Over the past several years, it has been my honor to serve the citizens of Bay City on the City Council. During that time, our community has made meaningful progress in infrastructure, public safety, economic development, and quality of life improvements.
With your support, I am announcing my candidacy to serve one final term as City Council Member for Position 2.
When I first took office, my focus was clear: strengthening our city’s core infrastructure, supporting responsible growth, improving public safety, and ensuring Bay City continues moving forward while keeping taxes reasonable for our residents.
Infrastructure has been a top priority.
Major water and wastewater improvements are underway, including the East Water Well, wastewater treatment upgrades, Mockingbird Water Plant electrical improvements, arsenic removal treatment on Avenue I to restore a water source, and rehabilitation of the 5th Street waterline.
Additional long-term investments are funded, including the North Water Well and a new connection loop between the East and North wells to strengthen our water system.
Street and bridge improvements have also moved forward across the city.
Nile Valley Road has been repaired and reopened, the Elliott Subdivision underwent reconstruction and waterline improvements, and streets such as Tepeyac, 4th and LeTulle, Eagles Road, 12th Street and LeTulle Park have been repaired or repaved.
We have invested in new equipment for our crews, including a patch truck, a street sweeper, and a new dump truck.
Six bridges across Cottonwood Creek - including those on 8th Street, Avenue H, Hamman Road, Sixth Street, and Avenue I - are currently planned or in process of being repaired.
Flooding and drainage concerns are being addressed.
Projects include drainage improvements on Hamman Road to reduce flooding in the Bordeaux Subdivision, improvements to the Cottonwood Creek Diversion Channel, drainage improvements by United Rentals, and a cooperative agreement with Drainage District #1 for projects within city limits.
Quality of life improvements are also underway throughout Bay City.
These include funded repairs to the Senior Center, development of the new Public Safety Building for our Police Department, the Texas Theater revitalization project, the Amistad Community Park splashpad, relocation of Bay City Youth Soccer to Hardeman Park along with the Hardeman Park Teen Center, and ongoing repairs to keep the 16th Street (Valiant) Pool open.
Work continues toward the development of the new regional Aquatic Center, along with repairs to Hilliard Pool and management partnerships with the YMCA to operate both Hilliard and Valiant pools.
We have also made progress on projects that improve everyday life for residents, including the Railroad Quiet Zone initiative, construction and maintenance of the BMX Bicycle Park, downtown parking improvements to improve safety, and the installation of a digital billboard at the Civic Center for community communication.
Public safety and city operations have been strengthened.
We appointed a Fire Marshal, installed Flock cameras to assist law enforcement, and ensured wind turbine development does not interfere with airport operations.
Our city staff now receives health care through TML, saving taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars, while maintaining benefits for employees. We also implemented merit and certification pay programs to support professional development and retain qualified staff.
Economic development has continued to expand.
Bay City has welcomed the HIF eFuels facility, approximately 180 new homes through developments such as Valor Park, Russell Ranch, and Marguerite Meadows, new Reserve at Riverbend and Lantana apartments. Wharton County Junior College is expanding its Nuclear and Trade school programs strengthening workforce training opportunities for our region.
New restaurants and stores such as Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, Brew, Los Cucos, Ashley Furniture, Bealls, Marshalls, Rack Room Shoes, Take 5 Oil Change and Taco Bell are under construction.
Even while investing in these improvements, the city has reduced the property tax rate by eight cents over the past five years.
These accomplishments are the result of strong collaboration between the City Council, city staff, community partners, and the residents who care deeply about Bay City’s future.
There is still important work ahead.
I am running for one final term to help ensure that the projects already underway are completed successfully and that Bay City continues building on this progress in a responsible and sustainable way.
I would be honored to continue serving you as your City Council Member for Position 2, and I respectfully ask for your support. Together, we will keep Bay City moving forward.
Paid political announcement by the Re-elect Jim Folse campaign.
