Innis commission approves airport grants, equipment purchases, fire‑truck restoration and a $4.76M budget amendment; orders special election

The Innis City Commission approved a slate of contracts, procurements and a large budget amendment at its June 18 meeting and ordered a special election to fill a forthcoming mayor pro tem vacancy.

Key votes and actions

- Airport grant agent (H1): The commission voted to name TxDOT as the city's agent to manage an FAA grant for a runway and taxiway reconstruction and lighting upgrade (project estimate roughly $7.5–8 million) and accepted EDC authorization of up to $1,000,000 in local matching funds. (Motion approved by voice vote.)

- AWOS weather station (H2): The commission authorized up to $25,000 for an Automated Weather Observing System at the Innis Municipal Airport; the EDC will cover the match as part of the approved matching grants program. (Approved by voice vote.)

- Radio repair agreement (H3): The city approved a contract authorizing the City of Fort Worth to provide installation, maintenance and repair services for mobile and portable radios for police and fire departments; Chief Bill Evans said Fort Worth will take the agreement to its council if the city approves. The agreement allows either party to terminate on 90 days’ written notice. (Approved by voice vote.)

- Firefighters’ right of first refusal and acquisition (H4): The commission approved a right-of-first-refusal/purchase agreement with the Innis Professional Firefighters Association relating to a donated 1927 American LaFrance ladder truck (the association contributed $30,000 toward restoration). Commissioner Watson was recorded as dissenting on the motion; the motion otherwise passed.

- Restoration contract (H5): The commission awarded a restoration contract to the North Texas Fire Museum, not to exceed $150,000, to restore the 1927 LaFrance ladder truck. The chief described vendor options and a timeline of roughly two to three years; one commissioner recorded a dissenting vote.

- Excavator purchase (H6): The commission approved purchase of a 2020 Gradall XL 4100 excavator through the BuyBoard cooperative at $349,902 after staff recommended a slightly used machine as better value than a new unit. The vendor warranty and procurement details were discussed and the motion passed by voice vote.

- FY2024 budget amendment (H7): Finance Director Barnes presented an ordinance to amend the FY2024 budget and add $4,760,640 in supplemental appropriations across multiple funds for projects including library roof repairs, PID creation and drainage work, water and sewer operations and capital projects, emergency lift-station repairs, generator rentals, and street reconstruction. Staff said fund balances would remain above target levels following the changes; commissioners approved the ordinance by voice vote.

- Special election (H8): The commission ordered a special election for Sept. 7, 2024, to fill a mayor pro tem vacancy after Mayor Pro Tem Holland announced she will step down. Holland addressed the commission and said the decision was difficult but taken for family reasons.

Why it matters: The package of approvals includes both routine purchasing and several high‑profile capital and historic‑preservation investments. The restoration of the 1927 LaFrance truck is funded in the current budget and will be contracted for local restoration work; the airport grant action opens pursuit of a major FAA match program that could rebuild runway infrastructure.

What’s next: Staff will execute contracts, proceed with procurement and bring back any required contract documents; the commission will reconvene in July and separately on Sept. 7 for the special election.