By: Emily Haddock
The Dawson City Council met on December 9 to address a wide range of city business, including board appointments, downtown construction updates, infrastructure needs, utility billing concerns, and police and water department reports.
The meeting opened with the annual Board of Directors vote, where all six current members were reappointed for the coming year. The slate remained unchanged and was approved unanimously.
Council next heard from Charlie Bows & Tactical Shop, who presented updates on their construction progress. Plumbing plans include running a 4-inch water main from the existing building and reducing to a 3-inch line into the new shop.
Significant focus on the ongoing downtown renovation and revitalization efforts will be underway as the New Year starts.
Updates included roofing work on the old gym—expected to take several more weeks—and upcoming repairs to the old gas station roof.
The IOOF building is receiving window repairs and brickwork, with other surrounding buildings also requiring brick restoration.
A new exterior cover is planned for the hardware store.
Construction equipment, including a scissor lift, will remain in the downtown area for most of next year as projects continue.
Holiday decorations will be placed downtown and around City Hall.
In long-term planning discussions, council members emphasized the goal of increasing downtown traffic, adding nightlife options, and developing future attractions such as an event center and a restaurant that may pursue a wine permit.
The council also reviewed the condition of the Southwest County Road 4010 creek box culvert, discussing concrete standards, gravel needs, and equipment costs, including an excavator rental estimated at $1,000 per day.
Final decisions on the repair will continue next month after more calculations are completed with the help of Eddie Moore, Navarro County Commissioner Precinct 3.
Concerns were raised about utility billing issues, as approximately 70% of residents did not receive their water bills last month. The city is considering switching to a paper-billing service. Pricing and further details will be reviewed at the January meeting.
The Police Department reported continued animal control challenges, noting that individuals are releasing trapped dogs before officers’ return. The department is coordinating with Hillsboro Vet to obtain required prescriptions for tranquilizer darts.
Officers also have been responding to illegal dumping on Southwest County Road 4030, where Styrofoam was found in a creek. Enforcement activity has been reduced temporarily for the holiday season.
The Dawson City Council will reconvene next month to continue discussions on the culvert repair project, billing system options, and ongoing downtown improvements.
