City of Marlin Water Collection at $1.2 Million Loss
A Regular Meeting of the Marlin City Council was held December 9, 2025, at 6 pm, Mayor Susan Byrd presiding. Council members present were Terence McDavid, William Roe, Cecil Sparks, Jo Mark Taylor, and Morris Watson, Jr. The minutes of the November 12, 2025 regular City Council meeting were approved.
Staff Reports and Staff Updates were presented. Within his report, City Manager Jason Creacy, noted a search for a local banking institution that will best provide for the city’s funds. Council member Roe moved to approve Resolution to add City Manager Jason Creacy as a signee on all bank accounts. Seconded by Council member Watson, the motion carried. Only two signatures are required: Fire Chief Justin Parker and/or Mayor Susan Byrd. Effective January 1, 2026, the water and general accounts will be separated. A finance manager has been hired.
Regarding the Water Department, after a thorough report, it was recognized that over $1.2 million is owed for water collections. Creacy noted the County as one of the biggest outstanding collections. Effective January 1, 2026, a 10-day notice of termination will be sent for such balances. A good example provided was at least $37,455.00 in accounts over 90 days are delinquent. There is still concern with trash in the parks.
In the absence of Police Chief Hommel, City Manager Creacy reported, at no cost to the city, bullet resistance windshields were installed on police vehicles and 126 citations were given. Council member Watson moved to award the $99K contract to Shellback Construction for the ARPA Police Department Improvement Program, which includes improving the dispatch area, renovating the police department and getting it up to code and standards. Council member Roe seconded and the motion carried.
Fire Chief Justin Parker noted seventy-seven calls for the month of November; Emergency Management will have received an estimated 800 response calls for the year 2025. Parker noted the city is growing and according to the latest census, population has increased by two hundred. The Fire Department is excited about embracing technology with the Response Masters web application which charts daily operations. Two individuals will be provided with the opportunity to attend training for Advance EMS Training. The Council voted to re-classify IFB (invitation for bid) to RFP (request for proposal) and resolicit the ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act 2021) Fire Department Improvement Project. Due to the price invoices, Chief Parker suggested keeping and refurbishing Engine I, which has provided twenty-five years of service. Turnout gear will be discussed later.
The GLS Firm was selected as the engineering/architectural/ surveying service provided for grant preapplication, application and project implementation for the City of Marlin’s 20252026 Texas Community Development Block Grant Fund Program for Program funded and administered by the TX Dept. of Agriculture. Council member Taylor moved to approve a resolution engaging Hyde Kelley LLP to provide legal services to the city, designating a City Attorney and an Asst. City Attorney. Hyde Kelley will serve as an advisor along with a team of attorneys. Seconded by Council member Henderson, the motion was carried out.
Mayor Byrd moved for an extension of employment agreement with Police Chief Hommel. Seconded by Council member McDavid, the motion carried. For the next meeting, Council member Roe requested an executive session to discuss personnel matters.
John Barrett, Director of the Marlin 4B Economic Development Corporation noted an application for a $2500 Business Improvement Grant, Tom Lewis, 232-238 Live Oak, had been approved. Council member Taylor moved to accept the award, seconded by Council member Watson.
The City of Marlin Charter workshop and/or town hall meeting is February 10, 2026. Charter Commission recommendations for amendments to the City of Marlin Charter will be discussed. Attorney Hyde Kelley LLP will review the suggested City Charter prior to the meeting.
Future agenda items to be discussed will include Chamber lease, Youth Fair building, cemetery concerns, animal shelter and Police Chief Hommel contract. The meeting adjourned at 7:10 pm.