The City of San Augustine is hoping TxDOT will consider taking over the operation and maintenance of the Mission Dolores complex.

At their meeting Tuesday, the city agreed to move forward with the issue. Mayor Leroy Hughes tells us TxDOT officials will be in San Augustine May 7 to tour the facility. He says the state already operates over 25 similar sites statewide and having them assume running the facility will mean a savings to the city, plus they would be able to promote the mission more effectively.

Hiring a new city manager is getting closer as council will be start interviewing candidates early next month, with a selection possible at the May 19 meeting.

San Augustine Council also awarded engineering and management services for the Texas Capital Fund Main Street Contract for downtown sidewalk work. The project has received a $150,000 grant.

Also, bids and construction contract were awarded for the Ike 2.2 grant for $258,000 for construction of a lab at the wastewater treatment facility.

Mayor Hughes says the city of San Augustine will do more checking on possibly going with a total digital utility meter replacement. He says is been a big savings to other towns similar in size. It's estimated the replacement would be around a half-million dollars.

Approval was given to the El Camino Real historical signage project, and for selling the structure from the donated property at 111 N. Montgomery, so it can be used for event parking.