City of Marfa votes to fund golf course, fire department

By RICHARD MARK GLOVER

MARFA – In a unanimous vote Tuesday night, the Marfa City Council voted to modify the city’s proposed 2012-2013 budget and fund the Marfa Municipal Golf Course with $20,000 and the Marfa Volunteer Fire Department with $10,000 for the coming year.

“I don’t think we’ve ever had a dissenting vote,” council member David Fannin said in regard to keeping the golf course funded and functioning.

The total $30,000 was appropriated from the budget by eliminating a $17,000 proposed capital outlay for the MAC building recreation center and an additional $13,175 that was freed up from a reduction in dues at the Presidio County Appraisal District and an increase from the county to fund Emergency Medical Services (EMS) that decreased the city’s load.

The council will vote tonight on the proposed 2012-2013 budget of $4.1million. The budget represents the highest in Marfa’s history. Last year’s budget was slightly less.

County Judge Paul Hunt spoke to the council on the benefits of keeping the golf course maintained and “developing more programs” in fellowship with the Marfa Golf Association, including a youth program.

“We could use the city’s participation and continued funding,” said the judge, who also noted the efficiency of the city and how quickly they metered the water after the management of the golf course transferred from the city to the county in May.

“There’s been no shortage of maintenance issues,” said the judge in reference to leaks in the water lines. “I believe we are now your biggest water customer.”

Gary Mitschke, the fire department captain, also addressed the council. “There’s a few things that need to be done. A security fence in the back is my highest priority. We love to have kids here but not walking on our equipment.”

In addition to funds from the city and county, residents of Marfa have the option on their utility bills to donate $7.50 per month to the EMS and the fire department.

There was no action taken by the council on the disputed $78,580 sum left over from the dissolved Marfa-Alpine joint venture known as Southwest Texas Municipal Gas Corporation. The funds remain in the city of Alpine’s bank account.

“There’s been no development on this matter,” said Mayor Dan Dunlap.