Fair Oaks Ranch council approves donation, IT refresh, detention interlocal and PID policy; budget amendment passes first reading

The Fair Oaks Ranch City Council voted on several administrative and policy items at its Dec. 19 meeting, approving a private donation to the police department, a partial IT network refresh purchase order, an interlocal detention services agreement with Kendall County, and a formal public improvement district (PID) policy; the council also approved the first reading of an ordinance to amend the FY 2024–25 budget.

Donation to police: Interim Police Chief Todd Smith presented a $2,000 private donation from John and Nomi Lowlade to fund professional officer portraits for display in the public safety facility. John Lowlade spoke briefly to thank officers. The council accepted the donation by voice vote.

IT network refresh: IT Manager Brian Lejeune described a partial network refresh to replace end‑of‑life devices, improve capacity and address security risks. He said the project meets the city's strategic action plan and will be procured through a DIR purchasing cooperative; he presented a project cost of about $88,049, which includes a 10% contingency and accessories. Council authorized a purchase order with Innovation Network Technologies by voice vote.

Budget amendment (first reading): Finance Director Summer Fleming presented an ordinance for first reading to reappropriate encumbrances and incomplete project appropriations from the prior fiscal year and to add new appropriations. Staff recommended $88,050 for the IT refresh and $150,000 for anticipated water well pump replacements and stated the amendment would increase total appropriations by $4,900,000, with detailed line items shown in the agenda packet. The council approved the ordinance on first reading.

Interlocal detention agreement: Staff presented a draft interlocal agreement with Kendall County to reestablish detention services so that class C arrestees can be transported to the Kendall County Jail regardless of county of arrest; the agreement includes a $65 per‑day per‑detainee charge and automatic renewals (either party may cancel with 30 days' notice). Staff said usage should be infrequent and estimated annual costs "well under $3,000." Council approved the resolution by voice vote.

PID policy adoption: Staff reviewed a proposed PID policy (a financing tool under the Texas Local Government Code) and outlined changes including clarifying capital vs. O&M PIDs, a revised value‑to‑lien ratio of 2.5:1 (down from 3:1), and replacing a flat $3 per $100 valuation cap with case‑by‑case assessment limits set in petitions. Council adopted the PID policy by voice vote.

All motions recorded in open session were approved by voice vote with no recorded opposition.