[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6057258,"mediaKeyId","3307416-86e28c3bf0db27c991dc7aa8ecb9900e","parentId",3307416,"title","City cameras helped track counterfeit‑currency suspect; council hears need for more dispatch staff","audioSeconds",358,"startMs",2882000,"endMs",3240000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3307416-86e28c3bf0db27c991dc7aa8ecb9900e&start=2882&end=3240","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3307416-86e28c3bf0db27c991dc7aa8ecb9900e/thumbnail_2882000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6057258/Texas/City-cameras-helped-track-counterfeitcurrency-suspect-council-hears-need-for-more-dispatch-staff","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6057258-15d116f6ed9517fa557eb64c048df803/orig.mp4?Expires=1776055560&Signature=SJgBOFXqZ9XTy-jf6ndjRZnIt37LVS8g4s7yE92Bdj6d5ToU4J3cOsUFPRsxR5hx98WFg5ppaZ1jGWPcNwuvlPuM9ih39otEFCDG2wvvZ4SUsTbuvG-pA~NHKnMTxcATqUa4u4R-tekL0~-JpRS~~kEWqbjX0uqSGK0ssuJf0YwBsIwmF2UIoBqrCaXWUMapyL6H8tYaXcvkoPfAwmnyf1cWPn3b03e7XzQ-EMgewYDoKmpXGppIa8B3E0OsnQTnEC5Z-5vMyv2g~W1TrkUIhOP4~EuGzAbFXv95s006lv2J~U9M0M4pfwuoab-SHNlNfSzl7rQqaqzHa1O-uJKImA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Navasota TX","date","2025-05-14T20:30:19Z","article","Police and staff told the Navasota City Council on May 13 that the citywide camera network has delivered investigatory benefits and that the dispatch center is operating near capacity.

Staff and the police chief described a recent counterfeit‑currency investigation in which downtown camera footage helped track a suspect from a store to a vehicle and obtain a license‑plate image. \"We were able... to track back and see the... suspect going into the store... and now they have a suspect on that issue,\" a speaker identified in the meeting as the police chief said while describing the investigative use of camera footage.

Council members pressed for more details about dispatch staffing. The police dispatch unit currently has six authorized dispatcher positions on a 12‑hour shift schedule, the chief said, with one position in training; staffing is constrained by vacations, sick leave and the need to cover busy events. The chief provided activity numbers from recent reporting: about 7,709 911 calls per year, roughly 23,000 calls for service, about 4,500 traffic stops and roughly 250 arrests in the most recent reporting period.

Councilmembers said callers sometimes hear \"please hold\" when they call nonemergency lines while dispatchers are handling higher‑priority radio traffic. The chief and staff said new consoles have been installed and training is in progress; they recommended that staffing be considered in the FY2026 personnel plan to reduce periods when callers hear hold messages.

Why it matters: surveillance cameras are contributing to investigations, and dispatch staffing levels affect emergency‑call handling and response capacity. Council asked staff to include potential additional dispatcher staffing in the staffing plan and to present cost and scheduling options.

Staff said they will include dispatch staffing needs and associated costs in the personnel/staffing plan to be returned to council in coming budget workshops.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Special Meeting - 5.13.2025","oneSentenceSummary","Council heard that citywide cameras aided a police investigation and that dispatch is staffing‑constrained; police and staff described camera benefits and dispatch call volumes.","taxTitle","Navasota City Council, Navasota, Grimes County, Texas","taxId",73060,"location","Texas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6057262,"Navasota council weighs TMRS changes, COLA and salary survey for FY2026",309,1819000,2128000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3307416-86e28c3bf0db27c991dc7aa8ecb9900e&start=1819&end=2128","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3307416-86e28c3bf0db27c991dc7aa8ecb9900e/thumbnail_1819000.jpg","/articles/6057262/Texas/Navasota-council-weighs-TMRS-changes-COLA-and-salary-survey-for-FY2026","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6057262-ada17a8fe969fb128c643a7d0ac79045/orig.mp4?Expires=1776055560&Signature=QFMkW1gylkdCagpEMhBkrJioEaolt22nkbphPr6LCouATAzedE5Ppz2J8-YplGMOTT0kYn3Fyw7Vb8fAG1FKjOXmgf3H4gd6K4PLfeeFNxJ8WsEgOghKRs5WY5JzZ0Kl3iSYBzoLCkynijGzyp~u6pRHV9oW7EVELQZTejR~ZdNCwC2Qlqlzsf94Gkvs5voO2AWkAd1tiWJrZTU3kbaP1nmB-PXT~conyJTEh8PNvmTR-rWseM5OX79DvdmVqjUxlEJiUWoXpRIY9z8djzKZ17tYBdKcQ1HJnbp~Up2nBKplN8KJjsmjYjIMaHfoi06r-a2FnA2MW7y18VcbgulQvA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff and council discussed employee compensation, retirement and human‑resources tools during the May 13 budget workshop. The conversation focused on whether to change the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) parameters and on salary‑survey timing and cost‑of‑living adjustments.

