The Combine City Council held its regular monthly meeting on Monday, May 18, 2026, at Combine City Hall, where members welcomed new and returning faces to the dais and honored two longtime city volunteers for 15 years of combined service.
New and Returning Council Members Take Their Seats
Mayor Tim Ratcliff opened the meeting by welcoming three council members to the table. Patrick Stepp returned to the council after a year away, joined by Del MacLaren and newly appointed Josh Caldwell. Following the introductions, Ratcliff gave a short overview of municipal government, walking through proper meeting conduct and explaining what a Type A General Law city is permitted and not permitted to do under state law.
Outgoing Members Honored for 15 Years of Service
The council presented plaques to Tonya Ratcliff and Chrisi Smith, recognizing both for 15 years of dedicated service on the council and the Planning and Zoning Commission. According to the meeting minutes, the two were instrumental in helping pass a balanced budget every year, work that allowed the city to complete several major projects without raising the tax rate. The council thanked both for their years of contributions to Combine.
Leadership Appointments
The council took action on two leadership appointments during the meeting. Del MacLaren made a motion to nominate Cecil Hutson as Mayor Pro Tem, which was seconded by Julian Castaneda and passed. Council members also voted to appoint Del MacLaren as the third signatory for the city’s banking transactions, replacing Christi Smith in that role. Cecil Hutson made that motion, which Julian Castaneda seconded.
Planning and Zoning Commission Reappointments
The council voted to reappoint Rebecka Hughes, Kim Culter, and Mary Cates to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Del MacLaren made the motion, seconded by Julian Castaneda, and it carried. Culter was not in attendance at the meeting, so she was not sworn in that evening. City officials noted she will be sworn in individually at a later date in the office.
Budget Workshop Dates Set
Looking ahead to the next fiscal year, the council scheduled three budget workshops for the FY 26 27 cycle. The sessions will be held at 6:00 p.m. on June 8, June 29, and July 28, 2026, giving council members and city staff time to review department needs ahead of the new budget.
Other Business
The council also reviewed monthly reports from the Police Department, Fire Department, Animal Control, Public Works, and Planning and Zoning. Members approved the April 2026 Treasurer’s Report on a motion from Julian Castaneda, seconded by Cecil Hutson. Minutes from the April 27, 2026 hearing and regular meeting, along with the May 12, 2026 special meeting to canvass general election votes, were also approved. There were no citizen comments at the meeting.
Source: Minutes of the Combine City Council Regular Meeting, May 18, 2026, certified by City Secretary/Treasurer Robin Price.
