Kim and I have now joined the ranks of grandparents. Our first grandchild was born Monday afternoon June 28th. He checked in at 7lbs 15oz. and 20.5 inches long. Tessie and Braxton are doing very well and are at home.

Our daughter, Selah, is expected our first granddaughter the beginning of August.

Emergency alerts and warnings of storms and other dangers to our citizens was discussed in last night's council meeting. 

At the present time our emergency siren on top of City Hall doesn't reach all areas of our city when activated.  Giving our schools, nursing home and our citizens ample time of notification to seek emergency shelter needs improvement. There was discussion of some type of emergency phone alerts to all, but requires a per phone charge to the customer.

Adding more sirens around town could be beneficial, but to me, the phone seems to be the most reliable way of notification.  Even with a small charge to the customer per call, it shouldn't be a great disadvantage to anyone.

The reason I say this is, we seldom have to alert our citizens of immediate danger or evacuation from their homes or business.  Having a dollar or less per customer charge would be in the best interest for everyone's safety notification.

As you may recall, some years ago, in Rising Star, Cross Plains and Gorman, wild fires were spreading so fast across the counties, that some people didn't get out of their homes in time and it took time to alert citizens of their dangers.

Our council, Emergency Coordinator and myself will continue to seek the best way to deal with this issue. Working with the West Texas Council of Governments for financial aid/grants will be reviewed by our city. 

De Leon Peach and Melon Festival time is approaching very soon.  Committee members spend many hours of their time in preparation for this event each year.  The first week of August brings many family members together and attracts visitors from many areas of Texas each year.

If you haven't attended our festival in the past, please make plans to attend this year. Their web-site is www.DeLeonPeachAndMelonFestivalAndTractorPull.com.  Events are posted on their website.

We invite you for the day or all week, check it out, and see why the De Leon Peach and Melon Festival is 96 years strong and the biggest annual event in De Leon.

As our temperatures continuing to rise each week, so does our risk of fire dangers.  Our city and communities have abundance of fuel, (i.e. tall weeds and grass) to increase our fire risk.  Our firemen stand ready to protect us from the threat of fires as they happen.

Each of us can reduce the risk of danger by keep our risk at minimum.  Keep your lawns mowed, shred lots or commercial property, check outside electrical wiring that may have insulation cracks, or other possible damage, electric fencing is a high risk as a source of starting a fire, throwing out cigarettes from vehicles and our Fourth of July coming up soon with fireworks.

Fire prevention and safety is everyone responsibility.  Prevention will save you money and loss of personal property.  Working together we can prevent out of control fires this summer and limit our fireman's work load in fire protection.

Our De Leon Peach and Melon Festival is hosting the 3rd annual BBQ cook off at the Community RV Park.  Friday June 18th is setup and competition is on Saturday the 19th.

Forty participates will demonstrate their cooking skills and secret recipes with brisket, pork ribs, chicken, beans and Dutch oven desserts.  The cook off is sanctioned by the Lone Star Barbecue Society.  You don't have to be a member of the society to participate in the cook off.

Stop by and visit the activities, and welcome our visitors back to De Leon.

Everyone seems to have a great time and enjoys the fellowship with one another year after year. 

I attended a meeting with our local Food Pantry Staff this week.  Not having a great deal of knowledge or experience with the operations of the pantry, our meeting was very educational to me. 

Our city and community has a great need from the Food Pantry to serve our citizens in need each month. Plans are underway for possible enlargement of the pantry, and additional foods.  Discussion of a new location to better serve the public is also underway.

One of the main points that came from the meeting is the need of additional donations of food, and volunteers of all ages, to help serve our families in need.  If you have time and interest of serving our families in need, please contact the Food Pantry.  Their phone number is 254-893-4311.

Having canned food drives by different organizations would be a great help to the pantry.

Council members have voted to hold off on hiring an ordinance office for now.  I have discussed having a officer dedicated to ordinance compliance in the past weeks.  One reason council decided to wait on hiring someone was our present budget.  We did budget a small amount of funds for one of our officers to work with ordinance issues.

