Lometa council to increase fees at regional park
Arena fees also to see rise in costs

During its regular session last week, the Lometa City Council agreed to a fee increase at the Lometa Regional Park.

With Mayor Pro Tem Doug Brister presiding in the absence of Mayor David Ivey, the council agreed the new rates would be a viable means of increasing revenue to the city.

The motion by Cynthia Kirby, seconded by Chuck Lymber, passed unanimously, but not without discussion.

Much of the debate centered on fees for the park's Bar 3 Arena.

"If you want to raise the rates on the RV spaces, OK, but the arena is used only once a year. If we raise fees, we will not see anyone," said Lymber.

While Lymber initially opposed the increase, electric bills presented by City Secretary Michelle Schueneman that reflected use of the arena at a recent rodeo eventwere a deciding factor for the council.

"Leaving those lights on one night, dusk to daylight, is $75," said Mrs. Schueneman.

The rodeo arena fee will increase to $100 per night, while the RV and park use fees also will see an increase.

In department head reports, Police Chief Gary Farley informed the council of recent training that granted him municipal chief certification.

A 1999 law postdates the council's 1978 ordinance stipulating that a marshal would serve as chief of police.

The matter was pointed out to the department by state officials, and with Farley's 40-hour training funded by the state of Texas, Lometa is in compliance.