City Council Briefs
Police Report Meth Seizure, Decline in Traffic Stops Interim Police Chief Autumn Thames told the City Council that officers seized 40 grams of methamphetamine, cocaine, and other illegal substances during traffic stops in June. Officers also responded to assault calls and two lengthy mental health incidents. “With it getting hotter, people are getting angry,” Chief Thames said. She added that traffic enforcement was temporarily reduced after two Olney officers were inadvertently removed from the Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (TLETS) while the state updated the website, preventing them from running license plates for a short period.
Public Works Reports Busy June, Pool Pump Replacement Public Works Director Michael Jacoba reported that Olney Lake measured 1,142 feet in June—98 percent of capacity—though levels have since dropped due to heat and less rain. Crews responded to nine water leaks, sent 12.9 million gallons of treated water through city pipes, cleared two sewer stoppages, serviced two lift stations, sold 40,000 gallons of bulk water, and maintained 1,620 active meters. Street crews picked up 42 loads of debris, scraped curbs, patched 86 holes, completed 133 citizen work orders, and mowed parks and cemeteries after heavy June rains.
Mr. Jacoba said city crews have already handled more than 150 work orders in July. The municipal pool’s pump failed last month but was replaced temporarily under warranty, City Administrator Simon Dwyer said. City Secretary Tammy Hourigan noted the pool will remain open weekends through Aug. 31, closing weekdays when school begins Aug. 13, after its first full season of high use and numerous private parties.
Municipal Court Reports 55 Violations, Bond Earnings Grow City Secretary Tammy Hourigan reported that Olney Municipal Court handled 55 violations in June, including 45 traffic offenses, two penal violations, three city ordinance violations, and five other cases. The court issued 33 warrants and closed 13, with 44 cases paid, four dismissed, one referred to a driver safety course, and two deferred. Fees totaled $4,759.46, court costs were $2,237.10, and fines collected amounted to $4,794.90.
The City also registered 25 new contractors, issued 58 permits, and completed 67 inspections under its new permitting program. Ms. Hourigan noted the City’s bond revenue in its Texas CLASS account earned more than $51,000 in interest last month at a 4.44 percent return. The $13.5 million bond issued in 2023 has grown to $14.3 million while the City awaits state approval to build a membrane plant to replace the 102-yearold water treatment facility.