Palestine, TX

Economic Development Corporation

The Palestine Economic Development Corporation will hold a regular meeting to review monthly reports, approve minutes and financials, and hear presentations from two companies seeking economic development incentives. The board will also discuss amendments to an existing performance agreement and may take action on incentive agreements for Bitcoin Mining Institute, Tahwahkaro Distilling Company, and The Overlook Lifestyle Apt Homes after a closed session.

• Presentation by Justin Jackson regarding Tahwahkaro Distilling Company, LLC
• Presentation by Tyler Schmill regarding Bitcoin Mining Institute, LLC
• Discussion and possible action on First Amendment to Performance Agreement with Three Owls Enterprises, LLC
• Closed session under Texas Gov't Code 551.087 for economic development negotiations (Bitcoin Mining Institute, Tahwahkaro Distilling, The Overlook Lifestyle Apt Homes)
• Possible action on Performance Agreement with The Overlook Lifestyle Apt Homes, LLC

Library Advisory Board

The Palestine, TX Library Advisory Board will meet to receive reports from the Library Friends and Memorial Board, review the Library Director’s financial and operational reports for June–July, and discuss the Palestine Public Library Five-Year Strategic Plan 2025–2030. The board will also consider approval of minutes from the May 12, 2026 meeting.

• Review Library Director’s June–July financial and operational reports
• Discuss Palestine Public Library Five-Year Strategic Plan 2025–2030
• Approve minutes from May 12, 2026 meeting

Texas State Railroad Authority

The Texas State Railroad Authority is meeting to discuss and possibly act on its current financials, operations, the CRISI Rail Project, a CRISI application for a Rail Spur Project, the rebuild of Car 50 and a new small dome car, and construction improvements at facilities in Palestine and Rusk. The board will also hold a closed session to consult with its attorney regarding the operating contract, and may take action on that contract afterward.

• Discussion and possible action on current financials
• Discussion and possible action on CRISI Rail Project
• Discussion and possible action on CRISI application for Rail Spur Project
• Discussion and possible action on rebuild of Car 50 and new small dome car
• Closed session re: operating contract (Section 551.071)

Main Street Advisory Board

The Main Street Advisory Board is meeting to hear updates on the Downtown Revitalization Project construction, subcommittee reports, and to consider funding for downtown street amenities and Christmas decorations. The board will also discuss the annual Christmas Façade Decorating Contest and approve minutes from the June 23, 2026 meeting.

• Construction update for Downtown Revitalization Project
• Update from Planning and Zoning Commission Signage Subcommittee
• Possible action on beautification funds for downtown street amenities and Christmas decorations
• Discussion of annual Christmas Façade Decorating Contest
• Approval of minutes from June 23, 2026 meeting

Zoning Board of Adjustments and Appeals

The Palestine Zoning Board of Adjustments and Appeals will hold a public hearing and consider a request to allow adaptive reuse of an existing commercial building at 205 E. Neches Street as a mixed-use development with neighborhood retail space and climate-controlled self-storage. The meeting also includes routine items such as call to order, public comments, conflict of interest disclosures, and a director's report.

• Public hearing on adaptive reuse of 205 E. Neches Street for mixed-use retail and self-storage

Building and Standards Commission

The Building and Standards Commission will hold a regular meeting to discuss and possibly take action on three substandard structures, approve prior meeting minutes, and hear public comments. The agenda includes a director's report and conflict of interest disclosures, but the main items are the three property discussions.

• Discussion and possible action on vacant, unsecured, substandard structure at 907 Campbell Street
• Discussion and possible action on substandard structure at 614 S. Dorrance Street
• Discussion and possible action on substandard structure at 315 W. Main Street
• Approval of minutes from May 28, 2026, and June 25, 2026

Tourism Advisory Board

The Palestine Tourism Advisory Board will review tourism manager reports for May and June 2026, approve prior meeting minutes, and decide on five Hotel Occupancy Tax grant applications. These include event grants for the YMCA's Splash and Dash, the Chamber of Commerce's Hot Pepper and Dogwood Festivals, and two Palestine ISD dance competitions, plus a historical preservation grant for the Railroad Heritage Museum's caboose restoration.

