Van · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Van public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Repeal of open-records limitation ordinance
A rule passed less than a year ago forced staff to track every public information request minute-by-minute against an annual cap. It never actually limited anyone, so the council quietly repealed it to cut the paperwork.
Official newspaper designation
The council officially named the Van Zandt News as the paper that publishes the city's legal notices — the fine print most residents never see but that keeps government notices public.
FY2026 property tax rate
The tax rate stays at 0.7358 per $100 valuation — no overall increase — but 3 cents shifted from debt payments to services. The state-mandated 'tax increase' language reads scarier than the reality, and council members wanted that on the record.
FY2026 budget adoption
Van locked in its budget for the year starting October 1, funding police, streets, parks, the library, fire and water services. Where the city's money goes for the next 12 months was decided here.
EDC FY2026-2027 budget and grants
Sales tax is up 8.7% this fiscal year, McDonald's has opened, a subdivision on Highway 16 is pouring concrete, and new development talks along I-20 plus a possible assisted living facility could bring more revenue.
FY 2027 tax rate and budget
Keeping the rate at .7358 means the average homeowner pays about a dollar more a year, but the city collects roughly $9,000 less while costs keep rising — so the budget tightens, with a frozen position and equipment sale to balance it. A public hearing comes September 24.
TMRS employee contribution increase
City employees will now pay 7% instead of 6% into their retirement, earning richer benefits. Leaders framed it as a way to keep experienced staff who know the city's systems inside and out.
Council members holding concurrent city board seats
Bill Dwyer twice objected to appointing sitting council members (Mark Heatwole to the EDC, Mayor Burns to the Library Board) to additional city positions, arguing it crowds out residents and risks political gain. The majority disagreed, and the appointments passed 3-1-1 and 4-1.