Country World Archives 2001-2008

 

Town hall meetings to cite 'merits' of groundwater districts

From Staff Reports

January 9, 2003 -- Four "town-hall type meetings" have been planned for Jan. 15 and 16 in Wood County to inform citizens about groundwater conservation districts.

The meetings are organized by SOSONET (Save Our Springs Of North East Texas), the local group who worked to have the region established a groundwater management area, and thus, put the opportunty for a vote to establish a groundwater conservation district in the county.

On Feb. 1, Wood County voters will go to the polls to decide if they want a groundwater conservation district in the county, who will be the board members, and if they approve a maintenance tax not to exceed 3 cents per $100 valuation.

Speakers at the meetings will include Harvey Everhart, general manager of the Mesa Groundwater Conservation District (in Martin County) and president of the Texas Alliance of Groundwater Conservation Districts; Ron Fieseler, general manager of the Blanco-Perdenales Groundwater Conservation District (in Blanco County); and Dr. Bruce Lesikar, associate professor and engineering specialist, Texas Cooperative Extension.

Each speaker will give a short, informational presentation, then they will be available to answer questions from the public in attendance. The candidates for the groundwater conservation board will also be a part of their precinct's meeting.

The four meetings, one per precinct, will be:

  • Wednesday, Jan. 15
  • Hawkins - 12:30 p.m., Hawkins Fire Department, 250 W. Beaulah;
  • Mineola - 6:30 p.m., Mineola Civic Center's Dogwood Room, 1150 N. Newsom;
  • Thursday, Jan. 16
  • Winnsboro - 12:30 p.m., Winnsboro City Auditorium, next to the City Park on Wheeler Drive;
  • Qutiman - 6:30 p.m., Carroll Green Civic Center, 602 McAllister.