WOODVILLE – Long-time Woodville city administrator, the late Many Risinger, was honored at Monday evening’s city council meeting with special recognition.
Congressman Brian Babin was in attendance to present Risinger’s husband, John David, with a flag that was flown in Mandy’s honor above the United States capitol.
In Babin’s remarks, he said “this is a special privilege to be here and honor Mandy and the great job that she did, especially being a former mayor and alderman myself … I look around this room … lots of good friends, people I used to work with, who were my dental patients … I just want to say thank you all for being here. Let me just say this about Mandy Risinger, that was a take charge gal if there ever was one, she had a special way about her, you knew how she felt about things, she didn’t beat around the bush, and when we were all worrying and fretting about the bypass that was going to come by Woodville, we had a great meeting at the courthouse, and there was a lot of people there that night, explaining why we need to be very careful about this.”
Babin further explained “there wasn’t anyone that had a more cogent, clear, clarion call message than Mandy Risinger, and having somebody that can articulate like that is super valuable, and she put it in words, she had it all down.”
In his presentation of the flag, he said, “we were so very fortunate to have Mandy for as long as we did, and for whatever reason, the Lord decided to take her home early. This flag was flown over the U.S. Capitol in Mandy’s honor and her memory. She wore more hats than anybody I have ever known. May this flag serve as a lasting tribute to Mandy K. Kraus Risinger, and to her legacy of love, leadership, and compassion, her life of constant service, devotion to her family, and her commitment to her community. She will be remembered with deep gratitude and endearing respect.”
Linda Parker, representing State Rep. Trent Ashby’s office was on hand to make a second presentation in Mandy’s honor. Parker commented, “we have a Texas flag flown in Mandy’s honor … I would like to say that I don’t have the history that Dr. Babin does. Mandy was such a sweetheart, she had a beautiful smile and a big heart, and she’s definitely going to be missed. In special recognition of her dedication and extraordinary service and tireless efforts for the citizens of Tyler County.”
Woodville Mayor Amy Bythewood then read a proclamation honoring Mandy as a “beloved mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, and community leader, a long-time resident of Woodville, member of Woodville Methodist Church, Mandy served the community with distinction, and a long list of public appointments, always demonstrating her willingness to serve the public. She was executive director of the Tyler County Dogwood Festival, was a Tyler County Hospital board member, Tyler County VFD Women’s Auxiliary, Women’s Reading Club, was a board member of the Chamber of Commerce, and various other organizations.”
Bythewood elaborated, “she was the first one with a casserole, flowers, or to meet the needs of anyone. She was always available for advice on how to deal with any situation. She completed every task set before her. She served as city administrator for the city of Woodville for 14 years, attending her last council meeting the same month as her passing. The city of Woodville along with Mandy’s family and the entire community are blessed to have known her and been a part of her life.”
Other Business
In other business, a public hearing was held prior to the regular meeting to hear a proposal from Shellie Rabroker, senior national sales manager from Core and Main, of Tyler.
Rabroker was on hand to answer any questions on the proposed upgrade of the city’s utility meter system. The proposed project will include the replacement of obsolete infrastructure. Planned improvements are necessary to ensure accurate billing of city services, improve system reliability, and meet future growth. Estimated project cost is $1,346,972, plus $309,000 to offset the balance of the prior meter change-out project for a total of $ 1,655,972. This project will be funded by a capital investment loan. In open session, council approved the proposal from Core and Main to upgrade water and gas meters, opting for the ultrasonic meters.
The packed agenda also saw an update from Jacob Tiemann, GLS Civil Engineer, who gave an update on the Beech Street improvement project. Kevin Dutton, with Linebarger, Goggan, Blair, and Sampson was on hand to ask council to approve a contingency fee contract with their firm for the collection of the municipal court’s debts and account receivables. Council approved the contract with Linebarger, at the same time, terminating the contract with McCreary, Veselka, Bragg, and Allen, for the same services.
Council also authorized the Woodville Volunteer Fire Department to purchase a 2025 CV515 International Brush truck at a cost of $300,000, with $265,000 of the cost covered through an approved Texas A&M Forest Service grant.
Council approved city administrator Stephen Ramos addition to the authorized representatives for the city’s Tex-Pool account, and approved the designation of alderman Mike Cabiniss to the eight-member board of directors of the Tyler County Appraisal District, a two-year term.
