Sherman City Council Regular Meeting – September 8, 2026

The City Council of Sherman, Texas, held a regular meeting on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, convened at 5:00 PM by Mayor Shawn Teamann. The council adopted the Fiscal Year 2027 budget and property tax rate without an increase, approved utility and solid waste rate changes, adopted the five-year Capital Improvement Program, and approved several resolutions. The meeting went into Executive Session at 5:28 PM and reconvened at 8:52 PM to finalize personnel appointments before adjourning at 8:53 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Resolution 7669: Expressing support for Grayson College’s Cloud Computing and AI Technician Certificate Initiative.
• Resolution 7670: Authorizing an interlocal cooperation contract with the Texas Department of Public Safety.
• Resolution 7671: Adopting an investment policy for the City of Sherman.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Patrick McCurdy approached the council during the Citizen Comments section. The mayor noted his topic was not a specific line item on the agenda, and Mr. McCurdy agreed to discuss the matter with the Mayor and staff after the meeting rather than speaking formally on the record.
• Amanda Bauman Newton (Regent, Preston Trail Chapter NSDAR) expressed gratitude for the proclamation declaring Constitution Week (September 17–23, 2026).

Discussion Items

• Capital Improvement Program 2026–2031: City staff explained the program is a planning document required by the charter. It does not authorize expenditures, though the first year is included in the FY 2027 budget.
• Fiscal Year 2027 Budget (Ordinance 6962): The budget raises $2,711,905 (a 7.2% increase) more in property tax revenue than the prior year, with $1,774,054 attributed to new property added to the tax roll.
• Property Tax Rate (Ordinance 6963): The rate remains unchanged from the previous year at $0.5080 per $100 valuation. The debt service component is $0.229116/$100 and the maintenance & operations component is $0.278884/$100.
• Utility and Solid Waste Rates (Ordinances 6964 and 6965): The council considered amendments to water, sewer, and solid waste rates based on a rate study. Fees are being consolidated into a Comprehensive Fee Schedule.
• Municipal Election Cancellation (Ordinance 6966): Because candidates for City Council Districts 2 and 4 were unopposed, the council authorized canceling the November 3, 2026, election.
• MoonLight Market (Resolution 7664): The item, tabled in August, was brought back for approval. The event will close a segment of State Highway 56 (Houston Street from Crockett to South Elm) on four Fridays in October and November 2026. Staff discussed traffic control plans, detour routes, and the presence of two police officers.
• Historic Texas Sign and Plaza (Resolution 7668): The bid was awarded to Lloyd Plyler Construction for $265,000. The project includes a 27-foot Texas sign on a 40-foot pole, planters, seating, and sidewalk work.
• Council Comments: Councilmember Barnett noted that the tax rate is 9 cents below the no-new-revenue rate and 20 cents below the voter-approved rate. Deputy Mayor Marroquin promoted the Hispanic Festival. Councilmember Howeth announced the Boys and Girls Club 60th anniversary event. Mayor Teamann thanked staff for their budget work.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously (6-0).
• Ordinances 6962–6966: All adopted unanimously (6-0 each). (Ord. 6963 required two separate motions for the debt service and M&O tax rate components.)
• Resolutions 7664, 7667, 7668: All approved unanimously (6-0).
• Property Tax Ratification (H.1): The council voted unanimously (6-0) to ratify the property tax increase as required by state law.
• Executive Session Appointments:
  • Keep Sherman Beautiful: Julie Whitfield Minton was appointed (unanimous 6-0).
  • Acting City Manager: Clint Philpott was appointed as Acting City Manager during Dr. Zachary Flores’s vacation (unanimous 6-0).