This article is from one published in 1997 by Gene Blessing, former owner and editor of the Kennedale News on Kennedale’s 50 anniversary. {{more: Continue …}}
first mayor/ aldermen …
Incorporated in July, 1947, the City?s first city hall was built in 1950 on Hwy 287 [Kennedale Parkway] across from Kennedale Junior High [the Kennedale Administration Annex]. The first council was elected in September of 1947.
First Mayor of Kennedale, Alvin L. Bulin
The first mayor was A.L. Bulin who served from September through April 1950 and was elected to another term, April 1953 to February 1954. [B.T. Webb served as the second mayor of Kennedale from 1950-1953].
Council members, or aldermen as they were called then, included Charles Leroy Cooper, Jeff Garrett, W.W. Davis, J.L. Knox and James A. Arthur
first fire department …
In 1949, a volunteer fire department was the ?hot? topic of discussion. At that time the basic concept of a county wide firefighting association was formed.
First firetruck purchased originally for $600
March 30, 1950, the first officers of the Kennedale Fire Department were elected. A.S. Flake was chosen as President with W.W. Gillespie as Vice President, H.C. Evans as Secretary and D.E. Evans as Treasurer. The Fire Chief was Marty Peterman and Gillespie served as Assistant Chief. B.T. Webb was the Recorder and the Chaplain was Rev. Dewald. Captains were Doug Cooper and L.F. Johnson and Junior Sponsor was Bill Cromer.
The Kennedale Ambulance Squad first came into being in 1976, sponsored by the Fire Department. During the late 70?s and early 80?s service was provided by Mid Cities according to articles in the Kennedale News. The articles indicated some disagreement over the response time, so eventually a local ambulance squad was re-established.
demand for water and sewage led the way …
Kennedale was also suffering growing pains in the water and sewer department.
Freese & Nichols Engineers were hired to create plans and specifications for a water system in 1950. In 1951, a resolution was passed to issue $65,000 in bonds for a waterworks system. A contract was let May 8, 1952 for $13,508 to drill a city well. The contract price for construction of the waterworks system was $82,058.17.
The first steel water tower, holding 50,000 gallons, was erected in 1952. The first water deposit was $5.00 and was paid by Mayor A.L. Bulin. The water rate was $3.50 for up 2,500 gallons, with the next 2,000 costing $.60 per 1,000. Water usage over 4,500 gallons cost. $.50 per 1,000 gallons.
Freeze and Nichols designed the city?s first sewer system in 1959. Connection were being made in 1961.with government comes taxes …
The tax rate in Kennedale in 1956 was $.75 per $100 of valuation and escalated to its highest ($1.35) in 1971. [current rate is $.77 rounded].
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