January 20, 2003

Jamaica Beach City Council
  by Shannon Hall

Jamaica Beach City Council unanimously approved the purchase of financial and utility billing software and upgrading the computer system with a cost not to exceed $20,000.

“It’s a good move for the city, and it’s in our budget,” Mayor Vic Pierson said.

The purchase will include financial software that will put the city in accordance with GASB34 requirements, which is a depreciation schedule and fixed asset accounting system.

City Administrator John Brick reported that city staff is working on the Jamaica Beach website.

Alderman Steve Spicer reported that the fire rescue truck is still being built.

Pierson predicted that the city's ISO fire rating will improve.

“We think we will have a 'three' in March or April, which will save home owners money on insurance,” Pierson said.

Galveston County Judge Jim Yarbrough administered the oath of office to Mayor Pierson, who has been appointed to the Coastal Coordination Council by Governor Rick Perry.

Pierson said he is eager to work on beach related issues.

"We are known as Jamaica Beach, not Jamaica Town, not Jamaica Bay, not Jamaica City, I think something needs to be said about Jamaica Beach,” Pierson said. “We are right here on the battle ground.”

Yarbrough said Pierson's appointment, and Jerry Patterson's election as Texas Land Commissioner, will mean improved relations in Austin.

"We have not had friends at the GLO and we have not had friends at the CCC,” said Yarbrough, “With Commissioner Patterson in place, and now Vic, we certainly are going to be coming to the table with a real respect and appreciation for what the issues are.”

Also at Monday's meeting, the city council observed a moment of silence for a fallen volunteer firefighter in Porter, Texas.