Collection of Water Bill Non-Payment Continues

A Regular Meeting of the Marlin City Council was held January 13, 2026, at 6 p.m., Mayor Susan Byrd presiding. Council members present were Scottie Henderson, Terence McDavid, William Roe, Cecil Sparks, Jo Mark Taylor, and Morris Watson, Jr. In the absence of City Secretary Maryann Waddle, Fire Chief Justin Parker managed the minutes and online coverage. The minutes of the December 9, 2025 regular City Council meeting were approved.

Staff reports and updates were presented. City Manager Jason Creacy noted 1st National Bank Central TX in Waco was selected as the City of Marlin banking institution and will provide the best for the city’s funds. There are funds left at the Marlin Cadence Bank.

Regarding the Water Department, monthly bills now include a breakdown of water rates. Copies were made available at the meeting. The Falls County Jail water meter has been replaced. Creacy explained of the $1.7 million behind, $450,000 has been collected. He stated, “A standard has to be set and the water will be cut off for collections. Frontier Waste Collection accounts will be suspended, and containers will be picked up.” Due to illegal dumping, gates at the City Brush Pile off FM 147 will be locked until further notice.

Police Chief Hommel reported that the Department of Public Safety will install solar-paneled cameras along the highways at no cost to the city. Hommel provided breakdown of service calls. Information on the Uvalde Strong Act House Bill 33 will be updated.

Fire Chief Justin Parker reported 2025 Toys for Tots Drive was low in donations. To address the high cancer risks firefighters face from constant exposure to carcinogens in smoke and chemicals during fires, a new Texas law Wade Cannon Act HB 198 requires fire departments to provide mandatory, free annual occupational cancer and health screenings starting in the fifth year of employment.

Updates on Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), Clean Water State Revolving Fund & Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Projects from the MRB Group were summarized. Commerce St (Phase I) is close to completion and First Street is now project focus. A report on the proposed filter project was shared.

For action items, the Council (1) tabled the suggested $40 water bill credit to each resident for the past water outage March 2025, (2) passed the resolution to allow council members to serve as volunteers, (3) voted to repair the City Park Lift Station for $21,700 and (4) voted to outsource contractor for lawncare and city-owned cemeteries.

The Council discussed an Interlocal Agreement with Falls County to aid in road repairs, and to establish project areas in Pct. 1 & Pct. 2. A resolution is required. The consideration and possible action on a lease agreement with the Chamber of Commerce was moved to an Executive Session agenda.

The first reading for discussion, consideration, and possible action on an Ordinance of the City of Marlin, amending ordinance 22-007 which approved the current fee appendix to the Code of Ordinances for building development & zoning related fees; repealing all conflicting ordinances; providing a severability clause; and providing an effective date. The actual date of services is needed, along with other information.

The Council recessed from the open meeting and reconvened in executive session for Attorney Consultation, Real Property, Personnel Matters, and Economic Development. Legal obligations discussions included (a) Chief of Police Employment, (Conditions will be discussed) (b) Falls County Youth Fair Lease (negotiate with City Attorney, (c) Big Tex Tar & Chip (no action) and (d) Chapter 9 City Charter related amendments.

The meeting adjourned at 9:41 p.m..