The Quitman City Council meeting Thursday, March 19 was a meeting with goodwill, as interim council member Katlyn Neighbors joined.

Neighbor’s joining, however, was due to the resignation of council member Todd Wright, whose resignation letter read as the following:

“Dear Sirs, due to unforeseen circumstances, I hereby tender my resignation as Quitman City Council Alderman. It’s been a great pleasure serving with each of you, and I wish you the best and most success in any and all future endeavors. Sincerely, Todd Wright.”

Wright’s resignation was accepted in a unanimous vote, as was the appointment of Neighbors as interim alderwoman. Neighbors will be officially sworn in in May. There were no other nominations for the position. 

The council also unanimously named Tyler Brown – perhaps more widely known as “Chef Tyler” of Fusion in the Woods Catering – to the Quitman Parks and Recreation Board. Quitman Mayor Randy Dunn noted that Brown, although unable to be present at the council meeting due to catering a meal in Whitehouse, is “very excited” about the opportunity. Dunn said that Brown has some “good ideas…that helps us on some things,” including the Quitman City Pool.

The council also heard a presentation from auditor Mike Ward, who noted that the city received a “clean, unmodified opinion” for their 2025 audit – the highest mark available.

Quitman Library Director Delene Allen said that the Hainesville Methodist Church wants to donate its 1895 historic church building to the city. Allen said they’re talking about moving the recently-added gazebo at Jim Hogg City Park (not the large, historic gazebo, but the smaller one located between the two historic buildings already in the park) and putting the church in that space. The building is 27 by 34 feet, and Allen said its placement between the two historic buildings would create a little “village” space. Allen said it would also be a good space for weddings. More will be discussed on the topic at a later date.

The council also discussed the new residential and commercial permit packets, which City Administrator Allan Gilbert said have been updated recently to reflect a checklist of all permits that a builder needs for a project.

However, there was some discussion regarding an alleged SAFEbuilt requirement delineating that any commercial build over $50,000 must have a state permit and be inspected by a state inspector.

Council member Steve Glenn, who is doing personal construction for his business, said that he was told there are no inspectors “in Wood County, there’s not one in Smith County, there’s not one in Upshur County. My builder had to go find a guy somewhere between Rockwall and Dallas. There’s one.”

“He can set whatever price he wants to,” Glenn continued. “That’s ridiculous. That’s going to hurt some future businesses trying to build. If he’s the only one that’s doing that, SAFEbuilt needs to pull that guy out of there.”

The council said they would investigate and discuss further.

The council discussed food trucks at length as well. The fee for a yearly permit is $150 – less than half what Gilbert says he found that other local towns charge. However, Gilbert said that, at this price, the city is losing money on electric hookups, etc.

The council voted to change the fee for new units to $250 in order to “break even.” However, Gilbert says he was told that, starting in July, the state will begin collecting the permit fees instead of cities. At this point, the city will start charging for space to break even.

The board also approved several regulatory agenda items, including the separation of city funds into four new bank accounts (which will help denote monies that must be set aside, such as hotel occupancy tax, or HOT, funds); a certification of the unopposed city council candidates; two interlocal agreements with the county for street repairs and mowing; and a resolution canceling the general election, as the candidates are unopposed – Neighbors, Glenn and Jack Robinson.