The Combine City Council met for its regular meeting on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Combine City Hall, covering a packed agenda that included calling the citys May general election, approving a court related bonus, signing onto a statewide emergency management program, and denying a preliminary plat for a proposed residential subdivision.
Mayor Tim Ratcliff called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Council members Cecil Hutson, Christi Smith, Julian Castaneda, and Tonya Ratcliff were present, while Council Member Patrick Stepp was absent. City staff in attendance included City Secretary/Treasurer/Court Clerk Robin Price, City Manager Jack Gilbert, Police Chief Martin Cassidy, and Fire Chief Lauren Reeve.
New Police Officer Introduced
During the review of monthly department reports, Police Chief Martin Cassidy introduced Nyeisha Hopkins, who will join the department as Combines new full time officer starting February 2, 2026. An official swearing in ceremony is expected to be announced at a later date.
The Council also reviewed regular monthly reports from the Fire Department, Animal Control, Public Works, and Planning and Zoning.
Treasurers Report and Minutes Approved
The Council reviewed and approved the December 2025 Treasurers Report following a motion from Christi Smith, seconded by Julian Castaneda. The motion passed unanimously.
Minutes from the December 22, 2025, regular council meeting were also approved. Tonya Ratcliff made the motion to approve, Cecil Hutson seconded, and Christi Smith abstained.
Executive Session on Pending Litigation
The Council adjourned into Executive Session at 7:12 pm under Texas Government Code Chapter 551, Subchapter D, to consult with the citys attorney regarding pending or contemplated litigation involving Cause/Civil Action No. 121712 489, City of Combine, Texas vs. Whiskey River Development Corp. and Verdego Materials, LLC, concerning real property located on FM Road 3039, identified as Parcel IDs 12502 and 73094.
The Council reconvened in Open Session at 7:49 pm. No action was taken following the closed discussion.
May 2 General Election Officially Called
The Council passed and approved Ordinance No. 2026 001, formally ordering and calling a joint general election with Dallas County and Kaufman County to be held on May 2, 2026. The election will fill three Council seats, each carrying a two year term. Tonya Ratcliff made the motion to approve the ordinance, Cecil Hutson seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
In a related item, the Council authorized the Mayor to sign the Order of General Election for Municipalities, as prescribed by the Texas Secretary of State, and to sign the Contract for Election Services with Kaufman and Dallas Counties once received. Cecil Hutson made the motion, Christi Smith seconded, and it passed unanimously.
Court Related Bonuses Approved
Citing a significant increase in the volume of court orders requiring review and signature, the Council voted to amend the Municipal Court Judges agreement to include a one time bonus of $5,000 for the current fiscal year. The Council also agreed to revisit the possibility of additional one time bonuses for the Court Clerk and the City Manager, who also serves as Code Enforcement Officer, later in the year, funded through increased Municipal Court Funds. Christi Smith made the motion, Tonya Ratcliff seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
Emergency Management Agreement Signed
The Council authorized Mayor Tim Ratcliff to sign a Memorandum of Understanding allowing Combine to participate in the State of Texas Emergency Management Assistance Teams program, known as TEMAT. Cecil Hutson made the motion, Julian Castaneda seconded, and it passed unanimously.
Whiskey River Subdivision Plat Denied
The Council took action on a Planning and Zoning recommendation regarding a revised preliminary plat for the proposed Whiskey River Subdivision, a 12 lot single family residential development on a 17.76 acre tract located in the P. Stockman Survey, Abstract No. 445, off FM 1389 South and Mason Road.
Tonya Ratcliff made a motion to deny the preliminary plat without prejudice, citing several outstanding requirements: an overall conceptual plan covering all adjacent properties currently owned by or under contract with Whiskey River ownership, a minimum finished floor elevation specified on all lots to prevent potential flooding of future homes, and confirmation of utility easement issues or a requested variance. Christi Smith seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
Meeting Adjourned
Christi Smith made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Cecil Hutson, and the meeting concluded at 8:15 pm.
These minutes were approved by the Combine City Council on February 23, 2026, and certified by Robin Price, City Secretary/Treasurer.
