BURTON CITY COUNCIL SWEARS IN RIPPLE

  

The Burton City Council on Tuesday made official the returns from the June 13^th council runoff election and swore in one of the two winning councilmembers.

Sheila Ripple was administered the oath of office for the Position #2 seat after defeating incumbent Tommie Gilmon, 79 – 69. 

Position #5 incumbent Macey Tidwell, who defeated Berneake Gantt 76 – 72, was not present at the meeting due to being on a previously planned vacation, so she will be sworn in at a later time. 

During the reports section of the meeting, Utility Clerk Rachel Belvin said the city is shifting to a no-cash policy for payments, effective immediately.  She said the policy is intended to promote transparency, accountability and the integrity of the city’s financial processes while safeguarding employees in the performance of their duties.  She said a notice will be sent out with bills.

Burton Mayor Karen Buck announced that a ribbon cutting for the city’s new water well is set for Tuesday, July 14^th at 10 a.m.  She said the city is still awaiting approval from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), but she hopes for TCEQ review in early July.

In action items, the council approved the closure of the city’s seizure funds bank account, which has sat dormant since 2019 due to the city not having a police officer since then.  The council also agreed to take the $4,894 in the account to give to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office to contribute toward the city’s interlocal agreement with the sheriff’s office for law enforcement.

In other business, councilmembers:

• Approved an engagement letter as submitted by Medack & Oltmann to complete the 2025-26 Fiscal Year audit.
• Read a proclamation honoring Camp For All as it celebrates its 200,000^th camper.
• Authorized the city to enter into an agreement with the state to close a segment of the state highway system in the downtown area for Burton Friends and Neighbors to hold a street dance on July 25^th.