Some of Cleburne’s previous water projects were hot topics when they were proposed, and new plans for water in the city have opened the floodgates on debate again.
“The 1963 bond election to build [Lake Pat Cleburne] carried by three votes and was very controversial at the time,” Councilman Bob Force said.
A 1971 council decision to secure water from the Brazos River Authority met opposition too, Force said.
“It was an issue where the council was widely criticized,” Force said. “But without those moves we would have been rationing water the last four or five years.”
Cleburne relies on wells, Lake Pat Cleburne and Lake Aquilla for water.
“Because of what those previous councils did, Cleburne has never had water restrictions,” said Russell Schreiber, Cleburne public works director. “We were the only Metroplex city in 2006 not to have to ration water. Because of those choices Cleburne is not like other Johnson County cities who are not in control of their future water destinies to the extent we are.”
Cleburne again faces tough choices to ensure a necessary water supply over the next 50 years. Projects need to be undertaken soon, officials said, and the cost will not be cheap.
“Under current trends, we would have trouble meeting water demands by 2010 if nothing is done,” Schreiber said. “Right now, if a developer wanted to build a 600 to 700 lot subdivision within the next six months to a year we would have a difficult time supplying water and would likely have to put restrictions in place.”
Expected population and accompanying business and industrial growth, coupled with the arrival of Texas 121 through Cleburne in a few years, necessitate taking steps now to secure ample water supplies for Cleburne in the coming years, Schreiber said.
Bill Pannell, Cleburne’s water utility supervisor, said the city has no choice but to take action.
“Some people might say they’re fine with keeping things the way they are, that it’s nice and we don’t need to get any bigger,” Pannell said. “But cities don’t do that. You either grow or you shrink. Growth brings industry, jobs and tax base. If you shrink or stay stagnant that stuff starts to go away.”
Schreiber rolled out an ambitious set of plans at a recent city council workshop to enhance and expand Cleburne’s water capacity and infrastructure. The plans derive from a study of city water needs conducted earlier this year by the engineering firm of Freese and Nichols.
Council members made no decisions regarding the projects at the Oct. 30 workshop but did agree something needed to be done soon.
The cost
The plans call for $79.6 million in repairs, expansions and new infrastructure over the next several years. Plans call for bond issuances of $11.3 million in 2008 followed by issuances of $24.6 million and $43.7 million each year after that to pay for the projects. The bonds would necessitate a 45 percent increase in water and wastewater fees over the next six years to pay for the bonds.
The council could issue the bonds without voter approval, said Greg Wilmore, the city’s finance director.
Besides issuing bonds, several council members suggested offsetting the cost with money from Fund 21, the fund holding revenues from gas well royalties and leases on city-owned land, and by imposing impact fees.
The projects
The city wants to connect water lines in two areas so they no longer dead end.
“That would eliminate pressure drops and fluctuations and [the] need to flush out stagnant water in the ends,” Schreiber said.
Another proposal is to replace water meters with automated meters, which should take about three to four years. Automated meters do not require meter readers. Replacing the meters would also cut down on lost, stolen or otherwise unaccounted-for water, Schreiber said.
Projects to meet future demand include expansion of the city’s water treatment plant. Another project calls for the $37.9 million construction of phase one of a second water treatment plant on Lake Whitney. The plant will be built to accommodate expansions as Cleburne water demands grow, Pannell and Schreiber said.
When and how much?
Although council members all agreed action needs to be taken, they differed on when to begin and how to pay for the projects.
Reynolds said he wants to begin the projects soon.
“It’s pretty easy,” Mayor Ted Reynolds said. “Water is absolutely the life blood of our community, and we have to have it. That’s one of the first things business and industry interested in coming into an area look at. So, if we’re going to continue to prosper and grow, we have to be very diligent in our pursuit of water not just for now but way down the line.”
Reynolds said he expects the council to address the matter early in the next year, but he did not suggest a method for paying for the projects.
“The water’s available, but it sure isn’t going to be free,” Reynolds said. “Obviously this is a lot of money, and we need to consider the different options to decide the best route of funding. However it’s done, it’s got to be done.”
Planning for the projects should begin soon, Force said.
“We can’t wait much longer to provide some of these services,” he said.
Bonds should fund the projects, he said.
“I’m not for using Fund 21,” Force said. “That should be used for one-time capital projects.”
Councilman John Warren said planning should begin early next year, and he prefers using bonds to fund the projects.
“Impact fees are fine to offset some of that cost,” Warren said. “But I wouldn’t want to rely too much on Fund 21 for this. I think we should use that for other items because if it’s not there in the future and we tie it to this, where does that leave us?”
Councilman Kyle Boles did not say when work should begin and said he wants to examine all funding options.
Councilman Sonny Russell said he wants to begin work soon. He is open to all the funding options but thinks bonds will probably cover most of the costs, he said.