 We also need to address how we are going to deal with old condemned buildings, and the financial issues of disposal of these buildings.

There is a great need in our city to have someone monitoring ordinance compliance and complaints.  Council will review and hopefully make arrangements to budget for this in the new budget year. 

e continue to make contact with violators week after week in trying to address the tall weeds and grass, but many issues have not been addressed as they should be for now.

Just a reminder for anyone having family visiting during the Peach and Melon Festival. Our RV park is usually booked before the week of the festival . If you have family needing an RV spot at the Community Park, please make contact at De Leon City Hall soon. The number is 254-893-2065. Our RV park has full hook-up.

During our last council meeting our park coordinator reported that she has booked a new event for our park next year. In May of 2011, our park will host a monster truck event at the Community Tractor Pull arena. This should be exciting for all ages and attract visitors from many areas. Other events are also being discussed for this year as well.

If you have an event you would like to schedule for the Community Park, you may contact Crystal Nabors (Park Coordinator ) at 254-485-7223 or e-mail deleonparks@totelcom.net.

If you didn't attend the annual Fireman's BBQ, you missed a great meal and fellowship at city hall Saturday night. Our local citizens support our firemen each year with donations to help our firemen achieve their needs for the department.

De Leon Firemen provide excellent fire protection, plus many other services throughout each year for our city and rural communities. Donations to the De Leon Fire Department may be made at First National Bank or De Leon City Hall.

Thanks guys for the service you provide.

With the abundance of rain over the past weeks, we now have complaints of tall weeds and grass all over town from our citizens.  Not really surprising, this happens every spring and summer.  Many areas of town, and usually the same property owners, let their lawns and vacant lots grow out of control.

Another area of complaints are old vehicles, old travel trailers, and miscellaneous trash/junk, as described by our citizens.  Plans are underway to handle these complaints with supervision from a new city ordinance person.  Contacts and follow ups with property owners having violation will be monitored.

Tall weeds increase the risk of fire dangers during the summer and winter months.  Clutter, old vehicles, and trailers provide breeding grounds for rodents.  Our citizens have made it clear that it's time to clean up this problem in our city and make the property owners be responsible.

I ask that we all work together as a community with these issues.  Be responsible and take care of your property.

Are we really ready for change ???

Over the past five years of serving on the De Leon City Council, I have had requests from numerous people for activities for our citizens.  Our council has tried to accommodate these request with events that would, or could, be provided in our city.  Volunteers have helped to locate events and work with the events.

Now the problems start from certain citizens complaining about the events each time they are performed.  About the noise, and time of the events.   Most events are planned on the weekends — for greater attendance from our citizens and visitors.  Finding a time that's perfect for everyone, and their personal work and rest schedule, is impossible.  If events were every weekend I might understand the complaints — but they are not.

It's difficult to find ways to keep some of the money we spent on entertainment here in our city.  It could save some expense for fuel by not having to drive out of town for something to do.

Some events attract small attendance while others attract large crowds.  That's beyond the event coordinator's control.

Holding events in De Leon attracts people to visit our city.  The money they spend during their time here helps our business people and our sales tax.

Our business owners help support activities in our city with donations and other contributions.  Having visitors spend money in our local businesses helps them survive during tough economical times.

I ask that we support local events, and be tolerate.  It's difficult to attract events to a small rural town.

I think we are ready for change.  I believe De Leon must change to be prosperous.

I received an e-mail that I would like to share with you.  I've confirmed the sender but removed their name.

---

Hi Danny

Prado Production had a to-do this past weekend at the old Festival site.  I'd like to comment about the volume.  I live on North Travis (near Hwy.16) and my open windows faces east.

This music and noise was actually lower than when the Festival was held there. And there appeared to be none of that pounding low bass being used.

I don't know when they stopped — since I was able to go to sleep at my normal time — with the bedroom window still wide open.

Trying to deal with complaints or other issues from our citizens by e-mails is unfair to the person having a complaint or myself.

