The City of Bertram’s Chief of Police, David Caudle, opened Tuesday evening’s City Council meeting the day before Veteran’s Day with a somber prayer for the victims, their families, and all who live and work at the Fort Hood U.S. Army Base in Killeen in response to the Nov. 5 shooting.

During the meeting, the Bertram City Council decided to table any further decisions regarding the purchase of a new P.A. system, new carpeting for the City Hall, and moving the Council Bench until City Hall’s leaking roof is fixed.

Mayor Pro-Tem L.O. Pogue pointed out that it would be unwise to make any improvements prior to fixing the roof and the council members agreed. Alderman Raymond Baladez suggested that the cost of carpeting the Bertram police station should also be included in future discussions and council members agreed on this, as well.

The decision came following months of research into costs and suppliers, and the discussion on the cost of the P.A. system continued during Tuesday’s meeting. The final estimate on the P.A. system is around $5,000, but the amount that was agreed upon in the city budget was $1,000, which means the city will need more time to accommodate for the increased expense. Alderman Richardson suggested the city look for someone experienced with ambient sound to help solve noise problems caused when the air conditioning system turns on in city hall.

For the full story, see next week's Burnet Bulletin.