A crew from Apex Geoscience takes a core sample from Main Street. The samples collected were approximately six inches in diameter and four feet deep. They were taking using a pressurized stamping process - rather than circular rotations - so the sample layers were not compromised. To get to the bottom of Bullard's troubles with city streets, first the city has to get to the bottom of the streets. Apex Geoscience has taken four core samples along Main Street, to see what lies beneath.

City streets are a major concern for Larry Morgan, city manager. Morgan said the city is in the beginning stages of an assessment that should determine where the most work is needed to improve streets in Bullard.

Morgan said the core samples collected show loose impediments in the first six inches. Not what the city wanted to find.

Tim Capps, city engineer, has indicated to Morgan that another overlay will not cut it this time around. It is likely that Main street will have to be completely replaced, starting from scratch.

In addition to road improvements, Morgan expects to go to city council this month and recommend that the city add curb and gutter improve- ments to Main Street.

Morgan said new subdivisions are required to curb and gutter and the city should do the same.

"How can we expect someone else to adhere to our ordinance, if we don't?" Morgan asked.

So far the city has ordered a saw to make cuts in Bullard's streets to make proper repairs. A timeline for major street renovations is not yet in place.

While making smaller repairs such as pot holes. crews will also be stabilizing aintersections where corners have been repeatedly cut

A budget has not yet been worked out, but Morgan said fixing Main Street could cost as much as $800,000. The city is in the process of approving and interlocal agreement with Smith County, for the purchase of materials as well as the in-kind donation of man hours and equipment.collected