Hamels Moving to Texas

Brazos County Commission Approves The Tax Assessor-Collector’s Early Retirement Request And Selects An Interim Director

A change of leadership at the Brazos County tax office on August 1st is officially approved by county commissioners. During a special meeting Friday (July 12), commissioners accepted the early retirement of tax assessor-collector Kristy Roe and appointed deputy Melissa Leonard to finish Roe’s unexpired term. Roe, who did not seek a fifth term, sought the early retirement to allow tax information for the upcoming year to be registered in the name of her successor. Leonard, a 24 year employee of the tax office who ran unopposed for the Republican nomination, faces a Libertarian candidate in the November general election. Click below to hear a visit with Melissa Leonard and WTAW’s Bill Oliver, followed by comments from the July 12, 2024 Brazos County commission meeting. Listen to “Brazos County Commission approves the tax assessor-collector's early retirement request and selects an interim director” on Spreaker. News release from Brazos County: In a special session of Brazos County Commissioners Court on July 12, 2024, commissioners accepted the resignation/retirement of longtime Brazos County Tax Assessor/Collector Kristeen Roe and approved the appointment of Melissa Leonard to fill the position. Roe had previously decided not to run for re-election, and in January started the process of audits which are legally required when a tax assessor/collector leaves office. Once those audits were completed, Roe realized stepping aside now would allow the taxing information for the upcoming year to be registered in the new official’s name, thereby making the transition easier for the county as a whole. Leonard has served as Brazos County’s deputy tax assessor/collector for 24 years and has completed all training and bonding to be able to seamlessly fill the position. “We are grateful for the many years Kristy Roe has faithfully served the citizens of Brazos County,” said County Judge Duane Peters. “I am confident that Melissa Leonard will be able to continue that service and the Tax Office will be in good hands.” Roe’s retirement is effective July 31, 2024, and Leonard’s appointment begins August 1st.

City of College Station Update on WTAW

Jeff Kersten, Assistant City Manager and Chief Financial Officer, visits with WTAW’s Scott DeLucia about his role as CFO, upcoming budget workshops, the upcoming track and field meet, the paid parking pilot program, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs on Friday, July 12, 2024. Listen to “City of College Station Update on The Infomaniacs” on Spreaker.

No Design Yet For A Second Sports And Events Center At Bryan’s Midtown Park

August 1st marks one year since the Bryan city council and Texas A&M agreed to build an indoor facility at Midtown Park that will be used by the university’s tennis teams. An interlocal agreement (ILA) requires completion of the building by August of 2025. Click HERE to read background information from a July 31, 2023 special meeting of the Bryan city council. Click HERE to read and download the interlocal agreement that was approved during the July 31, 2023 Bryan council special meeting. During Tuesday’s Bryan council workshop meeting (July 9), mayor Bobby Gutierrez was revealed that there is no final design. The reason is that proposals so far have exceeded the $17 million dollar budget. Deputy city manager Hugh Walker tells WTAW News that various options currently under consideration essentially have the same court and floor space. General manager Jamie Cox of Legends Events Center, who will also be managing the new building, told the council that they will still be able to recruit additional events when the building is not being used by A&M. A&M will pay the city a fee as part of a 30 year interlocal agreement. In October 2023, the council hired the same company that was in charge of building the Legends Events Center and the same company that manages Legends for the city to design, build, and manage the second building. Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the October 10, 2023 Bryan city council meeting regarding the design and construction of the indoor tennis building. Click HERE to read and download background information about the design and construction of the indoor tennis building. Click HERE to read and download background information about the management of the indoor tennis building. Click below to hear comments from the July 9, 2024 Bryan city council workshop meeting. Listen to “No design yet for a second sports and events center at Bryan's Midtown Park” on Spreaker.