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TYLER — The City of Tyler today holds two public meetings to gather input on Tyler Transit’s 2010 Paratransit Plan. One meeting began at 2:30 p.m., and the other kicks off at 5:30 p.m. Both are in the Taylor Auditorium of Tyler Public Library, 201 South College Avenue. The input will be used to update the Paratransit Plan, the document that describes how the City provides transportation to elderly and disabled residents as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008.

Previously, the City of Tyler has held several public meetings to gather input on the future of Tyler Transit fixed routes and to update the City’s plan for how it serves citizens with ADA-accessible transportation needs (paratransit service). Officials say the Aug. 12 meetings are intended to collect additional information from groups including other transportation providers, paratransit users, regulatory agencies and advocacy groups about how the Tyler Transit paratransit service should be operated in the future. As a part of this Plan update, Tyler Transit has requested information from area transportation providers about their available resources and future plans. The City is encouraging any who have not responded to provide that input.

A copy of the 2010 Paratransit Plan is available online on the Transit page of the City’s website at http://www.cityoftyler.org and at the Tyler Transit office at 210 E. Oakwood. Anyone unable to attend these meetings can provide comments on the Transit page of the City’s website, at the Tyler Transit office (during business hours), or by calling the Transit Office at (903) 533-8057.

“It is important to update Tyler Transit’s paratransit plan,” said Director of Airport and Transit Services Davis Dickson. “The Paratransit Plan is a guide for our customers to understand the paratransit services we provide. It is critical that we receive public input as we move forward to ensure that we meet the transportation needs that enhance the social and economic quality of life for people with disabilities.”

Currently Tyler Transit operates five fixed bus routes and provides paratransit service within the city limits of Tyler. Service hours are Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 8:15 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tyler Transit office hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Transit passes can be purchased Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Transit office.

TYLER — The Tyler ISD is reminding parents that immunization requirements change for students as they move from pre-school into kindergarten and from 6th grade into 7th grade. TISD notes that in an effort to assist parents in meeting these requirements, the Northeast Texas Public Health District will extend their hours on the dates and at the times listed below. A parent or guardian must accompany the student at the clinic.

8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on each date below:
Thursday, August 19
Friday, August 20
Thursday, August 26
Friday, August 27

In addition to the dates/times above, the Northeast Texas Public Health District is open each Monday and Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and each Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for immunizations. No appointment is required. On August 23, the first day of school, 2010 students not having provided the school nurse with proof that these requirements have been met will not be allowed to attend school.

TYLER — Laura Jackson will serve as special assistant to the President for external affairs, UT Tyler President Rodney H. Mabry announced. Jackson will be responsible for all legislative affairs and serve as a university liaison to the external community. “Laura will play a vital role in helping to make UT Tyler’s story known and truly appreciated. She will tell of our quality academic programs that produce outstanding graduates whose performance rank the University among the very best in the State. She will also speak of our direct service to the region and impact on the economic development of East Texas,” Mabry said.

A UTT news release says Jackson will respond to specific queries from legislators and provide important general information regarding governmental issues. The university says she also will help the university be proactive in presenting its case for continued funding. Jackson holds master of public administration and bachelor of science in political science degrees from Texas A&M University. She has served as a field coordinator and legislative assistant in the office of then State Senator Todd Staples and was campaign manager for State Senator Robert Nichols and State Representative Mark Shelton.

TYLER — The Tyler City Council voted unanimously to approve an inter-local agreement with the City of Bullard regarding extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) boundaries after a discussion in executive session at their meeting held Wednesday. The agreement establishes an (ETJ) boundary south of Tyler along U.S. Highway 69 in an area where overlap had occurred following annexations by both cities. An ETJ is an area that is not within the city limits, but is attributed to a particular city for future planning purposes. It is considered a city’s future growth area.

An ETJ is defined by State law and is generally based upon the established city boundaries and population. Because Tyler’s population exceeds 100,000, its ETJ is five miles from the City limits. Bullard’s population of 3,600 results in an ETJ of one-half mile from its city limits. There is a provision in the law, however, that allows cities to enter into inter-local agreements to change the prescribed boundaries.

