Tahoka council approves outside code-enforcement contract with Texas Community Group

The Tahoka City Council approved a contract with Texas Community Group (TCG) to provide outside code-enforcement services, council members said at a meeting Jan. 12.

Molly Flores, representing TCG, told the council the group would handle outreach and enforcement letters for tall weeds, junk vehicles and dangerous structures and would deliver notices directly to property owners. "We will handle all the notices and letters," Flores said. Sam Hiatt of TCG added the firm would treat all properties impartially: "We aren't biased to anyone. So, we will send notices to anyone regardless of who they are." Flores and Hiatt said the city would continue to conduct formal hearings.

TCG also described a local vehicle-relief program—dubbed "Buy Your Retired Ride"—in which TCG would offer $100 to owners who relinquish titled vehicles for transport and destruction; the mobile-crushing vendor cost to the city was cited at roughly $150. Councilmembers asked how the program would affect low-income or elderly residents; Hiatt said any exceptions or payment adjustments would be a city decision.

City Administrator Derek Stephens framed the contract as staff support during a period of transition, noting a recent resignation and the need to avoid overloading remaining staff: "This will give Dale a supplement for him to not be spread too thin," he said. Councilmember Stephen moved to approve the contract; Councilmember Kent seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

The contract approval allows TCG to begin outreach and education on Tahoka's social channels before enforcement sweeps begin, officials said. The city will continue to schedule and hold any required hearings.