Dallas County Water Department

There is an effort underway for the needed waterline for Wilmer to be constructed by Dallas County along the I-45 corridor. Although the need for a Wilmer access point to secure Dallas Water at wholesale or bulk rates is critical for the development of the city, the plan for Dallas County to exercise its powers created by a special act of legislation, should cause the citizens to investigate and ask questions.The Dallas County plan is advantageous for Dallas County but it critically undermines the self governance of Wilmer.

First, the water infrastructure improvement for the city are needed. Historically, the city has been short on resources to maintain the system that exists today which also lacks the capacity to serve current needs. With the focused effort to identify and prepare a strategy, the 2030 plan was implemented after council approval in 2010. This plan was crucial in identifying critical needs of the city and is now part of the North Texas Council of Governments current assessment of southern Dallas county infrastructure study and can be viewed at www.nctcog.org/trans/sustdev/landuse/funding/plan/sdcia/index.asp . This plan calls for each city, especially the cities of Hutchins, Wilmer, and Lancaster to be responsible for its infrastructure construction. This is important as each city will have differing timetables for build out as development increases. The ability of each city to build as needed allows for better management of the debt.

Next, the plan that Dallas County will present very soon will be to construct a huge 30 inch water line from Stewart Simpson road south to Ferris, TX. The construction cost to build the line will have to be paid for by (a) an increase in property tax or (b) an increase in water rates. How is this option any different than the bond proposal that was adamantly opposed by council member Pena? The difference is that with the Dallas County proposal, Wilmer will not have input in water rates because Dallas County Water Department will have the authority to set rates. Hutchins and Lancaster will not sign on to this project because they have been ahead of the curve and has issued debt for water infrastructure improvements by bonding; therefore, Hutchins and Lancaster will not be part of the factoring of costs associated with this project. So, that leaves Wilmer and Ferris to carry the full weight of the debt for this project. Why should Wilmer be paying the extra expense to extend the oversized water line to Ferris? As Mayor, I had been in initial discussion with Ferris to offer water by the same inter local agreement that Wilmer currently enjoys with Hutchins. This scenario enhanced the viability and sustainability of Wilmer issuing debt for the constructing the water line on its own.


In conclusion, the writing is on the wall and I am concerned that our governmental body is being swayed to opt for the Dallas County option of building the water line. This will have immediate effects to us, the citizens of Wilmer, because the burden for paying for the construction of this project will be evident in the increase of cost to live in this city. With the increase of cost, people will relocate: therefore, the oppressive cost will increase because fewer customers will be available to pay. This defeats any vision of the city of Wilmer to grow.

City Administrator

With the confusion and lack of a plan, I am very excited that the city council will discuss hiring an administrator but how do we pay for the position? The amended budget has inflated revenue to offset the expenditures and is guaranteed to be in the RED by June/July so that issue needs to addressed. This hire is critical to the proper management of the city as the duties that have been delegated to the city secretary are beyond her capabilities. Perhaps this council can correct this horrible decision by hiring a competent person that can manage city hall.The budget fiasco is prima facie evidence that the Mayor has a lack of leadership as he allowed council member  Pena to put forward a budget which has no chance of succeeding. Pena is out of control and as long as the Mayor and other council members allow unfettered authority, the situation will only get worse. The Mayor has stated that his administration would be inclusive. I have one question for the Mayor. When do you plan to have an administration because Mr. Pena has stolen your authority? Did you take the appointment knowing that you would only be mimicking what Pena tells you or do you have any leadership abilities? I am waiting for signs of a leader but, alas, I am anxiously awaiting for a sign that one exists.  It is obvious that this city is mired in a sea of moronic decision makers so I hope that they can get this decision right. Let's hope.

How long does progress take?

A critical issue for the city of Wilmer has not been addressed by the current council. Identifying the serious issues regarding the water supply, a task force was formed on July 7,2011. Council member Hector Pena was named as chair of this task force to offer solutions to the dire need of water infrastructure improvement. As to this date, all the citizens have to show for his efforts is a political campaign sign in city hall above a sign up sheet. Evidently, Mr. Pena doesn't understand the severity of the water problem or he doesn't care. After 5 months there should be at least a committee formed. This situation would be laughable if the risk to life and property wasn't involved. Let's pray that a major house fire doesn't light a fire under Pena after the fact.

Illegal Budget Posted On City Website

In an appalling act of incompetence, the city has finally posted the alleged ADOPTED city budget on the website as mandated by law. Upon quick review, the unbalanced budget is $26,100 in the hole.This finding is as plain as your nose as your face! What is going on with the ineptness as City Hall? The citizens better wake up and demand competency for the payment of our tax dollars. Mr. Mayor what are you doing? You are responsible to provide a balanced budget by law. This budget has been manipulated by someone after the adoption of the 9-22-11 council meeting. This action may rise to a criminal intent. Who has changed the numbers? Mr. Mayor, you need to get to the bottom of this because it is you that is on the hook for the budget. Mr. Pena Mayor Pro Tempe what are you doing beside creating problems instead of solving them? Someone needs to be called on the carpet because of this blunder.

Why is it necessary for an increase in taxes in the city?

Less than 6 weeks from adopting this years budget,Mayor Casarez  finds the need to restate/amend the budget? Less than 6 weeks and he should be able to explain why this amendment is necessary so early into the tax year. When did the council call for public hearings to change the budget? Should be interesting November 3 at the council meeting.