City Council

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GATESVILLE, TEXAS, AMENDING THE GATESVILLE CODE OF ORDINANCES BY REPEALING SEC. 10-23. FEES FOR BUILDINGS OF CHAPTER 10; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE.  

WHEREAS, the City of Gatesville is a Home Rule Municipality operating under the laws of the State of Texas; and

WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Gatesville would like to repeal Sec. 10-23. Fees for buildings due to all fees are listed in Chapter 18; and

WHEREAS, any exemptions for these fees shall be deliberated individually by City Council in a Public Meeting in accordance with the Open Meetings Act.

             NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GATESVILLE, TEXAS, THAT: 

SECTION 1. The findings set forth in the above preamble to this Ordinance are true and correct and are hereby adopted and incorporated herein by this reference.

SECTION 2. The Code of Ordinances of the City of Gatesville, Texas is hereby amended at Chapter 10, Article II, Division 1, “Generally”, Repealing Sec. 10-23. “Fees for Buildings”.

SECTION 3. If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause, phrase, or word in this Ordinance, or the application thereof to any person or under any circumstances is held invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance, and the City Council of the City of Gatesville, Texas, hereby declares it would have enacted such remaining portions despite any such invalidity.

SECTION 4. It is officially found and determined that the meeting at which this Ordinance was passed was open to the public as required by law, and public notice of the time, place and purpose of this meeting was given as required by law.

SECTION 5. This Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its passage and approval.

The foregoing Ordinance No. 2025-15 was read the first time and passed to the second reading this 26^th day of August 2025.

The foregoing Ordinance No. 2025-15 was read the second time and passed to the third reading this 9^th day of September 2025.

The foregoing Ordinance No. 2025-15 was read the third time and was passed and adopted as an Ordinance to the City of Gatesville, Texas, this 23^rd day of September 2025.

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GATESVILLE, TEXAS, AMENDING THE GATESVILLE CODE OF ORDINANCES BY AMENDING AND REPEALING PORTIONS OF CHAPTER 56 – UTILITIES; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE.

WHEREAS, the City of Gatesville is a Home Rule Municipality operating under the laws of the State of Texas; and

WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Gatesville would like to amend Sec. 56-16. Variance of terms of chapter; and

WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Gatesville would like to amend Sec. 56-37. Payment of utility bill by elderly person; and

WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Gatesville would like to amend Sec. 56-67. Schedule; and

WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Gatesville would like to repeal Sec. 56-69. Heavy users; 40 percent deposit; and

WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Gatesville would like to repeal Sec. 56-132. Utility profile information; and

WHEREAS, these sections are outdated and inaccurate and by amending and repealing these sections, it optimizes the City’s Code of Ordinances.

            NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GATESVILLE, TEXAS, THAT:

SECTION 1. The findings set forth in the above preamble to this Ordinance are true and correct and are hereby adopted and incorporated herein by this reference.

SECTION 2. The Code of Ordinances of the City of Gatesville, Texas is hereby amended at Chapter 56 – Utilities, by amending Sec. 56-16. “Variance of terms of chapter” to read as follows:

Where the city council finds that extraordinary hardships may occur from strict compliance with the rules, rates and regulations contained in this Chapter and/or in Chapter 18 as it relates to Utilities, the City Council may vary those rates or regulations so that substantial justice and equity may be done and the public interest secured, provided such changes will not have the effect of nullifying the intent and purpose of this Chapter.

 SECTION 3. The Code of Ordinances of the City of Gatesville, Texas is hereby amended at Chapter 56 – Utilities, by amending Sec. 56-37. “Payment of utility bill by elderly person” to read as follows:

(a) On the request of an elderly person, the city shall delay without penalty the payment date of a bill for providing water and sewer services to that person until the 25th day after the date on which the bill is issued. An elderly person may request that the city implement the delay for the most recent utility bill or for that utility bill and each subsequent utility bill (water, sewer or garbage) for which payment has not already been delayed.