“To provide for orderly development, particularly along Highway 69, and a mutually agreeable settlement, both cities have agreed upon this ETJ boundary,” commented Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass. “Occasionally, questions arise about who reached a particular location first. In this case, it was simply a matter of sitting down together to find a solution that was a win-win for both communities.”

TYLER — City officials say maintaining current levels of service delivery while decreasing expenditures by $4.8 million is the focus of the 2010-2011 proposed budget presented by City Manager Mark McDaniel to the Tyler City Council Wednesday. McDaniel says the budget proposal is the culmination of eight months’ work by the City’s budget committee and departments in response to significantly lower sales tax revenue and slightly depressed property values. The proposed budget calls for maintaining the existing “effective tax rate,” which is essentially the tax rate calculated to generate the same amount of revenue that was received in the last fiscal year. The effective rate is 20.8 cents per $100 valuation.

“I am very pleased that we were able to close the gap between our expenses and revenue without raising taxes or decreasing service levels,” commented Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass. “Most people know that our tax rate is one of the lowest in the State; however, many of our citizens don’t realize how much lower it is. In some cases, it is as much as three times lower than cities of comparable size.” For example, currently the City of Waco has a tax rate of 78.6 cents per $100 valuation; Killeen is 69.5 cents, Abilene is 69.3 and Beaumont is at 64 cents. Since 1994, Tyler’s tax rate has decreased by more than 60 percent, putting a total of $22.3 million back in the pockets of consumers.

“Because of our low property tax rate and lack of general obligation debt, Tyler has been able to weather the economic downturn better than many other communities,” added Mayor Bass. “We are hearing daily about cities that are laying off public safety personnel, decreasing Library hours and cutting Parks programs. We are truly blessed that we have been able to tighten our belts to balance our budget this year without significantly affecting service levels.”

The City’s General Fund budget is nearly $55 million and comprises revenue from sales tax (41 percent), property taxes (26 percent), fines (11 percent), franchise fees (17 percent) and other sources. Expenses from this fund include:
– Police and Fire Departments – 67 percent
– Parks and the Library – 10 percent
– Public Works – 7 percent
– Court – 3 percent
– General Government – 7 percent
– Miscellaneous – 6 percent

“Public Safety was the number one priority identified during the Tyler 21 comprehensive planning process,” continued Mayor Bass. “Therefore, it makes sense that it accounts for 67 percent of the General Fund.”

City officials say the City of Tyler began its budget process several months earlier than typical to allow time to explore opportunities to make cuts that would allow the City to hold the property tax rate steady. Officials say cost savings were realized in many areas including:
– Freezing, shifting or eliminating 23 positions
– Postponing capital purchases
– Reducing funding to outside agencies
– Reducing subsidies and funding matches to other funds
– Reducing training expenses
– Shifting costs from internal service funds that over-recovered in prior years
– Adjusting cost allocations for some overhead expenses
– Reducing fuel and oil expenditures

Officials say as part of the annual budget process, some rates and fees will be adjusted. To fund multi-year utility extensions begun two years ago, a six percent water and sewer rate increase is proposed. Even with the increase, Tyler’s rates are still significantly below cities of comparable size, according to city officials.

Due to less development than in prior years, revenue generated in the Development Services Fund is down $104,000. To address this, two additional positions have not been funded, and fees for platting and zoning will be increased to cover more of the actual cost for these services. Residential and commercial Solid Waste rates will remain the same; however, there will be a rate adjustment for premium haul out/pack out service only. Rental car service fees at the airport will be adjusted as well as some fees at the cemetery. “In lieu of an across the board tax rate increase, use fees have been adjusted so those citizens utilizing a service contribute to offsetting the expense,” explained Mayor Bass.

