Argyle council approves mid‑year budget changes, marketing contract amendment and interim public‑works arrangement

At its May 18 meeting the Argyle Town Council approved a package of budget and contract actions that updated FY26 appropriations, increased contract authority for marketing services and ratified the town manager’s use of an interim public works contract.

Budget amendment: Staff presented a mid‑year budget amendment increasing general‑fund expenditures by $261,777 to cover items including election outreach, interim code‑compliance services, the scanning project and two newly funded staff positions (town council liaison and executive administrator). The municipal development district also amended its budget to allocate incentives; council approved the amendment by motion and voice vote.

Brandera contract amendment: Council reviewed an amendment to the Brandera marketing and communications PSA. Staff said reimbursable expenses and event costs had pushed consumption of the contract and proposed an amendment. After discussion about a community‑event tent that had been paid through other means, council amended the originally proposed $92,524 not‑to‑exceed amount down to a round $80,000 and approved the amendment by motion and voice vote.

Interim public works director (SGR): The town ratified a contract with SGR to provide an interim public works director after the prior director gave short notice. Staff explained the interim arrangement could cost up to about $145,000 if the engagement lasted March through August; monthly costs were described in discussion as roughly $20,000 plus reimbursables. The contract includes a $10,000 finder’s fee if the interim is later hired as the permanent director. Council ratified the contract by voice vote.

Merit increases for non‑sworn staff: Council approved an ordinance to grant merit raises (approximately 3%) to non‑sworn employees who have completed at least one year of service. Staff said the immediate fiscal impact is about $13,000 covering six employees; council approved the ordinance.

What the council approved and funding notes - Mid‑year budget amendment increasing general fund appropriations by $261,777 (approved by motion). - Brandera marketing contract amendment approved with a revised NTE of $80,000 (approved by motion). - Ratification of the SGR interim public works director contract (approved by motion); staff may continue recruitment for a permanent hire to limit interim costs. - Ordinance approving merit raises for eligible non‑sworn employees (approx. $13,000 cost).

Councilmembers asked staff to continue expediting recruitment to reduce interim contract costs and to present future budget adjustments with clear line‑item explanations.