The Forney City Council Workshop held on July 21, 2025, focused on addressing the significant growth and corresponding strain on city services, particularly in the areas of public safety and infrastructure. The meeting began with a discussion on the doubling of city services since 2015, highlighting the urgent need for a flexible framework to accommodate ongoing development.

Chief Floyd provided an overview of the police department's current capacity challenges, noting that the existing facility, built in 2009, is projected to reach maximum capacity by 2028. The staffing study indicated a need for 111 personnel by that time, which exceeds the building's capacity of 101. Chief Floyd emphasized the necessity for expansion, citing a budget request of approximately $2.4 million for 2026 to address these issues.

The fire department's Chief Holcomb also addressed the increasing response times due to traffic and the need for additional fire stations to maintain service quality. He noted that the city must add three new stations to keep up with the rising demand, particularly as the ISO rating impacts insurance costs for residents. The discussion included the Emergency Service District's (ESD) role in funding and building new stations, with the ESD currently covering 50% of the fire budget.

Council members raised concerns about the strategic placement of new fire stations, considering both city limits and the ESD's plans for expansion. The ESD is looking to build four to five stations to serve areas outside city limits, which will complement the city's efforts to enhance public safety infrastructure.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of proactive planning to address the city's growth and the associated demands on public services. The council acknowledged the need for clear communication with residents regarding the implications of these developments on their budgets and safety. Future discussions will focus on finalizing plans for new facilities and ensuring adequate staffing to meet the community's needs.