(b) An elderly person requesting the delay provided in subsection (a) of this section shall present reasonable proof that the person is 65 years of age or older. (For the purpose of this section, the term "elderly person" means a person who is 65 years of age or older.)

(c) This section applies only to an elderly person who is a residential customer and who occupies the entire premises for which a delay is requested.

SECTION 4. The Code of Ordinances of the City of Gatesville, Texas is hereby amended at Chapter 56 – Utilities, by amending Sec. 56-67. “Schedule” to read as follows:

A charge, which shall be known as the pro rata rate charge, shall be made against each person who shall hereafter apply for and be connected to the water or sewer lines or mains of in the city.

The city will install water or sewer lines to the perimeter of land being developed as a subdivision or for commercial purposes and the developer or owner shall extend the water and/or sewer lines or mains at their expense and when accepted by the city the same shall thereafter be the property of the city. The above foot rates shall apply only to the first 150 feet of property and shall apply to property fronting on streets and areas platted into the usual rectangular lots or tracts of land, with a depth not to exceed 150 feet. Where lots or tracts have greater depth than 150 feet from the front street line, and are occupied, or are to be occupied exclusively as dwelling places, the additional depth shall not be assessed. If the property is later subdivided, requiring an extension of mains or lines to serve the same, the terms of this provision shall govern. On lots or tracts of land which extend through one street to another, with frontage on both streets, and where the distance between the street lines is 260 feet or more, the pro rate charges herein provided for shall be paid on both frontages when a connection is secured to the tractor lot. Where lots or tracts are irregular in size or shape, pro rate charges shall be based on equivalent rectangular lots or tracts using one front foot for each 150 square feet of area, or the pro rate charges provided herein on the average frontage of such tracts, which is least. Where lots or tracts are intended to be used for business, commercial, or industrial purposes, or have a greater depth than 150 feet from the front street line, then the pro rata charges herein provided shall be paid on the frontage of all streets which the property may abut, minus 150 feet frontage for each corner of the property abutting a street intersection. Should said property be re-subdivided whereby water or sewer extensions are required to serve the same, the terms of this provision shall apply.

SECTION 5. The Code of Ordinances of the City of Gatesville, Texas is hereby amended at Chapter 56 – Utilities, by repealing Sec. 56-69. “Heavy users; 40 percent deposit”.

SECTION 6. The Code of Ordinances of the City of Gatesville, Texas is hereby amended at Chapter 56 – Utilities, by repealing Sec. 56-132. “Utility profile information”.

SECTION 7. If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause, phrase, or word in this Ordinance, or the application thereof to any person or under any circumstances is held invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance, and the City Council of the City of Gatesville, Texas, hereby declares it would have enacted such remaining portions despite any such invalidity.

SECTION 8. It is officially found and determined that the meeting at which this Ordinance was passed was open to the public as required by law, and public notice of the time, place and purpose of this meeting was given as required by law.

SECTION 9. This Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its passage and approval.

The foregoing Ordinance No. 2025-16 was read the first time and passed to the second reading this 26^th day of August 2025.

The foregoing Ordinance No. 2025-16 was read the second time and passed to the third reading this 9^th day of September 2025.

The foregoing Ordinance No. 2025-16 was read the third time and was passed and adopted as an Ordinance to the City of Gatesville, Texas, this 23^rd day of September 2025.

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GATESVILLE, TEXAS REPEALING AND REPLACING CHAPTER 18 “FEES”, SECTION 18-1 “FEE SCHEDULE” OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF GATESVILLE; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING A REPEALER CLAUSE; AND PROVIDNG AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

WHEREAS, the City of Gatesville has set forth its master fee schedule in Section 18-1 of Chapter 18 of the Code of Ordinances of the City; and  

WHEREAS, the City Council, from time to time, amends various portions of that master fee schedule to comply with changing laws and circumstances; and

WHEREAS, City staff has recommended, and the Council finds it to serve the general welfare of the City to repeal and replace the City’s master fee schedule;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GATESVILLE, TEXAS THAT:

SECTION 1.  Chapter 18 “Fees”, Section 18-1 “Fee Schedule” of the City of Gatesville, Texas Code of Ordinances is hereby repealed and replaced in its entirety to read as set forth in Exhibit “A” attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference.

