Wayne Foster

The session included a Public Hearing concerning the recommendation for demolition or abatement of a substandard building located at 351 Maple Street, Maud, Texas. The Regular Council Meeting agenda covered calling the meeting to order, open forum comments from the public, considering nominations and voting for an appointed councilmember to fill the vacant seat of Boyad Doss, and approving the Consent Agenda, which included the November and December 2025 financials and various meeting minutes. The council planned to discuss departmental reports and address citizen concerns regarding water prices, sewage monitoring, and service cost allocation. Official action was scheduled regarding ordering the General Municipality Election for May 2, 2026, and approving resolutions concerning Southwestern Electric Power Company's tariff request and financial assistance from the Texas Water Development Board. Further actions included approving signature card changes, a contract for consultation services, and a final address by the Mayor.

The council convened to discuss and take action on the Holly Street Repair Project and its funding, including amending previous meeting minutes to reflect adjusted fund allocations. They also discussed and took action regarding the reactivation of the Police Department, starting with the required "Benefit to the Community Justification" letter to TCOLE.

The council conducted a public hearing on the proposed budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year and another on the proposed tax rate of 0.497200 / $100 valuation. They approved Ordinance No. 25-0905B adopting the 2025-2026 fiscal year budget and Ordinance No. 25-0905 setting the City's 2025 Ad Valorem Tax Rate at 0.497200 / $100 valuation. The Budget Finance Director was authorized to open a restricted General Fund bank account for Holly Street repairs. An executive session was held to discuss personnel matters related to hiring a city police officer, followed by a decision to solicit and advertise for the position.

The agenda includes opening and closing a public hearing, proposing the 2025-2026 budget, proposing a tax rate, considering an ordinance adopting the fiscal year budget, setting the city's ad valorem tax rate, discussing the authority to open a restricted General Fund bank account for Holly Street repairs, and discussing personnel matters related to hiring a city police officer in an executive session.

The City Council will review items for the FY 2025-2026 annual budget, including the proposed 2025 tax rate, and set dates for Public Hearings and a Special called Council Meeting for Budget and Tax Rate adoption. The council will also consider approving the proposed tax rate, an ordinance regarding substandard buildings, and renewing the interlocal agreement between the City of Maud and the Maud Independent School District for First Responders to Work Maud's Home Football Games during the 2025 football season. Additionally, the Mayor and Council will adjourn to Executive Session to discuss personnel matters related to employee retirement.