Eastland City Commission June 15, 2026 Meeting Summary

Eastland City Commission June 15, 2026 Meeting Summary
The Eastland City Commission met in a regular session on June 15, 2026 at 6pm to conduct usual city business. This meeting saw multiple citizens in attendance as well as multiple public comments, a brief debate and argument between commissioners, and closed with an open evaluation of the city manager. Below we have included a summary of that night’s events. For the full video and context, you can visit MicroplexNews YouTube channel.
Public Comment
Several residents urged the commission to move past last month’s conflict, leave city staff in place, and stop what some described as rumor-driven infighting. A few speakers questioned Commissioner Joe Williamson about his past separation from the fire department.
Minutes
The commission corrected the previous meeting’s minutes — Williamson had been omitted, and a line was amended to note that members of the public, not just commissioners, took part in discussion.
Financial Report
The May finance report showed sales tax of $182,662, up about 6.82% for the year.
Presentations and Updates
The commissioners received updates regarding the Wall That Heals traveling memorial held at Ranger College and the Lions Club’s Centennial Fair at Eastland Park, both recognized for community participation and the city’s supporting role.
Dangerous Buildings
Following public hearings, the commission ruled on four properties:

• 806 West Plummer Street — demolish within 60 days.
• 808 West Plummer Street — demolish within 60 days.
• 810 West Plummer Street — secure, repair, and clean up within 30 days.
• 200 North Mulberry Street — secure and repair within 60 days.
  Hotel/Motel Tax Funds
  The commission approved $9,900 for the Ranger/Cisco volleyball tournament, after a math error in the request was caught and corrected on the floor.
  Economic Development
  Following an executive session, the commission authorized the Economic Development Board to submit a letter of intent to purchase real property. The details of the prospective deal were not disclosed.
  Signature Card (Resolution 2026-10)
  The commission updated authorized signers on the city’s First Financial Bank accounts — adding Larry Vernon as treasurer and Thom Cameron and Joe Williamson as assistant treasurers, and removing Michael Hackney and Shirley Stuart.
  Water Development Board Grants
  Three Texas Water Development Board grant applications were approved, totaling up to $10 million in water-system funding with no required city match.
  City Attorney Contact Protocols (Contested Item)
  Placed on the agenda by Commissioner Thom Cameron, this item drew the meeting’s sharpest exchange.
• Cameron raised concern about a private meeting between Mayor Michael Hackney and the city attorney. While acknowledging that the meeting is not illegal Commissioner Cameron argued that attorney-client privilege belongs to the full commission, not any individual member.
• A central part of his concern was that the city manager was neither notified of the meeting nor welcome to attend — Cameron stated she had been told she could not be present.
• Cameron acknowledged that he consult with the city attorney about this meeting, also informing the city manager that he was contacting the attorney.
• Hackney confirmed the meeting took place and described it as part of routine outreach.
• Commissioners disagreed over whether the city manager should have been involved or the matter handled in executive session. No policy was adopted.
  Department Reports
• The manager’s briefing covered the city pool and a summary of the Splish Splash 5K event, the GLO buyout program (six floodway properties), and ongoing construction updates.
• Code-enforcement case follow-ups were presented by Officer Barry, and May police activity was reported.
• On the fire report, Williamson questioned the department about fire inspections, inspector certification timelines, and a volunteer shortage; Fire Chief Shawn Brightman’s reported pending grant applications for staffing and a replacement fire apparatus.
  City Manager Evaluation
  Originally listed to be in executive session this was held in open session at the city manager’s own request as is her right under Texas law.
• Several commissioners offered strong praise, citing grant awards and cost savings for the city.
• During public comment, one resident raised complaints about responsiveness and a disputed water-line repair; another praised the city manager’s working relationship with city staff.
• Commissioner Williamson and Stuart offered a more critical assessment, with a focus on improving communication.
• The commission approved a $9,000 salary increase on a 3–1 vote. Williamson was the one to vote no.