The Dublin City Council voted to disapprove the purchase of property by the Erath County Appraisal District and the fiscal year 2027 budget in a special meeting Monday, June 22. Since then the appraisal district has decided not to move forward with the purchase of the building.
As one of 18 taxing entities, the city of Dublin had 30 days to approve, disapprove or take no action on the purchase of the BMY building (3020 Robert J Glasgow Loop, Stephenville) after ECAD voted on June 12 to pursue the property for a new office.
Dublin Public Safety Director Cameron Ray reported the district was seeking the space (approximately three times the current space) for needed expansion.
Ray and several of the councilmembers noted it was a bad time for the $3.2 million purchase with people facing higher prices on items like fuel and groceries.
If approved, each taxing entity would be responsible for a portion of the price (paid through a certain amount of tax dollars kept by ECAD instead of going to the city or school district). Ray noted Dublin’s portion ($5,500) was relatively small compared to Erath County (around $83,000) or Stephenville ISD ($91,000). Taxpayers wouldn’t directly feel these costs but the entities would have to make up the cost elsewhere which could lead to higher taxes or fees.
If five entities voted to disapprove the purchase, the district would be denied the sale. As of Tuesday morning, the city of Dublin, Erath County (see story in this edition) and Stephenville ISD had met and voted to disapprove.
Councilmember Darren Turley wondered how soon they would be faced with another purchase proposal while he and Sammy Moore discussed the district being able to meet the needs of their employees and serving the entities they represent.
Ray commiserated on the district meeting its needs but remarked on his responsibility to the city, noting they weren’t able to provide raises last year while the district did. Both the purchase and the budget reflecting the purchase were unanimously disapproved. (Councilmember Jacob McCullough was absent.)
The council also unanimously voted to deny a variance allowing for consumption of alcohol at the city park during Freedom Fest June 27. The request was to allow for people over 21 to bring approved containers for a ‘parents patio party’ in the pavilion. Councilmembers were concerned about allowing alcohol that also included free swimming at the city pool and that the request had come in late without more communication with city administration on plans.
Another unanimous vote was made to amend an April 2026 vote for the purchase of a police vehicle by allowing $25,000 more in granted Federal Task Force Funds. Chief Ray reported they were awaiting the funds and the money wouldn’t be spent until it was received. The vote would allow them to seek a good purchase as soon as it appears without waiting for council action. He also assured the purchase won’t affect the city budget at all.
Council also unanimously approved a resolution authorizing Flock Safety Automatic License Plate Recognition cameras, video management systems and related equipment services. The resolution was tied to an earlier vote utilizing federal funds for the equipment.