[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6543142,"mediaKeyId","3693369-dae08835a9eacbe3d0dea64063459709","parentId",3693369,"title","Fire chief urges two firefighter-paramedics, highlights staffing strain and Station 2 planning","audioSeconds",952,"startMs",5503000,"endMs",6455000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3693369-dae08835a9eacbe3d0dea64063459709&start=5503&end=6455","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3693369-dae08835a9eacbe3d0dea64063459709/thumbnail_5503000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6543142/Decatur/Wise-County/Texas/Fire-chief-urges-two-firefighter-paramedics-highlights-staffing-strain-and-Station-2-planning","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6543142-0665630fd0953a1052c157e750fe802d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770565392&Signature=R8-Dinbe7SUuWegDWT20xM8hz2AAndTT1t5SyH97sy9oa1U1OPgpM4V8po0R6xVXiAj7~sKjpRWTVgTcign72NLhkPuVW22O29xL8JHyqDkezYKbXs81snTpGZzYXZUIOWa1cPZN6sKOh0vv-kXUm95YShTZEOMLhRCI7tIbe71OuN2d9HlVnzBKFjp-7QXdGONAuLGk~X3k6Nt0Bw7Q6kVDm5e4BniN1XnL74GdNFijLeLBJV7eYaBTnGThvT0vxovOxupyryWb8Sxz9GjurNUoLhbir7PGRgyBjJQvw-SMb7~8hxSPgdeWjRk9DiKm2lX~6uXQ3VXXOpWkKBCnCw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Decatur","date","2025-06-06T00:00:00Z","article","The Decatur Fire Department told the council it is operating under persistent staffing stress that threatens staff wellbeing and response capacity as the city grows.

The fire chief said the department’s “standard” staffing target is five personnel on duty daily, but that the department operates below the standard about 60% of the time and frequently resorts to mandated overtime, part-time coverage and reassignment to meet the workload. The chief reported monthly workers’ compensation cases this year and that accumulated denied vacation and holiday-hours exposures will result in substantial use-it-or-lose-it leave at year end.

EMS calls account for roughly half of Decatur Fire’s workload, the chief said, and overlapping incidents have created coverage gaps: in 2024 the department ran about 2,745 total incidents, and the chief cited 764 overlapping calls in a recent period that stretched available units. The department also pointed to state and ISO inspection standards (NFPA/TCFP/ISO criteria that inform staffing expectations and insurance grading) to frame operational risk if staffing remains constrained.

To start addressing capacity, the chief requested funding for two firefighter-paramedic positions in FY2026 and described progress on Station 2 planning: site closing for the new station, a two-story main station with a small auxiliary pre‑engineered building for storage and an SCBA repair room, and a training tower built into the design. The chief estimated capital and staffing needs will continue as Station 2 is developed and stressed the importance of phasing budgets so the existing station’s staffing and safety are not left behind.

Training, PPE, SCBA maintenance, and recurring education costs were also detailed; the chief said the department had invested in paramedic training partnerships to reduce tuition costs for staff. The department asked council to consider the FY2026 personnel additions as an initial step, while continuing capital work on Station 2 and planning for operations and training facilities.

No vote was taken at the meeting; councilmembers thanked department leaders for the briefing and asked follow-up questions about the enclosure, tower and timeline for land closing and guaranteed maximum price for the station design.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Decatur - City Council Budget Workshop - Jun 06, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Decatur Fire Department reported frequent short staffing, rising EMS calls and ongoing workers’ compensation absences; chief requested two firefighter-paramedics to sustain ALS service and outlined Station 2 site, training-tower and storage plans tied to a long-term capital schedule.","taxTitle","Decatur, Wise County, Texas","taxId",52370,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6543147,"Police seek 11 officers, four dispatchers and facility funding as calls surge",357,1937000,2294000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3693369-dae08835a9eacbe3d0dea64063459709&start=1937&end=2294","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3693369-dae08835a9eacbe3d0dea64063459709/thumbnail_1937000.jpg","/articles/6543147/Decatur/Wise-County/Texas/Police-seek-11-officers-four-dispatchers-and-facility-funding-as-calls-surge","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6543147-b47afd0ca62178d13f3665564993b42e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770565392&Signature=miERYp62Gh5OY8tSKrHKt9JlBsIgAZwAQff4wjQ98q3GeP31kc8XPfU9GNBXdRXTzJrEq-SO0E~miY6N2VXtJRKBu~-w~aeYHComB05RSOd4WEFLblX1Ccfi3IZTQajFR5QiOt7jPcL4pfKPy6mTw6usqMaRJEVjHFtrvPQ6e2~d1IYSp3QtLdaoot-cU2vHZ1tv6fE74qH~VjEsdPEX744GCuHCnCJQbLPjaI50Hn~yDI5Fe~v0QQ4nUG0py~t4AhTnmlrbDI3n1TH~p2tfP~as58i82c50tRKN8wl1ubqcjBX4BcseweBYBRo~qNxljxxFQnaEMVk0vUD~t~sWgQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Decatur Police Department presented a multi-part FY2026 request that centers on personnel increases to respond to rapidly rising calls for service and persistent minimum-staffing shortfalls.

