City Departments See Steady Activity in March

The City of Olney’s department heads reported steady activity across city operations during the April 27 council meeting, with officials also announcing that the municipal swimming pool is scheduled to open May 26.

Public Works Director Michael Jacoba reported that crews handled 32 street department work orders and 83 park-related tasks during the month, while continuing maintenance at the water treatment plant. The city sent 12.415 million gallons of water to town, with a relatively small discrepancy between production and billing, which officials described as a positive indicator.

Mr. Jacoba noted that recent rainfall—more than five inches over 30 days—has increased demands on both vegetation management and water treatment operations as the city heads into the summer months. Police Chief Bryan Barrett reported 137 calls for service, along with 64 citations, 238 traffic warnings and eight arrests. He attributed part of the increased activity to spring break travel through the area. The high traffic continued into late April, with some attendees to a George Strait concert in Lubbock speeding through town, he said.

City Secretary Tammy Hourigan reported that the city’s $35 water surcharge generated more revenue than projected, bringing in $774,192 compared to a budgeted $722,962. The surplus, along with other the City’s collection of a 30-cent-per-1,000gallon surcharge that netted $66,458.23, was transferred into the city’s utility reinvestment fund to support infrastructure needs.

The City made its annual payment of $763,825 on the $13.5 million in revenue bonds it issued in 2023 to pay for a new water treatment plant. The proceeds from the revenue bonds now total $14.7 million, after sitting in the City’s accounts waiting for construction to begin on the new plant.

Ms. Hourigan also that 11 new contractors registered with the city over the past month.

Municipal Court Clerk Cheyenne Frasier reported 65 violations, 46 case dispositions and 10 warrants issued, and $8,709 in fines and court costs collected during the reporting period.

Mayor Rogers said the city pool is on track to open on Tuesday, May 26, with staffing and preparations underway. He also reminded residents that the Olney Chamber of Commerce will stage “Music in May” concerts at 6 p.m. every Saturday in May.