Crowley residents who fail to appear in court for a complaint or citation will not be able to renew their driver’s license under a new plan approved by Crowley City Council members.

At its regular meeting March 4, the Crowley City Council unanimously approved a measure authorizing the city to join the Texas Department of Public Safety Failure to Appear program.

According to city documents, the municipal court will turn over all cases where a defendant fails to appear for a complaint or citation, or when a defendant fails to pay or satisfy a judgement ordering payment of a fine and costs.

Cases that are turned over to the program will be transferred electronically to OmniBase Services of Texas, a third party contracted by DPS to run the program.

OmniBase notifies DPS to put a flag on the defendant’s driver’s license, forcing defendants to appear or satisfy their judgement with the court before they can renew a driver’s license.

Defendants will pay an addition $30 that is attached to their case, of which $4 would be returned to the city.

City officials said the cost to install the program would be $210, and OmniBase would supply the software and training.

City officials said a survey of area court administrators highly recommended the program, and more than 684 cities participate in the program.

The council tabled consideration of a measure that would allow camping in public parks if a special event permit were obtained.

The Celebration of Freedom Committee was approached by the Crowley Youth Association, which proposed a BBQ cook-off to be held in conjunction with the celebration on July 10. Participating teams would need to spend the night at the park by teams.

Members were concerned about allowing camping in parks close to residential areas.

“We don’t need camping in our parks,” said Councilman Beau Yarborough. “We don’t need people in tents and RVs.”

Councilman Jim Hirth was concerned that making an exception for the cook-off would bring out other groups wishing to camp in Crowley’s public parks, causing maintenance problems for the city.

“Once you open it up, you open it up,” he said.

Council members also tabled a measure allowing the Crowley Area Chamber of Commerce to lease city-owned property at 201 North Hampton Rd. for its new headquarters while contractual details are worked out between the two parties.

In other business, the council approved appointments to the Crowley Economic Development Board of Directors.

Officials said there was one opening available on the board and those interested in participating should contact City Secretary Angela Winkle.

Upcoming election

City officials announced that Mayor Billy Davis filed for reelection and Jerry Beck filed for the place 3 position.

Place 2 Councilman Jesse Johnson announced earlier he would run for reelection for his post.

City Secretary Angela Winkle said the last day for filing was March 8 and that names would be drawn for ballot placement that evening.

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