Council approves up to $30,000 in utility assistance for United Way at Decker Gym community hub

Granbury City Council on Oct. 7 approved a one‑year utility assistance partnership with United Way of Hood County for the Decker Gym community hub, authorizing payment of utility costs up to $30,000 for fiscal year Oct. 2025–Sept. 2026.

Program background: Crystal (Director, United Way of Hood County) told council volunteers and local businesses have renovated the long‑vacant Decker Gym into a multi‑use community hub that houses several nonprofits, storage for nonprofit programs, training space, counseling rooms and administrative offices. United Way asked the city to provide utility assistance up to a maximum of $30,000 to help cover rising bills as the hub’s program use expands.

Terms and council discussion: Council clarified the city’s contribution is a maximum not to exceed $30,000; staff said the actual payment will match the hub’s billed utility costs up to that cap. City Manager Chris said a budget amendment would be required and that funds would come from the general fund. Councilmembers supported a one‑year arrangement to allow evaluation in the next budget cycle.

Quote: “This benefits a lot of folks, not just United Way,” a councilmember said while supporting the motion, noting the facility houses many partner nonprofits.

Ending: Council authorized the partnership and directed staff to prepare the required budget amendment for the next council meeting; the assistance will be evaluated during next year’s budgeting process.