Officials say efforts to retain the City’s trained workforce include the potential for a productivity increase from zero to two percent for civilians, two percent for sworn personnel, and implementation of the second phase pay plan study adjustments initiated over three years. These recommendations would be implemented beginning in January 2011 only if sales tax revenues increase by a projected two percent over sales tax collected in the City’s current fiscal year. However, employees may see up to a $30 per month increase in health insurance premiums in January.

In addition to Wednesday’s presentation, there will be three additional opportunities for public input on the budget, including two public hearings. The hearings will be at Tyler City Hall, 212 N. Bonner Ave. on the following dates:
– Wednesday, Aug. 25 at 9 a.m.
– Wednesday, Sept. 8 at 9 a.m.
Final adoption of the budget is scheduled for Sept. 22 at 9 a.m. at Tyler City Hall.

CANTON — The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Deputies have arrested the subject of a recent manhunt. Authorities had been looking for Kenneth Don Foster for burglary of a habitation. He was taken into custody Tuesday night at a home on VZCR #3105. Officials from the Sheriff’s Office waited until dark and then were able to use the cover of darkness to advance toward the residence where Foster had been staying. Upon approaching the residence it was discovered that nobody was at home. As deputies were leaving the residence they saw headlights from an approaching vehicle coming down the driveway. Deputies hid behind a group of trees and when the vehicle arrived at the residence, Foster was taken into custody.

JACKSONVILLE — Charges may be filed in connection with a fatal Cherokee County accident. Cameron Robinson, 8, was killed in the Monday night crash on U.S. Highway 69 about a mile south of Farm Road 22, south of Jacksonville. According to KETK, officials say Alexander Alverado, 28, was unable to control his speed and rear-ended a Toyota Corolla, killing the youngster, who was in the car’s back seat. The victim’s car had stopped at an accident site when it was rear ended. Alverado could be facing criminal negligent homicide charges.

TYLER — A Tyler robbery investigation turned into a drug bust. It started Tuesday while officers were searching for a vehicle involved in an overnight robbery. Officers had received information from citizens that a white Mercury Marquis was driving erratically in north Tyler. Officers were unable to locate it.

Around 3:00 Tuesday afternoon City of Tyler Code Enforcement Officers located a white Mercury Marquis driving backwards down a street. An officer tried to stop the vehicle, but it fled. A short time later, another Tyler patrolman saw a white Mercury Marquis in the same area. The Officer tried to stop it, but the vehicle would not stop. After a short pursuit, the lone occupant got out fled on foot. Officers were able to catch him after a short chase. Officers say they smelled a strong odor of marijuana in the vehicle, and a bag of marijuana was located on the path taken by the fleeing suspect as he was attempting to get rid of it.

Officers arrested Justin Bush, 19, for possession of a controlled substance, and evading detention. After further investigation it was determined that this Mercury Marquis was not the same one involved in the overnight robbery.

TYLER — One person has been arrested in connection with a Tyler robbery. It happened just before 3:30 Tuesday morning near the area of North Tenneha and M.L. King Boulevard. Authorities say two black male victims advised they had given a ride to a black male, to an unknown address on Tenneha. The suspect exited the vehicle and went to the front porch of a residence. The suspect returned, displayed a handgun at the victims and told them to get out of the car. The suspect took some money from one of the victims, got in the victim’s car and left the area. No injuries were reported.

Officers received information that the person involved in the robbery was seen driving in the area of Greenbriar Road and Coleman Street in rural Smith County. When officers arrived in the area, a white Mercury was spotted. The driver of the vehicle tried to flee by driving back into the city. The chase ended at the Sonic Drive-In on Highway 64 West and Loop 323. The driver was arrested after a brief foot chase. Justin De’Shun Arps, 18, of Tyler, was charged with two counts of aggravated robbery and evading arrest or detention and was booked into the Smith County Jail.

TYLER — Smith County residents have spoken out against a proposed tax increase. Smith County Commissioners are considering a four cent tax hike to help offset a proposed budget $7 million deficit. At a public hearing Tuesday the room was packed as residents voiced their concern about a tax increase. KETK-TV reports the average home in Smith County is valued at $135,000. The proposed tax increase would equal $55 a year for that homeowner.

