Published: July 14, 2009 02:04 pm      

Ask and receive: McLendon-Chisholm given free computers

Frugal Web site and computer management is all in a day’s work for Deborah Sorensen, city secretary at McLendon-Chisholm.

Twice, as McLendon Chisholm’s court clerk and city secretary, she has received e-mails from the State Court of Administration that computers were free for the asking. She’s asked and received — the city has received two computers, one printer and one laptop through the program.

Her husband, Troy, picked them up from their locations and delivered them for free, and she installed the software on them which the city already had.

About nine months ago the city accepted a computer and printer from the Dallas Court of Appeals. Then more recently the city accepted a computer from the Austin location of the Court of Appeals.

Sorenson also put up and maintains the Web site of the city. The only cost associated with the website is the host server at $125 a year.

In a related matter, the council recently considered $4,000 expense for the Internet connection, and found it valid; this was noted so in Tuesday’s meeting at the Chisholm Baptist Church.

During that meeting, citizen Ron Rutledge voiced his concern that it was high, and Gary Moody, new councilmember, explained the council’s research.

“It is a hot spot for me. I did research, bugged Debbie,” he said.

He learned that the T1 line was put in a long time ago and serves two businesses and city hall. “It is more expensive but runs seamlessly,” he said, noting weather conditions do not affect it as they do dish systems.

DSL will probably become available as development comes along he said.

“I promise you I’ve looked hard and heavy,” he said. “Debbie did research herself.”

The Web site contains the latest agendas for the council and for the Planning and Zoning Commission. It also is updated regularly by city manager Dave Butler with the “recap” or minutes.

It also contains the final report on how to address the city’s budget deficit, as written by the McLendon Chisholm Citizens Committee and given to council earlier this year. The draft budget is on the website. The final budget, after approval will be posted.