“I remember [Schreiber] saying we were going to start getting into deep trouble by 2010 if we don’t do anything, so we’ve got to move pretty quick because it isn’t going to go away,” Russell said.
Russell agreed with Boles that further study of the challenges and options is needed before the council takes action. Russell said he anticipates the council will begin the work in the next year or two.
“I think impact fees are a feasible way to offset some of that cost, but I’m not sure how much,” Russell said. “I don’t have a problem using Fund 21 money. The only thing is we’ve been collecting about $5 million a year in those funds, and we’re talking big, expensive projects here. So any Fund 21 money we did use would only be a small token amount.”
Local News
Council: Big water projects necessary
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Front, from left, are Grandview’s Caleb Hollingsworth, Cleburne’s Zach Haler, Joshua’s Jordan Garrett, Alvarado’s A.J. Castillo, Xavier Holbert, Kenny Adams and Marcus McNeil, Cleburne’s Conner Martyniuk and Godley’s Drew Benge. Standing, from left, are Alvarado’s Ronald Thomas, C.J. Johnson and Alex Gentrey, Grandview’s Austin Wylie and Caleb Armstrong. Not pictured is Alvarado’s Marcus Villarreal.
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The first-team offense included Alvarado quarterback Kenny West and Burleson quarterback Barrett Cain. -
Cleburne, Grandview, Burleson lead second team offense, defense
The 2011 Lone Star Chrysler Dodge Jeep Autoplex All-Johnson-County football team has been announced. The team was chosen by the Times-Review sports department based on all-district selections and coaches’ nominations.
The second-team offense was led by Cleburne’s Quade Coward and Godley’s Rhett Brawner as the second-team quarterbacks. -
Cleburne pulls away from Burleson, 62-48
The Cleburne Yellow Jackets beat Burleson, 62-48, on Friday night at Yellow Jacket Gym to move to 2-7 in District 7-A play. Burleson fell to 2-7 in league play with the loss.
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Lady Jackets pick up first District 7-4A win
On Friday night at Yellow Jacket Stadium, Cleburne picked up its first win of the District 7-4A season, 66-60, over Burleson, which fell to 3-8.
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Up-and-down Yellow Jackets split Friday’s matches at Little Elm Tourney
Both Cleburne soccer teams had mixed results on Friday in their respective tournaments.
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First team offense, defense features host of area standouts
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Stage 2 drought plan still in place
Johnson County Special Utility District will keep its Stage 2 drought plan in place despite this week’s rain.
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Stage 2 drought plan still in place
- Alvarado
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Standing, from left, are Grandview’s Ryan Breton (offensive most valuable player) and Austin Martinez (Ironman award winner), Alvarado’s Wayne Onderdonck (county MVP) and Brazos Fuller (co-newcomer of the year), Burleson’s Ayinde Alaajiy (co-newcomer of the year), Godley’s Blake Washinton (co-linemen of the year), Alvarado’s Tyler Bates (defensive MVP), Alvarado Head Coach Jeff Dixon (coach of the year) and Grandview’s Davis Scarbrough (co-linemen of the year).
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Indians on top of selections
The 2011 Lone Star Chrysler Dodge Jeep Autoplex All-Johnson-County football team has been announced. The team was chosen by the Times-Review sports department based on all-district selections and coaches’ nominations.
Four of Johnson County’s eight football teams qualified for the postseason in 2011 with Alvarado making it all the way to the Class 3A Division I state championship game at Cowboys Stadium against Tyler Chapel Hill. - Dixon repeats as AJC coach of the year
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Indians on top of selections
- Burleson
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Standing, from left, are Grandview’s Ryan Breton (offensive most valuable player) and Austin Martinez (Ironman award winner), Alvarado’s Wayne Onderdonck (county MVP) and Brazos Fuller (co-newcomer of the year), Burleson’s Ayinde Alaajiy (co-newcomer of the year), Godley’s Blake Washinton (co-linemen of the year), Alvarado’s Tyler Bates (defensive MVP), Alvarado Head Coach Jeff Dixon (coach of the year) and Grandview’s Davis Scarbrough (co-linemen of the year).
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Indians on top of selections
The 2011 Lone Star Chrysler Dodge Jeep Autoplex All-Johnson-County football team has been announced. The team was chosen by the Times-Review sports department based on all-district selections and coaches’ nominations.
Four of Johnson County’s eight football teams qualified for the postseason in 2011 with Alvarado making it all the way to the Class 3A Division I state championship game at Cowboys Stadium against Tyler Chapel Hill. - First team offense, defense features host of area standouts
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Indians on top of selections
- Godley
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Standing, from left, are Grandview’s Ryan Breton (offensive most valuable player) and Austin Martinez (Ironman award winner), Alvarado’s Wayne Onderdonck (county MVP) and Brazos Fuller (co-newcomer of the year), Burleson’s Ayinde Alaajiy (co-newcomer of the year), Godley’s Blake Washinton (co-linemen of the year), Alvarado’s Tyler Bates (defensive MVP), Alvarado Head Coach Jeff Dixon (coach of the year) and Grandview’s Davis Scarbrough (co-linemen of the year).