Mr. Heminger explained how TMRS benefits are calculated and the practical effect of different formulas: \"a 25 year retirement to a 25 year, a 25 year retirement will result in about double the monthly benefit to a retiree that a 20 year retirement had,\" he said while explaining the interaction of years of service, contributions and mortality tables. (Transcript: Mr. Heminger.)

Staff said the city currently uses a 25‑year retirement parameter and is considering whether to move to a 20‑year target and increase the employer match (discussion referenced going from the current 5% toward a 7% match). Staff noted those choices have budget consequences and will affect recruitment, retention and tradeoffs with other priorities.

On pay adjustments, staff suggested a 2.5%–3% cost‑of‑living adjustment (COLA) as consistent with recent Consumer Price Index measures, and reminded the council that the city completed a salary survey in 2022 and typically recommends a three‑ to four‑year cadence for a new survey. Staff also said they plan to implement or continue NeoGov software for applicant tracking and onboarding as part of HR modernization.

Why it matters: retirement and pay structure affect recruitment and retention, and any change to TMRS contributions or a system wide COLA will change the FY2026 budget baseline. Councilmembers asked staff to present specific dollar impacts and to weigh phased approaches (e.g., moving partway toward a higher match in Year 1 and continuing in later years) so council can prioritize other programs accordingly.

Staff will survey employees and return with financial scenarios showing tradeoffs so the council can decide whether to fully adopt a TMRS change, phase increases or allocate funds for broader salary adjustments.","Council and staff discussed moving retirement from a 25‑year to a 20‑year TMRS plan, a possible increase in employer match, a recommended 2.5–3% COLA and a 2026 salary survey; staff noted tradeoffs with other budget priorities.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6057267,"Council moves to prioritize Parks and Recreation master plan and more citizen engagement",5268,682000,5950000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3307416-86e28c3bf0db27c991dc7aa8ecb9900e&start=682&end=5950","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3307416-86e28c3bf0db27c991dc7aa8ecb9900e/thumbnail_682000.jpg","/articles/6057267/Texas/Council-moves-to-prioritize-Parks-and-Recreation-master-plan-and-more-citizen-engagement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6057267-8e3d61874ec2eae50cf3d68028317fdf/orig.mp4?Expires=1776055560&Signature=Re95~UPYLbkM5c6V9jsanchgDRyYMaHBP47DRoQWmlqzuh6J83gL4vJf-oy~siFGOhAuUpJ4lvRKZRDSzsf37maF~rRwUqwDzE63CffuARndvtHWxdnfq1siLi3zUfW4LhdoBHLaygl8dus7Lgmqzxa4tqrB7UHC5qlQ9q34jWvO24YPcRESd2W6RqVmm9ppinunhtFGhsAnsV4wpfnr5ZCPcjAJQ3uy9hccNJItIysdkhMb9jYBi9vzCcoeF5OJ1p7noPofyjL1wv1GzuF1Wqf4S8mmfpvjymrIGWGMrXaVJfPvwucJEgTFWET0emXuDkPi4M6C68u3tt3LFl-VuQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff told the Navasota City Council on May 13 that the city will issue an RFQ for a Parks & Recreation master plan, and councilmembers urged emphasis on low‑cost improvements and better public engagement. \"I think we definitely need the parks and rec master plan,\" a council member said during the workshop.

Staff said the master plan RFQ will let the city obtain consultant proposals and cost estimates for park improvements and grant‑eligible amenities. The staff presentation noted that incorporating hike‑and‑bike trails into the plan would help the city qualify for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department grant programs; staff suggested designing looped and spoke trail systems that connect parks and downtown.

