The Combine City Council met for its regular meeting on Monday, February 23, 2026, at Combine City Hall, where members swore in a new police officer, approved funding to finish a long running drainage project, and received an update on ongoing legal proceedings tied to an unauthorized mining site on FM Road 3039.
New Officer Sworn In
Mayor Tim Ratcliff swore in Nyeisha Hopkins as the department’s newest police officer. According to the meeting minutes, Hopkins began training with the Combine Police Department on February 2, 2026.
Treasurer’s Report and January Minutes Approved
Council Member Patrick Stepp made a motion to accept the January 2026 Treasurer’s Report, seconded by Tonya Ratcliff. The motion passed unanimously. The council also approved the minutes from the January 29, 2026 regular meeting following a motion from Tonya Ratcliff, seconded by Julian Castaneda.
Drainage Project Nears Completion
City Manager Jack Gilbert updated the council on the city’s drainage improvement project, reporting that $355,489.37 has been spent so far, with $19,991.48 remaining from the original grant funding. Gilbert told the council that additional problems identified since the project began will require further work, with an estimated cost of approximately $58,000.00 to complete the project in full.
Council Member Cecil Hutson made a motion to use the remaining grant funds and to cover the rest of the cost using Municipal Court Funds that are designated for maintaining roads, bridges, and culverts within the city. Julian Castaneda seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
Council Approves Kaufman County Appraisal District Resolution
The council also discussed a resolution from the Kaufman County Appraisal District regarding the purchase of real property for a future appraisal office building. Tonya Ratcliff made a motion to approve the resolution, noting there would be no cost to taxing entities. Patrick Stepp seconded the motion. Cecil Hutson opposed, but the motion passed and no further action was required.
Legal Update on Verdego Mining Dispute
Mayor Ratcliff gave the council an update on ongoing legal proceedings involving Verdego Materials. According to the minutes, Verdego filed a counterclaim against the city on February 2, 2026, after a court ordered the company to drain a pit created by unauthorized mining on property located at FM Road 3039, identified as Parcel IDs 12502 and 73094. The court order also requires Verdego to fill in a portion of the pit and seal the bottom to prevent contaminated water from seeping into the underground stream and aquifer below.
The city filed for and was granted an order to mediate with Whiskey River Development Corporation and Verdego Materials. That mediation is scheduled for March 9, 2026, and City Hall will be closed that day while the mediation takes place.
Meeting Adjourned
With no citizen comments offered during the meeting, the council moved through its remaining business and adjourned at 7:32 p.m. following a motion from Patrick Stepp, seconded by Cecil Hutson.
Source: Minutes of the Combine City Council Regular Meeting, February 23, 2026, approved March 23, 2026.
