The Stephenville City Council met March 4, following committee meetings earlier in the day, to vote on proposals related to infrastructure, public safety and city finances. With Mayor Doug Svien absent due to health reasons, Council Member David Baskett served as Mayor Pro Tem, leading the meeting in his place.
The council opened the meeting by recognizing Pastor David Bearden (Graham Street Church of Christ), Pastor Ed Dittfurth (Cornerstone Assembly of God) and Mr. VW Stephens (City Limits) for their efforts in providing shelter and support during recent winter storms.
These men opened their churches and businesses to those in need, ensuring residents had a place to stay warm and receive basic necessities. Pastor Bearden credited the success of the effort to collaboration with local organizations.
“This is only possible through collaboration with others. For example, the three food pantries, Grace Place, Basic Needs and Hope, had everything lined up and ready to give people clothing and blankets to anyone that showed up,” Bearden said.
During the citizen discussion period, two Stephenville police officers approached the council to raise concerns about police department salaries, arguing that current pay lags behind other law enforcement agencies in the area, including the Dublin Police Department and the Erath County Sheriff ’s Office.
Officer Hayden Bridges revisited a discussion from last year.
“A year ago, this was a big conversation on how far behind the Stephenville Police Department had gotten compared to other agencies and the compensation their officers were receiving,” Bridges said. “We found that we needed an increase of 30% in order to truly be competitive and retain the officers we have.”
While officers received a 3–6% raise last year, Bridges emphasized that the problem has not been fully addressed and that further pay increases are needed. He called on the council to continue supporting salary adjustments, saying, “That was just the first bite of the apple.”
The council canceled the general election scheduled for May 3, as all candidates for open city council seats were unopposed. The following candidates were automatically elected: City Council Place 1: LeAnn Durfey City Council Place 3: Lonn Reisman City Council Place 5: Maddie Smith City Council Place 7: Brandon Greenhaw The council approved an ordinance establishing a project and financing plan for Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) Number Three. This initiative is designed to promote development in a designated part of the city by using tax revenue from new investments to fund infrastructure improvements.
The council approved several major infrastructure projects, advancing public works initiatives aimed at improving storm drainage, roadways and utilities across the city.
A significant item was the council’s decision to proceed with the Texas Community Development Block Grant application, a competitive state grant that could fund sidewalk rehabilitation, street reconstruction and water system improvements in Stephenville’s downtown district.
The grant, awarded by the Texas Department of Agriculture, would bring much-needed improvements to pedestrian access and city streets, enhancing both safety and economic development in the area.
Additionally, the council approved a stormwater drainage improvement project for the Riverside Drive and S. Graham Avenue area, selecting Insituform Technologies, LLC for the work. The project aims to reduce flood risks, improve water flow and strengthen infrastructure resilience in a part of town that has struggled with drainage issues.
The council approved the purchase of a new fire engine. The decision comes as Fire Engine One approaches the end of its frontline service life. While it will soon transition into reserve status, the city’s only current backup engine is now 13 years old and keeping it operational has led to significant maintenance expenses.
Given that fire truck deliveries can take between three to four years, officials stressed the importance of ordering well in advance to maintain a fully equipped fire department. The new fire engine would cost approximately $1.163 million.
In another infrastructure- related decision, the council voted to move forward with the removal of trees at Clark Regional Airport, specifically those near Runway 32. These trees have been flagged as a potential hazard for incoming and outgoing flights, particularly during nighttime operations or inclement weather. The tree clearing is also a necessary step for a possible runway extension project.
After a closed executive session, the council authorized the city manager to execute a real estate contract.
The council also approved three lots to be rezoned to integrated housing and a revision to B-2 zoning district of permitted and conditional uses. Alan Nix was the only member to oppose the revision.