Decatur meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Decatur City Council to finalize budget, tax rate at Aug. 24 meeting

The Decatur City Council is scheduled to take final action on the city's fiscal year 2026-27 budget and a property tax rate of $0.620275 per $100 assessed value at its Aug. 24 meeting. The council will also consider annexing a 3.93-acre tract at 3260 S US Hwy 81-287 for a dealership and other items. No decisions were made at recent meetings because minutes have not yet been published.

Budget and tax rate

The council will hold a second reading on the budget ordinance (2026-08-22) and the tax rate ordinance (2026-08-23) at the Aug. 24 meeting. The proposed tax rate is $0.620275 per $100 assessed value. At its Aug. 10 meeting, the council discussed the proposed budget and tax rate and held first readings on ordinances updating the Vista Park and Paloma Trails Public Improvement Districts' service and assessment plans. No vote was taken at that meeting.

Annexation and zoning

The Aug. 24 meeting includes public hearings and first readings of ordinances to annex a 3.93-acre tract at 3260 S US Hwy 81-287, amend the Comprehensive Plan land use to Activity Center, and rezone it to Thoroughfare Business District (C-2). The property is owned by JWM Dealership Property, LLC. The council will also consider the sale of real property at 1400 North Business 287.

Police vehicle purchase

At the Aug. 10 meeting, the council considered purchasing a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox from James Wood Motors for the Police Department. The item was on the agenda but no action was taken.

Building Standards Commission

The commission met Aug. 17 to review compliance with prior orders at three properties. At 803 N. Newark Street, demolition is complete but debris removal is pending. At 302 S. Lane Street, a demolition permit was submitted but work has not started; a 90-day order expires Sept. 14, 2026. At 300 S. Houston Street, the structure was ordered demolished on July 20, 2026. The commission also discussed a damaged retaining wall at 3021 S. College Avenue and substandard structures at 204 W. Brady Street and 502 N. Newark Street.

Main Street Program

The Decatur Main Street Program Advisory Board met Aug. 19 to discuss downtown renovations and upcoming events. The board reviewed a facade grant for Anna Coker at 201 W Main, 209 W Main, and Caraway. Renovations are planned at 201 W Main (Courthouse Bar & Grill), 111 S Trinity, 103 S Trinity (Restoration Haus Expansion), 100 N Trinity (CST Renovations), and 101 S Trinity (Pocket Park- Frame). Southside repair/renovations were discussed for 201 W Walnut and The Thomas Hearth. Upcoming events include a Merchant Meeting Aug. 26, Cruise Nights Sept. 5, USA 250 Sept. 12, Mexican Independence Festival Sept. 11, Suicide Awareness Walk Sept. 15, Eighter Bike Rally Sept. 19, National Night Out Oct. 6, CASA Dash & Bash Oct. 17, GNO- PINK Oct. 22, Paint the Town Pink Oct. 23, and Swirl Nov. 7.

Water Supply District

The Wise County Water Supply District board met Aug. 19 to consider adopting the fiscal year 2026-27 budget and ad valorem tax rate. The board also considered approving minutes from July 15, 2026, and held an executive session on water line easements and pump station/pipeline easements.

Airport Advisory Board

The airport board met Aug. 20 to consider adjusting airport-related fees and approving two new forms: a Crane, Tall Equipment & Heavy Equipment Operations Request form and a Private Aircraft Self-Fueling Authorization Application form. The board also discussed north-side development and the upcoming Fly-In event.

Coming up

• **City Council** – Aug. 24: Final action on FY 2026-27 budget and tax rate, annexation and zoning for 3260 S US Hwy 81-287, and sale of property at 1400 North Business 287.

Council discusses budget, tax rate; P&Z hears dealership annexation

The Decatur City Council discussed the proposed fiscal year 2026/27 budget and property tax rate at its Aug. 10 meeting, while the Planning and Zoning Commission held public hearings Aug. 4 on annexing a 3.93-acre tract for a dealership. Minutes from both meetings have not yet been published, so no official decisions are available.

City Council

At its Aug. 10 meeting, the council held first readings of ordinances updating the service and assessment plans for the Vista Park and Paloma Trails Public Improvement Districts. It also discussed the proposed FY 2026/27 budget and property tax rate, and considered purchasing a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox from James Wood Motors for the Police Department. The consent agenda included approving July 2026 bills, meeting minutes, and right-of-way permits for Oncor, Atmos Energy, and NextLink Internet. The council also scheduled a second public hearing on the budget and tax rate.

Planning and Zoning Commission

The commission held public hearings Aug. 4 on three related items for a 3.93-acre tract at 3260 S US Hwy 81-287 owned by JWM Dealership Property, LLC. The items were annexation into the city, a comprehensive plan amendment from Agriculture and Rural Living to Activity Center, and a zoning change from ETJ to Thoroughfare Business District (C-2). Staff recommended approval. The commission also considered a preliminary plat for a 2.76-acre tract at 1105 N US Hwy 81-287, referred to as Quick Al’s Addition, Lot 1, Block 1.