I request that when citizens have a complaint or important issues, that we meet in person.  I find it difficult to deal with e-mails having multiple issues and not being able to address them one at a time.  Plus, waiting for the replies when I have questions for the person.

I'm not trying to avoid any issue or complaint — I think it's in the best interest to discuss the issues face to face.

Citizens may make appointments with me by calling city hall at 254-893-2065.

I thank everyone for allowing me to serve another term as mayor.

De Leon has many needs, and hopefully our council and I can accomplish more improvements over the next two years of my office.

Thank you,

Danny

I know everyone has limited free time from day to day.  We all have other responsibilities and family activities each week.  I would like to ask for volunteers to help me.

I know a lady that needs help getting her yard and property back in shape here in town.  Her yard needs mowed and trimmed, a few trees need trimmed, and clutter is also bad.  This lady has many health issues and could really use some help.

I have offered to help, but it would take a few people a few hours to accomplish this kind deed.  If you would like to help this person in need, please send me an e-mail or call me at 254-842-1444.  This would truly help her.

Thanks  

On Saturday May 8Th, our city has several activities happening at the Community Park and the American Legion Park.  Before attending the activities, please take time to vote here in our city election.

It's your last chance to vote for the persons you want to represent our city, school and hospital.  All candidates are willing to face the tough challenges of meeting our citizens expectations of daily operations and the needs of each entity they serve.  Trust me, it isn't easy at times.

We need all voters to get involved in this election.  A weak turn out could be a disadvantage for each candidate this Saturday.  I ask everyone to do their part in our local government — and vote.

Your support and vote is greatly appreciated May 8th. 

Early voting is going well.  Ninety voters have cast their ballots as of yesterday.  The last day to vote early is Tuesday the 4th

It's a shame most citizens don't take the time, or even care, about voting these days.  Our great nation has soldiers all over the world protecting our freedom and our rights as a U.S. citizens, to make our own choice in our daily lives.  Past and present soldiers have given their lives for this freedom.

Take time out to cast your vote during our city election.  Your vote does count.  We have many volunteers ready to serve our city and community as elected officials.

Please vote early, or on May 8th, at City Hall.

Make a difference and vote for your candidate of choice.

Motocross will be returning to our community park.  May 7-8 and 14-15.  For more information call 254-918-2166 or go to www.3rddaymx.com.

It went very well last year, and hopefully we can keep it here in De Leon as an annual event.

I have noticed more people out during the day and evening hours getting their exercise.  I have also noticed that many drivers are going too fast in residential areas here in town.

Please slow down, the extra few minutes are worth it.  Think adult / child safety.

Most accidents are preventable. Lets keep our streets safe for everyone.

I received information recently that our city wide clean up will be the first week of May.  Citizens have asked about having this as soon as possible.

I encourage everyone living inside the city to take advantage of this free service during this week.  There are stipulations on what can placed in the dumpsters.

If you need information, please contact city hall at 254-893-2065.

Early voting here in De Leon—for the City election—starts Monday.  I encourage everyone to vote this next week, or on May 8th.

I take this time to ask for your vote and support as the incumbent Mayor and candidate for reelection.  As Mayor, I have the utmost respect and desire to improve our city for our citizens.  The last two years of my office, we have dealt with the weak economic times as a nation.  Our city has continued to accomplished improvements for our citizens.

Our improvements are not always noticed by the general public, but they do improve the services offered by our city.  We have many long term needs for improvements.  Some are already underway for later this year and in early 2011.  Our new wastewater plant project is first on line, and more street repairs are being discussed.

If reelected, I will strive to accomplish more improvements as funds will allow.

I appreciate the past support from our citizens as Mayor and look forward in serving our city in the future.

In the upcoming weeks, our De Leon Cemetery Committee will purchase materials to build the new roads on the East end of the cemetery.  Our Street Department will provide the labor and equipment to grade the materials in place.

I appreciate the Cemetery Committee members for their consistent help to improve our city cemetery. 

I'm sure some of you have noticed the dirt work going on at the community park.  Our city guys have been busy moving dirt to level our new soccer field.

Our city doesn't have the funds to provide all the needed necessities at this time.  Hopefully the new field will come together for everyone enjoyment. 

