Dublin City Council was presented with information about code enforcement and delinquent tax collection and approved the annexation of 3.1 acres on FM219 north during the regular meeting Monday, Oct. 16.
The meeting began with five of the council members unanimously voting to accept the resignation of Lee Jones who has moved and is no longer a resident of Dublin.
Danny Barrett representing Perdue Brandon and its subsidiary, Texas Communities Group spoke about the ways it could benefit Dublin if the city pursued a contract. The law firm helped found TCG in 2014 and has since served many communities in helping empower code enforcement and collecting delinquent taxes. The group does this by helping identify code issues and owners of vacant properties and assisting with legal matters related to tax. Barrett also reported the group helps with marketing if properties end up going to auction after multiple liens and are unsold.
DublinCityManagerBobby Mendez and council member Sammy Moore presented several questions following Barrett’s introduction. Barrett was informed that the city was currently under contract from MVBA to handle delinquent tax collection. Moore reported that the city doesn’t often have much in the way of delinquent taxes and Mendez inquired about hiring TCG for just assisting with code enforcement resolution if they remain under contract with MVBA.
TCG usually gets a portion of its pay from properties going to trust but Barrett said the city could hire them for just the code enforcement side. Barrett had previously met with Revitalize Dublin and said that based on a list of 59 properties they provided, he was certain that TCG could help. (It was reported that 11 of those properties had delinquent taxes and several were vacant.)
Council members were receptive to the group but had several parts of the contract that needed clarification so they unanimously voted to table the contract until those could be resolved.
Carmen Andersen also spokebeforehandrepresenting Revitalize Dublin asking everyone for assistance after they have identified the group’s second project, a residence on Park street with a large family living in it. Revitalize Dublin is taking donations for improving the house for its residents and need volunteers to help with the work.
The council also unanimously voted to annex the 3.1 acres on FM219 next to Moore RV Park, which is becoming a KOA location. The council will meet after 60 days to formally accept the annexation. The new ownership is expected to seek annexation after the roadway is adopted so they can benefit from items like city services and wastewater.
The council also addressed the annual increase of the water rate from the Upper Leon Municipal Water District. The rate is increasing by 3.769% for the city. Mendez recommended keeping bills the same for customers who use doesn’t go over the 3,000 gallon per month minimum. He suggested an increase of 4 cents per unit for customers who go over the 3,000 gallons. The council unanimously approved the recommendation.
Council members also unanimously approved an amount not to exceed $32,856.54 for infrastructure improvements at the Dublin Public Library including carpeting, paint, ceiling tiles in the teen area, a water fountain and cart rentals. The Library has received an $89,000 grant for renovations but those don’t cover infrastructure work. Moore praised Library Director Adina Dunn’s ability to find worthwhile grants and management of the library in recommending the approval.
The City Council also approved the renewal of the contract between Erath County and the Dublin volunteer Fire Department, a resolution allowing the purchase of items the Texas SmartBuy Membership Program and the approval of the city’s longevity pay policy.
The Council was also addressed by Michael Arnold in public comments at the beginning of the meeting regarding a lot near Three Oaks. Arnold claimed unlabeled containers were being improperly stored there and found the plastic barrier put around the area insufficient.