SECTION 2.  All ordinances, orders and resolutions heretofore passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Gatesville, Texas are hereby repealed to the extent said ordinances, orders or resolutions, or parts thereof, are in conflict herewith.

SECTION 3.  If any section, article, paragraph, sentence, clause, phrase or work in this Ordinance or application thereto any person or circumstances is held invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance and the City Council hereby declares it would have passed such remaining portions of this Ordinance despite such invalidity, which remaining portions shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 4. This Ordinance shall become effective from and after the date of its passage in accordance with law.

The foregoing Ordinance No. 2025-17 was read the first time August 26th and passed to the second reading on the 3rd day of September 3, 2024.

The foregoing Ordinance No. 2025-17 was read the second time on September 2nd, and passed to

the third reading on the 9th day of September, 2025.

The foregoing Ordinance No. 2025-17 was read the third time and was passed and adopted as an Ordinance of the City of Gatesville, Texas this 9th day of September, 2025 and will take effect October 1, 2025.

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GATESVILLE, TEXAS, APPROVING AND ADOPTING A BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2025 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2026; PROVIDING THAT EXPENDITURES FOR SAID FISCAL YEAR SHALL BE MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SAID BUDGET; APPROPRIATING AND SETTING ASIDE THE NECESSARY FUNDS OUT OF THE GENERAL AND OTHER REVENUES FOR SAID FISCAL YEAR FOR THE MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION OF THE VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS AND FOR VARIOUS ACTIVITIES AND IMPROVEMENTS OF THE CITY; PROVIDING A REPEALING CLAUSE; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

            WHEREAS, the City of Gatesville is a home rule municipality created in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 6 of the Texas Local Government Code and operating pursuant to the enabling legislation of the State of Texas; and

            WHEREAS, the City Council has received the City Manager’s proposed budget, a copy of which along with all supporting schedules, has been filed with the City Secretary of the City of Gatesville, Texas; and

            WHEREAS, the City Council has conducted the necessary public hearing as required by law; and

WHEREAS, after full and final consideration, it is the opinion of the City Council that the FY2025 budget of revenues and expenditures as hereinafter set forth should be adopted and approved.

            NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GATESVILLE, TEXAS:

            SECTION 1.  That the proposed budget of the revenue and expenditures necessary for conducting the affairs of the City of Gatesville, Texas, said budget being in the amount of $33,566,003 rene venues and $32,843,371 of expenditures, providing a complete financial plan for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2025 and ending September 30, 2026, as submitted to the City Council by the City Manager, a copy of which is on file in the City Secretary's Office and which is incorporated herein by this reference, be and the same is hereby adopted and approved as the budget of the City of Gatesville, Texas, for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2025 and ending September 30, 2026.

            SECTION 2.  That the sum of $28,574,450 is hereby appropriated for the payment of the expenditures established in the approved budget for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2024 and ending September 30, 2025.

            SECTION 3.  That the expenditures during the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2024 and ending September 30, 2025 shall be made in accordance with the budget approved by this Ordinance unless otherwise authorized by a duly enacted ordinance of the City of Gatesville, Texas.

            SECTION 4.  That all budget amendments and transfers of appropriations budgeted from one account or activity to another within any individual activity for the fiscal year 2023-2024 are hereby ratified, and the budget Ordinance for fiscal year 2023-2024, heretofore enacted by the City Council, be and the same is hereby amended to the extent of such transfers and amendments for all purposes.

