2021-10-26

ELECTION DAY — Polls are open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. today. The ballot includes eight state constitutional amendment propositions for all voters. Depending on where you live, you could have other ballot measures to consider, including Paradise City Council and school board races, a City of Rhome bond issue, two City of New Fairview propositions, Springtown and Azle ISD bond issues and a handful of water district or municipal utility district propositions. Voting will take place at four consolidated voting locations: Precincts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 22 will vote at Decatur City Hall; Precincts 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 18 and 19 will vote at Assumption Catholic Church in Decatur; Precincts 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 will vote at Bridgeport Lions Hall; and Precincts 20, 23, 24, 25 and 27 will vote at Boyd Community Center. Results will be posted at wcmessenger.com when they are available.

BRIDGEPORT RAISES RATES TO ADDRESS WATER ISSUE — Preliminary findings from Bridgeport’s jar testing results were presented to a packed crowd at a council meeting Monday as water quality issues continue at the city. Olsson Associates observed inadequate testing equipment and deficiencies with the plant’s injection point for the chemical sodium permanganate, which helps reduce manganese in water. Bridgeport officials identified manganese as the reason the city’s water has been odorous and discolored, resulting in damaged appliances, stained laundry and water that many refuse to drink or bathe in. Olsson Associates recommended $1.2 million in upgrades to immediately improve water quality. The council voted 4-1 to raise water and sewer rates by 5 percent. The rate increases will cost the average residential customer around $5 per month or $60 a year.