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Indians on top of selections
The 2011 Lone Star Chrysler Dodge Jeep Autoplex All-Johnson-County football team has been announced. The team was chosen by the Times-Review sports department based on all-district selections and coaches’ nominations.
Four of Johnson County’s eight football teams qualified for the postseason in 2011 with Alvarado making it all the way to the Class 3A Division I state championship game at Cowboys Stadium against Tyler Chapel Hill. - First team offense, defense features host of area standouts
- Cleburne, Grandview, Burleson lead second team offense, defense
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Indians on top of selections
- Grandview
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Standing, from left, are Grandview’s Ryan Breton (offensive most valuable player) and Austin Martinez (Ironman award winner), Alvarado’s Wayne Onderdonck (county MVP) and Brazos Fuller (co-newcomer of the year), Burleson’s Ayinde Alaajiy (co-newcomer of the year), Godley’s Blake Washinton (co-linemen of the year), Alvarado’s Tyler Bates (defensive MVP), Alvarado Head Coach Jeff Dixon (coach of the year) and Grandview’s Davis Scarbrough (co-linemen of the year).
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Indians on top of selections
The 2011 Lone Star Chrysler Dodge Jeep Autoplex All-Johnson-County football team has been announced. The team was chosen by the Times-Review sports department based on all-district selections and coaches’ nominations.
Four of Johnson County’s eight football teams qualified for the postseason in 2011 with Alvarado making it all the way to the Class 3A Division I state championship game at Cowboys Stadium against Tyler Chapel Hill. - First team offense, defense features host of area standouts
- Cleburne, Grandview, Burleson lead second team offense, defense
- Upcoming sports schedule
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Indians on top of selections
- Joshua
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Front, from left, are Grandview’s Caleb Hollingsworth, Cleburne’s Zach Haler, Joshua’s Jordan Garrett, Alvarado’s A.J. Castillo, Xavier Holbert, Kenny Adams and Marcus McNeil, Cleburne’s Conner Martyniuk and Godley’s Drew Benge. Standing, from left, are Alvarado’s Ronald Thomas, C.J. Johnson and Alex Gentrey, Grandview’s Austin Wylie and Caleb Armstrong. Not pictured is Alvarado’s Marcus Villarreal.
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First team offense, defense features host of area standouts
The 2011 Lone Star Chrysler Dodge Jeep Autoplex All-Johnson-County football team has been announced. The team was chosen by the Times-Review sports department based on all-district selections and coaches’ nominations.
The first-team offense included Alvarado quarterback Kenny West and Burleson quarterback Barrett Cain. - Cleburne, Grandview, Burleson lead second team offense, defense
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First team offense, defense features host of area standouts
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Upcoming sports schedule
A look at the sports schedule for Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
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Upcoming sports schedule
- Rio Vista
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Front, from left, are Grandview’s Caleb Hollingsworth, Cleburne’s Zach Haler, Joshua’s Jordan Garrett, Alvarado’s A.J. Castillo, Xavier Holbert, Kenny Adams and Marcus McNeil, Cleburne’s Conner Martyniuk and Godley’s Drew Benge. Standing, from left, are Alvarado’s Ronald Thomas, C.J. Johnson and Alex Gentrey, Grandview’s Austin Wylie and Caleb Armstrong. Not pictured is Alvarado’s Marcus Villarreal.
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First team offense, defense features host of area standouts
The 2011 Lone Star Chrysler Dodge Jeep Autoplex All-Johnson-County football team has been announced. The team was chosen by the Times-Review sports department based on all-district selections and coaches’ nominations.
The first-team offense included Alvarado quarterback Kenny West and Burleson quarterback Barrett Cain. - Cleburne, Grandview, Burleson lead second team offense, defense
- Upcoming sports schedule
- Tuesday basketball roundup
- Burleson leads AJC superlatives
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First team offense, defense features host of area standouts
- Venus
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Fallen deputy Clifton Taylor’s sister, Megan Davis, takes a picture of a painting of her brother on Monday during a dedication to the deputy. The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office renamed its building to the Clifton Taylor Law Enforcement Center in honor of the deputy who lost his life during a disturbance call in April. The picture was painted by Fort Worth artist Gary Crouch. Three pictures were made and one will hang in the Clifton Taylor Law Enforcement Center. The other two paintings were presented as gifts to Taylor’s parents and his fiancee.
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Never forgotten
The eyes of fallen deputy Clifton Taylor’s family began to swell with tears during a dedication hosted by Johnson County Sheriff Bob Alford and the sheriff’s office.
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Never forgotten
