Athens council approves music MOU, bank contract and water project spending

At its March 23 meeting the Athens City Council approved several resolutions and contracts covering cultural designation, banking services and water-system work.

The council voted unanimously to authorize the City Manager to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Texas Music Office in the Office of the Governor to seek designation as a Texas music-friendly city. Tourism and Marketing Manager Darin Hamm said the designation would help protect local music venues and events and highlight local artists.

On municipal banking, Finance Director Sarah Smith explained the city solicited proposals for a bank depository (RFP 26-1401). Staff received responses from Prosperity Bank, First State Bank and Verabank, and ranked Prosperity Bank highest. Council approved a resolution awarding the contract to Prosperity Bank for an initial three-year agreement with optional renewals; staff reported the proposal included 1% interest on balances and no required minimum balance.

The council also authorized an increase to annual funding for FDC Construction, LLC from $150,000 to $236,073.60 to cover construction of a reinforced concrete access drive at the city’s Bulk Water Station; the incremental construction cost cited was $86,073.60 and staff said the CIP contains the necessary funding. Finally, the council authorized the City Manager to execute a professional services agreement with Plummer Associates, Inc. for a comprehensive Water Treatment Plant evaluation to identify rehabilitation, regulatory and replacement needs and preliminary cost ranges to support long-term capital planning. All motions carried unanimously.

Council additionally confirmed two Tourism Advisory Council appointments earlier in the meeting: Garrett Wilkes and Gail Gardner, both approved by unanimous vote.