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Athens council approves new TexPool account, tractor purchase, auditor engagement and electronic ticket writers; adopts electrician licensing rule
Summary
At its Oct. 13 meeting the Athens City Council approved a TexPool investment account for a newly created Streets and Drainage Capital Fund, accepted a $70,937.20 quote for a replacement John Deere tractor, authorized engagement with Pattillo, Brown & Hill for auditing services, approved $30,352 of municipal court technology purchases from Tyler Technologies, and adopted an ordinance clarifying that all electrical work must be performed by a licensed electrician.
The Athens City Council on Oct. 13 approved several measures affecting the city’s capital funds, equipment and administrative services.
Council authorized establishing a TexPool investment account for the Streets and Drainage Capital Fund, which the FY2026 budget included with a $750,000 allocation. Finance Director Sarah Smith said the new TexPool account will provide an investment vehicle for the fund; the resolution named Sarah Smith, Assistant City Manager Mandie Quigg and City Manager Elizabeth Borstad as authorized representatives.
The council also approved the purchase of a 2025 John Deere 5100E cab tractor from John Deere United Ag & Turf for $70,937.20 to replace a 2013 model. Public Works Director Shannon Easley said the unit is in stock and described warranty terms: a two‑year or 2,000‑hour limited warranty and a five‑year powertrain warranty or 2,000 hours, whichever occurs first.
On auditing services, Finance Director Sarah Smith said the city solicited qualifications after the prior auditor served three consecutive years. Staff recommended Pattillo, Brown & Hill, LLP to provide FY2025 audit services with two optional one‑year renewals; staff noted the challenge of meeting the 90‑day deadline after fiscal year close and expects presentation of audit reports by the second March council meeting to meet single audit deadlines. The council authorized the City Manager to enter the engagement.
Council also approved using Municipal Court Technology Funds to purchase enforcement mobile ticket‑writing software and hardware from Tyler Technologies. Smith said the first‑year cost, including implementation and setup, will be $30,352 and recurring annual fees will be $4,590; the Municipal Court Technology Fund balance was $33,219.97 and the city will purchase 10 electronic ticket writers.
Finally, the council approved on final reading an ordinance amending Chapter 5, Article IX, Sec. 5‑95 to clarify that all electrical work must be performed by a licensed electrician. The ordinance passed on roll call 5–0.
Votes at a glance: all recorded motions described at the meeting were approved unanimously. Several motions were recorded as “carried unanimously” in the official minutes.
What this means: The actions fund and equip ongoing public‑works and court operations and set a clearer standard for permitted electrical work. Funding and audit timing details will be handled by staff as procurement and contract work proceed.
