Wylie council accepts clean audit, updates fees and OKs two public-art commissions; discusses Corps lease and manufactured‑home proposal

Wylie City Council on Jan. 28 accepted the city's annual comprehensive financial report for fiscal year 2023–24, approved an ordinance updating the city's comprehensive fee schedule and voted to commission two bronze sculptures for the municipal walking trails. In work sessions the council discussed a possible long‑term lease with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for East Fork and Avalon parks and extensively reviewed a proposed manufactured‑home community on property at the northeast corner of East FM 544 and Allen East Drive.

The most consequential item of the evening for taxpayers was the auditor's presentation on the city's 2024 financial statements. John DeVarro, audit partner for Weaver LLP, told the council the firm had issued an unmodified opinion on the financial statements and a separate report on internal control and compliance with "no findings, no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies." DeVarro said governmental revenues for fiscal 2024 totaled about $78.7 million, ad valorem tax revenue rose by roughly $3.5 million, and capital outlay spending increased substantially as large projects progressed.

City staff presented the audits and the city's annual comprehensive financial report (ACFR) in the meeting packet and the council voted to accept the ACFR following the presentation.

Votes at a glance: - Acceptance of annual comprehensive financial report (ACFR) for fiscal year 2023–24. Motion to approve by Mayor Pro Tem Jeff Forrester; second by Councilman Scott Williams. Vote: 7–0; outcome: approved. - Approval of Ordinance No. 2025‑08 (amendments to comprehensive fee schedule: garbage/trash/brush, planning and zoning, police, public library and municipal court fees). Motion to approve by Councilmember Gina Maleche; second by Mayor Pro Tem Jeff Forrester. Vote: 7–0; outcome: approved. - Approval of contract not to exceed $59,190 for artist Sunny/"Sonny" Behan (presentation packet listed Sunny Bahan) to install "Echoes of the Prairie" for municipal walking trails Phase 3, including the final design as amended. Motion to approve by Councilmember Gina Maleche; second by Councilman Scott Williams. Vote: 7–0; outcome: approved. - Approval of contract not to exceed $60,000 for artist Seth Vandible (presented as Seth Vandel / Seth Vanderbilt/Vandible in the record) to install a companion sculpture, "Prairie Hunter," for municipal walking trails Phase 3. Motion to approve by…