq~ecYizpUC~CUik-RMT4XRdgBF9C~7Ff7K0RVTwAqSFzYdSUCVKCPsOFVCtzumRq4BAYQU9h5Yb2srs4Av88CvDsl3ZVzLTGktZPODhMxlZvogkznfndzigRq7REMRrh4VkSfDPQYPQISt-N2M-eFwPbTniKAW7mxu0Z4rYE~mVuxGK5EzL3-1c~11lXQS~vrxuAU2ArZT4F2qBSIDReEKNiMWXkuiG8xneuDMqcyDFp39FMyK~~k8OUaL8npwqS~S2w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Plainview — The Plainview City Council on Sept. 9 approved on first reading an ordinance making supplemental appropriations for the current fiscal year that move money among city funds to cover carryover capital projects and other adjustments.

City staff described the appropriations as transfers within budgeted funds to cover shortages or carryovers from the previous year and to add supplemental funds to the capital improvements program. The council discussed the use of interfund transfers from enterprise funds to the general fund; staff said the transfers were reviewed with the city’s auditor and compared with practices in other Texas cities (staff reported consulting Amarillo) and described the transfers as legal though not typical.

Why it matters: The appropriations change the allocation of budgeted funds for the current fiscal year and enable planned capital projects and salary/operational needs identified during the prior 12 months. Using enterprise-fund transfers to support the general fund can have implications for utility reserves and future utility-funded projects.

Details and council discussion:
- Ordinance No. 25-3781 moves supplemental funds into the capital improvements program and adjusts internal transfers among funds to cover carryovers.
- Staff justification: Transfers support employee pay competitiveness, infrastructure needs and other strategic priorities identified in July and August council sessions; auditor review and outreach to another city (Amarillo) were cited in support of the approach.
- Council members asked staff to justify interfund transfers and confirm due diligence; staff said the auditor reviewed and approved the transfers and that the practice, while not typical, is permissible.

Action taken: Ordinance No. 25-3781 (appropriation of supplemental funds) passed first reading on a unanimous vote (8–0). The ordinance will return for final adoption at the required second reading.

Next steps: Staff will monitor and, if necessary, adjust transfers during the next budget cycle and present the ordinance for a final vote at the council’s scheduled second-reading meeting.","On first reading the council approved Ordinance No. 25-3781, adding supplemental appropriations and interfund transfers to fund carryover capital projects and workforce costs; staff said auditor reviewed and approved the approach.",{"_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},6474289,"Council approves first reading of master fee schedule with new animal and utility fees",73,2193000,2266000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5742208-58d506286127330d20f68766b3993fe6&start=2193&end=2266","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5742208-58d506286127330d20f68766b3993fe6/thumbnail_2193000.jpg","/articles/6474289/Plainview/Hale-County/Texas/Council-approves-first-reading-of-master-fee-schedule-with-new-animal-and-utility-fees","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6474289-2184f978e422e16c38b54d2bfba00137/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437985&Signature=MbqUvox6P5lp72MQmQEpnka3kYH4WCniXlfUtQf0zSxDodOwsgaRQdFplk0lgeNaur7zJ2I53RI3gmb2KIonLBPjtR9j3D6h7cfxICdmpnag9PtMMX-1I-cJrPWTNm6gGUv56xrjJg9CW0DCwHDLT5H2iK4mNzb0hdZLIyXziQkcKNlT1dMFfjqzfqk1dsSNbeolBpBP54k7e09xqHdT5MBTiU4FMaoQy-oPEoXAvymJJZ7EkxCIInpqckWcMkh7P7nAzjpAy3L3juT1M3YBlK8Bsgyum6NvU-u5jHu55Nzsz8xIq~fuMb9F34V6vAPfzbtfoU4gSdEk0S2mEr78TA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Plainview — The Plainview City Council on Sept. 9 approved on first reading an annual update to the city’s master fee schedule that adds and adjusts several animal-control and utility-related charges, including a $25 fee for knowingly unplugging an automated water meter and a $200 overnight shipping fee for rabies testing.