Coming up

• **Building Standards Commission, Aug. 17:** Review of demolition compliance at 803 N. Newark Street, 302 S. Lane Street, and 300 S. Houston Street, plus discussion of a damaged retaining wall on South College Avenue.
• **Decatur Main Street Program Advisory Board, Aug. 19:** Discussion of downtown renovations, including facade grants and projects at 201 W Main, 111 S Trinity, and others, plus upcoming events.
• **Wise County Water Supply District, Aug. 19:** Public hearing and adoption of FY 2026-27 budget and ad valorem tax rate.
• **Airport Advisory Board, Aug. 20:** Consideration of fee adjustments and new forms for crane operations and private aircraft self-fueling.

Decatur boards set agenda on budget, code enforcement, cemetery fees; Planning & Zoning to weigh dealership annexation

Most Decatur boards and commissions met the week of July 20, but minutes have not yet been published for any of those sessions, so outcomes are not yet confirmed. The agendas show what each body planned to take up. The City Council, meanwhile, scheduled discussion of the proposed FY 2026/27 budget and property tax rate for July 27.

City Council — July 27

The Council agenda listed discussion of the proposed FY 2026/27 budget and property tax rate. Also on the agenda: a purchase contract with Honeywell / US Digital Designs for Fire Station 1 and 2 alerting systems; Ordinance 2026-07-21 to update public works review and inspection fees; a public hearing for replatting 1300 S Hatcher Street; and street closures for the Pumpkin Spice for Life 5K, Turkey Trot, Bicycle Rally, and National Night Out. Minutes were not published as of this report.

Board of Adjustment — July 20

The Board of Adjustment set a public hearing on request BOA-26-0008 from property owner Debra Jackson for 1300 S Hatcher Street. The request sought special exceptions allowing the existing house to encroach 6.0 feet into the front yard setback and 3.98 feet into the side yard setback, plus 3.0-foot and 3.1-foot encroachments beyond the 10-foot build line on East Prince Street. A variance would permit a new carport with a 5-foot front yard setback, encroaching 20 feet of the required setback. The consent agenda included approval of the June 15, 2026 BOA minutes. No vote tally is available because minutes were not published.

Building Standards Commission — July 20

The Commission agenda included consideration of a demolition order for 300 South Houston Street (Code Case #3498). Updates were listed for 803 N Newark Street (Code Case #3454), where a May 18, 2026 demolition order had been issued, and for 302 South Lane Street (Code Case #3348), which had a July 20, 2026 permit deadline. The agenda also listed discussion of hazardous conditions at 502 N Newark St (Code Case #3347) and an unsecured structure at 204 W Brady St (Code Case #3492), plus approval of the June 15, 2026 meeting minutes.

Cemetery Board — July 20

The Cemetery Board agenda included consideration of a price increase for columbarium niches, bids to repair stained glass in the Waggoner mausoleum and a door lock/gate, revisions to Cemetery Rules and Regulations regarding holiday arrangements and monument materials, action on additional monument repairs at Oak Lawn, and reports on Sand Hill cemetery surveys and cyclone fence repairs.

Parks Board — July 21

The Parks Board agenda listed development of an action plan for the City Sports Complex, a recommendation to the City Council to fill a board vacancy, a financial report on Recreation, Parkland Dedication, and Park Development funds, and an update on park crew activities from Superintendent Heath Taylor.

Airport Advisory Board — July 21

The Airport Advisory Board agenda included approval of the June 16, 2026 meeting minutes, discussion of airport safety items, an update on the Airport Fly-In Event, and review of the airport staff report.

Capital Improvements Advisory Committee — July 20

This agenda was procedural: approval of the April 6, 2026 meeting minutes and review of the City Manager Report.

Coming up

The Planning & Zoning Commission meets August 4 to hold public hearings on three related items for a 3.93-acre tract at 3260 S US Hwy 81-287 owned by JWM Dealership Property, LLC: annexation (A-26-0001), a Comprehensive Plan amendment from Agriculture/Rural Living to Activity Center (CP-26-0002), and rezoning from ETJ to Thoroughfare Business District C-2 (ZC-26-0003). Staff recommends approval. The Commission will also consider a Preliminary Plat for a 2.76-acre tract at 1105 N US Hwy 81-287 (PP-26-0002) and approve July 7, 2026 meeting minutes.

Decatur boards set July agenda: street renaming, demolition orders, cemetery fees on deck

Decatur's City Council and several advisory boards have packed agendas this month, with items ranging from a proposed street renaming to a potential demolition order. All meetings listed below are agenda-only; minutes have not yet been published, so no final actions or vote tallies are available.

City Council — July 13

The Decatur City Council is scheduled to consider renaming East Business Highway 380 to "Woodruff Way" under Ordinance 2026-07-19. The council will also take up a Specific Use Permit (SUP-26-0003) for a second carport at 600 N Trinity Street and a first reading of an ordinance updating public works review and inspection fees (Ordinance 2026-07-21). Members will discuss a petition to establish Wise County Emergency Services District No. 5, an update on statutory deadlines for the FY 2027 budget, and an executive session regarding land for the Water Plant expansion.