Council members have discussed having a city-wide clean up soon.

We have also discussed the possibility of having four zones of the city for bulk pick up each month.  Many areas of our city would benefit with this activity.  Working within each zone would hopefully get rid of trash, and other bulk items.  Many neighborhoods have old cars, trailers, and furniture — from past renters or landowners — causing these areas to look trashy.   Not only that, they create breading grounds for skunks, mice, rats and other rodents.

I hope to have this into effect soon.

Our Community Park grounds are available for T-ball or baseball practice if needed.  Each summer teams have trouble finding areas for their teams.

Find your spot and enjoy the park.

Time to get the RV, travel trailer and boat ready for the camping season.

Next week our Promontory Park at Lake Proctor will open for the season.  It's always enjoyable to spend family time at the lake each summer.

Our city workers and volunteers have been very busy planting trees at our community park.

Thank you for all your hard work and dedications on helping with the landscaping and future shades in the park.

Customers may now pay their accounts on-line by going to www.cityofdeleon.net.

It only takes a few minutes to set up your information for the convenience of on-line paying.

Plans are underway to repaint the wall of recall located on West Gonzales Street (the old Dabney Hardware Store building across from De Leon Auto Supply).  Donations to help with this project can be made at the De Leon Free Press or De Leon Chamber of Commerce.

Elton Brownlee will put his talents to work as soon as funds are available.

Our street department has made improvements on some of our side streets here in town.  East Ross Street, between Bowie and Bell Streets, and Rusk Street, between Ayers and Hampton Streets.  These old streets have been terrible for years.  Road base was utilized to resurface these old streets and hopefully some day they can be paved.

More side streets are being looked at for resurfacing in the coming months — if our budget holds out. Building the road up with base will help with the potholes.

With the improvements discussed, please don't speed in these neighborhoods, each street has children playing and returning from school each day.  Think child safety and drive with caution — the few extra minutes are worth it.

Family activities and outdoor events usually include family pets.  As a reminder of our city ordinance, pets are to be on a leash or in a fenced area.  Dogs on the lose generate complaints.

All pets are required to have their shots and city tags.

It's great to see blooming fruit trees and some green color back on the ground.  Our winter months have shown its' beauty with the abundance of snow this year.  With the warmer days ahead of us, our lawncare will dominate a few hours each week from us.

Each summer our city officials receive numerous complaints of tall weeds and grass here in town.  We also receive complaints on old vehicles, trash and tree limbs piling up on property.

Let's all make an effort to make our city appearance cleaner for our citizens and visitors.  It really does make a difference.  When people pass through our city, they notice the bad before noticing the good.

I would like to see a beatification group some day add the little touches to our main street to make our business area more inviting and encourage visitors to stop, look around and hopefully make a purchase.  It's the little things that make a difference in small towns.

From time to time we have people inquiring about buildings to rent here in De Leon.  People are interested in trying to start a new business but need rent-able space to get started.  If you have a building, and willing to rent, please let us know.

Our city council recently approved a beautification committee for our community park. Our committee members have taken the assigned responsibility with enthusiasm. Trees have already been donated from Miller Nursery, and committee members will assist in planting them. It was discussed that trees were needed around the outer edge of the amphitheater to provide shade for events during the summer season. Hopefully the committee can finds ways and funds to improve different areas of the park grounds.

Volunteers make many improvements year after year in our city. It's reassuring to know that citizens are willing to donate their time and resources for everyone enjoyment.

Thank you to each member assisting. If your interested in becoming a volunteer with this group, please contact city hall for information, or contact a council member.

 Last Thursday's council meeting became one of the hardest meetings in a long time.  The discussion of allowing coolers (with adult beverages) at the new city park facilities was on the agenda.  After much discussion a motion on allowing the coolers was voted on.  When the council's vote was tied (due to the absence of a council member) I had to make a tie breaking vote.  My vote wasn't popular to many attending — or as the news became known around town.  I want our citizens to hopefully understand why I voted as I did on this issue.