• Hotel Occupancy Tax Event Grant: Palestine YMCA Splash and Dash
• Hotel Occupancy Tax Event Grant: Palestine Area Chamber of Commerce 2026 Hot Pepper Festival and 2027 Dogwood Festival
• Hotel Occupancy Tax Historical Preservation Grant: Palestine Railroad Heritage Museum Missouri-Pacific caboose restoration
• Hotel Occupancy Tax Event Grant: Palestine ISD 2027 Synergy Dance Competition
• Hotel Occupancy Tax Event Grant: Palestine ISD 2027 Dance Effect Competition

City Council Work Session & Regular Meeting

The Palestine City Council will hold a work session and regular meeting to discuss the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget, including a public hearing on the budget and tax rate. The council will also discuss the use of Flock Safety automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras and consider awarding a bid for the sale of city-owned property.

• Public hearing on FY 2026-2027 budget proposal
• Public hearing on proposed tax rate of $0.684821 per $100 valuation
• Consider awarding bid RFP 2026-007 for sale of 800 Van Fleet Street property to WE CARE Palestine for $6,500.00
• Discussion and possible action on Flock Safety ALPR camera use
• Recognition of Police Department promotions and lifesaving efforts by Officer Ayden Coker

Parks Advisory Board - Special Meeting - Canceled

This Parks Advisory Board special meeting was canceled. The agenda would have included a director's report, approval of minutes, and discussions on basketball goals, pool operations, and swing chain replacements.

• Discussion on installation timeline for basketball goals at multi-use courts
• Discussion on City pool operations, attendance, revenue, and updated schedule effective August 10, 2026
• Discussion on replacing swing chains at all City-owned parks
• Approval of minutes from February 3, 2026 meeting

Historical Landmarks Commission

The Palestine, TX Historical Landmarks Commission will meet on August 18, 2026, to discuss and possibly vote on a Certificate of Appropriateness for installing vinyl windows at two properties on W. Dallas Street. The meeting includes procedural items like approving past minutes and public comments.

• Certificate of Appropriateness for vinyl windows at 110 W. Dallas Street
• Certificate of Appropriateness for vinyl windows at 112 W. Dallas Street
• Approval of minutes from June 16, 2026 meeting

Texas State Railroad Authority

The Texas State Railroad Authority will meet to discuss financials, operations, CRISI grants, and refurbishing railcars. They will also consider a proposed new building at the Palestine Depot and the application of $2 million allocated to the Palestine and Rusk Depots. The board will enter closed session for economic development negotiations and legal consultation on the operating contract.

• Discussion and possible action on $2 million allocated to Palestine and Rusk Depots
• Discussion and possible action on proposed new building at Palestine Depot
• Discussion and possible action on refurbishing Car 50, Car 1511, and others
• Discussion and possible action on CRISI Grants
• Closed session for economic development negotiations and attorney consultation on operating contract

Parks Advisory Board Special Meeting - Canceled

This Parks Advisory Board meeting was canceled. The agenda that would have been considered included routine items such as the director's report, approval of minutes, and discussions about basketball goals and pool operations.

• Meeting canceled; no actions taken
• Agenda included discussion of basketball goal installation timeline for multi-use courts
• Agenda included discussion of City pool operations, attendance, and revenue
• Agenda included approval of minutes from February 3, 2026 meeting

Library Advisory Board - Canceled

The Palestine, TX Library Advisory Board meeting scheduled for August 11, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. in City Hall Conference Room (504 N. Queen Street) was canceled. No decisions or discussions occurred as the meeting did not take place.

Economic Development Corporation

The Palestine Economic Development Corporation will review reports, consider approving minutes and financials, and hear presentations on the Willow Creek Business Park Master Plan and the Palestine Mall. The board will also discuss a downtown grant agreement, a resolution to incentivize downtown development, a sub-committee for a capital project, and a consultant agreement. A closed session is scheduled for legal and economic development negotiations.

• Presentation by Brannon Corporation on Willow Creek Business Park Master Plan
• Presentation by Inner Loop Construction on Palestine Mall update
• Downtown Grant Performance Agreement with Edward McCoy, Jr.
• Resolution R-01-26 to offer economic development grants for downtown and community development
• Consultant Service Agreement with TG Mullins Consulting, LLC

City Council Work Session & Regular Meeting

The Palestine City Council will hold a work session to discuss the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget, followed by a regular meeting. The council will consider a resolution to accept the proposed tax rate, set public hearing dates, and schedule the budget adoption vote. The agenda also includes a consent agenda with a negotiated settlement with Atmos Energy and an investment policy amendment, plus a closed session on real property owned by Palestine ISD.

