In an attempt to mitigate local traffic congestion, Area Engineer Clint Jones and Homar Munoz from the Livingston area office of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) made a presentation to the Livingston City Council during its Sept. 9 meeting regarding the proposed concept of one-way split pairs including Washington Avenue (Business 59) and Houston Avenue (S.H. 146).
“This would kind of optimize things. We haven’t done a traffic study yet, because we wanted to gauge the city’s interest. This is not a novel concept, we’ve actually done this before and it works really well,” Jones said.
A one-way split is a couplet of parallel one-way streets, each carrying traffic in opposing directions, designed to increase road capacity by separating opposing flows of traffic on two different street segments. This setup allows for greater volume, more efficient signal timing and a reduction in intersection conflicts.
“Right now there’s no dedicated funding and this would be a pretty big undertaking. It will change the traffic flow in the city for better or worse. Split pair is about the only solution we know to alleviate the traffic congestion in town,” Jones said.
“Any kind of help you can give us on 190 West, we’ll take it. It’s bad,” City Manager Billy S. Wiggins said.
A public hearing on the proposed budget for the fiscal year Oct. 1, 2025 through Sept. 30, 2026 was held although no comments were received. Council approved a proposed ordinance adopting the budget and also approved budget amendments for the previous fiscal year.
The budget reflects projected revenues of $27,920,416.21. This operating income (where the money comes from) is as follows: electric sales, 31.13%; sales tax, 22.82%; water sales, 12.17%; sewer sales, 8.67%; total transfers, 7.13%; service and user fees, 6.03%; total interest, 5.41%; total fines and forfeitures, 3.28%; total other revenue, 1.41%; total fee charges, 0.86%; franchise fees, 0.54%; licenses and permits, 0.43%; and total tapping fees, 0.12%.
The budget reflects expenditures of $24,734,255.14. The operating expenses (where the money goes) is as follows: electric, 29.98%; water, 24.62%; police, 16.50%; sanitation, 5.42%; street, 5.07%; sewer, 4.91%; parks and recreation, 3.29%; administrative, 2.90%; fire, 2.53%; library, 1.93%; garage, 1.60%; and trade days, 1.25%.
Council approved a joint contract with Polk County for election services in conjunction with the Nov. 4 General Election. In related activity, Council also approved a proposed resolution establishing the procedures for the upcoming election.
A proposed ordinance amending Article II of Chapter 40 of the city’s code of ordinances (electric service) was approved. The amendment reflects the implementation of a power cost recovery factor.
Council also approved a proposed resolution designating the Polk County Enterprise as the official newspaper of the City of Livingston for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1.
The annual firefighting agreement between the City of Livingston and Polk County for the fiscal year Oct. 1, 2025 through Sept. 30, 2026 was approved. The county’s contribution for the upcoming fiscal year will be $61,111.14, the same as last year.
During his monthly update on projects and events, Wiggins reminded everyone of Main Street’s Retro 80s Sip & Shop slated for 3-6 p.m. Sept. 20 in downtown Livingston.
As for ongoing commercial projects, Wiggins said the Highway 190 Apartments located at 909 E. Church St. are nearing completion and that Mason Jar Restaurant located at 2000 Southpoint Loop is hoping to be open by the end of September. Platforms and generators are presently being installed at two local Verizon towers, one located at 1882 U.S. Hwy. 190 East and the other located at 700 N. Washington. He also reported that the partners have pulled the plug on construction of a new farm equipment dealership at the Ewald Kubota located at 2908 U.S. Hwy. 190 West, although they said they make look at it at a future date.
In other business, Wiggins reported that he spoke with Jacee McHenry with TxDOT’s Lufkin District Traffic Operation Branch regarding the status of the city’s sidewalk grant application. Wiggins said McHenry said they expect to get the list of grants selected sometime in October.
Council entered into an executive session to consult with the city attorney and to review the proposed salary schedule for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1. Upon return to open session, Council approved the proposed salary schedule as presented.
Other business included approval of accounts over $2,500 and the minutes of the Aug. 12 meeting.
Special Meeting Called
Council will discuss and consider possible action on the bid review and award for the Willis and West Street Improvement Project through the General Land Office Community Development Block Grant Mitigation Method of Distribution Program during a special called meeting at 5 p.m. Tuesday.
Following a review of various chapters of the city’s personnel policy, Council will consider possible action.
Council is expected to order the Nov. 4 General Election in which three councilmembers will be elected and post notice. Four people are running for the three at-large seats – Incumbents Elgin Davis, Dr. Ray Luna and Bobby Jackson Sr. and Challenger Marty Drake.
An executive session is on the agenda for Council to consult with the city attorney. Any action, however, will be taken upon return to open session.