Council members urged the city to identify \"low‑hanging fruit\"—small investments such as replacing basketball goals, adding shade canopies, moving picnic tables and installing paver pads under tables to limit rot—that can improve park usability without large budget impacts. Council discussed specific parks: Cleveland Street Park (basketball slab), Brew Park (planning stage), and W M Albert Marjorie Miller Park (signage and benches already purchased by the FFA but not yet installed). Staff confirmed the benches were purchased and said staff will arrange installation and consistent park signage.

On public engagement, a council member asked for more town‑hall meetings (suggesting quarterly rather than twice a year). Staff cautioned that the Open Meetings Act requires posted agendas for discussion by a quorum and suggested soliciting topics in advance—via a public survey—then posting the top topics as an agenda to comply with the law.

Staff also pointed to existing online tools: the city website’s \"report a problem\" button can accept photos and service requests without a separate app, and the city has an intern working on a GIS field app that will allow crews to upload geolocated photos from the field for tracking park or infrastructure issues.

Why it matters: the parks plan will guide capital and operating priorities, improve grant eligibility and identify small‑scale projects residents can use immediately. Town‑hall design choices affect how the council can lawfully engage with residents outside formal agenda items.

Staff said the parks RFQ will be issued soon and that design and signage options will be brought back for council review; benches and basic improvements will be scheduled where feasible.","Staff said an RFQ for a Parks & Recreation master plan is imminent; councilmembers discussed affordable park improvements, signage and holding town‑hall meetings within Open Meetings Act limits.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6057272,"Navasota to commission utility‑rate study after council hears persistent leaks and billing concerns",1918,3347000,5265000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3307416-86e28c3bf0db27c991dc7aa8ecb9900e&start=3347&end=5265","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3307416-86e28c3bf0db27c991dc7aa8ecb9900e/thumbnail_3347000.jpg","/articles/6057272/Texas/Navasota-to-commission-utilityrate-study-after-council-hears-persistent-leaks-and-billing-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6057272-54b9ea4abdf0a6b25b0700daae7a7c13/orig.mp4?Expires=1776055560&Signature=k3DfzNBZj3BfgZxSCkNnH6pNKUg8NQ-5fvtTm6qazM~NgHkd2agZeLeC9-whcVm0bqWeL48YWGnbdfq-QQPo4rU73AcwLD48LvrNtOa-OsroWtrPm6eD1Hv5QoTt~Fc~9TPCtwsAjOUMCVCUGEXFnTrxU7wIR6T~gpOYAjp6mv5nI6JOG3zzpkR7E4OCJ8gCmyv3ES4~7aIHdAD80MOcytI1AffWQKsO-YYWzNvgbBuh5y0sMTayBIxIOUF-nKShCX3YNlKaquzyvcCN8tOSEuL-Y7xqiV~U4hM26Sp21Pbj5KJYMBQCnUngvvjxAD72~k-jkkFCReoVJFtHgzW11w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff told the Navasota City Council on May 13 that the city should hire consultants to complete a utility rate study and an impact‑fee study to align rates with system costs. \"I'd like to go ahead and bring in... a utility rate study and see, hey, where are our rates relative to our costs,\" Mr. Heminger, staff member, said.

Council members and residents raised repeated concerns about long‑standing water leaks, the cost of repairs and a perceived billing anomaly in which sewer charges appeared higher than water charges for some households. One council member said, \"my sewage bill has been more than my water bill\" and asked for a clearer explanation of how sewer charges are calculated. The speaker added that the city has spent roughly \"60 plus thousand dollars\" on repairs in similar contexts and asked whether hiring outside contractors to fix chronic leaks would be more efficient.

Staff described several steps already underway: a planned rate study, continued investment in utility capital projects and a GIS internship project from Texas A&M to build a field app for mapping valves, leaks and other infrastructure. The GIS intern will develop a field reporting tool so crews can upload geolocated photos and create a history of leak locations.

Why it matters: utility rates and billing formulas determine household bills and fund water/wastewater capital work. A rate study could recommend moving some costs to different rate components or phasing increases to smooth customer impact while funding repairs.

Council members discussed options for smoothing rate increases over several years rather than a single large adjustment. Staff cautioned that rates must cover operating and capital costs so the city does not defer needed maintenance. Mr. Heminger said that a rate study focuses on the city’s operational costs and probable capital projects, not a direct city‑to‑city comp arison of rates.