            SECTION 5.  That specific authority is given to the City Manager to take and/or make the following actions:

1. Transfer of appropriations budgeted from one account classification to another account classification within the same department.
2. Transfer of appropriations from designated appropriation from one department or activity to another department or activity within the same fund.
3. Negotiate and execute the necessary contracts and related instruments, including any amendments thereto for the projects set forth in the Capital Projects Program included within the proposed budget.

SECTION 6.  That all notices and public hearings required by law have been duly completed.

            SECTION 7.  That all provisions of the ordinances of the City of Gatesville, Texas, in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance be, and the same are hereby, repealed, and all other provisions of the ordinances of the City of Gatesville, Texas, not in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance shall remain in full force and effect.

            SECTION 8. That should any word, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, clause, phrase or section of this Ordinance be adjudged or held to be unconstitutional, illegal, or invalid, the same shall not affect the validity of this Ordinance as a whole, or any part or provision thereof other than the part so decided to be invalid, illegal or unconstitutional.

            SECTION 9. This Ordinance shall take effect from and after its passage as the law and charter in such cases provide.

UPON CALLING FOR A VOTE FOR APPROVAL OF THIS ORDINANCE, THE MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL VOTED AS FOLLOWS:

Gary Chumley, Mayor                                                 Does not Vote

Aaron Smith, Ward 1, Place 1                                     Aye    

Jon Salter, Ward 1, Place 2                                        Aye    

Meredith Rainer, Ward 1, Place 3                              Aye    

Joe Patterson, Ward 2, Place 4                                 Aye    

Greg Casey, Ward 2, Place 5                                     Aye    

Kalinda Westbrook, Ward 2, Place 6                        Aye    

WITH 6 VOTING “AYE” AND 0 VOTING “NAY”, THIS ORDINANCE IS DULY PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GATESVILLE, TEXAS, on the 9^th day of SEPTEMBER 2025.

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GATESVILLE ADOPTING AN AD VALOREM TAX RATE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 AND LEVYING THE AD VALOREM TAXES FOR THE YEAR 2025  AT A RATE OF $0.5600 PER ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($100) ASSESSED VALUATION ON ALL TAXABLE PROPERTY WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF GATESVILLE AS OF JANUARY 1, 2025, TO PROVIDE REVENUE FOR THE PAYMENT OF CURRENT EXPENSES; PROVIDING FOR AN INTEREST AND SINKING FUND FOR ALL OUTSTANDING DEBT OF THE CITY OF GATESVILLE; PROVIDING FOR DUE AND DELINQUENT DATES TOGETHER WITH PENALTIES AND INTEREST; PROVIDING A REPEALING CLAUSE; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

            WHEREAS, following public notice duly posted and published in all things as required by law, a public hearing was held by and before the City Council of the City of Gatesville, the subject of which was the adoption of the proposed tax rate for the City of Gatesville for Fiscal Year 2025-2026, submitted by the City Manager in accordance with the provision of law; and

            WHEREAS, the City Council, upon full consideration of the matter, is of the opinion that the tax rate hereinafter set forth is proper and should be approved and adopted;

            NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GATESVILLE, TEXAS:

            SECTION 1.  There is hereby adopted for fiscal year 2025-2026 and levied for the year 2025 on all taxable property, real, personal and mixed, situated within the corporate limits of the City of Gatesville, and not exempt by the Constitution of the State and valid State laws, a tax of $0.5600 on each one hundred dollars ($100) assessed valuation of taxable property, and shall be apportioned and distributed as follows:

            (a)        For the purpose of maintenance and operation, defraying the current expenditures of the municipal government of the City of Gatesville, a tax of $0.508295 on each one hundred dollars ($100) assessed value on all taxable property.

            (b)        For the purpose of creating a sinking fund to pay the interest and principal maturities of all outstanding debt of the City of Gatesville, not otherwise provided for, a tax of $0.051705 on each one hundred dollars ($100) assessed value of taxable property within the City of Gatesville and shall be applied to the payment of interest and maturities of all such outstanding debt.