A department representative told the council the department’s overtime and minimum staffing challenges are driven by recent growth and a strong local development pipeline. The presenter said call volume rose from about 16,000 annual calls three years ago to 38,000 in 2024 and is on track for about 42,000 in 2025. The department reported 32 sworn officers on the roster, with 16 assigned to patrol.

To address workload and reduce reliance on forced overtime, the department proposed adding 11 new sworn officers (starting pay listed in the presentation as $62,000), four additional communications personnel (dispatch), and a full‑time receptionist. The presenter said the salary cost for the new positions would total about $924,000; equipment and recurring costs (uniform allotments, vehicle leases, ammunition, software maintenance and subscriptions for the new building) were shown separately. The department estimated vehicle leasing costs at roughly $23,000 per vehicle per year and noted supply-chain lead times: vehicles ordered in April last year were still being upfitted months later.

The presenter warned that the department has already exceeded its overtime budget for the current fiscal year and that mandated overtime and denied vacation requests are beginning to affect morale and retention. “When the citizens call 911, not going is not an answer,” the presenter said, explaining that short staffing has required administrators to take calls and to reassign staff frequently.

Equipment requests included funding to outfit new officers (roughly $6,800 per certified hire and about $10,000 per academy recruit), replacement of gun-mounted cameras priced in a recent bid at about $20,000 total, and increased uniform and maintenance allocations to support a planned move into a new building. The department projected the 11 new officers would require 11 leased patrol vehicles (estimated $253,000 per year in lease payments).

Council questioned timelines for hiring and vehicle availability; the presenter said certified officers can be hired and moved through a four-month field-training program, while recruits sent to academy require roughly nine months to become fully assigned. The department did not ask for immediate council action but requested that council consider the personnel and capital needs as part of the FY2026 budget process.

No votes were taken during the presentation; council members engaged with the department on vehicle lead times, overtime levels, and the department’s estimate that added patrol staffing “would theoretically cover … the next 5–6 years” of currently approved development.","Decatur Police Department requested funding for 11 new officers, four more communications staff, vehicles and uniform/equipment increases after presenting rising call volumes and minimum-staffing shortfalls.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6543152,"Decatur staff outline $242 million water and wastewater bond plan, multi‑year schedule",488,906000,1394000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3693369-dae08835a9eacbe3d0dea64063459709&start=906&end=1394","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3693369-dae08835a9eacbe3d0dea64063459709/thumbnail_906000.jpg","/articles/6543152/Decatur/Wise-County/Texas/Decatur-staff-outline-242-million-water-and-wastewater-bond-plan-multiyear-schedule","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6543152-ef0dba2bc90d61f8e4ac227dd6f94642/orig.mp4?Expires=1770565392&Signature=m1abZu1D5a9AaeOvq95AUiz3BsjBukqBw8AaZNpI8Xn6hnkFva~PUXUTRUX1oKbsF0vQHMbJlPY~q5a8G8wLIkh9PiqYuEKUyUPk1Uh9T36uEIMEUtOdIfHBkL2xwvhrx4rNys5TtVw--JLCasRe9op8RGOM1yJF5dFmtn2vl1BGbtXIEh9zt9KDkKpZ7agRAUnMhuQF3x41MzSGjMoVz0yfaWOAktAlOvcHwO5RZfRk4pqwHsArAafQly43BBfaqIjqx5lug-Bbrjg3gD5OWKIpU~MJSYwc9xkaWqpS2dpnahcrPD9iCd3gRvfG9D8G9LqStPncF1wjmowVlVytjw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff told council members that Decatur will need a major multi-year capital program to serve growth on the city’s north side and to expand drinking-water and wastewater treatment capacity.

Andrew Simonson, who briefed council on the projects and costs, described four principal elements: a new wastewater plant on a north-side greenfield site to reduce reliance on lift stations and relieve the legacy plant; approximately five miles of gravity sewer ranging roughly from 24-inch to 12-inch pipe to convey flow to the new plant; rehabilitation and minor expansion of the existing wastewater plant to address recurring rain-related stresses; and expansion of the existing water plant from about 3 million gallons per day (MGD) to 6 MGD plus the raw-water pump station and transmission line on the raw-water side.

Simonson presented updated, inflated cost estimates that total about $242 million: roughly $114 million for the new wastewater plant, $48–49 million for the water-plant expansion, and $52–53 million for legacy-plant rehabilitation (gravity sewer and other line items included in the total). He said those numbers reflect construction-cost inflation assumptions and contingencies and that final bids will be needed to fix a guaranteed maximum price.

Simonson gave a high-level schedule that assumes initial design work beginning in mid‑2025 and construction primarily in 2027–2028, with a target of spring 2029 for the new facilities to be operational. He emphasized the lead time needed for property acquisition, permitting and SCADA and operations integration: “There will be a lot of moving pieces … design, property acquisition, permitting,” he said, and warned that crews and inspectors will need to be prepared as construction ramps up.

