City Staff have recently heard numerous questions regarding the placement of the new antique lighting fixtures in the downtown area. We solicited public questions and opinions concerning this project. So far, six lights have already been erected (on temporary bases) in the esplanades. They will be affixed to permanent bases in the future – as soon as the best placement locations are decided.

The downtown antique-type lighting project is the result of community-based involvement. Previous articles explained how the effort was started. Through the efforts of the Array of Lights Ball committee, approximately $5000 was raised from their benefit dinner. The Modern Woodmen organization added $1700 to that amount in the form of a local matching grant. Then the City of Seymour applied for and received a $5000 beautification grant from the Texas Yes program sponsored by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA). TDA will be reimbursing the amount to the City upon completion of the requirements of the grant. This total - $11,700 amount provides a great start for the downtown beautification efforts.

The City is working diligently to obtain grant-type funding for new sidewalks in the downtown business district on Washington Street. Last August, we went through a lengthy application process in the attempt to obtain a Revitalization Grant from the Texas Department of Agriculture. We competed with numerous small towns all over Texas for one of the four $150,000 grants. We were rejected because our poverty level percentage was lower than the winning applicants.

Presently, we have submitted another application for new sidewalk funding through the Enhancement Program offered by the Texas Department of Transportation. We will not know until after September whether we obtained the funding. This is an 80/20 match program. The City of Seymour’s twenty percent share (if we are awarded this grant) will be approximately $43,500 for just two blocks along Washington Street. It is evident that new sidewalks are a costly venture which will require assistance.

The City is also well into the process of attempting to obtain new sidewalks and curbing for Main Street. This would be similar to the same projects which are under way in the Munday and Haskell communities. This will be a difficult process which will require the efforts of both the City and the County.

What we ultimately hope for are donations from the community for some of the new street lamps. We have already had several inquires into purchasing the lamps as memorials for individuals who once lived in Seymour/Baylor County. This is what we have envisioned happening once we start the program. However, we would like to wait on taking donations for the downtown lamps due to the fact that we are trying to obtain and to plan for future funding for new sidewalks.

We ask you to seriously consider donating to this community beautification effort once the details are established through a careful planning process. The City and the beautification groups appreciate your support and interest.