Council approves utility rate increase, tables library expansion changes

The Tom Bean City Council approved a 10% increase in water and sewer rates, adopted economic development budgets and tabled proposed modifications to the Lucile Teague Community Library expansion plans during its Oct. 12 meeting.

The council voted 4-0 to approve Ordinance No. 2026-05, amending the city’s existing water and sewer rate ordinance to increase rates by 10%.

The increase was among several items approved unanimously following an executive session that lasted more than an hour.

Council members also considered proposed modifications to the site plans for the Lucile Teague Community Library expansion but voted 3-1 to table the matter.

According to City Secretary Sarah Dusenberry, the delay stems from an issue involving engineering requirements for the project.

Dusenberry said the contractor had not realized that certain dimensions of the expansion would require plans stamped by a licensed engineer. As a result, the plans had to be reconsidered because of uncertainty over whether to incur the additional engineering expense.

Mayor Pro Tem Dawson Nitcholas made the motion to table the proposed changes, with council member Heather Groff providing the second. Nitcholas, Groff and Emily Beasley voted in favor of postponing the decision, while Sam Ellis opposed the motion.

In a related matter, city officials decided an agreement should be established to ensure the city would retain access to the library space if the library closes or relocates. The proposed arrangement would grant the city use of the space should library operations cease at the current location.

In other business, the council unanimously approved a site agreement between the city and Texoma Communications LLC.

The council also approved a library services contract between Grayson County and the city.

Council members approved the fiscal year 2026-27 budgets for both the Type A Community Development Corporation and Type B Economic Development Corporation. Each measure passed 4-0.

Before taking up those items, the council entered executive session at 6:26 p.m. under provisions of the Texas Government Code allowing closed-door consultations with legal counsel and discussions involving real property and economic development negotiations.

The council returned to regular session at 7:46 p.m. No action was taken on matters discussed during the closed session.

Mayor Ricky Thomas presented October Community Achievement Awards to Amy and Addison Porter for their volunteer efforts.

According to Thomas, Amy regularly supports Tom Bean Sports by working concession stands, ticket gates and other athletic events, while Addison, a Tom Bean High School softball player, volunteers to help younger players develop their skills.

Thomas said both demonstrate the importance of community service and volunteerism.

The mayor also recognized Court and Permit Clerk Chailcey Richbourg as the October Employee of the Month.

During his report, Thomas reminded residents of upcoming community events, including the city’s Trunk-or-Treat celebration scheduled for Oct. 31 at 5 p.m.
Thomas also announced that Beanstock will be held Saturday, Nov. 7, and will feature two live bands.

The council’s regular meeting included departmental reports from library representative Roberta Bumpus, Fire Chief Jason Lankford, Police Chief Zach Smith, Public Works representative Jarrett Tate, City Secretary Sarah Dusenberry and Court and Permit Clerk Richbourg.

The council also considered the minutes of its Sept. 14 regular meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 7:53 p.m. following a unanimous vote.