My vote was not about alcohol consumption.  Prior to the meeting I had asked our City Administrator to check with the City Attorney, the Parks and Wildlife people, and the Texas Alcohol Commission, about the issue.  Our City Attorney stated that our ordinance could be changed to allow the consumption of alcohol at approved events in our park, but no one could sell any.  The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department continues to have a say in the operation of the park and they said that they had no issue with the subject.  The Alcohol Commission stated that no one could be selling alcohol, but the council could approve B.Y.O.B.

After a long discussion from council members, and citizens attending the meeting, it became clear to me that this wouldn't be a easy thing to settle for our city.

Our Police Chief stated that if the current ordinance continued "as-is" his department would have to issues tickets, and possibly arrest people visiting our park.  Per the ordnance it didn't matter if they were sober.  Mere possession of a can of beer would be illegal.

I was told by the Peach and Melon Festival Chairman that 14,000 people attended the festival last August.  The last night of the tractor pull the parking areas were full.

At this point I realized that there was no way four officers could control or issues tickets with that many people in attendance.  Let along arrest any possible alcohol drinkers.

A representative of the tractor pull event stated that if the council voted against the coolers, and enforce it with tickets or arrests, they might be forced to shut it down or move to a different area in the county.  The possibility of letting Stephenville or Comanche have that part of the festival was mentioned.  I found myself having to make a decision that I felt was in the best interest of the city of De Leon and the history of our famous Peach and Melon Festival.

As mayor of this city, I must represent all its citizens, regardless of their beliefs or ages.  That's not as easy as it sounds.  Everyone has civil rights, along with their own religious belief and moral attitudes.  It's difficult to not let my personal bias rule my decision for our citizens.  My action in this issue was also based on the history of the festival and the many good things it brings to our city, along with the survivability of a great park for our city.

 Last night the Downing Community lost some of their history.  The Downing store caught fire from a wood burning stove as reported by Fire Chief Doyle Rone.  The old store utilized now days as a residence was a total loss plus one vehicle parked next to the building.

Fire departments from Promontory Park, Comanche, and De Leon were there fighting the blaze.  Luckily the person living in the building got out safely and no firefighters were injured.

 From a request, by the City of De Leon , to have a flashing school zone light installed on F.M. 587, the Texas Department of Transportation is recommending that a 20mph flashing school zone be installed from MP. 24.687 to the intersection with SH 16 — after their traffic and engineering studies.

The City Council must pass an ordinance to approve the 20mph school zone before placement of flashing lights.  We must always think child safety, during school hours each day.

Sunday night my wife and I watched a TV show called the Undercover Boss.  The CEO of 7 Eleven went undercover in many of their stores to see the other side of their business operations.  He worked as an employee and had the opportunity to visit with other employees and managers to find the strong and weak areas of each store.  Near the end of the show, the CEO stated that the employees make a successful business.

My point of sharing this?  One of my past employers told me that the corporate world doesn't care about dedication or loyalty any more from their employees.  If this is correct, the corporate world will stumble and self-destruct from the inside out.

Employees make the business, and their dedication and loyalty build the business.  I'm very thankful for the employees that we have with our city.  Thank you for the great job each of you provide to our citizens and visitors each day.

Being an elected official has many opportunities for losing friends during your term of office.  It's a difficult job to perform at best.  As a council member, or mayor, we have to uphold city ordinances, comply with state and Federal laws, manage a budget, and do our best to represent our city, and ourselves, in a positive attitude.  The job requires acting in the best interest of the citizens that voted them in office. This may seem very easy until you are elected into office.

Many operational requirements are placed before a city council week after week.  The issues that arise, and the effects our decisions make on our taxpayers, are always a high priority in our decisions.  From the outside looking in it's easy to say, "I would do (or not do) something that way if I was on council."  The council has the power to change the governing laws of our ordinances, or create new ones, as long as they don't supersede state or Federal laws.  The mayor is also responsible for the daily operations of the city — along with the department directors they manage the activities of all city employees.

The Mayor is required to bring recommendations and information to council members at each council meeting, for their approval, or for their knowledge of city business.

