The City of Tom Bean’s ongoing sewer improvement project has now replaced more than 2,000 feet of aging sewer line, while city officials are awaiting federal approval to expand the work.
Public Works Director Jarrett Tate updated the Tom Bean City Council on the project during its Aug. 10 regular meeting.
According to Tate, Hayes Construction has replaced five sewer manholes, added three new manholes and replaced 2,009 feet of sewer line.
Work is temporarily on hold while federal grant administrators consider approval of an additional 217 feet of sewer line and two manholes.
The project is part of an effort to replace aging sewer infrastructure in some of the city’s older areas.
Tate also reported that the city’s wastewater treatment plant exceeded flow limits during recent heavy rain events, resulting in a failed monthly discharge report.
The east treatment track has been taken out of service for the remainder of the summer to conserve electricity.
Tate said lower seasonal flows allow the city to adequately treat wastewater using one track, clarifier and contact chamber.
Elsewhere in public works, monthly water samples passed testing, and the city’s wells and water towers were reported to be operating without known issues.
Water leaks were repaired on Jones Street, East State Highway 11 and North Randolph Street. Crews also filled seven potholes and made repairs at the intersection of Lyon and Bonham streets.
During citizen comments, Grayson County Precinct 1 Commissioner Josh Marr updated the council on interlocal agreements between the county and city.
One outstanding project calls for road construction on North Lackey Street. That work is expected to begin after sewer improvements in the area are completed, Marr said.
The council also took several actions related to Beanstock, Tom Bean’s annual community event.
Council members unanimously approved a resolution declaring Nov. 7 as Beanstock and approved an agreement allowing for the temporary closure of state right of way that day.
Mayor Ricky Thomas reported that the music lineup for Beanstock has been confirmed.
The council also unanimously adopted the 2021 edition of the International Fire Code.
Tom Bean Fire Chief Jason Lankford reported that the department responded to 43 calls during July. The department’s brush truck has been repaired, and an Insurance Services Office audit is expected in late September or early October.
Lankford also noted that a countywide burn ban was scheduled for consideration by the Grayson County Commissioners Court Aug. 11.
City Secretary Sarah Dusenberry reported that the city’s general fund remains in “excellent shape” and that the water fund continues to increase.
Vendor, regulatory and tax accounts are current. Financial statements for fiscal years 2022, 2023 and 2024 have been completed, while work continues on fiscal year 2025.
Municipal Court reported 35 citations issued during July and four warrants closed. The court collected $7,574 during the month.
Thomas also reported that damaged and falling trees had been removed from Ice B. Reeves Park and that the Tom Bean Volunteer Fire Department is recruiting members.
During the meeting, Thomas presented the city’s Employee of the Month Award to Tate and a Community Achievement Award to the Tom Bean Elementary PTO (see photos on page 14 of this issue).
The council entered executive session at 6:24 p.m. to discuss personnel matters and reconvened at 7:43 p.m.
After returning to open session, council unanimously approved and denied employee raises as discussed behind closed doors. The unofficial meeting minutes did not specify which employees received raises or provide amounts.
In other business, the council unanimously removed Tammy Phillips as a signatory from City of Tom Bean accounts at First National Bank of Tom Bean.
Council members also held a workshop to discuss the city’s proposed 2026-27 fiscal year budget.
The meeting adjourned at 7:56 p.m.
