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Oscar Aguilar/ Courtesy
Local businessman and Hopkins County Rodeo Committee president Oscar Aguilar was unanimously appointed to the Sulphur Springs city council Place 3 at last night’s regular city council meeting.
Aguilar was initially the only candidate to file for Place 3 for the May 20, 2020 special city council election, which was postponed unanimously in April to Nov. 3, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In May, the council moved to appoint Aguilar, as he is running unopposed. According to city attorney Jim McLeroy, Aguilar would only have to achieve one vote to be elected. Aguilar’s name would still appear on the November ballot, according to McLeroy. McLeroy said the legal groundwork for this appointment is provided for in both the city charter and state law.
“This, if approved, would bring the council up to five instead of four,” said Mayor John Sellers. “We’ve been in the position that none of us could be absent or sick… so this would give us one person for cushion as we still need four members present.”
Council member Freddie Taylor moved to accept Aguilar’s nomination and council member Doug Moore seconded. No public comments were provided and all voted in favor of appointing Aguilar.
Aguilar took the oath to uphold the duties of Place 3, and began his tenure immediately.
Aguilar previously served for 12 years on council. He served as mayor pro tempore in 2007 and Mayor in 2008. He most recently served in 2018, told the News-Telegram he is looking forward to several city projects in the 2020 session.
Of note, said Aguilar, is the success of the summer paving program and the street maintenance program, which has greatly expanded.
“Bellview Street that’s being revamped right now used to be one of the worst streets in town,” Aguilar said. “Things are really improving, and tax dollars are being used to repair and renew the streets.”
“It’s going to be a major improvement on our vehicles and everything else,” Aguilar said.
Aguilar is also looking forward to city developments at the old Thermo property, although he believes it may be 10-15 years before the city can reap the fruits of their labor.
“It’s still a work in progress, but the good thing about it is that Luminant is obligated to pay the costs and it’s not an expense the city has to put out,” Aguilar said. “There is land available there we can take advantage of and in some years. That’ll be a neat venture and there are so many possibilities.”
And, said Aguilar, he’s hopeful the city can get its economy back on track after the COVID-19 shutdown. While he’s expecting “tough” budget sessions for the city this August due to lost sales tax revenue from the shutdown, he says he’s also expecting a spike in incomes from water use over the summer. Furthermore, he says, he’s encouraged by the quick recovery he’s seen personally among local businesses.
“I know we’re getting back to business,” he said. “I’ve been out to restaurants, and they’ve been really clever about properly distancing. They’re well equipped and have done their homework to protect one another.”