By Taylor Kaiser
The Corsicana City Council met Monday, November 10, with no public hearings or ordinances on the agenda. The meeting opened with Carroll Elementary fourth-grader Sincere Ward leading the Pledge of Allegiance and Texas Pledge. Mr. Ward, who hopes to become a police officer, was praised for his leadership at school.
Council member Panell addressed food insecurity during school holidays, noting many students rely on free meals. CISD has partnered with Compassion Corsicana to collect donations. “I am encouraging other city and county government officials, business owners, and residents to contribute what they can,” Panell said, urging donors to type “CISD” under their online donation.
Panell also honored Veterans Day stating, “From the beaches of Normandy to the mountains of Afghanistan, from the seas to the skies, veterans have stood watch so that we might live in peace and opportunity. We remember that freedom is not free.”
The council voted to allocate all its votes to Jeff Smith for the Navarro County Appraisal District Board.
Darwin Myers, city engineering director, gave an update on the West 13th Street project. A waterline running from 12th to the college has sustained repeated damage and will be replaced. The council approved a $1,333,795.65 contract with Dakota Utility, which includes drilling and pipe costs. Myers noted the price was lower than expected due to creative planning.
Council member Chris Woolsey led a discussion on a local homestead exemption, which could reduce property taxes for homeowners. Council member Johnson expressed concern about renters: “44.6% of the city are renters. That is a lot, almost half of Corsicana. I am a renter, and my precinct are really, barely, making ends meet.”
Woolsey responded, “If it were me that’s a renter, I’m going to be a lot more worried about what the CISD bond just did… this is very minimal in comparison.”
Mayor Hill said, “We will be spending quite a bit more time on this particular subject.”
Other Administrative Items:
- Nov. 20: Tree lighting, 5–8 p.m.
- Nov. 29: Small Business Saturday