City staff introduced the ordinance (Ordinance No. 25-3780) as the city’s annual compilation of fees and proposed specific changes that the council discussed. Public Works Director Weems described the proposed meter-tampering fee and other utility-related adjustments; Weems said the $25 fee would be assessed on the customer’s next water bill and that larger charges to recover equipment-replacement costs would be billed separately. The ordinance passed its first reading on a unanimous voice/roll-call vote and will return for final adoption on a later date.

Why it matters: The fee changes affect residents who use city facilities and city utility services. New charges are intended to recover city costs for damaged equipment and higher service expenses, and incremental changes (for example, rental cleaning deposits and a lost-key rekeying fee) are intended to reduce staff labor and replacement costs.

Key fee changes discussed:
- Animal-control: microchip registration fee added — $10; fee for destruction of dangerous dog — $50 (applies when animal-control deems an animal dangerous and it is surrendered); overnight shipping for rabies testing — $200 (staff said samples are sent to a lab in Austin). Staff said shipments occur typically two to three times per month but may vary.
- Utility meters and tampering: a $25 fee for knowingly unplugging an automated meter-reading device; additional recovery charges for deliberate damage (e.g., cut wires) to city-owned equipment will be itemized and billed to the responsible party.
- Solid waste and rentals: removal of references to 4-cubic-yard dumpsters (equipment no longer available), moving toward size-based tire fees rather than per-pound billing, parks rental cleaning-deposit increase of $100 (rental rates remain unchanged), and a lost-key fee of $350 to cover rekeying costs.

Council questions and clarifications: Council members asked how a dog is deemed dangerous (animal control, in coordination with police, makes that determination), how meter-tampering fees are billed (the $25 fee goes on the next water bill; larger replacement charges may be invoiced separately), and how often meters are unplugged or equipment is damaged (staff estimated 4–10 unplugging incidents per month and about a dozen locations currently needing repair for cut wires).

Action taken: Ordinance No. 25-3780 (master fee schedule, first reading) was moved by Council member Rascon, seconded by Council member House and approved by a unanimous vote (8–0). The ordinance will return for a second and final reading at a later meeting.","Plainview City Council approved the master fee schedule on first reading, adding a $25 meter-tampering fee, a $10 microchip fee, a $50 dangerous-dog fee and a $200 overnight rabies-test shipping charge among other changes.",{"_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},6474294,"Plainview council approves first readings of FY26 budget and tax rate; second reading set for Sept. 23",362,1360000,1722000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5742208-58d506286127330d20f68766b3993fe6&start=1360&end=1722","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5742208-58d506286127330d20f68766b3993fe6/thumbnail_1360000.jpg","/articles/6474294/Plainview/Hale-County/Texas/Plainview-council-approves-first-readings-of-FY26-budget-and-tax-rate-second-reading-set-for-Sept-23","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6474294-d6573207f6aa0089624ca3d8ea02eee8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437985&Signature=Sxp8smbgiKfkVco6V469pKL3TnlZCyjpn-HMFUl~uOJt--gKUbpbL6aQ-5x78yzYU7RKl1UaqANSy2LPB43nvKpP3ZkXvJ6qLFGiuAinEnLJwtHCiSIpr7FTVTzKwZAeuo8~XLsD09a1vKqCPBpNsHcvWwiHl94XxU3c8NBvyRFhXKj~HYAUJOL2ciXs8xiJw~osAL0Olvr~o~3w8l7Yqb666MlorP2J1ZNHklvX~VBWT2xKqj9lf6LKm3962KqI1hHASr48maVHOvc5Ep0K2pJMVfRCiHHzhbcFMlMxh3D-tyVLNsqAIR9uTz7IXDau8x8x-3x6CGjL2Nejxu2ZNA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Plainview — The Plainview City Council on Sept. 9 approved on first reading a proposed $48,800,000 budget for fiscal year 2025–26 and a proposed property tax rate of $0.7352 per $100 valuation, with both measures advancing on unanimous 8–0 votes and scheduled for final votes at the council’s Sept. 23 meeting.