• Proposed FY 2026-27 tax rate of $0.670030 per $100 valuation, compared to no-new-revenue rate of $0.574675
• Resolution to set public hearing dates and adoption vote for FY 2026-27 budget
• Resolution approving negotiated settlement with Atmos Cities Steering Committee regarding Atmos Energy rate review
• Resolution amending City of Palestine Investment Policy to comply with Texas Public Funds Investment Act
• Closed session to discuss purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property owned by Palestine ISD

The City Council unanimously approved a resolution accepting a proposed tax rate of $0.684821 for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 and scheduled public hearings on the budget and tax rate for August 24 and September 14, 2026, with the budget adoption vote set for September 14. The council also unanimously approved the reappointment of Steve Presley to the Texas State Railroad Authority and the consent agenda, which included resolutions on an Atmos Energy rate settlement and an investment policy update. No action was taken on real property owned by Palestine ISD after closed session.

• Adopted Resolution R-22-26 setting proposed tax rate at $0.684821 (7-0)
• Set public hearings on budget and tax rate for Aug 24 and Sep 14, 2026 (7-0)
• Set Sep 14, 2026 as date to adopt FY 2026-2027 budget and tax rate (7-0)
• Reappointed Steve Presley to Texas State Railroad Authority Place 1 (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda adopting Resolution R-20-26 (Atmos settlement) and R-21-26 (investment policy) (7-0)
• Took no action on Palestine ISD real property after closed session

Planning and Zoning Commission

The Palestine TX Planning and Zoning Commission will meet August 6, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers to consider two public hearings. One hearing concerns a Specific Use Permit for transitional housing at 1812 E. Murchison Street. The other hearing proposes amending the Zoning Code to create a Manufactured Home Overlay District between W. Burkitt Street and W. Cook Street, extending from Haw Street to S. Hickory Street.

• Specific Use Permit for transitional housing at 1812 E. Murchison Street (Aim High Foundation for Kids)
• Amend Chapter 39, Section 39.2.1-2 to establish Manufactured Home Overlay District between W. Burkitt Street and W. Cook Street, Haw Street to S. Hickory Street

City Council Joint Special Meeting

The Palestine City Council and Anderson County Commissioners Court will hold a joint special meeting. They will first go into closed session under Texas Government Code Section 551.087 to deliberate economic development negotiations regarding the Texas State Railroad Authority. After reconvening, they will hear a presentation from the Texas State Railroad Authority on constructing a new facility at the Palestine TSRA depot. Public comments are accepted before the closed session.

• Closed session per Texas Gov't Code 551.087 for economic development negotiations with Texas State Railroad Authority
• Presentation by Texas State Railroad Authority on construction of new facility at Palestine TSRA depot
• Public comments allowed before closed session
• Meeting is joint with Anderson County Commissioners Court
• Location: City Council Chambers, 504 N. Queen Street, Palestine, Texas

City Council Budget Town Hall Meeting

This is a town hall meeting focused solely on a presentation of the City of Palestine's proposed budget for fiscal year 2026-2027. No votes, public hearings, or other business items are on the agenda. The meeting includes a call to order, the budget presentation, and adjournment.

• Presentation regarding the City of Palestine proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027

The City Council convened a budget town hall meeting for the proposed FY 2026-2027 budget, but no members of the public attended. The meeting was called to order and adjourned at 5:30 p.m. with no substantive decisions, discussions, or votes recorded.

• No decisions made; meeting was procedural only

Main Street Advisory Board - Canceled

The Main Street Advisory Board will meet to discuss a potential project to enhance and maintain public downtown alley spaces. The board will also discuss holiday events and updates to the Main Street Overlay District Ordinance regarding signs.

• Potential downtown alleyway project for public space enhancement
• Planning for downtown Christmas and holiday events, including the Christmas Parade of Lights
• Updates to the Signs in the Main Street Overlay District Ordinance
• Approval of June 23, 2026, meeting minutes

Tourism Advisory Board - Canceled

The Tourism Advisory Board will review tourism manager reports from May and June 2026. The board will also discuss and potentially act on a Hotel Occupancy Tax Event Grant application.

