The Combine City Council met for its Regular Meeting on Monday, March 23, 2026, at Combine City Hall, addressing pending litigation, monthly department reports and a handful of development related items that were ultimately tabled for further review.
Council Denies Settlement Offer in Ongoing Litigation
Mayor Tim Ratcliff called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Council members Cecil Hutson, Christi Smith, Julian Castaneda and Tonya Ratcliff were present, while Council Member Patrick Stepp was absent. City Secretary/Treasurer/Court Clerk Robin Price, City Manager Jack Gilbert, Police Chief Martin Cassidy and Fire Chief Lauren Reeve also attended.
After the pledges and invocation, the Council recessed into Executive Session at 7:03 p.m. under Texas Government Code Chapter 551, Subchapter D, to consult with the City Attorney regarding pending litigation, Cause No. 121712 489, City of Combine, Texas vs. Whiskey River Development Corp., Verdego Materials, LLC, and the real property located on FM Road 3039, identified as Parcel IDs 12502 and 73094.
The Council reconvened into open session at 7:33 p.m. Cecil Hutson made a motion to deny a settlement offer that had been made at mediation on March 9, 2026. Julian Castaneda seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report and February Minutes Approved
During citizen comments, one resident addressed the Council on a non agenda item. The Council then reviewed monthly reports from the Police Department, Fire Department, Animal Control, Public Works, Code Enforcement and Planning and Zoning.
Tonya Ratcliff made a motion to approve the February 2026 Treasurer’s Report, seconded by Christi Smith. The motion passed unanimously. Cecil Hutson then made a motion to approve the minutes from the February 23, 2026 regular meeting as written, seconded by Julian Castaneda, and the motion passed unanimously.
First Responder Fee and Development Agreement Tabled
The Council discussed a proposed First Responder Fee that would fund equipment, vehicles, training and police station construction or expansion tied to new developments, subdivisions and permit applications. Christi Smith made a motion to table the item until more information and research could be gathered, seconded by Julian Castaneda. The motion passed unanimously.
The Council also discussed a proposed “Baseline” Development Agreement intended to reinforce city standard compliance for new developments and allow for negotiation of additional regulations. Tonya Ratcliff made a motion to table the item with a request for a rewrite that would better apply to the city and use clearer language. Christi Smith seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
Zoning Updates Headed to April Hearings
The Council reviewed proposed changes to the city’s Zoning and Land Development regulations alongside the Planning and Zoning Commission. The changes include wording revisions, added definitions and a new addition to the Subdivision Section addressing tree clearing. The Council and Planning and Zoning agreed to the suggested updates with no additional edits needed before public hearings, which are scheduled to be held in April.
Christi Smith made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Julian Castaneda. The meeting adjourned at 8:03 p.m.
Source: Official Minutes of the Combine Regular City Council Meeting, March 23, 2026, approved April 27, 2026, certified by Robin Price, City Secretary/Treasurer.
