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Gilmer City Council names Gilmer Mirror as newspaper of record, approves fire appointments, budget amendments and permitting software
Summary
At its Jan. 13 meeting, the Gilmer City Council unanimously approved Resolution R26-001 naming the Gilmer Mirror as the city’s newspaper of record, confirmed several fire department appointments, adopted multiple budget amendments totaling about $65,836, and approved an agreement for permitting software from GovWell Technologies.
The Gilmer City Council met Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, at Gilmer City Hall and approved a slate of administrative actions, budget amendments and technology procurement that the council said will support public safety and city operations. Mayor Tim Marshall presided.
In the first substantive vote of the evening the council adopted Resolution R26-001, designating the Gilmer Mirror as the city’s newspaper of record. Mayor Tim Marshall moved the resolution and Councilmember Jerry Webb seconded; the motion carried as recorded in the minutes.
The council confirmed several appointments for the Gilmer Fire Department. John (Johnny) Taylor was appointed Fire Marshall, and the council approved Jerry H. Taylor as Fire Chief, Ken Scheid as 1st Assistant Fire Chief and Phillip Wilburn as 2nd Assistant Fire Chief. Councilmember Brian Williams moved the fire leadership appointments; Councilmember Jerry Webb seconded and the minutes record the votes as unanimous among members present.
Council members approved acceptance of a grant under the Rural VFD Assistance Program to acquire fire and rescue equipment. The council also approved a series of budget amendments for the current fiscal year: Ordinance No. 26-002 adds a $7,000 CDBG local funds reimbursement; Ordinance No. 26-003 adds $12,000 for Fire Department uniforms and clothing corrections; Ordinance No. 26-004 carries over $20,067.82 for an EMS building remodel from FY 2024-25; and Ordinance No. 26-005 adds $25,768.63 for a Civic Center security system. Taken together the specific amendments named in the meeting total $64,836.45.
The council approved an agreement with GovWell Technologies to provide permitting software for the city. Mayor Pro-Tem Pete Herrmann moved the contract approval, Mayor Tim Marshall seconded, and the motion carried.
On non-financial items the council approved a street-closure request from Jaci Watkins of CUTX for the 5th Annual Chili Cook Off, closing Davis Street from Highway 154 to Buffalo Street. The motion on the record authorized closing the street from 6 p.m. March 6 through 9 p.m. March 7. The council also approved a fee reduction for the American Legion’s Civic Center rental on Feb. 21, 2026: the city waived charges for tables and chairs and Councilmember Brian Williams agreed to cover the building rental cost.
City Manager Mary Bullock publicly thanked Phillip Williams of the Gilmer Mirror, saying she "would like to thank Mr. Williams for the great articles recently written about the city." The remark was made during routine announcements and was recorded in the minutes.
The council entered executive session at 5:42 P.M. under Article Number $551.074 to discuss personnel matters and reconvened in open session at 5:53 P.M.; the minutes record that no action was taken following the executive session. The meeting adjourned at 5:54 P.M.
Votes at a glance: Resolution R26-001 (Gilmer Mirror as newspaper of record) — adopted (motion: Mayor Tim Marshall; second: Jerry Webb). Appointments — John (Johnny) Taylor, Fire Marshall; Jerry H. Taylor, Fire Chief; Ken Scheid, 1st Assistant; Phillip Wilburn, 2nd Assistant — all approved. Ordinance No. 26-002 (CDBG reimbursement, $7,000) — adopted. Ordinance No. 26-003 (Fire uniforms, $12,000) — adopted. Ordinance No. 26-004 (EMS remodel carryover, $20,067.82) — adopted. Ordinance No. 26-005 (Civic Center security, $25,768.63) — adopted.
