The Seagoville City Council reviewed financing options for a new Central Fire Station and approved a series of Seagoville Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) projects during its meeting on Monday March 23 2026.
Fire Station Financing Presentation
City Manager Carey Neal opened the Work Session by noting that the City Council had already authorized the purchase of a property at the corner of Hall Road and Kaufman Street for the purpose of relocating and constructing the Central Fire Station. Neal introduced Jason Hughes of Hilltop Securities to discuss the possibility of obtaining certificates of obligation and to provide a financial perspective, according to the meeting minutes.
Hughes presented information on the types of debt available, required approvals, typical project timelines, and timing considerations. He also reviewed a summary of the City’s debt and credit rating position, tax supported debt service, and certificate of obligation sizing factors, including an assumed 2026 issuance and its projected impact on the tax rate. Hughes told the Council that current market rates are lower than they were last year, the minutes state.
Councilmember Jose Hernandez asked staff about the funding amount and the deliverable project needed to decide on an option that achieves the desired outcome. Mayor Pro Tem Harold Magill asked about leftover funds and their potential use. Hughes responded that the City Council may establish a maximum amount without necessarily using all of it, though any leftover funds may only be used for related expenses such as furnishings and equipment.
SEDC Projects Move Through First and Second Readings
Director of Economic Development Kirk McDaniel presented four SEDC funded projects for first reading during the Work Session, then conducted second readings during the Regular Session, where each item passed unanimously.
The Council approved a resolution ratifying an SEDC project for sign improvements along North Kaufman Street in downtown Seagoville, provided by ACP International, in an amount not to exceed $35,000.00. McDaniel described the project as a walkability improvement for downtown. Councilmember Hernandez made the motion to approve, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Magill, passing 5 to 0 as Resolution No. 2026-23.
The Council also approved a resolution for the installation of lights for SEDC owned property at 109 North Kaufman Street by Amber Electric Contractors Inc., in an amount not to exceed $2,000.00. McDaniel said the project covers lighting improvements for the SEDC owned parking garage. Mayor Pro Tem Magill made the motion, seconded by Councilmember Rick Howard, passing 5 to 0 as Resolution No. 2026-24.
A third resolution approved an amendment to the SEDC’s contract with the retail coach for consulting services related to retail recruitment and commercial development, extending the contract term for a price not to exceed $12,000.00. McDaniel said the extension supports preparation for an upcoming ICSC convention focused on retail recruitment. Mayor Pro Tem Magill made the motion, seconded by Councilmember Allen Grimes, passing 5 to 0 as Resolution No. 2026-25.
The fourth resolution approved the purchase of landscaping improvements for Bruce Central Park from Starr Turfgrass Inc., in an amount not to exceed $500.00. McDaniel described the project as hardscape improvements in front of the Skate Park. Councilmember Jon Epps made the motion, seconded by Councilmember Grimes, passing 5 to 0 as Resolution No. 2026-26.
2050 Growth Framework Presentation
McDaniel provided a summary of joint meetings held by the City Council, Planning and Zoning Commission, and Economic Development Corporation on November 3 2025 and January 8 2026, focused on developing the City’s 2050 Growth Framework. According to the minutes, the purpose of those meetings was to develop a vision statement, a proposed future land use plan map, and determine the next steps. The recommendations call for the City Council to adopt the Vision Statement, adopt the 2026 Future Land Use Plan Map, and consider initiating a request for proposals for a new comprehensive plan.
Purchasing Policy Update and Annual Financial Report
City Manager Neal stated that a consent agenda item updates the City’s current purchasing policy to align with recent legislative changes under SB 1173, effective September 1 2025, which raises the competitive bidding threshold from $50,000 to $100,000. That update was approved as Resolution No. 2026-22.
Director of Finance Gail French informed the Council that BoorksWatson and Co. completed the audit for Fiscal Year 2025 and concluded that the City is in compliance with all requirements. French noted that the firm’s representative experienced transportation issues and was unable to attend the meeting. She added that the Audit Subcommittee, which included two councilmembers, the City Manager, and herself, met to receive the unmodified opinion, and confirmed the firm would present the full Annual Comprehensive Financial Report at a future meeting. The report will be submitted to the City Secretary on time, according to the minutes.
Consent Agenda
Mayor Pro Tem Magill made a motion to approve consent agenda items 11 through 14, seconded by Councilmember Howard, passing unanimously 5 to 0. The consent items included approval of the March 9 2026 meeting minutes, continued membership in the Atmos Cities Steering Committee at five cents per capita as Resolution No. 2026-20, continued participation in the Steering Committee of Cities Served by ONCOR at ten cents per capita as Resolution No. 2026-21, and the updated City Purchasing Policy and Procedures Manual as Resolution No. 2026-22.
Mayor’s Report and Community Announcements
Mayor Childress reminded residents that Thursday April 2nd is the last day to register or update an address change to participate in the City’s May General Election. He encouraged residents to join Keep Seagoville Beautiful for its annual trash off at Bruce Central Park from 9 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday April 18th. The Mayor also announced the Kids Fishing Derby for ages 4 to 16 on Saturday May 23rd, with more information available by contacting Rense at 972-287-6823.
Future Agenda Items
Mayor Pro Tem Magill raised concerns about major developments in the City. He stated that homes are needed and people are needed to support local businesses, but noted that given the amount of rainfall the city receives, developers sometimes operate without regard for adjacent property owners, resulting in flooding concerns. While developments do provide engineering and drainage plans, Magill said it is important that adjacent and existing property owners remain protected from these impacts.
The Regular Session adjourned at 7:21 p.m.
