EAST ALDINE – The District held their regular board meeting last Tuesday night, but started it with a special flag dedication ceremony in front of their offices on Aldine Mail Route.
With the encouragement of board chairman Gerald Overturff, the district installed three new flagpoles to mark the office and honor the American and Texas flags, as well as a new flag with the EAMD District logo.
The Sheriff’s Explorer Post #42 was on hand, under the direction of Deputy Terry Garza and school counselor Marva Flerilroy. The Explorers presented colors with their Color Guard, and raised the flags to start the evening.
The district board then conducted their regular monthly meeting, with a full agenda.
The evening started with comments from several residents of Castlewood subdivision, concerned about recent large increases in their water bills. Speaking were Steven Adame and Wanda LeBlanc. President Hawes explained that the district has hired an attorney to work with legislators and agencies in Austin, to monitor and mediate the private water companies in the county and state, and give customers more consideration in their utility bills.
This was followed by a presentation from the Boy Scout Pathfinders, with a thank you to the district for the support of their program. Juan Failde, district director, was present for this as well as five members of the troop. The East Aldine District contributed $33,000 in their budget for 2014 to support over 1200 boys and girls in this program.
Following this, members of the HCSO Explorer’s Post #42 also made a presentation, and a thanks to the district for support through the year and for the program that has won awards. The District has made a $12,000 grant in this year’s budget, for college assistance for 12 MacArthur students enrolled in the program.
The board then continued with their regular business. In January they held a budget workshop, setting goals and budgets for the whole 2014 year, and at this meeting they voted to implement many of these decisions.
The income from sales tax collection is expected to be about $6 million dollars, according to Jack Roland, the district’s accountant.
Expenditures were set in very broad terms as follows:
Water & Sewer management $206,074.
Transportation & Mobility, $129,866 including a $30,000 subsidy to METRO for bus service on Route 59.
Environmental & Urban Design, $828,462 including street lights, graffiti abatement, Greens Bayou, litter removal, and Right-of-Way maintenance.
Public Safety & Security, $1,113,616 including $647,816 for Sheriff’s deputies, $100,000 for bicycle patrols, and $61,000 for county attorney’s legal assistance.
Economic Development & PR, $531,000.
Community Development, $312,483 including scholarships and other initiatives.
Public Health & Neighborhoods, $454,983 including heavy trash pick-up.
Administrative, $275,191 including leases, staff, etc.
Other funds were transferred to capital improvements and surplus.