• Hotel Occupancy Tax Event Grant Application for Palestine YMCA annual Splash and Dash event

City Council Budget Town Hall Meeting

The City Council is holding a budget town hall meeting. The session consists of a presentation regarding the proposed budget for fiscal year 2026-2027.

• Presentation regarding the City of Palestine proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027

City Council Work Session & Regular Meeting

The City Council will hold a work session to discuss the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027. The regular meeting includes a public hearing and possible action on commercial tax abatement guidelines for reinvestment zones. Council will also consider several infrastructure contracts and board appointments.

• Public hearing and resolution for Commercial Tax Abatement guidelines in reinvestment zones
• Asphalt price agreement with Texas Materials not to exceed $606,500
• Base material agreement with Cash Killion Trucking, LLC not to exceed $201,280
• Hotel Occupancy Tax Marketing Agreement with Texas State Railroad not to exceed $25,000
• Bids for waterline replacement on E. Neches Street from Crockett Road to S. Dowling Street

Economic Development Corporation

The Economic Development Corporation will review monthly director and marketing reports. The board will also consider the June 2026 financial report and updates on the Downtown Office Space/Incubator Project.

• PEDC Downtown Grant Program Guidelines for FY 26/27
• PEDC Downtown Office Space/Incubator Project update
• Economic development negotiations regarding Palestine Mall
• Economic development negotiations regarding Texas State Railroad Authority
• Economic development negotiations regarding Tahwahkaro Distilling Company LLC and Verdant Specialty Solutions

The Palestine Economic Development Corporation board held a special called meeting on July 14, 2026, and approved the June 16, 2026 minutes and the June 2026 financial report, both unanimously (5-0). The board also discussed the Downtown Grant Program Guidelines for FY 26/27 and reached consensus that no changes were necessary. No action was taken on any of the four closed-session economic development items, including the Palestine Mall and Texas State Railroad Authority.

• Approved PEDC minutes from June 16, 2026 (5-0)
• Approved June 2026 Financial Report (5-0)
• No changes to Downtown Grant Program Guidelines for FY 26/27 (consensus)
• No action taken on Palestine Mall
• No action taken on Texas State Railroad Authority
• No action taken on Tahwahkaro Distilling Company LLC
• No action taken on Verdant Specialty Solutions

City Council Regular Meeting

The City Council will consider several items including updates to building standards and solid waste collection fees. The meeting also includes a discussion on establishing tax abatement guidelines for reinvestment zones.

• Approval of $799,718.25 purchase price for Sutphen fire apparatus
• Resolution setting a public hearing for Tax Abatement Guidelines and Criteria
• Ordinance amending solid waste collection fees
• Ordinance adopting 2021 International Building, Residential, Mechanical, Plumbing, Fuel Gas, and Property Maintenance Codes
• 60-month agreement with UniFirst Corporation for floor mats and uniform rental services

Texas State Railroad Authority

The Authority will discuss financial matters, including a new bank account, and current or future railroad operations. The agenda includes several project-specific discussions regarding rail construction and equipment.

• Financials and new bank account
• CRISI Rail Project
• CRISI application for Rail Spur Project
• Car 50 rebuild
• Construction of a 12,000+ sq. ft. building

Zoning Board of Adjustments and Appeals

The Zoning Board of Adjustments and Appeals will meet to discuss a property variance request. The board will also receive the Development Services Department monthly report for May 2026.

• Public hearing for a 4 ft. lot width variance at 119 Shady Oaks Drive
• Development Services Department monthly report for May 2026

Planning and Zoning Commission

The commission will hold a public hearing regarding a specific use permit for transitional housing. Members will also discuss potential additions to Manufactured Home Overlay Districts to comply with Texas Senate Bill 785.

• Specific Use Permit request for transitional housing at 1812 E. Murchison Street
• Discussion regarding additional Manufactured Home Overlay Districts per Texas Senate Bill 785
• Development Services Department Report for May 2026

Civil Service Commission - Special Meeting

The Civil Service Commission will meet to discuss and take possible action regarding the appointment of Susie Streb as Civil Service Director. The commission will also review meeting minutes from January 14, 2026, and June 18, 2026.

• Appointment of Susie Streb as Civil Service Director
• Approval of amended January 14, 2026, meeting minutes
• Approval of June 18, 2026, meeting minutes

Building and Standards Commission

The Commission will consider several items including building code amendments and an appeal regarding fire access for a senior living development. The meeting also includes discussion of multiple vacant substandard structures located at various addresses.

