City Council to consider $2.2M upgrades
By SHANNON CRABTREE newsdesk@leader-news.com

El Campo City Council will take another look at planning for the future Tuesday as they review possible capital improvement projects.

In September, Council shot down a Capital Improvement Plan to spend $2.2 million in city fund balance dollars for street and drainage improvements over a five year period, but accepted an almost $2 million plan for improvements at the waste water treatment plan as well as sewer and water main replacements.

The General Fund CIP has been revamped. If accepted, it will use fund balance or saved dollars from earlier year budgets to pay for a series of projects.

Among those are road projects in the Town & Country area, South Meadow Lane, Phillips Southland and the 3P's subdivision as well as ditch work.

The proposed improvement projects are in addition to those designated in a $2.9 million capital improvement project partially funded by Certificates of Obligation or bond dollars.

That project includes renovating the El Campo Civic Center, expanding the police department and a new animal control building.

The El Campo City Council meets at 7 p.m. Tuesday in chambers, 315 E. Jackson. The meeting is open to the public with time specifically designated for public comments.

Other items before City Council include:

• Final approval of paving projects on Beach, Palm, Highland and Delta streets as well as an alleyway between Empire and College streets.

• The possible abandonment of an alley behind the El Campo Chamber of Commerce building.• The formal ordinances changing rules on water leak billing and utility deposits will be considered.

• A vehicle purchase request from the El Campo Volunteer Fire Department will be considered. The city had funded the purchase of one vehicle -- a pickup - this year in addition to the new pumper truck already on order.

The fire department is requesting the purchase of an SUV in lieu of the pickup.

• A time and date for a Comprehensive Plan workshop will be considered.