City of Walters

The Council approved moving forward with Myers Engineering for the installation of a new water tower using a Drinking Water State Revolving Fund forgivable loan, along with an agreement for the associated storage tank project. Additional financial actions included approving funds for an Auto read meter project, authorizing a grant-funded water tank for the Fire Station, and approving Emergency Medical Responder training for first responders. The Council authorized budget amendments for police station down payments, allocated funds for street asphalt, and passed ordinances adjusting swimming pool admission fees and modifying residential shed requirements. Furthermore, the Council declared April as Fair Housing Month, approved the surplus of several city vehicles, and received updates on lead line survey requirements and ongoing street department projects.

The board discussed and approved an ordinance regarding charges for damages to auto-read meters and an ordinance modifying the penalty for tampering with utilities. Both ordinances were declared as emergencies. Additionally, an invoice for the auto-read meter project was approved, and the City Manager provided updates regarding a grant for a newly purchased trailer, the ongoing water meter installation, and revenue expectations from construction activities at the turnpike.

The Council discussed several items including the authorization for the Fire Department to apply for the Cotton Electric Charitable Foundation Grant for a water tank. Regulations regarding shed setback requirements were adjusted, and Ordinance 600 was passed to implement cost recovery for auto read meter damages. Action on an ordinance regarding pool barrier guidelines was tabled, while Ordinance 603, modifying penalties for utility tampering, was approved and declared an emergency. The council reviewed and approved invoices for the auto read meter project, discussed a renovation proposal for a new city hall, approved increased health insurance rates for city employees, and decided against using a third-party contractor for a mandatory water pipe survey.

Key discussions included the execution of Conflict of Interest statements. The City Manager recommended implementing a $4.50 monthly fee on every active water meter to partially cover payments made to the Waurika Lake Master Conservancy District, which was approved via Ordinance 598. Financial reports indicated improved finances for Public Works. An update confirmed the signing into law of a bill including a $4.34-million grant for a new substation. The Authority noted that despite high water production due to winter weather faucet dripping, there were no service outages, and the bid approval for auto read water meters, awarded to UTS, was confirmed. Future revenue is anticipated from utilizing new bulk water rates for the I-44 concrete rehabilitation project.

The meeting included the approval of a consent agenda which covered routine matters such as checks, purchase orders, and minutes from prior January meetings. Key discussions involved the approval of the Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Financial Statement and Independent Auditor's reports. The Council approved Ordinance 598, which institutes a recurring $4.50 monthly fee added to every active water meter to partially cover charges from the Waurika Lake Master Conservancy District. The Code Enforcement Clerk provided a year-in-review for 2025, noting metrics on properties demoed, building permits issued, and variances granted. Additionally, the Council authorized the drafting of a new Ordinance with stricter guidelines for swimming pools, approved a proclamation for Tree City USA, and approved Ordinance #599 to increase the dog surrender fee from $45.00 to $55.00. Updates were provided regarding acceptance into the Main Street Program, delivery of new polycarts, and ongoing efforts to secure funding for the new police station.