Van · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Van public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Potential purchase of the Denny Rucker property
The EDC was scheduled to discuss whether it has interest in buying the Denny Rucker property, which is currently for sale. Any purchase would use public economic development funds and could shape future development in Van.
Strategic Planning Workshop
The board was scheduled to discuss a strategic planning workshop to set the EDC's priorities. This shapes how economic development dollars get spent in Van.
Business grant programs (sign and facade grants)
A beloved local café can't open its full menu until it installs a code-required grease interceptor, and an $11,500 EDC grant stalled over whether that counts as a 'facade' improvement. Council wants the EDC board to rewrite the grant — possibly at $12,500 for a bigger unit — and get it done quickly.
Water Well No. 3 replacement and utility capital planning
The new Well No. 3 test well hit water on target and stays on track for February, but a 1978-era pump needs replacing at up to $40,000, and pump controls should pay for themselves in six months via lower sludge-hauling costs.
Speed limit on West Florida Street
A 29-year resident asked for a 15 mph limit on the narrow one-lane road where signs 200 yards apart say 30. The city has already deployed the radar trailer for a speed study.
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 It never actually limited anyone, so the council quietly repealed it to cut the paperwork.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.
Stop signs at West Kansas and Cherry Streets
A resident argued the signs were never backed by a traffic study; the council agreed to a study on car counts, speeds and accident history before any removal.
Election cancellation
The council called its election: mayor and two council seats are on the November 3 ballot.
Hazard Mitigation Plan action items
Van submitted new five-year hazard actions — weather radios, tornado safe rooms in schools and daycares, drought-tolerant landscaping incentives, and flood-area signs — keeping the city eligible for grant money.
New Emergency Medical Services provider
Ambulances have been routinely taking 20-30 minutes instead of the contracted 8:59 to 90% of calls. The council voted to sign a new provider that can start by June 2028 and to terminate the old contract for default.
City hall remodel
Three of four AC units serving city hall have been out of service. Options include a remodel or relocating the library to the EDC's Movie House; a workshop will follow.
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.
Interlocal road agreement with Van Zandt County Precinct 4
Manhole repairs are underway on Walnut and Dove streets, and the county has a road project on the books for next year even if the city can't fully fund it.
E-bike and golf cart safety regulation
Residents are upset about e-bikes speeding through parks and running stop signs, but state law sharply limits what the city can ban. The council leaned toward signs and safety education rather than new ordinances, and asked for a draft rule just for the sports complex.
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.
Late hours for hotel bar alcohol service
The council approved letting the hotel bar serve guests and the public until 2 a.m. any day of the week under a TABC late-hours permit. Neighbors near the hotel may notice later activity.
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.
Yearly City Manager review
Council asked to add a yearly City Manager performance review to a future executive session agenda, noting it's overdue, with members expressing support for Jeff Hudgens' work.
Film friendly designation
Van wants to be on the state's list of film-friendly locations — potential free publicity and economic activity, with a $25 permit fee and a codified ordinance to come next month.
Mobile food truck ordinance
A new mobile food truck ordinance cleared the consent agenda, setting the ground rules for food trucks operating in Van.
East Ohio Street seal-coating
The oil-sand stretch of East Ohio from the city limits to North Maple gets sealed Monday, wrapping up this year's road work.
Uncollected municipal court fines and warrants
Council Member Dwyer flagged roughly $300,000 in outstanding warrants showing no collection activity this month. Staff explained the court has tightened collections and license-renewal holds, but most fine revenue goes to the state, not the city. Police will request a warrant list from the court clerk for follow-up contact.
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.
Funding fire protection outside city limits
About 63% of fire department calls go outside the city but only ~7% of the budget is reimbursed. Council discussed ESDs, a possible county sales tax on the November ballot, and how to afford aging fire trucks and mandatory new bunker gear.