Council members asked about how private development intersects with the plan; Simonson said a private developer (identified in the presentation as Libertas) will install a 21‑inch line through its site that will connect into the city’s planned 24‑inch transmission line, allowing the city to pick up and continue the system. He also said the city expects to abandon roughly one-third of existing lift stations (about seven to eight) once the gravity conveyance and new plant are in service, reducing operation-and-maintenance loads.

No formal action was taken; staff asked whether council wants the city to begin a bond process conversation at upcoming meetings so that the mayor and council can assess comfort with the schedule, the scale of borrowing, and revenue sources such as impact fees and water rates.","City engineers and finance staff presented a $242 million plan of water and wastewater capital projects — including a new wastewater plant, gravity sewer lines, water-plant expansion and legacy-plant rehabilitations — with a multi-year design, permitting and construction schedule targeting spring 2029 operations.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6543157,"Decatur officials outline FY2026 budget timing, tax-rate options and senior exemption discussion",0,496000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3693369-dae08835a9eacbe3d0dea64063459709&start=496&end=496","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3693369-dae08835a9eacbe3d0dea64063459709/thumbnail_496000.jpg","/articles/6543157/Decatur/Wise-County/Texas/Decatur-officials-outline-FY2026-budget-timing-tax-rate-options-and-senior-exemption-discussion","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6543157-bb36684db1b7864922c871800e820da5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770565392&Signature=cZxTY7UXoQvgxriVfvfX-L5TwY6W~qgmGE~nm67NP2HqvltJAtxIc2k3z6Zle7XuHfDKlILdtDP-T2sZV70zFSkltcwxvNC-QLky-u-hMX~g-BiAS37wjr8W72WoUWYY0aXF14yeeg014M4RwIbQOiREt3tqh6gFitVEUORhBYcC1hm2f58yYAk7k5nsBgOyd3W-dcyJchK~alBIqM8tFa00F-RYZW7dhgfJREkT9mUAbTveRshIkzYdFZw9IFiOU~FkfHhRG3hof50dLOlU5vklBu~mylkCFmfzq5nVWOPhMfnEDY9AIwkdYRAUNhJ8Zn5ZENIGL3h2XSKkZIw4Jg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Decatur’s leadership opened Budget Day with an overview of the fiscal year 2026 calendar and the tax-rate choices that will shape the coming year’s property-tax levy. City Manager Nate told the council that staff will not have final property values until “the last week in July,” and that the council must begin deliberations now to meet the city’s September budget deadlines.

The presentation explained three commonly used measures under state law: the no-new-revenue rate (last year’s levy divided by the expected total value), the no-new-revenue maintenance-and-operations rate (last year’s levy minus last year’s debt, divided by current expected value), and the voter-approval rate (maintenance-and-operations rate plus a 3.5% operations increase, plus debt). Nate also summarized the de minimis option — an additional increment that would generate about $500,000 in maintenance-and-operations revenue if adopted — and noted how different adopted rates trigger petition or election processes.

Nate said the current FY2026 forecasted taxable value for Decatur is roughly $1.455 billion, up from about $1.378 billion in 2025, and that the city’s voter-approval total tax rate under the current scenario would be about 0.55811 (39¢ for maintenance and operations, 16¢ for debt). “We won’t have hard property values until the last week in July,” he said; “if we don’t get the conversation started now, we won’t have enough time to meet our September deadlines.”

Nate walked council members through a practical example: under the illustrated voter-approval rate, a residential owner with $100,000 of taxable value would see approximately a $20 reduction in city property tax compared with last year’s payment. He also cautioned that new-construction value drives revenues and that staff has penciled in $25 million of new construction for FY2026; actual new-construction receipts could raise or lower projected revenues.

The council was also asked to consider an adjustment to the city’s age-65-and-disabled tax exemption. Staff showed a scenario increasing the exemption from $25,000 to $35,000 and estimated a levy reduction of about $120,000 for the city alongside an average taxpayer benefit of approximately $195. City staff noted that a resolution would be required and that a copy of the minutes and a resolution must be provided to the tax office before July 1 to implement a change for FY2026.

No formal action was taken; council members and staff agreed to continue budget work in upcoming meetings and to bring specific tax-rate resolutions and public-hearing scheduling to the August and September meeting dates outlined in the presentation.","City staff reviewed the FY2026 budget calendar, explained truth-in-taxation concepts including no-new-revenue, voter-approval and de minimis rates, and flagged a possible increase to the 65-and-over/disabled property-tax exemption for council consideration.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Fire chief urges two firefighter-paramedics, highlights staffing strain and Station 2 planning

Police seek 11 officers, four dispatchers and facility funding as calls surge

Decatur staff outline $242 million water and wastewater bond plan, multi‑year schedule

Decatur officials outline FY2026 budget timing, tax-rate options and senior exemption discussion