Marlin Council Members Discuss Cemetery

The Marlin City Council met October 14, 2025 at a regular scheduled meeting at 6:00 p.m. Elected officials present: Mayor Susan Byrd, Mayor Pro Tem Joe Mark Taylor, Morris Watson, Terence McDavid, Scottie Henderson, Will Roe and Cecil Sparks. Staff present was Maryann Waddle, City Secretary. City Attorney, James Parker, was not present. Minutes from prior September meetings were approved by the Council.

Police updates were presented by Chief Police Chief Hommel including the National Night Out, October 25, 2025-6pm-9pm at the Falls County Livestock Pavilion and upcoming Seizure Audit. A report on the proposed filter project was presented by a MRB Group representative including the drinking water process, gravity filters and procedure for submitting reports to TCEQ & the Texas Water Development Board. Contractor-related neighborhood complaints were mentioned.

It was moved and seconded to approve first reading of an ordinance to amending Ch. 28 Article II Water Rates and Charges. MRB is assisting accessibility. It was addressed that no funding for the project may be re-evaluated for toll on citizens. Grants to matching funds will be sought ($1.08million).

In other matters, no action was taken on the consideration of a new Municipal Judge. The current Judge term expires February 2026. Raising the price of the cemetery plots at Hillcrest was discussed. Cost confirmation of other local cemeteries was discussed. Presently at Hillcrest, one lot=4-plots, $350.00 compared to 1-plot $350. It was motioned and seconded to sell plots @ $350.00.

There was discussion on the Chamber of Commerce lease and relocation. No action was taken. The discussion on the renewal of the lease agreement with Falls County Appraisal District Board was tabled for council members to review. The Council approved the payment of an invoice for Marlin FEMA Storm Damage Study from 5M and Associates to reimburse by FEMA.

Council members approved as nominees to the Falls County Appraisal District Board: Debra McDavid, Melissa Mahoney and Shirley Melton. Mayor Byrd shared accolades to the City Charter Committee, which will be presented at the Nov. 12 meeting.

The next meeting will be Nov. 12. The meeting adjourned at 7:29 p.m.