The Mansfield City Council met Thursday evening, September 11, 2025, at 6 p.m. in City Hall. Council members present were Glen Hurt, James Steele, Julie Thomas, Sheri Hopkins, and Beverly Lyons. Councilman Boyd Farmer was absent. Also attending were Mayor Buddy Black, City Clerk/Treasurer Joy Maly, and City Attorney Travis Plummer.
Following the invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the August minutes and financials, the council heard the monthly city services reports.
Mayor Black began by reading a letter from Fire Chief Michael Smith, announcing his retirement effective October 31, 2025. In the letter, Smith thanked the council for their support during his years of service and said he was stepping down to spend more time with his family. Council members expressed their gratitude for his decades of leadership and devotion to the city.
Smith then presented his departmental report, noting 44 calls during the month—seven fire and 37 EMS. He reported the department had taken delivery of a new skid unit, though it still needed lettering, lights, and a siren installed. He also noted continuing issues with the E-One pumper truck, which has been going into fail-safe mode.
Police Chief Wyatt McIntyre reported 25 traffic stops, five citations, and 12 warnings, along with two arrests, one DWI drug arrest, three warrants served, and multiple follow-up calls. His report included three accidents, 18 incidents, one fraud, one theft, one harassment, one breaking and entering, one disturbance, 11 public relations calls, 11 animal calls, six medical calls, three fire calls, three school calls, three welfare checks, one motorist assist, 126 security checks and 10 agency assists. The department also logged 128 training hours.
Public Works Director Derrick Pollard reported 97 service orders for the month, 17 one-call requests, one water leak repaired, and two water meters replaced. He also noted brush had been cleared from Marshall Avenue and a grease trap at the senior center was cleaned and returned to service.
City Attorney Plummer updated the council on Act 673, which would allow collection of fire dues from residents in unincorporated areas of the fire district billed to their personal property tax statement. He explained it could be pursued through a special election or petition, and that Chief Smith had expressed commitment to advancing the measure before his retirement.
In unfinished business, the council approved continuing to withhold $3,000 per month from the general and waste funds through the end of the year for deposit into the retirement fund. The council also approved Ordinance 2025-3, continuing the Scott County millage into 2026.
New business also included introductions from two Republican candidates for State Representative District 52. Brent Montgomery said his decision to run felt like a calling, noting the encouragement of his friend and legislator Mary Bentley. He highlighted his background as a Quorum Court member, business owner, and family man. Candidate Crystal Malloy spoke of her desire to give rural communities a stronger voice, stressing her commitment to supporting small businesses and drawing on her own experience as the owner of a wedding venue.
The council approved placing two out-of-service 2013 Dodge Chargers, formerly used as police vehicles, up for bid. Mayor Black noted that neither vehicle is operational and both need to be sold.
The discussion then shifted to the future of the Dixie Theater. Mayor Black shared that he has been in talks with Anita and Lance Mize about their idea of adding church pews to the building, hosting classic movie showings, and broadcasting away sporting events, with opportunities for local youth to assist. Councilwoman Lyons expressed concern about the building’s history of bat infestations, which Black said would need to be inspected before moving forward. A study session will be scheduled to further explore the theater’s potential use.
During public comment, Councilwoman Julie Thomas offered heartfelt thanks to Chief Smith for his years of service, while two members of the fire department raised concerns regarding training and staffing challenges.
With no additional business, the meeting was adjourned.
