Bonham council approves $4.335 million for water improvements, designates TIRZ and OKs 107‑acre development

Bonham — The Bonham City Council on April 13 voted unanimously to advance several infrastructure and development initiatives, approving $4,335,000 in Combination Tax and Surplus Revenue Certificates of Obligation to fund water system improvements, designating Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 3 along State Highway 56 and approving a development agreement for a roughly 107‑acre single‑family subdivision called Legacy Ridge.

City Manager Sean Pate said the water funding finishes work that was cut from an original 2017 project because of cost increases at that time. “This is finishing out the original project from 2017 that had to be cut out due to increased costs at the time,” Pate said, noting the city is eligible for 70% principal forgiveness and a 30% loan from the Texas Water Development Board.

The council also accepted a March financial report showing sales‑tax revenue trending about 4.5% higher than the prior year. “Sales tax is trending 4.5% higher than last year,” said Sarah Osburn, Director of Administrative Services.

The meeting included several planning‑stage and administrative approvals. The council approved a request‑for‑qualifications to identify a manager for the Larry Shockley Sports Complex; the RFQ is structured to prioritize organizations demonstrating the highest participation by students who live in or attend Bonham ISD and will apply to the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1, 2026. The council authorized a facilities assessment study by Huitt‑Zollars to evaluate municipal building needs and guide long‑term planning and future development agreements.

On public‑safety policy, the council adopted an ordinance codifying prior Police Department regulations into the municipal code. Chief Hawkes said the move is a formality to align with the Best Practices Accreditation Program and new TCOLE requirements for full‑time and reserve officers.

In economic development action, consultant Chris Branham of Catalyst described the purpose and governance of the new Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 3, which incorporates portions of State Highway 56 (Sam Rayburn Drive). “This is the perfect opportunity to clean up that area and possibly improve sidewalks, lighting, infrastructure and a great opportunity for reinvestment into that corridor,” Pate said during the discussion. The ordinance creating the zone establishes a Board of Directors and a tax increment fund and takes effect immediately upon passage.

Council members also approved a development agreement with MMMS Bonham SF, LLC for the Legacy Ridge master‑planned single‑family project, roughly 107 acres in size. City staff summarized the agreement’s provisions — financing and incentives, public improvements and infrastructure, zoning and vested rights, homeowners‑association responsibilities, fee credits, term and performance measures, and risk allocation — but no detailed dollar amounts beyond the water certificates were provided in the meeting record.

Land‑use items on the agenda included approval of a Specific Use Permit to allow an arcade in a vacant building on W. Sam Rayburn Drive (Planning and Zoning recommended approval 5‑1) and an ordinance rezoning a 0.2‑acre parcel (Property ID 93496) from Single‑Family Residential to Local Business based on its arterial location. Both measures passed unanimously after staff answered questions about hours and context.

Several developer requests tied to State Highway 56 — including a service plan, annexation, creation of a planned development district and a concept plan for a tiny‑homes addition — were withdrawn by the developer and received no council action.

During the public‑comment period, Antonio Rodriguez of 213 Graham spoke to the council, saying his Constitutional rights had been violated; the transcript does not record a response from council members.

Votes at a glance: - Minutes of March 9 and March 26 regular and special meetings: approved (motion Hayes; second Fox) — 5 yes, 0 no. - Financial report for March 2026: accepted (motion Hayes; second Fox) — 5 yes, 0 no. - Resolution: publish notice of intent to issue $4,335,000 in Combination Tax and Surplus Revenue Certificates of Obligation: approved (motion Quintana; second Hayes) — 5 yes, 0 no. - RFQ: management of Larry Shockley Sports Complex (FY beginning Oct. 1, 2026): approved (motion Smith; second Hayes) — 5 yes, 0 no. - Facilities assessment study (Huitt‑Zollars): approved (motion Hayes; second Fox) — 5 yes, 0 no. - Ordinance: codify Police Department regulations into Chapter 1: adopted (motion Quintana; second Hayes) — 5 yes, 0 no. - Ordinance: designate Reinvestment Zone No. 3 (TIRZ): adopted (motion Quintana; second Smith) — 5 yes, 0 no. - Resolution: development agreement with MMMS Bonham SF, LLC (Legacy Ridge, ~107 acres): approved (motion Fox; second Quintana) — 5 yes, 0 no. - Ordinance: Specific Use Permit for arcade (0.1 acre on W. Sam Rayburn Dr, Property ID 93696): adopted (motion Quintana; second Fox) — 5 yes, 0 no. - Ordinance: rezoning 0.2 acre (Property ID 93496) from R to LB: adopted (motion Smith; second Quintana) — 5 yes, 0 no.

There was no further business and the council adjourned at 6:22 p.m.