          SECTION 2. THIS TAX RATE WILL RAISE MORE TAXES FOR MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS THAN LAST YEAR’S TAX RATE. THE TAX RATE WILL EFFECTIVELY BE RAISED BY 2.76 PERCENT AND WILL RAISE TAXES FOR MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS ON A $100,000 HOME BY APPROXIMATELY $15.06.

SECTION 3. All ad valorem taxes shall become due and payable on October 1, 2025, and all ad valorem taxes for the year shall become delinquent if not paid prior to February 1, 2026. There shall be no discount for payment of taxes prior to February 1, 2026. A delinquent tax shall incur all penalty and interest authorized by law, to wit:

(a)        A penalty of six percent on the amount of the tax for the first calendar month it is delinquent, plus one percent for each additional month or portion of a month the tax remains unpaid prior to July 1 of the year in which it becomes delinquent.

(b)        Provided, however, a tax delinquent on July 1, 2026, incurs a total penalty of twelve percent of the amount of delinquent tax without regard to the number of months the tax has been delinquent. A delinquent tax shall also accrue interest at the rate of one percent for each month or portion of a month the tax remains unpaid. Taxes for the year 2025 and taxes for all future years that become delinquent on or after February 1 but not later than May 1, that remain delinquent on July 1 of the year in which they become delinquent, incur an additional penalty in the amount of twenty percent (20%) of taxes, penalty and interest due, pursuant to Texas Property Tax Code Section 6.30 and 33.07, as amended. Taxes assessed against tangible personal property for the year 2024 and for all future years that become delinquent on or after February 1 of a year incur an additional penalty on the later of the date the personal property taxes become subject to the delinquent tax attorney’s contract, or 60 days after the date the taxes become delinquent, such penalty to be in the amount of twenty percent (20%) of taxes, penalty and interest due, pursuant to Texas Property Tax Code Section 33.11. Taxes for the year 2024 and taxes for all future years that remain delinquent on or after June 1 under Texas Property Tax Code Sections 26.075(j), 26.15(e), 31.03, 31.031, 31.032, 31,033, 31.04, or 42.42 incur an additional penalty in the amount of twenty percent (20%) of taxes, penalty, and interest due, pursuant to Texas Property Tax Code Section 6.30 and Section 33.08, as amended.

            SECTION 4. The City shall have available all the rights and remedies provided by law for the enforcement of the collection of taxes levied under this Ordinance.

            SECTION 5. The tax roll as presented to the City Council, together with any supplements thereto, be and the same are hereby approved.

            SECTION 6. All ordinances of the City of Gatesville in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance be, and the same are hereby, repealed and all other provisions of the ordinances of the City of Gatesville not in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance shall remain in full force and effect.

            SECTION 7. That should any sentence, paragraph, subdivision, clause, phrase, or section of this Ordinance be adjudged or held to be unconstitutional, illegal, or invalid, the same shall not affect the validity of this Ordinance as a whole or any part or provision thereof other than the part thereof decided to be unconstitutional, illegal, or invalid.

            SECTION 8. This ordinance shall take effect immediately from and after its passage, as the law and charter in such cases provide.

UPON CALLING FOR A VOTE FOR APPROVAL OF THIS ORDINANCE, THE MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL VOTED AS FOLLOWS:

Gary Chumley, Mayor                                                Does not Vote

Aaron Smith, Ward 1, Place 1                                     Aye     

Jon Salter, Ward 1, Place 2                                        Aye     

Meredith Rainer, Ward 1, Place 3                              Aye     

Joe Patterson, Ward 2, Place 4                                Aye     

Greg Casey, Ward 2, Place 5                                    Aye     

Kalinda Westbrook, Ward 2, Place 6                       Aye     

WITH 6 VOTING “AYE” AND 0 VOTING “NAY”, AND AT LEAST 60% OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNING BODY VOTING IN FAVOR OF THE ORDINANCE, THIS ORDINANCE IS DULY PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GATESVILLE, TEXAS ON THIS THE 9^th DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2025.

