City Passes Budget, Moves on Lot Sale, Police Chief

The Olney City Council unanimously adopted the city’s fiscal year 2025– 2026 municipal appropriations budget at its Sept. 22 meeting after a brief public hearing that drew no public comments.

The council then voted to approve the budget for the year beginning Oct. 1, 2025 and ending Sept. 30, 2026. City staff noted there were no changes since the most recent draft, other than a previously reported adjustment inside the Olney Police Department budget related to reserve officer pay.

In other business, the council accepted a $5,070 offer for a tax-trust lot at 407 W. Grove St., noting the bid exceeds the minimum price and the city’s carrying costs. The discussion prompted a broader review of how Olney handles Texas Communities Group (TCG) property bids.

Staff recapped that, in recent years, the City has allowed sales to adjacent property owners who intend to clean and maintain lots—while asking other bidders to submit building plans and agree to begin construction within 12 months before final approval of the bids.

Council members said they want consistency going forward and may consider drafting covenants or an ordinance to formalize expectations. For now, TCG’s only standing timelines remain a two-month cleanup window when a structure is on a lot and six months when there is no structure.

During monthly reports, Public Works logged a busy period with 182 work orders completed and multiple hydrant tests and flows. Staff reported lake levels at 88 percent. Water sales figures showed 14.2 million gallons (treated/produced) versus 12.8 million gallons (billed), a 1.4 million gallon discrepancy. The city lists 1,629 active meters; the utility team tested seven meters, replaced 11, completed 23 connects, 30 disconnects and 41 rereads.

Olney Police Officer Dennis Hahn noted an active month in patrol and enforcement. Municipal Court reported 37 violations filed in the latest period, more than $10,700 received, and several warrants processed. The council also recognized Municipal Judge Stan Mahler, who is retiring after more than 18 years of service; his final day, Sept. 24 was marked with a reception at City Hall. The Council will consider an appointment to the judgeship at its next meeting.

The Permitting Department reported six contractor registrations, 22 permits issued, 36 inspections, one Fire Marshal inspection and eight animal registrations for August.

City Secretary Tammy Hourigan said city investments continue to earn above 4 percent despite recent interest rate cuts (about 4.17 percent as of meeting day). She noted the revenue bond fund shows a balance of approximately $14.397 million.

City Administrator Simon Dwyer said progress on the City’s grant applications continues, including proposed airport and downtown revitalization projects, which has cleared its next compliance step. As FY 2026 begins, engineering will start on stormwater collection improvements along Avenue C. The city has received three new police vehicles; hail repairs on four 2021 Tahoes will likely be completed on-site by the lowest-cost vendor. At the next meeting, the Council will see year-end budget amendments— largely drawing from the contingency fund—with a year-end surplus still projected.

Mayor Rue Rogers also briefed the public on the ongoing police chief search. About six candidates remain in the pipeline; interviews will resume now that the budget is complete, with plans to include community members in a later round. Council also discussed storm debris pickup procedures and the convenience station’s availability by appointment.