Creacy Provides Update on Water System
A Regular Meeting of the Marlin City Council was held Tuesday, March 12, 2026, at 6 pm, Mayor Susan Byrd presiding. Council members present were Terence McDavid, William Roe, Cecil Sparks, Joe Mark Taylor, and Morris Watson, Jr. Council member Scottie Henderson’s attendance was recorded as 6:06 pm. The minutes from the regular February 10, 2026 Council meeting were approved.
City Manager Jason Creacy provided financial and operational updates. Creacy mentioned the two systems are producing enough water daily. He stated, “Whether to drink the water is an individual choice and he’s willing to drink it.” Citizens are encouraged to conserve water usage and will be on water boil notice. TCEQ treats the current system as a possible contamination concern until proper paperwork is submitted. Customers should be aware of the Boil Water Notice for the Community Public Water Systems. Creacy thanked the community for their efforts with cleaning up areas in the city. For assistance to pick up collections, citizens should contact the city. Due to illegal dumping, the city dumpsite continues to be locked for public use. A $750K grant proposal for inoperable fire hydrants and for sewer improvements has been pursued. Creacy noted a gravel truck will be purchased. In addition, he announced the Marlin Economic Development Corporation (EDC) will share office space with the Marlin Chamber office on Coleman Street.
Police Chief Hommel presented a breakdown of service calls. The employment of a new officer is scheduled for late March. Code enforcement has cited cases of working without a permit, dilapidated houses and living out of trailers parked in the front yard.
Fire Chief Justin Parker noted many fire hydrants are out of service. Due to the abnormally dry status, citizens were advised to be careful. Updates to the fire stations were shared including flooring (Station 1) and motorized door for Station 2.
Updates on Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), Clean Water State Revolving Fund & Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Projects from the MRB Group were summarized. A meeting is planned with the contractor to finalize the completion of the First Street project. A report on the proposed filter project was shared. There was discussion on completely resurfacing First Street from Lincoln St. to Commerce Street and Falls Street to Williams St (Hwy 6). It was noted Marlin ranked favorably for about $5 million proposal Appropriation Bill. Pre-Filters Screen Replacement was awarded to NOA Matous Construction.
Several action items on the agenda were approved including: (1) adoption of a resolution authorizing application for financial assistance from the Texas Water Development Board for waterworks system improvements, (2) Pending funds from HOTCOG, approval for Marlin EDA funded Elevated Storage Tank Rehabilitation and Improvement Project, (3) agreement with Falls County Elections for conducting the May 2, 2026, General & Special Called Election and (4) approval of MEDC Resolution for expenditure of up to $33,000 from MEDC funds for sponsorship of a July 4, 2026 Festival.
The 1st National Bank of Central TX was approved by the Council as the banking service provider. Two bids were received. After a lengthy discussion, the Frontier Waste Solutions pursuant of a rate adjustment, with the recommendation of the City Attorney, the Council agreed to motion to table. The Council approved the resolution and authorized the city manager to award Mosby’s Land Management the contract to mow parks, cemeteries, water towers, Hwy. 77 transportation and triangle on Durr St. There is an Interlocal Agreement with Falls County for help with road and drainage work. It was noted the entire city needs to assist as well as focus on precinct heads to initiate cleanup timeframes in their areas.
John Banks, Perdue Brandon Fielder Collins & MOTT, LLC, presented a summary of the upcoming trust properties for sale. It was detected some of the items listed were city properties, fire station, and parking lots. Pending review, the council authorized the approved 72 properties to be sold at 25% of appraisal cost. For clarification, it was noted council members can bid but not the law firm and sheriff office.
The Council recessed at 8:10pm from the open meeting and reconvened in executive session pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071 (Attorney Consultation), 551.072 (Real Property), 551.074 (Personnel Matters)-Municipal Judge and to seek legal advice on the following matters: Falls County Youth Fair Lease and Big Tex Tar & Chip obligations.
After reconvening into open session, it was announced that no action was taken during the closed session. Discussion, considerations, and possible action on placement of agenda items on a future City Council agenda, the meeting adjourned.