PUBLIC NOTICE

Texoma Council of Governments has recently received a Contract award from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs for the Weatherization Assistance Program.  Accordingly, Texoma Council of Governments seeks to contract with a qualified contractor, registered to work in the State of Texas.

A bid packet is available for download here or by contacting the individual listed below.

Texoma Council of Governments must receive proposals no later than 3:00p CST, October 17, 2024 to be considered.  Bids received late or incomplete will not be considered.  Texoma Council of Governments reserves the right to negotiate with any and all individuals or contractors that submit proposals, as per the Texas Professional Services Procurement Act and the Uniform Grant and Contract Management Standards.

CoServ Donates to TCOG’s Utility Assistance Program

SHERMAN, FEBRUARY 27, 2023 –

Judy Fullylove, Energy Services Director of Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG) accepted a donation of $3,500.00 from the CoServ Charitable Foundation. Jennifer Ebert, Outreach Coordinator for CoServ presented the check to Fullylove during a meeting in Denton.

“The CoServ Foundation partnered with Texoma Council of Governments in 2017 and has provided a total of $79,038.85 in grant funding to TCOG in the last six years,” said Fullylove.

The funds will be used to provide utility assistance to CoServ members and customers for electricity, natural gas, and water. Visit TCOG’s website: www.tcog.com/energy/apply for qualifications.

The Texoma Council of Governments is a voluntary association of the local governments in Cooke, Fannin and Grayson counties. Established in 1968, Texoma Council of Governments promotes economy and efficiency in the coordinated planning and development of the tri-county region through its community and economic development activities. Both directly and through contractors, the Council provides housing, utility assistance, and weatherization services for low-income citizens in the region and assists the elderly through a variety of Area Agency on Aging programs. The Council also facilitates the delivery of grant funding for homeland security and criminal justice.

$4 Million in Utility Relief Available for Eligible Families through ARPA

American Rescue Plan Act funding provides relief for Texoma residents

SHERMAN, NOVEMBER 17, 2021 – Eric M. Bridges, Executive Director of Texoma Council of Governments announced today the acceptance of $4.2 million in federal funds for households affected by COVID-19 provided through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). “This emergency funding is specifically designed to assist low income households meet their immediate energy needs,” stated Mr. Bridges. “When combined with complementary supportive services, these funds will help transition clients beyond their crisis situations.”

The American Rescue Plan was passed into law in March of 2021 to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, provide direct relief to Americans and repair the economy.

“The new American Rescue Plan funds will benefit families who have recently been affected by Coronavirus through infection, unpaid leave of absences and those impacted from lingering long-term symptoms from the virus,” stated Judy Fullylove, TCOG’s Energy Services Director. “There are many people who are not aware of these resources who may qualify for relief.”

TCOG’s utility assistance program includes the co-payment of utilities for a specific period of time while learning ways to conserve energy. Services also include a case management program with the goal of transitioning families off welfare by providing assistance with the cost of expenses such as education, training and other necessary supplies and supportive series.

Households that are income eligible may receive utility assistance with electric, natural gas or propane bills for as long as funds are available. Applicants must be a resident of Collin, Cooke, Denton, Fannin, Grayson, Hunt, or Rockwall counties. If you are not a resident of one the listed counties, contact your local Community Action Agency (CAA) to find out whether emergency assistance funds are available.

For more information and to view eligibility requirements for this program, please click here.

The Texoma Council of Governments is a voluntary association of the local governments in Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson Counties. Established in 1968, the Texoma Council of Governments promotes economy and efficiency in the coordinated planning and development of the tri-county region through its community and economic development activities. Either directly, or through contractors, the Council provides housing, utility assistance, and weatherization services for low-income citizens in the region and assists the elderly through a variety of Area Agency on Aging programs. The Council also facilitates the delivery of grant funding for homeland security and criminal justice.

To see if you qualify, go to www.tcog.com/energy/apply

Denison, Texas –  The Grayson College Center for Workplace Learning has set Sunday, October 25th as the scholarship application deadline for full-tuition scholarships for two of its essential healthcare certificate programs. Scholarship funding is available thanks to an on-going grant from the Texas Workforce Commission’s Skills Development Fund COVID-19 Special Initiative program. These scholarships are intended to assist individuals and employers by providing the training needed to quickly enter the workforce in the essential healthcare industry.

“Grayson College is excited about working with the Texas Workforce Commission to use COVID-19 Special Initiative funds to provide no-cost, high-value training to our community,” GC President Dr. Jeremy McMillen said. “This funding allows us to make vital training in these high-demand occupations available to even more students, meet local employers’ needs, and support the economy across Texoma.”

Scholarships are available for Spring 2021 Patient Care Technician and Pharmacy Technician training programs. These essential training programs begin as soon as January 19, 2021. Scholarships will also be available for the Certified Nurse Aide program with an application period expected to open in March 2021.

All training will be held using a hybrid model. Most coursework will be completed online with limited in-person classes to fulfill the required skills portions of the training. GC is following strict health and safety protocols for any in-person training, including temperature checks and the requirement for students and staff to wear masks.

To date, 93 students have benefited from the Skills Development Fund COVID-19 Special Initiative scholarships. Those receiving the full-tuition scholarship receive job search assistance as a complement to the training.

