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In this September 20th edition of the shortcut, the Stonewall County Commissioners are raising deputy salaries, even after losing financial support from the City of Aspermont, ensuring they meet state-mandated minimums. Next, we discuss Rotan ISD's proposed $6.5 million bond for school renovations and teacher housing, addressing rising costs and potential overcrowding. The Rotan City Council has also passed a $2.5 million budget amid some controversy, with concerns over time for review and financial pressures. Finally, Aspermont Schools are set to benefit from free HVAC tune-ups through AEP Texas, aimed at improving energy efficiency. Stay tuned for a sneak peek of this week’s editorial, where our editor dives into the implications of Rotan's budget process and the quest for transparency.

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In this September 20th edition of the ShortCut;

The City of Aspermont is reallocating funds to cover its portion of an estimated $110,000 owed to the IRS for past unpaid taxes related to EMS services, leading to the postponement of a second deputy’s salary in the sheriff's budget. The city managed to balance its water and sewer budget by delaying equipment purchases, but ongoing IRS issues may impact future financial planning.

Rotan officials reviewed the 2023 financial report, noting strong overall revenues of $823,000, however, the water and sewer operations incurred significant losses. Concerns remain about the sustainability of these operations, despite ongoing efforts to replace aging water lines.

And Aspermont ISD's Board of Trustees has approved a new policy allowing selected school staff to carry firearms as part of a Guardian Program aimed at enhancing school safety. The program includes extensive training and psychological evaluations, with multiple staff members currently in training to respond to potential active shooter situations.

Stay tuned till the end for a sneak peek at this week's editorial and sports scores.

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In this friday, the 13th edition of the ShortCut, Stonewall County joins a new state pilot program aimed at enhancing election transparency through video monitoring of ballot counting. As part of HB 246, the program involves setting up cameras in the county elections office to oversee the process without compromising voter privacy. The initiative will run until January 2025, with findings reported to the legislature for potential statewide implementation. In other political news, state representative James Frank of district 69 has announced his candidacy for speaker of the Texas house, seeking change in leadership and calling for more open communication within the house. Meanwhile, Fisher County commissioners have decided to close the county jail amid budget constraints, despite concerns over its impact on local services. In sports, local teams prepare for a series of competitive matches this weekend, with homecoming events adding excitement to the lineup. Stay tuned until the end for a sneak peek of this week's editorial from Jeff Hurt.