The foregoing Ordinance No. 2025-19 was read the first time and passed to the second reading this 26th day of August 2025.

The foregoing Ordinance No. 2025-19 was read the second time and passed to the third reading this 2nd day of September 2025.

The foregoing Ordinance No. 2025-19 was read the third time and was passed and adopted as an Ordinance to the City of Gatesville, Texas, this 9th day of September 2025.

WHEREAS, the City of Gatesville produces and distributes water, and collects sewer within the City; and 

WHEREAS, the City Council finds it in the best interest of the City and in service of the health, safety and general welfare that the water and sewer rates charged by the City to customers be increased; 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GATESVILLE TEXAS THAT: 

Section 1. The Code of Ordinances of the City of Gatesville, as previously amended, is hereby amended at Chapter 18 "Fees," Section 18-1 "Fee Schedule" by repealing the fees set forth therein for water and sewer services and replacing them in their entirety with the fees set forth on Exhibit "A" attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference, said fees to be effective November 1, 2025. 

Section 2. This Ordinance shall be effective from and after its passage. 
The foregoing Ordinance No. 2025-20 was read the first time September 23rd, and passed 
to the second reading on the 14th day of October, 2025. 

The foregoing Ordinance No. 2025-20 was read the second time on October 14, and 
passed to the third reading on the 28th day of October, 2025. 

The foregoing Ordinance No. 2025-20 was read the third time and was passed and adopted 
as an Ordinance of the City of Gatesville, Texas this 28th day of October, 2025 and will take effect November 1, 2025.

WHEREAS, the City of Gatesville is committed to ensuring the safety, accessibility, and enjoyment of public parks for all residents and visitors; and

WHEREAS, the operation of off-road motorized vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles, dirt bikes, utility terrain vehicles, and similar motor-driven equipment, within city parks creates significant risks to pedestrians, cyclists, children, wildlife, and park staff; and

WHEREAS, off-road motorized vehicles contribute to soil erosion, damage to vegetation, disturbance of wildlife habitats, and deterioration of park facilities and trails; and

WHEREAS, the City Council finds that restrictions on such vehicles within city parks supports the City’s goals for environmental conservation, public safety, and responsible stewardship of community resources while preserving parks as safe and sustainable public spaces;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GATESVILLE, TEXAS, THAT:

SECTION 1. The Code of Ordinances of the City of Gatesville is hereby amended by amending Chapter 40, “Parks and Recreation,” by adding a new Section 40-9 “Recreational Off-Road Vehicles in City Parks” to read in its entirety as follows:

“Sec. 40-9  Recreational Off-Road Vehicles in City Parks; Prohibitions and Exceptions

(a) Definitions

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the meanings ascribed to them by Texas Transportation Code Chapter 551, 551a and 552A.0101, except where the context herein clearly indicates a different meaning:

 

1. Motorized mobility device means a device designed for transportation of persons with physical disabilities that:
   1. has three or more wheels;
   2. is propelled by a battery-powered motor;
   3. has not more than one forward gear; and
   4. is not capable of speeds exceeding eight miles per hour.

For the purposes of this section, a person operating a nonmotorized wheelchair or motorized mobility device is considered to be a pedestrian.

   2.  Electric personal assistive mobility device means a two non-tandem wheeled device designed for transporting one person that is:

1. 1. self-balancing; and
   2. propelled by an electric propulsion system with an average power of 750 watts or one horsepower.