• Amendments to 2021 International Building, Residential, Mechanical, Plumbing, Fuel Gas, and Existing Building Codes
• Appeal regarding Fire Marshal requirement for secondary fire apparatus access road for Cartmell Lakes Senior Living Community Phase 2
• Vacant substandard structure at 508 Burkitt Street
• Vacant substandard structure at 1309 N. Jackson Street
• Vacant substandard structure at 202 McNeil Street

The commission approved amendments to multiple 2021 international building and fire codes, aligning them with city ordinance and the International Fire Code. It also approved an appeal by Cartmell Lakes Senior Living Community regarding a secondary fire apparatus access road requirement for Phase 2, voting 3-2 with the chair recused. Four vacant substandard structures were ordered bid out for demolition, all unanimously.

• Approved amendments to 2021 International Building, Residential, Mechanical, Plumbing, Fuel Gas, and Existing Building Codes (6-0)
• Approved appeal of Fire Marshal's secondary fire access road requirement for Cartmell Lakes Phase 2 (3-2, chair recused)
• Ordered demolition bidding for 508 Burkitt Street (6-0)
• Ordered demolition bidding for 1309 N. Jackson Street (6-0)
• Ordered demolition bidding for 202 McNeil Street (6-0)
• Ordered demolition bidding for 215 Maple Street (6-0)

Zoning Board of Adjustments and Appeals - Canceled

The scheduled meeting for the Palestine Zoning Board of Adjustments and Appeals has been canceled. The original agenda included a monthly report from Development Services and a variance request for a property on Shady Oaks Drive.

• Variance request for 119 Shady Oaks Drive regarding a 4 ft. minimum lot width reduction

Main Street Advisory Board

The Board will review the Main Street Coordinator's report for May and consider several community initiatives. Discussions include a potential Downtown Alleyway Project, school supply giveaway planning, and landscaping maintenance.

• Main Street America accreditation status and requirements
• Potential annual back-to-school school supply giveaway and community resources event
• Partnership with Master Gardeners for caboose landscaping upkeep
• Potential Downtown Alleyway Project involving themed improvements and sponsorships
• Update on the American 250 Façade Decorating Contest

City Council Work Session & Regular Meeting

The City Council will hold a work session to discuss the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027. The regular meeting includes discussions on a road culvert contract, zoning amendments, and several municipal board appointments.

• Proposed FY 2026-2027 budget discussion
• Construction contract for Bassett Road Culvert Replacement Project ($828,175.95)
• Purchase of three active mixing systems for water tanks ($145,929.00)
• Ordinance to remove HUD-Code Manufactured Homes from RE and MR zoning districts
• Appointment of Ben Campbell to the Texas State Railroad Authority

The City Council awarded a construction contract to Crockett Construction, Inc. for $828,175.95 for the Bassett Road Culvert Replacement Project, which includes replacing culverts, reconstructing the road, and installing a High Water Alert System. The Council also denied a geophysical survey permit on city-owned land, approved a zoning ordinance change for manufactured homes, and made two board appointments. All other consent agenda items were approved unanimously.

• Approved $828,175.95 construction contract to Crockett Construction, Inc. for Bassett Road Culvert Replacement Project (7-0).
• Denied Surface Permit to Conduct Geophysical Operations for Seitel Data Ltd. on 46.02 acres of city-owned land (7-0).
• Adopted Ordinance No. O-19-26 removing Specific Use Permit option for HUD-Code Manufactured Homes in RE and MR zoning districts (6-1, Mayor Jordan dissenting).
• Approved temporary appointment of Ben Campbell to Place 1 on Texas State Railroad Authority (7-0).
• Approved appointment of Frank Campos to Place 3 on Airport Advisory Board, term expiring September 30, 2027 (7-0).
• Approved Consent Agenda excluding Item H5, including minutes, KSA Engineers agreement, PISD siren MOU, and $145,929.00 for three active mixing systems (7-0).
• Approved three Hotel Occupancy Tax Funding Agreements with Palestine YMCA and Rotary Club of Palestine (part of Consent Agenda).

Civil Service Commission - Special Meeting

The Civil Service Commission will meet to discuss and take possible action on a leadership appointment. The commission will also consider approving the minutes from the January 14, 2026, meeting.

• Appointment of Susie Streb as Civil Service Director
• Approval of minutes from the January 14, 2026, meeting