SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 239
WHEREAS, Proud residents of Rockwall County are gathering
in Austin on February 23 and 24, 2015, to celebrate Rockwall
County Days at the State Capitol; and
WHEREAS, Situated on the gently rolling Blackland Prairie
of North Texas, the region was inhabited by Caddo and Cherokee
Indians before the first European resident, John O. Heath,
settled on the East Fork of the Trinity River in 1846; Rockwall
County was established in 1873, taking its name from an
underground rock formation discovered by farmers who were
digging a well; and
WHEREAS, The smallest county in Texas but the fastest
growing, Rockwall County today boasts a population of more than
81,000 people who are committed to economic development while
maintaining their bustling downtowns and small-community feel; and
WHEREAS, The town of Rockwall, designated as a Main Street
City in 2009, is dedicated to preserving its heritage and its
pleasant, family-friendly atmosphere as its population continues
to grow; the city's Historic Preservation Advisory Board has
worked with residents and civic leaders to develop a preservation
plan for the Old Town Rockwall Historic District, which helps the
district to remain the vibrant heart of the city; and
WHEREAS, Residents of Heath enjoy the rustic beauty of a
spectacular lakeside setting, soaring property values, and low tax
rates; the community is further strengthened by superior public
schools and by recent commercial and professional development,
including the Baylor Family Medical Center at Rockwall; and
WHEREAS, Fate is one of the fastest-growing cities in the
state, with a population that rose from 497 to 6,357, or 1,179
percent, between 2000 and 2010; in 2008, the city's voters passed
a home-rule charter by an overwhelming majority; and
WHEREAS, Looking to the future with a strong chamber of
commerce that supports local businesses, Royse City, too, is
making it a priority to maintain a small-town way of life; it was
designated as a Main Street City in 2008, and it has established a
Heritage Preservation Committee and ordinance and design
guidelines in order to revitalize the historical district; and
WHEREAS, Positive change and preparation for the years
ahead are also taking place in the City of McLendon-Chisholm, a
town that was formed from two of the oldest area communities,
both of which date back to the mid-1800s; and
WHEREAS, Mobile City is the county's newest incorporated
town and its smallest, with 188 residents according to the 2010
Census; additionally, it has the highest population density of
any town in Texas; and
WHEREAS, Characterized by remarkably public-spirited and
engaged citizens, and able to boast a 74 percent turnout for the
November 2012 election, the county benefits from Leadership
Rockwall County, and members of the Class of 2013, as well as the
program's alumni, merit special commendation for all they are
doing to promote a high quality of life in their region; and
WHEREAS, Rockwall County is an exceptional place to live,
work, and raise a family, and this occasion provides a fitting
opportunity to honor its citizens for their contributions to the
history and prosperity of the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 84th
Legislature, hereby recognize February 23 and 24, 2015, as Rockwall
County Days at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting
delegation best wishes for a memorable and enjoyable visit.
Hall
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 23, 2015.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate