Garland City Council interviews Tom Jeffries for Texas Municipal Power Agency Board position

The Garland City Council held a work session on July 7, 2025, primarily focused on interviewing candidates for appointment to the Texas Municipal Power Agency (TMPA) Board. The session was structured to allow candidates to present their qualifications and answer questions from council members, emphasizing the importance of understanding TMPA's mission rather than discussing its current activities.

The first candidate, Tom Jeffries, introduced himself, highlighting his extensive experience in Garland since 1968, including roles on the city council and the TMPA board. He explained that TMPA was established in response to a natural gas crisis in the 1970s and has since transitioned from operating a lignite plant to focusing on power distribution. Currently, TMPA manages approximately 300 circuit miles of high-voltage power lines and 12 substations, serving the cities of Garland, Bryan, Denton, and Greenville.

Council members questioned Jeffries about his understanding of TMPA's mission and how he would ensure Garland's interests are represented in discussions while fostering regional cooperation. Jeffries emphasized the importance of knowledge about TMPA's goals and the objectives of the other member cities. He noted that Garland holds a significant stake in TMPA, owning about 47% of the agency while having a 25% representation on the board.

The council also inquired about the responsibilities of a TMPA board member, to which Jeffries responded that there is a fiduciary duty to TMPA, alongside a commitment to represent Garland's interests effectively. This dual responsibility is crucial for balancing the needs of the agency with those of the city.

The session underscored the importance of selecting a candidate who can navigate the complexities of municipal energy delivery while advocating for Garland's needs within the broader regional framework. The council's decision on the appointment will have implications for the city's energy strategy and its collaboration with neighboring municipalities.