City eyes ‘Chance to fix’ water, sewer

The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) has ranked Rockdale’s “wish list” in replacing its water and sewer systems high enough that some state help might be in the making. But that’s going to require some tough decisions on the spending side, including water and sewer rates, by city leaders.

Brooks book signing ahead on Thursday

QUICK LOOK A book signing and presentation by Dr. Dennis Brooks, longtime Rockdale pastor and educator, is set for the Lucy Hill Patterson Memorial Library at 6 p.m. Thursday. “A Church Named Ruth” by Dr. Brooks is about the book of Ruth in the Old Testament. Dr.

VFW, Auxiliary school supply giveaway set

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6525 Auxiliary will distribute free school supplies from 9 a.m. until 12-noon Saturday. Location is VFW Post 6525 on US 79 at the western city limits. The distribution is an annual project of VFW Post 6525 Auxiliary.

Hospital seeks bankruptcy

For the second time in 15 years Rockdale’s hospital is seeking bankruptcy protection while it works out a restructuring plan to pay its creditors.

City looking at same rate

At presstime Wednesday the Rockdale City Council was in the midst of budget planning sessions which will propose a new budget and tax rate. After Tuesday evening’s general fund discusion, it appears the new tax rate will be the same as the current one, 91.14 cents.

County eyes three-cent tax increase

Milam County Judge Dave Barkemeyer said Friday he will propose a three-cent tax increase for 2018-19. That would take the rate from 70 to 73 cents. Last month Barkemeyer said he was thinking about asking for a 75-cent rate in addition to seeking large spending cuts.

Appraisals: County down 11 percent, RISD 35

It was expected but the numbers from the 2018 certified taxable values, the first to reflect Luminant’s closing, are still pretty grim.

Rabid bat found at Thorndale business

THORNDALE—A rabid bat was found Friday at a Thorndale business but Thorndale police say there’s no known contact between the bat and any human or animal. Thorndale Police Chief Martin Jackson said the bat was found in the 100 block of South Main around 9 a.m.

NEWSBRIEFS

Steelworkers slate picnic for Saturday United Steelworkers of America Local 4895 will continue a summer tradition by hosting its annual picnic. The get-together is set for 11:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Saturday at The Ranch, 415 West US 79.

13-year-old charged with officer assault

POLICE REPORT A 13-year-old female was charged with assaulting a Rockdale police officer Saturday after he was called to a Belton Avenue domestic incident Friday. Lt. Stephen Goodrich said Ofc. Michael Hubnik was not seriously injured when he was kicked while trying to detain the juvenile.