Crockett Council to Revisit Swimming Pool, Consider TEX-21 Participation
By Greg Ritchie
Messenger Reporter
CROCKETT — The Crockett City Council will return to two unresolved matters from recent budget discussions when it meets at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3, at City Hall: the proposed city swimming pool and participation in the TEX-21 program.
The council’s agenda lists the swimming pool for discussion. It does not specify whether members will consider the project’s design, grant application, construction cost, operating expenses or next steps.
In earlier reporting, City Administrator John Angerstein said the city planned to apply for a Texas Parks and Wildlife grant of approximately $750,000 for a swimming pool. The application deadline was reported as Aug. 1. Angerstein also said the city planned to hold another meeting before submitting the application to review the pool design, statutory changes and possible savings.
During the July budget workshop, Council Member NaTrenia Hicks moved to bring the swimming pool back for discussion on a future budget agenda. That item is now scheduled for Monday’s meeting, although the agenda does not state whether the city submitted an application, whether the deadline changed or what specific action the council may consider.
The council will also consider and possibly approve participation in TEX-21, including payment of membership dues and authorized travel expenses for designated delegates. The agenda also calls for the appointment of City of Crockett representatives.
TEX-21 describes itself as a nonpartisan transportation-policy organization that brings cities, counties, transit agencies, economic-development groups, universities and private organizations together to advocate for transportation policy and infrastructure. The program includes promoting the possible construction of an expanded HWY 287, potentially through Crockett.
The item follows a discussion during the recent budget workshop involving a proposed $2,500 expense for conference attendance. Council Member Christopher Price asked that the item be returned to the budget agenda for further consideration.
The council’s discussion may therefore address not only whether Crockett will participate in TEX-21, but also what the city expects to gain from membership, how much participation will cost and who will represent the city.
Monday’s meeting also comes as the council continues working toward adoption of the city’s fiscal 2027 budget and tax rate. The recent budget discussions included a proposed 10% fixed-dollar cost-of-living adjustment for city employees, estimated at approximately $448,000 annually. Council members estimated the average homeowner impact at approximately $75.71 per year in property taxes, along with proposed monthly increases of $1.35 for water and $1.65 for sewer service.
The council has scheduled Aug. 24 for public hearings and final votes on the budget and tax rate. Monday’s agenda includes consideration and approval of the proposed tax rate.
Other business includes consideration of an electrical contract for energy supply to all city facilities, effective June 1, 2027. The council is also scheduled to enter executive session for a personnel discussion regarding the city secretary and may take action afterward.
The meeting will begin with an invocation and pledge, followed by recognition of visitors, public comment and approval of the July 20 regular-session minutes. Public comments are limited to three minutes, and the council may not deliberate or take action on matters that are not properly posted on the agenda.
Greg Ritchie can be reached at [email protected]