Staff said they will bring firm recommendations to council after the study, including options for phasing increases and aligning sewer‑billing methodology with system costs.","Staff recommended a utility rate study and impact‑fee analysis; council members and residents raised long‑running water‑leak complaints and a perceived mismatch between water and sewer charges.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6057277,"Navasota begins FY2026 budget workshops, will evaluate tax rate and large debt proposals",4213,1677000,5890000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3307416-86e28c3bf0db27c991dc7aa8ecb9900e&start=1677&end=5890","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3307416-86e28c3bf0db27c991dc7aa8ecb9900e/thumbnail_1677000.jpg","/articles/6057277/Texas/Navasota-begins-FY2026-budget-workshops-will-evaluate-tax-rate-and-large-debt-proposals","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6057277-78fbde325b661277a9793b417a66606c/orig.mp4?Expires=1776055560&Signature=Cee8ZfYboiwXT9l7d4oxlbBQo29EHHef40ne4e0Lpf3zlKsWlxuV44RIrtLjh0Z5Ti-qcK3sJrDHa2iTOzIqAvX9iowH4ZUEQgVstmYTRD1u-5fll0K7Dg8simSIAJLR43JczMFR4OqutWYicJ02HzFdWLqzeYJ2zTnWYetQNtdzCxlVQeQgm4vU4amxiNniyoMlNYEnkdlvbbmrrlIdmhFsYvjzsqz0wXC6GOCZR6LqOwRwpqIjuSh0v50M7eCXAqqsKXceeVj3YqcUdavoITvYXee~3mlGXjQGKtMRWF9mkVdQVacdBYigcb9Y72N9jvJf9KIAQu~zY1xJKOAohw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At a May 13 special meeting, staff outlined the City of Navasota’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget calendar and asked the Navasota City Council for high‑level priorities that will guide the proposed budget. \"The council is the body that sets the priorities for us,\" Mr. Heminger, staff member, told the council as he reviewed the process for developing and adopting the budget.

The city will hold a second full workshop on July 14 (the first council meeting in July) to review draft budget components, staff said. Staff plans to send the proposed budget a week before the first council meeting in August, review highlights that night and schedule public hearings and final adoption during two council meetings in September, ahead of the Oct. 1 start of the 2026 fiscal year.

Why it matters: the council sets city priorities and adopts the tax rate that funds the budget; early decisions will determine whether programs, capital work and personnel changes move forward.

Mr. Heminger said staff will start from last year’s tax rate \"and see where that gets us\" as a baseline. He also said staff will do a conservative debt analysis before pursuing major capital projects: \"I want to get a good feel for what is our fiscal condition, what is our current debt load... and what can they afford to absorb in as future debt,\" he said when describing plans to analyze a proposed fire‑station project that could require roughly $15 million to $18 million in debt. He said the city will not make a debt decision until staff completes a multi‑fund analysis showing the impact on the general fund and utility fund.

Council members asked staff to return with options if higher retirement or benefit costs push other items off the list. Mr. Heminger said staff will present tradeoffs—for example, whether to phase in a retirement contribution increase or take it all in one year—so council can prioritize projects and personnel within available revenues.

The workshop also reviewed existing planning documents (the strategic plan, the recently grant‑funded comprehensive plan effort and a proposed capital improvement program). Staff said several planning efforts are grant funded and therefore will have limited direct effect on the FY2026 operating budget, but that capital planning could identify future debt needs.

Looking ahead, councilmembers may be asked to approve contract(s) for financial or rate consultants, to review tax‑rate options visually at the July workshop, and to consider a multi‑month debt affordability analysis before authorizing major borrowing.","City staff presented a budget calendar and asked council to confirm priorities for fiscal 2026; staff will return with detailed proposals on July 14 and in August and will analyze a proposed fire-station debt before any decision.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City cameras helped track counterfeit‑currency suspect; council hears need for more dispatch staff

Navasota council weighs TMRS changes, COLA and salary survey for FY2026

Council moves to prioritize Parks and Recreation master plan and more citizen engagement

Navasota to commission utility‑rate study after council hears persistent leaks and billing concerns

Navasota begins FY2026 budget workshops, will evaluate tax rate and large debt proposals