    3. Neighborhood electric vehicle means a vehicle that can attain a maximum speed of 35 miles per hour on a paved level surface and otherwise complies with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 500 (49 C.F.R. Section 571.500).
   4.  Motor-assisted scooter means a self-propelled device:

1. 1. with:
      1. at least two wheels in contact with the ground during operation;
      2. a braking system capable of stopping the device under typical operating conditions;
      3. a gas or electric motor not exceeding 40 cubic centimeters;
      4. a deck designed to allow a person to stand or sit while operating the device; and
      5. the ability to be propelled by human power alone; and

          b.  does not include a pocket bike or a mini motorbike.
    5.  Pocket bike or mini motorbike means a self-propelled vehicle that is equipped with an electric motor or internal combustion engine having a piston displacement of less than 50 cubic centimeters, is designed to propel itself with not more than two wheels in contact with the ground, has a seat or saddle for the use of the operator, is not designed for use on a highway, and is ineligible for a certificate of title under Chapter 501. The term does not include:

1. 1. a moped or motorcycle;
   2. an electric bicycle;
   3. a motorized mobility device, as defined by Section 552A.0101;
   4. an electric personal assistive mobility device, as defined by Section 551.201; or
   5. a neighborhood electric vehicle, as defined by Section 551.301.

6. Golf cart means a motor vehicle designed by the manufacturer primarily for use on a golf course.

   7. All-terrain vehicle means a motor vehicle that is:

1. 1. equipped with a seat or seats for the use of:
      1. the rider; and
      2. a passenger, if the motor vehicle is designed by the manufacturer to transport a passenger;
   2. designed to propel itself with three or more tires in contact with the ground;
   3. designed by the manufacturer for off-highway use;
   4. not designed by the manufacturer primarily for farming or lawn care; and
   5. not more than 50 inches wide.

8. Off-highway vehicle means:
   1. an all-terrain vehicle or recreational off-highway vehicle;
   2. a sand rail; or
   3. a utility vehicle.

9. Recreational off-highway vehicle means a motor vehicle that is:
   1. equipped with a seat or seats for the use of:
      1. the rider; and
      2. a passenger or passengers, if the vehicle is designed by the manufacturer to transport a passenger or passengers;
   2. designed to propel itself with four or more tires in contact with the ground;
   3. designed by the manufacturer for off-highway use by the operator only; and
   4. not designed by the manufacturer primarily for farming or lawn care.

10. Utility vehicle means a motor vehicle that is not a golf cart, as defined by Section 551.401, or lawn mower and is:
    1. equipped with side-by-side seating for the use of the operator and a passenger;
    2. designed to propel itself with at least four tires in contact with the ground;
    3. designed by the manufacturer for off-highway use only; and
    4. designed by the manufacturer primarily for utility work and not for recreational purposes.

(b) Restriction.
It shall be unlawful for any person to operate any motor vehicle in any public park within the city, except legally on roadways constructed and designed for such motor vehicle traffic or except as provided in subsection (d) herein.

(c)  Prohibition. 
Except as provided in subsection (d) herein, it shall be unlawful for any person to operate any of the following types of self-propelled vehicles within any portion of the grounds of a city park inside the city limits.  Prohibited self-propelled vehicles include:

1. Neighborhood electric vehicle;
2. Motor-assisted scooter;
3. Pocket bike or mini motorbike;
4. Golf cart;
5. All-terrain vehicle;
6. Off-highway vehicle;
7. Recreational off-highway vehicle; and
8. Utility vehicle

(d) Exceptions.
This section does not apply to:

(1) Motor vehicles used by city staff while performing duties related to a public service; or used with city permission by event organizers/staff when carrying out essential functions for permitted community events;

(2) Self-propelled vehicles used by city staff while performing duties related to a public service; or used with city permission by event organizers/staff when carrying out essential functions for permitted community events;

(3) A self-propelled vehicle that is not capable of speeds exceeding eight miles per hour and is designed by the manufacturer exclusively for children under age 12;

(4) A motorized mobility device; or

(5) An electric personal assistive mobility device.

(e) Penalty.
Any person violating this section shall be punished by a fine of not less than $50.00 nor more than $200.00.

SECTION 2.  If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause, phrase, or word in this Ordinance, or the application thereof to any person or under any circumstances is held invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance, and the City Council of the City of Gatesville, Texas, hereby declares it would have enacted such remaining portions despite any such invalidity.

