Category: Sealy News

Sealy Awards Contract for New Splashpad, Marking a Fresh Start for Jacqueline A. Cryan Memorial Park [VIDEO]

The Sealy City Council has awarded a $444,083 contract to Adventure Playground Systems to replace the Jacqueline A. Cryan Memorial Park Pool with a new splashpad, set to open in spring 2025. The move aims to address the high costs and operational challenges the city faced with the old pool while providing a more accessible and family-friendly water feature. Named the Irene LeBlanc Splashpad, the new facility promises to offer a refreshed recreational experience for Sealy’s community.

Read More

**UPDATED** Austin County Continues Burn Ban Due to Severe Drought Conditions

Austin County has issued a burn ban starting September 23, 2024, due to severe drought conditions, prohibiting outdoor burning and activities involving combustible materials. Exceptions include controlled outdoor cooking and certain welding activities under strict safety guidelines. Violations of the ban are subject to a fine of up to $500.

Read More

High-Speed Pursuit Ends in Crash Involving Bellville Police Officer

A high-speed pursuit on the morning of September 22, 2024, initiated by Sealy PD, ended with a crash involving a Bellville Police officer just south of Bellville. The suspect, believed to have intentionally struck the patrol car, was airlifted to a hospital, while the Bellville officer sustained minor injuries and was treated locally. The incident is still under investigation, with charges pending against the suspect.

Read More

Sealy City Council Debates PTO Policy Changes Amid Concerns Over $594K Liability and New Accounting Standards [VIDEO]

The Sealy City Council is considering changes to its Paid Time Off (PTO) policy in response to nearly $700,000 in liabilities from accumulated employee leave. New governmental accounting rules under GASB Statement No. 101 require Sealy to recognize these liabilities on its financial statements, prompting discussions on capping leave accruals and mandating time off usage. For the public, the implications of these changes are significant. Taxpayers expect the city to be financially responsible, but at the same time, there is concern about how these policy changes might affect the morale and retention of city employees.

Read More

Sealy City Council Navigates Insurance and Financial Challenges to Preserve the Annual Fantasy of Lights Festival [VIDEO]

The Sealy City Council recently deliberated on the significant insurance and financial challenges threatening the continuation of the beloved annual Fantasy of Lights festival. Faced with stringent insurance requirements for vendors and substantial costs to the city, council members explored various solutions to preserve this cherished community tradition. Despite the hurdles, the council remains committed to finding a way forward, ensuring that the festival can proceed and continue to bring joy to the Sealy community.

Read More

Hurricane Beryl: Preparedness Alert for Austin County, TX

On Monday, July 8, 2024, Austin County can expect increasing wind speeds from 14 mph to 32 mph and significant rainfall totaling around 2.55 inches by 3 PM. Wind gusts will peak at 77 mph around 4 PM, and the wind direction will shift from northerly to southwesterly throughout the day. By Tuesday, July 9, wind speeds will decrease to 12 mph by midnight, with additional rainfall accumulation expected.

Read More

Sealy City Council Discusses Resolution to Address Audit Deficiencies and Enhance Financial Management [VIDEO]

Sealy’s latest city council meeting focused on addressing audit findings for the fiscal year ending 2023, where despite receiving an unmodified opinion indicating overall financial accuracy, nine deficiencies were identified needing immediate attention. The council has implemented detailed plans, including improved journal entry oversight, standardized records management, and enhanced protocols for contract and capital asset management, aimed at ensuring future financial transparency and compliance. These measures are intended to strengthen Sealy’s financial practices and mitigate risks identified during the audit process.

Read More

Sealy Faces Police Shortage: Chief of Police Addresses City Council [VIDEO]

The Sealy City Council recently addressed a critical shortage within the police department, highlighted by Chief Jay Reeves’ report on significant officer losses due to recruitment challenges and financial constraints. Despite efforts to retain personnel through emergency retention payments, Sealy struggles to compete with larger agencies, risking a force primarily composed of inexperienced officers. The situation underscores broader issues faced by small-town police forces nationwide, grappling with limited resources and competition from urban departments offering more attractive benefits and salaries.

Read More

Sealy EDC Presents Strategic Plan Updates at City Council Meeting [VIDEO]

Sealy Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Director Bill Atkins presented comprehensive updates to the Sealy City Council, highlighting major projects including downtown parking expansions and Cryan Memorial Park improvements. The EDC’s initiatives aim to bolster local infrastructure, support small businesses through resourceful meetups, and enhance community amenities with beautification projects. These efforts underscore Sealy’s commitment to economic growth and community enhancement.

Read More
Loading

CHANGE LANGUAGE/CAMBIAR IDIOMA

Translate »