Flat-screen TV cost city $500

The Ellis County Press

FERRIS – City officials paid $498 for the 32-inch LCD screen television displayed in city hall back in June 2007, according to financial records.

About $80 a month is divided between the police and fire department budget spent on subscription-based DirecTv satellite TV service.

City Manager David Chavez said the TV and satellite services were used mainly for weather-related purposes.

"Besides the weather, the firemen and policemen can have something to do when they are sitting around after they are done tending to or washing their trucks," Chavez.

"You know, it gives them something to do."

Officials in city hall said a $80 wall mount was returned, but it was unknown what is holding up the TV screen now.