The public has another chance to address the commissioners’ court on the proposed tax hike. Another public hearing will be held on August 17th at 9:30am in the courthouse annex. The commissioners will meet again next Tuesday with a budget workshop on the agenda.

TROUP – The Troup City Council has voted to ban the incense called K2. The city’s Police Chief Pat Hendrix requested an ordinance banning the use, selling, displaying, and possession the incense. K2 is legal in Texas right now, but Chief Hendrix says it’s 100 times more potent than THC, the active component in marijuana.

KETK-TV reports K2 is marketed as incense however kids are getting their hands on it and are smoking the herb. Chief Hendrix says this causes a series of unpredictable side effects that could lead to permanent bodily damage or even in some cases death. Earlier this week two young men were taken to the hospital, telling officers and hospital staff that they had inhaled K2.

HENDERSON — A Rusk County jury has acquitted 26-year-old Jason Tremaine Horton of evading arrest with a vehicle. According to the Rusk County District Attorney’s Office, two Henderson police officers arrested Horton March 31 following a brief chase that ensued after one officer saw Horton make a turn without using his turn indicator. Prosecutor Richard Kennedy said, “While we understand the jury’s verdict, we respectfully disagree with it. Our office will continue to prosecute persons who fail to stop when police officers ask them to do so.”

TYLER — Tyler police have arrested a suspect following a chase and charged him with two offenses. On Tuesday, officers were searching for a vehicle involved in an overnight robbery. Officers had received information from citizens that a white Mercury Marquis was driving erratically in north Tyler. Officers were unable to locate it.

Around 3:00 p.m., City of Tyler Code Enforcement officers located a white Mercury Marquis driving backwards down a street. A Tyler Police officer attempted to stop the vehicle, but it evaded the officer. A short time later, another Tyler Police officer saw a white Mercury Marquis in the same area. The officer attempted to stop the vehicle, but the vehicle would not stop. After a short pursuit, police say, the lone occupant got out of the vehicle and ran. Officers say they were able to catch him after a short foot pursuit. Officers report that they smelled a strong odor of marijuana in the vehicle, and that a bag of marijuana was located on the path taken by the fleeing suspect as he was allegedly attempting to get rid of it.

Officers arrested 19-year-old Justin Bush for possession of a controlled substance and evading detention. After further investigation it was determined that this Mercury Marquis is not the same one involved in the overnight robbery.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Tyler’s Louie Gohmert joined other Texas House Republicans at a Washington news conference to discuss their opposition to an amendment to H.R. 1586. The bill, passed by the House Tuesday, provides $26.1 billion in new spending, primarily related to education jobs funding and federal matching funds for Medicaid. The congressmen say the proposed amendment singles out only Texas – specifically the Governor – to commit future education spending levels as a requirement to receive funds from this legislation. Gohmert and his colleagues call that a violation of the Texas State Constitution — and Gohmert says it adds unnecessary bureaucracy.

According to Gohmert, “All in all, we keep adding bureaucrats, and you know where the responsibilities end up falling? It’s on the teachers” — who Gohmert says must supply data to the bureaucrats. At least one solution he proposes: “Let’s get rid of a bunch of the bureaucrats here and in Austin and in the school districts, hire lots more teachers, give ’em 50 per cent more pay — then you will help teachers.”

TYLER — Mayor Barbara Bass and other officials will rally Wednesday at noon on the downtown square for support of keeping the Downtown Tyler Post Office open. According to city press materials, the post office is being evaluated for possible closure. The City of Tyler and Heart of Tyler, Inc., will host the rally. Mayor Bass and other public officials will urge the public to take action to help save the downtown post office. There will be petitions to sign and to take for the public to be able to gather additional signatures.

A web page has been created to give the public information on what actions one can take to support keeping the Downtown Post Office open. At http://www.heartoftyler.com visitors can click on the Save the Downtown Tyler Post Office icon and go to a page with tips on what to do. The web page contains an online petition and the addresses of public and Post Office officials.