By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The Bryan City Council met on May 19 to formally outline their financial appropriations for fiscal year 2025 and to discuss an annex involving Pulaski Township.
The meeting opened with standard procedural items, including the approval of minutes from the May 5 meeting, a hearing of public concerns, and the clerk treasurer’s Report.
Council reviewed an ordinance approving the collective bargaining agreement between the City of Bryan and the International Association of Firefighters, Local 5243. The contract covers Bryan Fire Department employees and is effective from January 1st, 2025 through December 31st, 2027.
Introduced was an additional ordinance concerning the regulation of Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Devices. Chapter 377 of the Bryan Codified Ordinances was created to regulate the use of electric scooters, motorized skateboards, and similar devices.
In response to growing usage and safety concerns, the ordinance outlines detailed restrictions, including:
-Mandatory use of lights and reflectors at night
-Prohibition of use on sidewalks or streets over 35 MPH
-Prohibition of carrying items with both hands or allowing multiple riders
-Age-based helmet and supervision requirements
Violations are classified as minor misdemeanors with penalties including $10 fines and possible impoundment of the device. Additionally, Chapter 379 was created to regulate low-speed micro-mobility devices, defined as motor or human-powered vehicles under 100 pounds with handlebars.
These devices must yield to pedestrians, follow lighting requirements, and cannot exceed 20 MPH. Operators must be over 16, and violations are treated as minor misdemeanors.
Two resolutions were passed to accept community donations. First, $32,500 for the Fountain City Amphitheater from Bard Manufacturing ($32,000), Bryan Lions Club ($250), and Kiwanis Club of Bryan ($250).
Secondly, a $5,000 donation from the Bryan Soccer Association for pavilion renovations at the Recreation Park Soccer Fields was accepted.
Bryan proposed total appropriations of $73,872,399.98 for the upcoming fiscal year, distributing funds across a wide range of departmental, utility, and service-based categories.
Under special revenue funds, the city allocated approximately $14,027,649.14. Key appropriations include those for the Law Enforcement Trust Fund, Fire Department Fund, and Fire Vehicle Fund, among many others.
Debt Service Funds amount to $3,141,000 split between two; Capital Improvement Fund and Capital Proceeds Fund. The Enterprise Funds, which make up the largest portion of the appropriations, came to almost $44 million.
This includes a variety of utility and public service items, such as; Electric Fund, Sewer Drain Maintenance Fund, Communications Operating Fund, etc.
The City of Bryan has also introduced a resolution outlining the services it will provide for the proposed annexation of two properties located in the Northwest Quarter of Section 21 in Pulaski Township.
The parcels in question are listed as 063-210-026.000 and 063-210-02-027.000 which are currently owned by Jason Juan Mendoza, Jr. and Winter Renee Mendoza.
The resolution was prompted by notification from the Williams County Commissioners on March 24, 2025, regarding an annexation request.
The property owners are seeking annexation in order to receive city utility services, which the city states are contingent upon official incorporation into the City of Bryan limits.
If approved, Bryan will provide the following services: Sanitary and Storm Sewer Service, Road Maintenance, Fire/Police Protection, and Municipal Utilities.
The annexation process was initiated through a certified letter dated March 24, 2025, sent by attorney Ryan S. Thompson to the City of Bryan Clerk-Treasurer’s Office, Pulaski Township Fiscal Officer, and the Williams County Board of Commissioners. The letter confirmed the official filing of a petition for annexation of the 1.84-acre parcel into the City of Bryan.
The Williams County Board of Commissioners subsequently scheduled a public hearing on the matter for May 29 at 10:00 a.m. at the Commissioner’s Office.
As council wrapped up the May 19 meeting, they continued to move forward with its 2025 initiatives to better the Bryan City community.
