Development News for Stephenville, Texas

Erath County Appraisal District Seeks to Purchase Larger Facility Amidst Significant Growth

The City Council held a presentation by Jonathan Pringle from the Erath County Appraisal District regarding the district's need for a larger facility. The district has experienced significant growth in parcels and taxable value since 2015, leading to increased demands on staff and resources. Their current 6,700 sq ft facility is insufficient. The district has an opportunity to purchase the BMY financial building, approximately 11,000 sq ft, for $3.2 million. This new facility would provide adequate space for current and future needs, including board meetings and appraisal review board panels. The purchase would be financed through Government Capital. The district's budget is funded by 18 entities, with the City of Stevenville, Erath County, and Stevenville ISD being the largest contributors. The proposed budget of $2.8 million includes the building cost, with the building itself valued at approximately $5.2 million. The current building could be sold if the purchase goes through. The decision to proceed with the purchase will be made by the appraisal district board on June 12th, with a 40-day window for entities to formally disapprove.

City Council Approves Rezoning for Two Large Residential Developments

The City Council considered and approved two separate rezoning applications for agricultural land to integrated housing R2.5. The first application (RZ2026-9643) was for approximately 42.750 acres located at 1042 PR 1428 off Lockhart Road. The second application (RZ2026-9644) was for approximately 41.310 acres located at 1163 TR1428 off County Road 498. Both applications were submitted by Mike McCollin, representing C. Winsett and Gail Reddicks, with the intention of constructing single-family residences. The Planning and Zoning Commission had previously recommended approval for the first rezoning by a vote of five to one. A key discussion point for both rezonings was the issue of access to public streets and the requirement for improved roadways meeting city standards. The applicant stated that a legal easement filed in 1953 exists and that they are in discussions with neighboring property owners to develop an engineered road design. The R2.5 zoning was chosen to provide flexibility in development, including the possibility of townhomes, and to ensure the project aligns with future land use plans. The city council approved both ordinances, with separate votes for each property.

City Council Approves Interlocal Agreement for Dispatch Services During Transition to Unified Center

The City Council approved an interlocal agreement between the City of Stevenville and Erath County for dispatch services. This agreement allows City of Stevenville dispatchers to cover the Erath County Sheriff's Office dispatch center until the Erath County Unified Dispatch Center goes live, which is anticipated around August 1st. The city is currently hiring and training dispatchers for the unified center. The agreement includes provisions for the county to reimburse the city for salaries, benefits, and overtime costs incurred by city dispatchers covering the sheriff's office. This measure is in place because the county is short-staffed, and the city wants to avoid hiring county employees for a center that will soon be city-run. The agreement ensures continuity of service for the Sheriff's Office during the transition period. The city confirmed it has sufficient personnel, including one additional staff member in training, and is actively processing other applicants.