The Decatur City Council convened on June 9, 2025, under the leadership of Mayor Mike McQuiston, who confirmed a quorum was present. The meeting commenced with a moment of silence followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
The first agenda item was a public hearing regarding the 2024 annual drinking water quality report. Lisa Hannan, the city’s planning director, presented the report, confirming that there were no violations in the previous year. The council received no public comments on this topic, and the hearing was closed shortly thereafter.
Next, the council addressed a request to replat approximately 13.799 acres of property owned by Crossroads Church for expansion purposes. Hannan explained that the replatting was necessary to relocate a utility easement and to accommodate new walkways and improvements to the detention area. The Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended approval, and after a brief discussion, the council unanimously approved the replat.
The council then discussed naming the pavilion at Lou Ida Willis Park in honor of Mike Bell, a respected community member who had recently passed away. The proposal received strong support from council members, and a motion to name the pavilion the Mike Bell Memorial Pavilion was passed unanimously.
Following this, the council reviewed an agreement with Fiber First to provide dedicated high-speed internet services to City Hall and the City Hall Annex. The agreement, which would cost $18.46 per month for both facilities, was approved after a motion was made and seconded.
The council also considered a resolution to apply for a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation for the Safe Streets for All program. The grant could provide up to $525,000 for developing an action plan, with the city responsible for a 20% match. The council voted in favor of moving forward with the application.
Another grant proposal was discussed, aimed at solid waste disposal through the North Central Texas Council of Governments. This grant would help fund an air curtain burner to manage storm debris more efficiently. The council approved the resolution to apply for this grant as well.
Lastly, the council deliberated on increasing the property tax exemption for residents aged 65 and older from $25,000 to $30,000. While some council members expressed concerns about the budget implications, others advocated for the increase, emphasizing the financial strain on fixed-income residents. After thorough discussion, the council agreed to consider the ordinance for the increased exemption, recognizing the need for further evaluation before finalizing any decisions.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to revisit the tax exemption proposal and other budgetary considerations in future sessions, ensuring that the needs of the community remain a priority.