News

As Stephens County continues to remain transparent on the La Casa Wind project, commissioners briefly discussed the planned Aircraft Detection Lighting System (ADLS) during last week’s meeting.

During the Monday, July 8 meeting, commissioners discussed correspondence received from SWCA Environmental Consultants regarding a cultural resources survey conducted by the consultant group.

SWCA was contracted by La Casa Wind, LLC, for the survey of the planned wind farm for a direct and visual effects analysis for the ADLS tower planned as part of the wind farm.

The city of Breckenridge took its next steps toward installing a splash pad at the Breckenridge City Pool. City commissioners approved two measures aimed at bringing the improvement to the pool.

During its Tuesday, July 2 meeting, the Breckenridge City Commission approved an ordinance that prohibited drilling and mining inside public parks in the city. The ordinance is not a requirement of the grant, but City Manager Cynthia Northrop said it will help strengthen an application for the a Texas Parks and Wildlife 2025 Local Park Grant.

More improvements are on the way at Breckenridge City Park. City commissioners approved the installation of a second volleyball court and a cover over the swing set at the park.

During Tuesday, July 2 meeting, city commissioners voted to spend up to $43,000 on the two improvements at the park. This will be paid out of the 2023 Certificate of Obligation funds.

A lighted sand volleyball court opened at the park last month as part of an improvement plan implemented in 2023.

The city of Breckenridge’s road map to 2040 was made official last week. City commissioners voted to accept the Breckenridge Comprehensive Development Plan.

During the city commission’s Tuesday, July 2 meeting, city commissioners officially voted on a resolution to enact the plan, which had been long overdue. The city received a Community Development Block Grant of $55,000 to help with creating the plan.

Breckenridge City Manager Cynthia Northrop is in the process of preparing the 2025 city budget and determining a tax rate to propose for Fiscal Year 2024-2025.

The city manager introduced a draft budget to city commissioners Tuesday, July 5.

In her preliminary budget, Northrop warned that the numbers included were not set in stone and based on a certified value that has not been formally approved.

Recent Breckenridge High School graduates have a new scholarship opportunity to attend school locally.
Texas State Technical College is now offering additional financial assistance to students from four West Texas school districts.

The BHS Class of 2024, as well as graduating classes from Abilene ISD, Brownwood ISD and Sweetwater ISD are eligible for the Hometown High School Opportunity Scholarship from TSTC.

The Texas summer wildfire season is just over a month away. Hubbard Creek Volunteer Fire Department is spreading awareness of the causes of wildfire and how community members can prevent them.

Tom Claybrook, member of Hubbard Creek VFD since it began in 2009 spoke Tuesday, June 25 at a Rotary Club of Breckenridge meeting. During the meeting Claybrook spoke about wildfire prevention and how each VFD works together with the Breckenridge Fire Department to keep the city and county safe.

Tax rate and budget season is quickly approaching across the state of Texas. Stephens Memorial Hospital began early work on a new budget last week.

The SMH Board of Directors met Thursday, June 28 and discussed the budget timeline as CEO Brian Roland discussed upcoming changes to how the budget will be created and possible changes that could need to be made later in the year after a new budget is passed.

Budget talks began with Roland discussed taking a deeper look at statistics to better justify where money needs to be spent and where less can be budgeted.

The first of four planned city of Breckenridge signs was completed last week with the help of the Breckenridge Downtown Development Council, Texas State Technical College and local donors.

The sign was completed Tuesday, June 25 at the Breckenridge Country Club, located at 4111 W. Walker St. BDDC Chairman J.B. Sparks said three other locations are planned around the city when funds are raised. 

With several hot and dry days on their way, the Stephens County Commissioners Court voted to enact a burn ban.

Approved during their Monday, June 24 meeting, outdoor burning in the unincorporated areas of Stephens County began immediately and will last until Monday, Sept. 23 unless terminated earlier.

According to the county, the decision was made with the advice of the Stephens County Fire Marshal, Breckenridge Fire Department Chief, and the chiefs of the rural volunteer fire departments.