Residents raised concerns about persistent odors near Sigma Agriscience, while Wagon Junction operators questioned the city’s permitting requirements during the Winnsboro City Council’s Oct. 13 meeting.

Council members heard legal guidance on both issues following a closed session with City first follow a complaint process Attorney Blake Armstrong.

No formal action was taken on either matter, although Mayor Richard Parrish said the city would establish a procedure for documenting odor complaints and allow Wagon Junction to continue operating while permit requirements are reviewed.

Armstrong told council members and residents that the city can enforce its noxious odor ordinance against Sigma but must involving the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

Under that process, the city must submit a complaint and allow TCEQ 45 days to respond. The agency could handle the complaint itself, authorize city enforcement or take no action within that period, allowing the city to proceed with citations.

“So it’s not to say we can’t enforce our noxious odor ordinance,” Armstrong said. Armstrong also addressed suggestions that the city require Sigma to obtain a certificate of occupancy or a specific use permit.

He said city staff could not locate a certificate of occupancy for the facility but advised that the city could not use the missing certificate to shut down a business it had knowingly allowed to operate for several years.

He also advised against requiring a specific use permit after the facility had already begun operating in an industrial zoning district that allows manufacturing. Residents described odors affecting their homes, outdoor activities and quality of life.

One resident read a neighbor’s letter describing difficulties attracting clients to a home-based business, hosting family visits and selling a nearby home. The letter called for independent air testing and an investigation by environmental and public health agencies.

The letter also raised concerns about cancer diagnoses among nearby residents but acknowledged that the diagnoses did not establish a common cause or show that Sigma was responsible.

Another resident reported breathing problems and said odors continued to enter her home, particularly in the early morning and on weekends.

Parrish said city officials would work with the police chief and code enforcement personnel to establish a complaint-reporting procedure and seek a resolution.

The council also heard concerns from Wagon Junction operators and a tenant about the city’s permitting and accessibility requirements. Armstrong said obtaining a permanent specific use permit requires a site plan that meets city ordinances.

He also said businesses open to the public generally must meet Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility requirements, an interpretation supported by the city’s third-party inspector.

Wagon Junction representatives said they had received changing instructions, faced repeated questions about their site plan and invested substantial personal funds in the food truck operation.

They also questioned whether other properties were being held to the same standards. out uncertainty about the requirements. Councilman Trevor King made a motion to approve a permanent specific use permit for Wagon Junction, but the motion died for lack of a second. 

With no further motion offered, Parrish said Wagon Junction could continue operating under its current arrangement while the city researched the requirements and brought the matter back for consideration.

In other business, the council approved a $5,090 incentive from the Winnsboro Economic Development Corp. to help 5C Custom Creations replace an air-conditioning system.

City Administrator Makenzie Lyons said the incentive would cover half the replacement cost. Council members also approved changes to Winnsboro Farmers Market vendor fees. Beginning April 1, 2027, regular-season vendors purchasing seasonal participation will pay a $100 annual registration fee plus $40 per month.

Nonseasonal vendors will pay a $50 annual registration fee plus $25 for each market attended. Winter market fees will be $10 per market for seasonal vendors and $25 for nonseasonal vendors. Country Christmas Market vendors will pay $25, effective immediately, while Artisan Walk vendors will pay $25 per market beginning April 1.

Market Manager Andie Miller announced that the Winnsboro Farmers Market placed 10th nationally in America’s Farmers Market Celebration voting. The market received 2,859 votes, and Miller said Winnsboro was the smallest community represented in the top 10.

The council approved amendments to its budget and tax ordinances to separately identify the maintenance and operations and debt service portions of the property tax rate.

The council approved amendments to its budget and tax ordinances to separately identify the maintenance and operations and debt service portions of the property tax rate. The changes do not affect the total adopted rate of 52.16 cents per $100 of taxable value.

Council members also approved an agreement with Hankins Eastup for financial audit services covering fiscal years 2023 through 2026.

City officials said the firm submitted the lowest of three bids. The council approved contracts and related resolutions with Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson for collecting delinquent municipal court fines and property taxes. T

he tax collection resolution authorizes a 20% collection-cost penalty for delinquent taxes beginning with the 2026 tax year.

During general discussion, Lyons proposed expanding the downtown social district boundaries through the ordinance’s sunset period. The expansion would include Elm Street, which has been used for recent events. Lyons said the expanded district would not exclude an alcohol vendor.

While some council members expressed support for the proposal, citing previous events and the additional space it would provide for attendees, no formal action was taken.

Council members also expressed opposition to enforcing an existing two-hour downtown parking limit. The issue is expected to return in November for consideration of an ordinance amendment.

Earlier in the meeting, the city recognized the outgoing Friends of the Winnsboro Animal Shelter board for its financial support, spay-and-neuter efforts and assistance caring for shelter animals.

Parrish also recognized Officer Jamie Patterson for helping a parishioner who was accidentally locked out of St. Francis Episcopal Church on Sept. 10.

The mayor praised Patterson’s courtesy, patience and professionalism, saying the officer’s actions demonstrated the service and compassion involved in community policing.

The next regular council meeting is scheduled for Nov. 10 at 5:30 p.m. in the renovated City Hall.