Planning & Zoning Commission — July 7

The Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing on RP-26-0010, a replat of Lot 1R, Block 77 at 1300 S Hatcher Street. The consent agenda included a recommendation for City Council approval of a 1.026-acre final plat in the Klement and Sunset Hill additions. Members also discussed alternate member appointments for Darlene Hilton and Francisco de Bosque and were set to approve June 2, 2026 meeting minutes. Minutes for this meeting have not been published.

Wise County Water Supply District — July 15

The district board is scheduled to receive the proposed 2026-2027 budget and discuss a proposed ad valorem tax rate for 2026/2027. Action is also listed on Amendment No. 1 to an engineering agreement with Kimley-Horn for a Raw Water Pump Station and Transmission Line. The board plans to schedule public hearings for August 19, 2026, and review June financial expenditures.

Main Street Program Advisory Board — July 15

The Main Street board is set to review the Main Street District Boundary and the Historic Overlay Boundary. Members will also discuss renovation projects at several downtown addresses: 108 W Walnut; 209 W Main (Caraway); 201 W Main (Courthouse Bar & Grill); 111 S Trinity; 103 S Trinity (Restoration Haus Expansion); 100 N Trinity (CST Renovations); and 101 S Trinity (Pocket Park-Frame). The agenda also lists discussion of community events and potential sponsorships for USA 250.

Coming up

Several boards meet July 20 and 21:

• **Board of Adjustment (July 20):** Public hearing on BOA-26-0008, a request by Debra Jackson for special exceptions and a variance at 1300 S Hatcher Street, including a 6.0-foot front yard encroachment, a 3.98-foot side yard encroachment, encroachments of 3.0 and 3.1 feet beyond the East Prince Street build line, and a variance to allow a new carport encroaching 20 feet into the required front yard setback. The board will also approve June 15, 2026 minutes.
• **Building Standards Commission (July 20):** Consideration of a demolition order for 300 South Houston Street (Code Case #3498), plus updates on 803 N Newark Street (Code Case #3454) and 302 South Lane Street (Code Case #3348), and discussion of code enforcement for 502 N Newark St (Code Case #3347) and 204 W Brady St (Code Case #3492).
• **Cemetery Board (July 20):** Consideration of a price increase for columbarium niches, bids to repair stained glass in the Waggoner mausoleum, and revisions to cemetery rules and regulations.
• **Capital Improvements Advisory Committee (July 20):** Procedural agenda; approval of April 6, 2026 minutes and City Manager Report.
• **Airport Advisory Board (July 21):** Airport safety items, an update on the Airport Fly-In Event, and the airport staff report.
• **Parks Board (July 21):** An action plan for the City Sports Complex, a recommendation to fill a board vacancy, and a financial report on Recreation, Parkland Dedication, and Park Development funds.

Because only agendas are available, outcomes for all items above are not yet known. Final actions and vote tallies will be reported once minutes are published.

Decatur Council considers street renaming, water deals; Planning Commission to hear replat request

The Decatur City Council at its June 22 meeting considered a proposal to rename a segment of East Business Highway 380 to Woodruff Way, along with two water-related agreements and several land-use requests. Minutes from the meeting have not yet been published, so official votes and outcomes are not available.

Street renaming

The council discussed renaming East Business Highway 380 to “Woodruff Way.” The agenda did not specify the affected length of roadway or the reason for the change.

Water agreements

Two water items appeared on the agenda: a new water purchase agreement with the Water District (listed as an Interlocal Cooperation Agreement for untreated water sales) and an application for financial assistance from the Texas Water Development Board. No dollar amounts were included in the posted agenda.

Land-use items

Council members considered several property-related matters:

• Annexation of a 3.943-acre tract in the H. Henderson Survey, requested by Raymond Wood.
• A Specific Use Permit for a second carport at 600 N Trinity Street.
• A right-of-way waiver request for 905 S Perrin Street.

Street closures

The council discussed approving street closures for the 5th Annual Suicide Awareness Walk, scheduled for September 15.

Commercial infill policy

An item on the agenda called for a vote on a commercial infill policy, but no details on the policy’s scope or requirements were included in the posted agenda summary.

Coming up

The Planning and Zoning Commission will meet July 7 at a time and location to be posted on the city’s agenda portal. The commission will hold a public hearing on a replat application (RP-26-0010) for Lot 1R, Block 77 at 1300 S Hatcher Street. The replat requires additional setback exceptions from the Board of Adjustments. Commissioners will also consider a consent agenda item recommending City Council approval of a final plat for a 1.026-acre tract in the Klement and Sunset Hill additions. Additionally, the board will discuss appointments for two alternate commission members to replace Darlene Hilton and Francisco de Bosque, and will vote on the minutes from its June 2 meeting.