Marlin extends disaster declaration on water

The City of Marlin extended its disaster declaration during an emergency meeting on Jan. 30. 

Marlin issued a disaster declaration on Dec. 10 following widespread or severe damage, injury, or loss of life or property resulting from damages to the city’s water distribution.

Extending the declaration allows them to continue using resources provided to them by the state.

Marlin Mayor Susan Byrd released the following statement on Facebook on Friday, Jan. 31:

“There is no argument that the severity of the issues the City of Marlin is facing is critical. The city has a media relations person; accordingly, I do not usually spend time reading social media.   

Notwithstanding this, I do want to address comments as requested to show the transparency the citizens are asking for.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, meetings were scheduled today at which I was in attendance. One meeting was held at the Water Plant, with representatives from Texas Agricultural Commissioner Sid Miller’s office also in attendance. We, along with other state officials, are working to do everything we can to find solutions to our current issues and to address the water problems on a long-term scale. Discussions regarding funding opportunities that can assist Marlin as expeditiously as possible are at the top of the priority list.

Now, to answer some frequently asked questions.

1. I did not and would not pick and choose whose questions I answered. I simply pointed out that a post about the laundromats was answered in another post. I then went to the meeting at the Water Plant and was not on Facebook until the decision was made on the laundromats.

2. As I stated in the second post, the boil notice remains in effect until TCEQ gives us a green light that the water is safe to consume.

3. The Public Works crew were back at fixing leaks today.

4. Concerning the shower and laundromat trailers, the state has reported that it is still in the procurement process, and they will continue to assess the needs of the city.

5. Applications for Proposition 6 funds and other TWDB funding opportunities are being thoroughly discussed, and applications, for those we believe Marlin qualifies, are being prepared by the City’s engineers. Having said this, most funding opportunities require a matching sum of 10-25%, which the city did not have at the time and does not have presently available. Additionally, the City of Marlin remains focused on the need for immediate funding and the above opportunities, which are long-term fixes.

6. As to why an application has not been submitted in a timely manner for Proposition 6 funds, this would have been the City Manager’s responsibility at that time, and the timing is presently being looked into.

In summary, the focus will continue to be the work that is required instead of spending time on social media. If you have questions that require addressing, please put them in writing addressed to the city’s media relations person. His email contact is marketingedc@marlintx.net. The city will endeavor to respond to your questions through the proper channels.