Published: June 16, 2006 07:54 pm      

Schoonfield appointed to vacant council seat

ROSE CITY — City officials filled a council seat that has remained vacant since the May 13 election by appointing a former member to the board.

Longtime Rose City councilwoman Carolyn Schoonfield was appointed to the at-large seat during the June 8 City Hall meeting.

“Carolyn Schoonfield last served on the council about six years ago,” said Veronica Jarrell, city secretary of Rose City. “She served on the council for a number of years prior to leaving.”

Schoonfield’s appointment fills the position left vacant by councilwoman Betty Yates, who did not file to retain her seat in the May elections.

Another at-large seat, which had been vacant for several months, was filled by the appointment of Dorothy Barras prior to the elections.

In other news, Mayor David Bush and City Council approved a resolution on the ad valorem tax freeze for homeowners 65 years of age or older, or those who are disabled.

Rose City now joins Orange County, and the cities of Orange, West Orange, Bridge City, Vidor, Pine Forest and Pinehurst in approving this measure.

“From what I understand, Rose City is the last city in Orange County to pass this tax freeze for senior citizens,” said Margaret Williamson, an advocate for the Texas Silver Haired Legislature. “I’m grateful that they passed the ordinance. It will help out a lot of senior citizens.”

In other news, Josh Long was reelected as mayor pro-tem, and Ruth Dubuisson was reelected to the secretary position for council.

The next Rose City council meeting is July 13 at City Hall.



Reach this reporter at 409-883-6568 or tmann@orangeleader.com