Bonham meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Bonham council weighs tax rate increase, rental housing rules; minutes pending

Bonham city officials held several meetings in mid-August covering the proposed fiscal year 2026-27 budget, a property tax rate increase, rental housing registration, and a new economic development program. Minutes from these meetings have not yet been published, so no official decisions are known at this time.

Budget and tax rate

The City Council called two special meetings to consider the upcoming budget and tax rate. On August 14, a public hearing was proposed for the FY 2026-27 operating budget. The plan would raise the tax rate from $0.539303 to $0.660000 per $100 of valuation. For a median-value homestead, the tax bill would rise from $1,127 to $1,379. The median homestead taxable value is estimated at $209,004.

On August 17, the council held another special meeting to consider Ordinance 1511, which would adopt and levy the 2026 ad valorem tax rate of $0.6600 per $100 of assessed value. The ordinance also provides for an interest and sinking fund for outstanding debt and sets due dates, penalties, and interest. Both meetings included public comment periods.

Rental housing and PACE program

At its regular August 10 meeting, the council was scheduled to consider an ordinance amending Chapter 3 of the city code to add rental housing registration and inspection regulations. The agenda also included a public hearing and resolution to establish a PACE program with Texas PACE Authority, plus a services agreement for the authority to administer it. PACE programs typically allow property owners to finance energy improvements through a special assessment.

The council also considered an ordinance to amend Chapter 6 to set fees for collecting unpaid municipal liens, and a resolution to approve a contingent fee contract with Perdue Brandon for delinquent lien collection.

Comprehensive plan workshop

On August 10, the City Council and Planning & Zoning Commission held a joint workshop to discuss the RCP Comprehensive Plan. The agenda included a review of community survey results, identification of preliminary goal areas, and an overview of upcoming public engagement activities. No formal action was taken at this workshop.

BEDCO meeting

The Bonham Economic Development Corporation Board met on August 17. The agenda included the FY 2026-27 annual budget, a public hearing on a performance agreement for Project Grande, awarding a bid for the South Hwy 121 Gateway Sign project, and renewing contracts with Placer.ai and Cooksey Communications. The board also planned to discuss real property, legal matters, and economic development negotiations in executive session.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are listed for the next two weeks. Residents should check the city's official website for any newly announced meetings or updated minutes.

This report is based solely on official agendas and notices. Minutes have not yet been published, so the outcomes of these meetings are not yet known.

Bonham council sets $0.66 tax rate ceiling, schedules budget and tax hearings

The Bonham City Council voted unanimously to set a tax rate ceiling of $0.66 per $100 of taxable value for fiscal year 2026-2027 and scheduled public hearings for the budget and tax rate. The 7-0 vote came during a budget workshop on August 5.

Budget and tax rate

The ceiling of $0.66 per $100 valuation is the maximum rate the council can adopt. The council scheduled a public hearing and budget approval for August 14, and a public hearing and tax rate approval for August 17. Both hearings will be held at Bonham City Hall.

The proposed budget for FY 2026-2027, which the council will consider on August 14, includes a tax rate increase from $0.539303 to $0.660000 per $100 of valuation. According to the agenda, the median homestead tax bill would rise from $1,127 to $1,379, based on a median taxable value of $209,004.

On August 17, the council will hold a public hearing and consider Ordinance 1511, which would adopt the 2026 ad valorem tax rate of $0.6600 per $100 of assessed value. The ordinance also provides for an interest and sinking fund for outstanding debt and sets due dates, penalties, and interest.

Other recent meetings

The council and Planning & Zoning Commission held a joint workshop on August 10 to discuss the RCP Comprehensive Plan. The agenda included a review of community survey results, small-group discussions on priorities, and an overview of upcoming public engagement activities. No formal action was taken.

The council also held a regular meeting on August 10. Minutes have not yet been published. Agenda items included a proposed ordinance to add rental housing registration and inspection regulations, a public hearing and resolution to establish a PACE program with Texas PACE Authority, and a resolution to approve a contingent fee contract with Perdue Brandon for delinquent municipal lien collection. A site plan for a property on Chestnut Street and budget direction for FY 2026-2027 were also on the agenda.

Coming up

• **City Council** – August 17, special called meeting: public hearing and possible approval of Ordinance 1511 adopting the 2026 tax rate of $0.6600 per $100 valuation. Citizen comment periods are included.
• **Bonham Economic Development Corporation (BEDCO)** – August 17: the board will consider approving the FY 2026-2027 annual budget, award a bid for the South Hwy 121 Gateway Sign project, and renew contracts with Placer.ai and Cooksey Communications. A public hearing on a performance agreement for Project Grande is also scheduled.

Bonham councils and commissions convened July 13–16; outcomes not yet available

Bonham's City Council, a tax-increment reinvestment zone board, and the Planning and Zoning Commission all met between July 13 and July 16, 2026. Agendas for each session have been published, but minutes have not, so no vote tallies, dollar amounts, or final outcomes can be reported from the record yet.

City Council — July 13

The Bonham City Council agenda listed several land and finance items:

• A resolution creating the Legacy Ridge Public Improvement District under Chapter 372.
• Continuation of a public hearing and possible adoption of an ordinance designating Reinvestment Zone Number Four, including a board and tax increment fund.
• Adoption of an ordinance approving bylaws for Reinvestment Zone Number Three and an agreement with Fannin County.
• A public hearing and possible ordinance to annex 25.320+ acres near US Highway 82 and Country Club Road. The listed applicant is MMS Bonham Partnership LLC.
• A possible resolution approving a Service Agreement for municipal services for the same 25.320+ acres.
• Consideration of a resolution establishing a PACE program.

Because minutes are not yet published, it is not known which items were approved, tabled, or rejected.

Reinvestment Zone Number Three board — July 13

The Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Number Three board agenda included:

• Approval of bylaws for the Zone.
• Appointment of a board member to serve as Chair.
• Adoption of a resolution approving a Participation Agreement with Fannin County.
• Approval of the Final Project and Finance Plan for the Zone.

No vote tallies or appointments are available in the record.

Planning and Zoning Commission — July 16

The Planning and Zoning Commission agenda listed approval of the June 18, 2026 minutes, a citizen comment period, and one substantive item:

• Site plan review for Lot 4, Block A of the Horse Apple Addition (Property ID 119761). The listed applicant is Citadel Development Services, LLC.

The agenda notes the commission would discuss and possibly act on the site plan. The outcome is not yet in the record.

Coming up

• **July 20 — Bonham Economic Development Corporation Board.** The agenda includes acknowledging June 2026 financial reports, a presentation on a Downtown Renovation Grant for 308 N Main St presented by Chad Lipscomb, and discussion and possible action on the FY 2026–2027 Bonham EDC Annual Budget. The board is also scheduled to meet in executive session on real-property transactions, attorney consultation, economic-development negotiations, and grant applications for 407 E Sam Rayburn Dr (Bonham Custom Memorials) and 112 E Sam Rayburn Dr (Preston Blackmon).

Residents seeking confirmed outcomes from the July 13 and July 16 meetings should watch for the official minutes, which are the authoritative record once published.