City Manager (referred to in the meeting as “Mister Chancellor”) presented the budget during a public hearing that produced no public comments. Chancellor told the council the proposed operating budget reflects a slight increase in the general fund alongside reductions in utility fund balances; capital investment priorities include street work, water and sewage projects, animal shelter improvements and Parks Department projects such as KidsVille. Taxable valuations in the city rose roughly 8.25% over the previous year, the manager said.

The council’s action on the budget was the first of two readings. The ordinance for the budget was introduced as Ordinance No. 25-3778; the council voted unanimously to approve the ordinance on its first reading. The first reading of the ordinance adopting the proposed tax rate also passed unanimously. The council held the required public hearings for both the budget and the tax rate and closed them with no public testimony.

Why it matters: The budget and tax-rate actions set the city’s near-term spending priorities and the revenue framework that funds public safety, utilities and capital projects. Although the council approved the first readings unanimously, members and staff framed the vote as part of a two-step process that will require a final vote on Sept. 23.

Details from the presentations and council discussion:
- Total proposed budget for FY2025–26: $48,800,000 (presented by city staff). Capital projects highlighted included street improvements (including Quincy Street north of 24th Street), a sand-filter carryover project in water and sewage, facility upgrades, KidsVille and park improvements.
- Proposed property tax rate for adoption (first reading): 0.7352 per $100 valuation. Staff explained that because taxable values increased this year, the effective tax-rate change for many homeowners is small; the presentation estimated an average household monthly change of about $2.82 compared with last year’s presentation figure of $9.46 (last year’s context provided by staff during the discussion).
- Public comment: No members of the public spoke during the budget or tax-rate hearings.
- Timeline: Second and final readings for both the budget ordinance and the tax-rate ordinance are scheduled for Sept. 23, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in council chambers at 202 West Fifth Street.

Council motions and votes (first readings):
- Motion to adopt the fiscal year 2025–26 budget (Ordinance No. 25-3778) — mover: Mayor Pro Tem Weiss; seconder: Council member House; roll-call vote: Mayor Starnes — Yes; Council member Dickerson — Yes; Council member Martinez — Yes; Council member Garcia — Yes; Council member House — Yes; Council member Rascon — Yes; Mayor Pro Tem Weiss — Yes; Council member Rodriguez — Yes. Outcome: approved (unanimous, 8–0).
- Motion to set the proposed property tax rate at 0.7352 per $100 valuation — mover: Mayor Pro Tem Weiss; seconder: Council member Rascon; roll-call vote: same 8 recorded yes votes; outcome: approved (unanimous, 8–0).

What council members emphasized: Council members noted the city’s growing tax base from new businesses and additions, and several members urged that the council balance fiscal responsibility with service provision. Council member House highlighted the deliberative approach to balancing services and taxpayer impacts during the vote.

Next steps and context: The two measures will return for final votes on Sept. 23. If either ordinance changes at the second reading, the council will need to record the amended motions and votes at that time. Because the public hearings drew no speakers, there was no public record in this meeting of opposition or requested amendments.","The Plainview City Council voted unanimously on first readings to adopt a $48.8 million fiscal 2025–26 budget and to set a proposed property tax rate of $0.7352 per $100 valuation; both items return for final votes Sept. 23.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City reiterates plan for AMI water meter installations, door-hanger protocol and flushing instructions

Council approves first reading of supplemental appropriations; staff cites interfund transfers to cover carryovers

Council approves first reading of master fee schedule with new animal and utility fees

Plainview council approves first readings of FY26 budget and tax rate; second reading set for Sept. 23