As Mayor, I have maintained an open door policy.  I will meet with citizens, return calls, or answer e-mails.  I must admit that at times I don't check my e-mails daily, but I will return or call the individual as soon as I can.

I'm not trying to discourage anyone from running for city council.  I'm just saying that the responsibilities are a challenge, and it helps to be thick-skinned for the tail-chewing during your term of office.  All a person can do, is do their best, and act in the best interest of all.

Can you believe all the snow we have received this winter? Texas, especially our area, never has this much snow and generally speaking rain as well. All this moisture will help the ranchers and farmers this Spring season.

Speaking of cold weather, citizens should make it a habit to check outside water hydrants around their homes and other building after every freeze. Finding a leaking water line very early after a freeze, can save you money on your monthly water charges.

Severe Weather Awareness Week in Texas has been set for February 21-27, 2010.

This is an opportunity to help prepare our residents to deal with the extreme weather events that come our way in Texas. This year is an excellent time to build public awareness by reminding our residents to update their emergency plans, double check emergency supply kits and get prepared for tornadoes, floods, hail, straight-line windstorms and other hazardous events.

Severe Weather Awareness Week materials for 2010 are available on the TxDPS Website.

Prepare to face the challenges of severe weather.

The topic of trash, old cars, trailers and buildings about to fall in have surfaced again over the past three council meetings.

Citizens have complained about our city having increased accumulation of these issues, and request to have something done about it. We have addressed some of the issues, but it seems it returns faster than we can accomplish the clean up. Some of the problems are: finding the true landowner; granting time to clean up the property; if buildings are involved, the expense of the disposal is sometimes beyond the property owner's ability to pay; asbestos is found in most older buildings; and, T.C.E.Q. won't allow open burning of the building, or burial of the materials.

Our city attorney is working on an ordinance to give the city authority in these issues. I don't think that we should utilize taxpayers dollars to clean up someone's property free of charge. We should give the appropriate time for the landowner to bring their property back into code of the ordinance. If this doesn't happen, all equipment charges, dumpsters fees and labor should be at the landowner's expense, not the city's expense.

It might be better to utilize a contracted service to clean up of the property and not our equipment and manpower.

I am a candidate for Mayor of the city of De Leon. De Leon has been my home all my life, and I appreciate the citizens that make our city stronger year after year.

I have a strong interest in improving the future for everyone, no matter if you are a home owner or renter, everyone should have the same rights. My past four years as Mayor have had their challenges — and there will be many more in the future. I feel that the accomplishments made over the past four years make me a worthy candidate for Mayor.

Streets in many areas of town have been improved, sewer and water lines have been improved, equipment needs for city workers have been purchased, completion of the Community Park, and new waste water plant project underway. Drinking water improvements are being worked on at present time, and ordinances to control issues for our city and citizens.

I dedicate myself in making improvements for our citizens, as I have done in the past. I know that I can't make everyone happy, no elected official can. I feel that when elected to serve a community, all one can do is what they feel is best for the majority of the citizens, without any personal interests.

I would appreciate your vote in May.

It's disappointing to see family pets neglected during our cold weather or any other time. I have noticed many pets left outside at night during the freezing weather — without any protection or shelter from the bitter cold.

Our police have made contact with pet owners asking them to shelter their animals, other pets are not always noticed by neighbors or by the police and suffer the cold. Remember your pets during the cold days and nights, provide food/water and shelter for them. It's your responsibility as their owner.

Also speaking of responsibility, all pets are to be in a fenced area or on a leash. Lets keep our neighborhoods  pet friendly for everyone.

Serving as a elected official in a small town is difficult at best. Some appreciate what your are trying to accomplish, others don't. All politicians go through the same issues during their term of office.

Our city has continued to accomplish positive things during the past two years. Even with the worst economical times our nation has experienced in years, our city leaders have made good use of a limited budget each year.

We prioritize our goals in working together and accomplishing what we can. So many larger municipalities have cut services, laid off employees and cut programs during this difficult time. We, as a small rural town. continue to move forward in a positive way.

