A proposal to transform Whitney’s historic Cato Drug building into a community center that also celebrates the city’s history was presented to the Whitney City Council Thursday, August 20. The Parks Advisory Board presented its concept for the building at 117 West Washington Avenue, which the city announced that it purchased in January 2025. The … Continue reading Parks board proposes community center at former Cato Drug site
Author: The Lakelander
City administrator resigns, council proposes tax rate
The Whitney City Council accepted the resignation of City Administrator Billy Pribble, proposed a tax rate for the coming year and discussed other city business Thursday, August 20. Pribble originally submitted his resignation last year after starting his own business, but he decided to stay with the city after he was asked to continue in … Continue reading City administrator resigns, council proposes tax rate
Proposed county tax rate stands, public hearing set for September 1
The Hill County Commissioners Court opted not to amend the proposed county tax rate after further budget discussions Tuesday, August 18. The court also set public hearings on the county budget and tax rate for September 1. At an August 4 meeting, the court proposed a combined county tax rate of $0.467890 per $100 valuation. … Continue reading Proposed county tax rate stands, public hearing set for September 1
Miss Lake Whitney Pageant now accepting contestants
The Whitney Lions Club is inviting young ladies from across the area to participate in the Miss Lake Whitney Pageant Saturday, September 26, at the Whitney ISD Auditorium, located at 305 South San Jacinto Street. The pageant returns during an especially historic year for the community, as Whitney celebrates its 150th anniversary and the nation … Continue reading Miss Lake Whitney Pageant now accepting contestants
Incumbents file for AISD positions
No elections will be needed for Aquilla ISD or the City of Blum in November, after only incumbents filed for AISD board seats and no candidates filed in Blum. AISD had the school board seats of Will Pinner and Kevin Clepper expiring this year, and the incumbents both filed and will be unopposed. The City … Continue reading Incumbents file for AISD positions
TEA releases school ratings
Local school districts received their state report cards when the Texas Education Agency (TEA) announced the release of 2026 A-F Accountability Ratings for public school systems and campuses across the state Friday, August 14. There was improvement in Whitney's scores this year, with the overall district grade still a C but rising from a 75 … Continue reading TEA releases school ratings
Comptroller releases sales tax allocations
Texas Comptroller Don Huffines distributed $1.4 billion in sales tax allocations for August, 13.6% more than in August 2025. The City of Whitney's August allocation was $122,776, up about 25% compared to last August. Year-to-date figures show the city receiving about 20% more sales tax revenue than the first eight months of 2025, with allocations … Continue reading Comptroller releases sales tax allocations
Commissioners continue salary, tax rate discussions
The Hill County Commissioners Court continued discussing elected officials' salaries and other budget matters in meetings held Tuesday, August 11 and Wednesday, August 12. The previous week, commissioners voted to forego a cost-of-living increase for elected officials and only include employees in this year's adjustment. At that time, County Treasurer Rachel Parker and others expressed … Continue reading Commissioners continue salary, tax rate discussions
Gaines Foundation opens 2026 grant applications
The Board of Directors of the Dorothy Gaines Foundation is now accepting grant applications for 2026.The foundation was established in 2003 by Dorothy Gaines as a private foundation with the primary purpose to promote quality of life in Hill and Tarrant counties. Applications for grants to be awarded must be received on or before October … Continue reading Gaines Foundation opens 2026 grant applications
Commissioners propose tax rate, discuss budget
The Hill County Commissioners Court continued discussing the county budget during a Tuesday, August 4 meeting before proposing a tax rate for the coming year. Commissioners proposed adopting the no-new-revenue rate for the general fund, which came to $0.398576 per $100 valuation, while setting the FM lateral (road and bridge) portion of the tax rate … Continue reading Commissioners propose tax rate, discuss budget
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