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Residents urge Bastrop to rescue Paul Quinn AME bell tower; council pledges to explore funding
Summary
Multiple longtime members and pastors asked the council to help stabilize and restore the 150‑year‑old Paul Quinn AME Church bell tower; council discussed grant timing, contractor bids and a partnership model that could use HOT funds and loan guarantees.
Speakers representing Paul Quinn AME Church urged immediate city help to stabilize and restore its bell tower, citing community history and structural concerns. Reverend E.D. Johnson told the council professional assessments and competitive bids indicate the bell-tower work could be done for "approximately 75 ks or less," warned that each delay increases collapse risk and asked the city manager to identify available funds so work can begin without waiting for grant cycles.
Council members and staff explored options. Council member Meyer and others encouraged a community partnership model; staff and the city attorney said the city could participate if an agreement demonstrated public-interest findings and protections for public funds. Mayor Pro Tem Kirkland proposed an amendment to the budget package allocating $100,000 from HOT funds to support the church over five years, a proposal council adopted as part of the budget motion.
