Government - page 12

During a drought, the City of Orange has a Drought Contingency Plan consisting of three stages: Mild, Moderate, and Severe. The plan contains information about the conditions under which each stage of the plan is to be initiated or terminated and the drought response measures to be implemented in each stage.

To view the plan in its entirety, visit their website at https://orangetexas.gov/480/Drought-Contingency-Plan.

Please be aware of a scheduled lane closure on SH87 northbound at the intersection of SH62 starting the week of August 29, 2023.

Northbound traffic will be re-directed into one lane. This lane closure will last approximately 2 weeks. There will be temporary traffic signals in place to stop northbound traffic, allowing traffic off of SH62 to merge onto SH87.

The purpose of this lane closure is to enable road construction crews to replace a box culvert at Coon Bayou.

After receiving feedback from the community, Golden Triangle Polymers Company has coordinated with their contractor to restripe the lanes on SH87 in front of Walmart.

Southbound traffic can now flow into the center lane to turn left into the Walmart shopping center for Wendy’s, Murphy’s, Walmart, and the red light at the intersection across from Shell Station.

Drivers are encouraged to stay alert to lane changes and drive with caution.

The video can be viewed here.

The City of Orange is hosting a public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 budget on August 29, 2023, at 5:30 pm at Orange City Council Chambers at 220 N. 5th Street in Orange.

This budget will raise more revenue from property taxes than last year’s budget by an amount of $757,305, which is an 8.73% increase from last year’s budget. TThe property tax revenue to be
raised from new property added to the tax roll this year is $90,488.

All interested persons are invited to attend and present their views at the hearing. Written comments may be mailed or delivered to the Director of Finance, City Hall,
812 N. 16th Street (PO Box 520) Orange, Texas 77631-0520, prior to the meeting.

As many of us know, here in southeast Texas, August is the time we focus on the Gulf. Many of us have experienced hurricanes, floods, tornados, and industrial disasters, and we are reminded by our county and city officials to have a plan in these cases.

Materials are available online and packets are located at the Orange County Emergency Management at 11475 FM 1442, Orange, TX 77630 and have been distributed throughout the year, but remember, you may need to modify your plans based on your family’s needs. Registering for the STAN helps us be updated on emergencies and major events happening in our area.

If you need more guidance, each of our communities has personnel who train year-round to manage emergencies and assist residents. Contact your local emergency management office for more information.

So, what now? Hopefully, you have a plan to keep your family safe. Pets may be considered by us to be family; however, domesticated animals require other considerations when preparing for emergencies.

Some accommodations you seek may not accept or have facilities for your pets. If by chance you need to go to a temporary shelter: identification, leashes, shot records, and if possible, portable kennels are key. Places such as this have limited space and pet will need to be housed in a separate facility from you. If your pet has been separated from you due to unforeseen events, visible identification with your contact information, and a microchip may help in a quicker reunion with your pet after an emergency.

Livestock owners who can transport their livestock prior to an emergency should be prepared and know the places and contact numbers of the facilities they choose to go to. Consider the amount of food and water needed to travel with your animal. As with pets, you may be separated from your animal. Visible markings, as well as microchips will aid in a quicker reunion with your animal.

Make sure your animals are in good health and updated on their vaccinations prior to transport. Best practice is to check with your vet about what vaccines are needed to be boarded, or sheltered in a facility with other pets. Keep their records with you.

Here a list of websites that will help you make a plan that fits your needs:

• Texas Animal Health Commission
• AgriLifeLearn.com
• Orange County Disaster Rebuild
• Texas Department of Emergency Management
• Ready.gov Plan Ahead for Disasters

Thanks to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Orange County for the helpful tips!