Our city has make improvements with road repairs, water and sewage lines, two new police vehicles, a new sewage plant to began ground breaking in late 2010 or 2011, plus we are working on a grant for drinking water improvements for the future.

Utilizing our tax dollars as they become available, and having our decisions make the most impact for our city and citizens, is my goal.

More complaints on bands playing in residential areas, and at businesses here in town. Our council tries it's best to make it comfortable for everyone, and allow people to enjoy or practice their music. We find it difficult at times within our current noise ordinance to make everyone happy. The council will be reviewing the current ordinance and looking for adjustments in policy.

We actually have some good musicians of all ages here in De Leon. Wouldn't it be great to have them playing at our new park this summer for entrainment. Finding a place for them to practice during week nights or weekends would help stop some of the complaints we are now receiving. I have talked with one band member about the complaint and he reported that he would add insulated garage doors to his residence in trying to keep in good standing with his neighbors.

I appreciate his attitude in trying to make things better for everyone involved in his area of town.

Within the next few weeks, our city office will be accepting credit or debit cards to pay your water accounts —or citations in our Municipal Court.  After that we intend to make it to possible to make payments on-line.  This will make it easier for folks—who can't easily get to City Hall—to keep their accounts current.

Also — Due to the increasing numbers of delinquent accounts, and unpaid citations, our city has contracted with, McCreary, Vesslka, Bragg & Allen, Attorneys at law, to collect accounts due to the city.  If you have delinquent accounts, or citations, you can expect to be hearing from them.

Our budget from year to year have priority goals to accomplish with funds available. During budget planning, we look at monthly accounts payable, employee benefits and wages, possible raises, equipment needs for all departments, improvements for streets, and infrastructures for customer needs.

This year we were able to budget more for street repairs in our city budget. With seal coating from year to year, and now improvements with streets throughout town, we are making a difference to streets that have been bad for many, many years.

Some of the streets have had base materials applied to them for now, with possible other improvements to them in the future, and others have had asphalt and seal coating making them a finished product.

Our community is blessed with sand in most roadways, causing the materials to shift to make the pot holes that we deal with daily. Building a good sub-base for roads is very important. Taking care in these areas before spending money for other materials benefits the taxpayer and our roads.

In past months, our City Water Department has made many improvements for our customers with sewerage problems. Some of the problems have been tree roots in the lines, others have collapse lines requiring renewed services of pipe from the main sewer tap to the customers line.

If you have frequent sewerage blockage, your lines may have the same problems, Have your plumber check out your lines and, if needed, contact our City Office for possible renewal of sewerage connections.

Our only charge is for the pipe from the main line to your service line — no labor or equipment charge by the city. On the average, the city's charge is usually under $100 to the customer — depending on the amount of pipe needed for the job. 

For those needing assistance with lawn care needs, the following individuals have offered their services to anyone.  There may be charges for the service.

Eddie Holland 254-893-6433  —  Joe Martinez 254-893-2328  —  Frank Haardt 254-893-5109 (cell 254-485-1966)  —  Rowdy Wilkerson 254-734-5142  —  Ryan Ellis 325-885-2377 (cell- 325-330-3193)  —  Michael Baugh 254-893-5031  —  David 254-734-4451  —  Allan Sadberry 254-893-6182

Frank and David have made mention that they can clean up large items including debris, metal, and up to small structures.

If you have a need for lawn care this year, and cannot do it yourself, please contact one of the above numbers for assistance.

My wife and I attended the De Leon Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet Saturday night, at City Hall. Our Chamber members and officers provided excellent food from Cook's Fish Barn. The Junior Chamber members provided a skit for entertainment for the guest attending the banquet.

My congratulations to Fire Chief Doyle Rone, Man of the Year Award, Nellie Prado, Woman of the Year Award, and La Joyce Johnson, the Golden Deed Award, Lawrence Bros. IGA, Business of the year, and Jason Swinney, Women's Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the year.

Great Job all year long from our Chamber of Commerce, and the Women's Chamber of Commerce. They are a vital link to our city.