Decatur City Council on Oct. 13 approved a package of fiscal and development actions, including a resolution to publish notice of intent to issue certificates of obligation for roughly $32.5 million, sale of two surplus city lots, and multiple second-reading ordinances and contract amendments.

The council voted to begin the formal notification process that would allow the city to issue certificates of obligation to finance public safety, water and wastewater projects. Council also approved the sale of two surplus parcels (South Hatcher/Thompson Street and East Vernon Street) to the highest cash offers presented by staff, and approved amendments and agreements related to the Paloma Trails development.

Votes at a glance

- Ordinance 2025-5934 (Second reading; annex ~4.422 acres): Motion to approve made and seconded; item passed by voice vote. (Transcript: motion at 1404.3351–1416.68.)

- Resolution R-2025-10-27 (authorize publication of notice of intent to issue certificates of obligation, not to exceed $32,500,000): Motion made on the record; passed by voice vote. Staff said funds would finance a new Fire Station No. 2, Fire Station 1 rehab, demolition and site work plus water/wastewater projects; conceptual annual payment estimated at about $2.2 million. (Motion at 3145.095–3145.595; discussion at 2840.235–3064.7249.)

- Sale of surplus real property (South Hatcher/Thompson Street and East Vernon Street): Council approved selling to the highest cash offers consistent with the city’s sale procedure. Vernon Street single offer $3,655; Hatcher/Thompson highest offer $73,007.95. (Motion at 3321.4849–3346.785; offer details at 3267.9202–3314.705.)

- Interlocal Cooperation Agreement to fund initial Decatur contribution to the West Fork Public Utility Agency (PUA): Council approved the ILA and authorized execution and payment consistent with that agreement. The ILA documents estimated Decatur’s annual share for initial due diligence at roughly $4,040,003.45 (staff recommended a not-to-exceed transfer of $41,000 for first-year cashflow; staff said the contribution is reimbursable or creditable against future PUA charges). (Presentation and motion: 3371.345–3945.945; motion at 4394.31–4416.2397.)

- Ordinance 2025-0933 (Schedule of fees; second reading): Approved. Council noted small changes from earlier reading (airport lease fee added). (Motion at 4529.61–4536.59.)

- Ordinance 2025-5932 (Subdivision ordinance amendments; second reading): Approved (adds an additional driveway/curb cut style). (Motion at 4596.5503–4602.2847.)

- Paloma Trails items: First Amendment to the professional services agreement and first amendment to the development agreement both approved; items allow pipeline installation and reflect approved design/signage changes to commercial tracts. (PSA motion at 4689.605–4715.215; development agreement motion at 4792.4–4813.82.)

- Resolution nominating Chance Overton to the Wise County Appraisal District board: Approved; staff will forward the nomination per required timelines. (Motion at 4884.945–4896.145.)

- Resolution denying proposed rate changes filed by Encore Electric: Council approved a resolution denying the requested rate increases pending legal approval; staff cited a proposed increase that would have generated substantial revenue and large percentage increases for some rate categories. (Motion at 5125.66–5132.665; briefing at 4984.4897–5099.07.)

- Contract for services with Wise County for Decatur Public Library (FY2025–26): Approved; contract value $57,062.21 to offset county resident services. (Motion at 5181.1504–5197.2646; presentation at 5143.125–5173.605.)

Other procedural items

- The council took first readings on several items that will return for final action on Oct. 27, including an ordinance to create a school zone on Mulberry Street (study and draft ordinance presented by public works consultant) and a concurrent ordinance to create the West Fork Public Utility Agency (PUA). Council also heard a first reading on amendments to minimum property standards; the building standards commission had recommended the changes. (Mulberry presentation at 2603.6401–2775.84; PUA discussion at 3371.345–3945.945; minimum property standards at 5216.21–5487.3496.)

How council voted

Most actions on Oct. 13 were adopted by voice vote; the transcript records ayes and no recorded roll-call tallies for the affected motions. When a roll call or named vote was not recorded in the transcript, outcomes above are summarized as “passed” or “approved” and tied to the motion language recorded in the meeting minutes packet and in the transcript.

What happens next

Several first-reading items (Mulberry school zone and the PUA concurrent ordinance) will return for final action at the Oct. 27 meeting. The notice of intent to issue COs begins a publication and waiting period required before the city can finalize a certificates of obligation issuance.