Bryan Residents Stay Informed with Recent Local Developments
The city of Bryan has been buzzing with activity lately, and we’re here to keep you in the loop about some important happenings in our community. From election information to new housing developments, there’s a lot to unpack. So grab a cup of coffee and let’s dive in!
Election Preparations with Trudy Hancock
First up, we had the chance to hear from Trudy Hancock, the Brazos County Elections Administrator, during a recent chat on The Infomaniacs. Trudy brought with her a wealth of knowledge about various aspects of the upcoming elections. She emphasized the importance of sample ballots and encouraged everyone to check their voter registration status to ensure roll accuracy.
One key point Trudy made was about mail-in ballots, which can be an excellent option for those who might have difficulty getting to polling places on Election Day. She also talked about a few upcoming changes in polling places, which is good information to keep in mind as elections approach. For those who are looking to make a difference, there’s also a need for election workers. It’s a great way to be involved in the community while earning a little extra money!
City Council Decisions on New Housing
Switching gears, the Bryan City Council recently voted on a significant rezoning request which has stirred quite the conversation among residents. The council voted 4-3 to rezone a commercial area north of the Premiere movie complex to pave the way for 150 new apartments. Supporters of the rezoning, like Mayor Bobby Gutierrez and Councilman James Edge, expressed their gratitude to the developer for modifying plans from three-bedroom units to two-bedroom and for adding a six-foot tall brick wall to increase residents’ privacy.
However, not everyone was on board with this decision. Councilmen Jared Salvato and Kevin Boriskie voiced concerns about the potential impact on the scant retail space that lines the freeway. They argued that protecting commercial properties is crucial for the city’s economic health. Meanwhile, other council members chose to keep their opinions to themselves during the vote.
Brazos County Budget Goodies
In other news, Brazos County Commissioners were busy at a recent meeting, where they unanimously approved a series of additions before adopting the Fiscal Year 2025 budget. One notable addition is a part-time position at the Veterans Service Office. Given that there are over 9,000 veterans in the county—3,800 of which are affiliated with Texas A&M—this new role aims to better assist these individuals. The position’s cost will be around $32,308, which is a small price to pay for ensuring our veterans receive the support they deserve.
Adding to the discussion, Commissioner Nancy Berry introduced pay raises for 23 county employees, particularly constables and chief deputies. These pay raises ranged from modest increments to increases as high as $7,988. In total, the budget increases amount to about $109,822. There’s a clear focus on ensuring that those who protect and serve our community are fairly compensated!
Bryan ISD Expands Pre-K Program
Wrapping up our news round-up, the Bryan ISD School Board has made a thrilling decision to extend pre-kindergarten instruction to qualifying childcare centers in both Brazos and Robertson counties. With a plan that could impact as many as 440 children, this initiative will provide a full day of instruction for four-year-olds and three hours for three-year-olds. Not only will this nurture our little ones’ learning, but it will also bring additional state funding to the childcare centers. A win-win for everyone involved!
It’s exciting to see how our community is evolving, and these updates are just a few examples of the positive changes taking place. Stay engaged, stay informed, and let’s continue to support each other as we navigate through these developments in Bryan!