Prospective students interested in the no-cost training can learn more and access the scholarship application at grayson.edu/cwl or by calling the Center for Workplace Learning at (903) 463-8765.

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Please reach out to Center for Workplace Learning Director of Advising and Outreach Marlene Phillips with any questions – 903.463.8752 or phillipsm@grayson.edu.

Enrollment in Texas Electricity Relief Program Nears its End, Additional Help is Available

Texans in need of assistance to pay their electricity bills should act now

SHERMAN, TEXAS, August 6, 2020 – The window is closing for Texans experiencing economic hardship due to COVID-19 to enroll in the state’s Electricity Relief Program. This program has been available since March 26, but only a small percentage of electricity customers have taken advantage of the benefits.

For Texans who miss the deadline to enroll, or need help beyond the state program’s scheduled end date, there is additional bill assistance available.

Many people aren’t aware that Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG) receives federal LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program) funding to distribute to low-income families for energy expenses. Right now, because of the ongoing pandemic, an additional $94 million in funding is available to Texans through the CARES Act. People living in Collin, Cooke, Fannin, Denton, Hunt, Grayson & Rockwall counties can apply for assistance by downloading an application from TCOG’s website at www.tcog.com/energy/apply. Anyone interested in applying for assistance can also request an application be mailed to them by calling (903) 813-3541 option 2, or toll-free at (800) 677-8264 ext. 3541. Due to the increased requests for assistance, it may take up to twenty-eight (28) business days to process an application upon receipt.

“The impact from COVID-19 has been felt by everyone, but it is especially difficult for low-income households already facing economic insecurities. TCOG is positioned to help individuals and families find relief from the burden of higher energy costs – particularly during summer months when the demand is higher,” stated Sean Norton, Public Information & Media Manager at TCOG, adding, “TCOG also offers assistance with gas & propane bills.”

Additionally, as Texans spend increased amounts of time at home during the hottest months of the year, energy savings can be found with these simple tips:

• Don’t turn off your air conditioner. Set your thermostat at 78° or higher.
• Use fans when you’re in the room. Ceiling fans and box fans can help keep you cool and use considerably less energy than your air conditioner.
• Install storm or thermal windows and doors or double-paned glass. A less expensive alternative is plastic sheeting, which can be temporarily fastened over doors and windows to retain cool air.
• Clean your dryer lint filter after every load.

For additional information about the help that is available for low-income households beyond the state’s Electricity Relief Program, contact TCOG’s Energy Services Department at (903) 813-3541.

“TCOG’s goal is to improve quality of life. We believe that we can and will help build better lives through programs such as these and the other services we offer,” Norton said.

The Texoma Council of Governments is a voluntary association of the local governments in Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson counties. Established in 1968, Texoma Council of Governments promotes economy and efficiency in the coordinated planning and development of the tri-county region through its community and economic development activities. Both directly and through contractors, the Council provides housing, utility assistance, and weatherization services for low-income citizens in the region and assists the elderly through a variety of Area Agency on Aging programs. The Council also facilitates the delivery of grant funding for homeland security and criminal justice.

Texoma Council of Governments will conduct a public election for a low-income representative from GRAYSON COUNTY to serve on the Community Services Advisory Council.

The public election will be held at Texoma Council of Governments, 1117 Gallagher Dr., Sherman, TX 75090 on Tuesday, June 30, at 11:30 am.

The primary function of the Community Services Advisory Council is to participate in the development, planning, implementation and evaluation of programs designed to serve low-income communities.

Eligible candidates must reside in GRAYSON COUNTY, and receive social services such as but not limited to: utility assistance, food stamps, food pantries, public housing or rent assistance OR work for a social service agency that serves low-income clientele.

An application and job description can be obtained by contacting Judy Fullylove, Energy Services Director at (903) 813-3537 or by email jfullylove@tcog.com.

Applications must be received by Friday, June 26, 2020.

Eligible candidates will be placed on a ballot and will be elected by a simple majority of participants in attendance using the log-in or dial-in information provided below.

Interested parties are encouraged to participate. Persons with disabilities who may need auxiliary aids or services are requested to contact Judy Fullylove, (903) 813-3537 two (2) weekdays prior to the election to ensure appropriate arrangements are made.

Poverty-Sector Election Log-in or Dial-in Information

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87544642478?pwd=OVJmSSsrVFZBaGxpTVk0WHBvN3BKQT09
Meeting ID: 875 4464 2478
Password: 822850
One tap mobile: +13126266799,,87544642478#,,1#,822850# US (Chicago)

Dial by your location:
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)

TXU Energy is here to help and is offering additional flexibility during these uncertain times. Please call TXU Energy at (800) 242-9113 so they can work with you on a longer-term payment plan and make sure your service continues uninterrupted.

If you’ve recently filed for unemployment, you may qualify for the State of Texas COVID-19 Electricity Relief Program that will help keep your power on. Apply by calling the Texas Lifeline at 866-454-8387 If you receive SNAP or Medicaid, you’re automatically enrolled and do not need to call.

This is not a forgiveness program.

This is a relief program. Customers will still have a bill to pay but will not be disconnected. Utility customers will be encouraged to setup a payment plan. Additionally, customers are encouraged to seek help through the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) and other community partners if available. To apply for assistance through the CEAP program administered by TCOG, visit www.tcog.com/energy/apply.

Learn more about the state’s program at txu.com/relief.