SECTION 3. It is officially found and determined that the meeting at which this Ordinance was passed was open to the public as required by law, and the public notice of the time, place and purpose of this meeting was given as required by law.

SECTION 4. This Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its passage and approval.

The foregoing Ordinance No. 2025-23 was read the first time and passed to the second reading on this 18^th day of November 2025.

The foregoing Ordinance No. 2025-23 was read the second time and passed to the third reading on this 9^th day of December 2025.

The foregoing Ordinance No. 2025-23 was read the third time and was passed and adopted as an Ordinance to the City of Gatesville, Texas, this 13^th day of January 2026.

WHEREAS, the City of Gatesville contracts with Waste Management for solid waste collection within the City; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to the City’s contract with Waste Management, the fees charged to the City by Waste Management will increase effective February 1, 2026, to reflect annual Consumer Price Index and fuel adjustments; and

WHEREAS, the City Council finds it in the best interest of the City and in service of the health, safety and general welfare that the solid waste collection rates charged by the City to customers be increased to reflect this annual rate increase by Waste Management to the City; 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GATESVILLE TEXAS THAT:

Section 1. The Code of Ordinances of the City of Gatesville, as previously amended, is hereby amended at Chapter 18 “Fees,” Section 18-1 “Fee Schedule” by repealing the fees set forth therein for solid waste collection and replacing them in their entirety with the fees set forth on Exhibit “A” attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference, said fees to be effective February 1, 2026.

Section 2. This resolution shall be effective as of February 1, 2026.

The foregoing Ordinance No. 2025-24 was read the first time December 9th and passed to the second reading on the 13th day of January 2026.

The foregoing Ordinance No. 2025-24 was read the second time on January 13 and passed to the third reading on the 27th day of January 2026.

The foregoing Ordinance No. 2025-24 was read the third time and was passed and adopted as an Ordinance of the City of Gatesville, Texas this 27th day of January 2026 and will take effect February 1, 2026.

WHEREAS, the governing body of the City of Gatesville finds that the adoption of up-to-date building codes is necessary to protect the public health, safety, and welfare; and

WHEREAS, the International Existing Building Code (IEBC) provides minimum regulations for the repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition to, and relocation of existing buildings; and

WHEREAS, the 2021 edition of the International Existing Building Code has been reviewed and is deemed appropriate for adoption within the City of Gatesville.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Gatesville.

Section 1. Adoption of Code

That the 2021 International Existing Building Code, as published by the International Code Council, Inc., including all appendices adopted therein, is hereby adopted by reference as the Existing Building Code of the City of Gatesville except as amended herein.

Section 2. Scope and Applicability

The provisions of the 2021 International Existing Building Code shall apply to all existing buildings and structures within the jurisdiction of the City of Gatesville including repairs, alterations, additions, changes of occupancy, and relocations.

Section 3. Administration and Enforcement

The Building Official or designee is hereby authorized and directed to administer and enforce the provisions of the 2021 International Existing Building Code.

Section 4. Amendments

The following local amendments to the 2021 International Existing Building Code are hereby adopted:

• Section 101.1 Title. Insert City of Gatesville for Name of Jurisdiction.
• Section 103.0 Creation of Agency. Insert Building Department for Name of Department.
• Repeal Appendix D Board of Appeals.

Section 5. Severability

If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance.

Section 6. Repealer

All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict.

Section 7. Effective Date

This ordinance shall take effect on February 11, 2026, following its adoption and publication as required by law.

The foregoing Ordinance No. 2026-02 was read the first time and passed to the second reading this 13^th day of January 2026.

The foregoing Ordinance No. 2026-02 was read the second time and passed to the third reading this 27^th day of January 2026.

The foregoing Ordinance No. 2026-02 was read the third time and was passed and adopted as an Ordinance to the City of Gatesville, Texas, this 10^th day of February 2026.