COUNCIL WRAP UP COUNCIL WRAP UP
APRIL 1ST, 2025
CITY COUNCIL APPROVES FUNDING FOR SIX ADDITIONAL FIREFIGHTERS
City Council approved an ordinance authorizing the addition of six (6) firefighter positions, along with the necessary funding to support these roles through the remainder of the current fiscal year. This staffing expansion is essential to maintaining the City’s prestigious ISO Class 1 rating and ensuring the Fire Department continues to meet the high standards set by the Insurance Services Office (ISO). With an anticipated hire date in May, the total projected cost for these six positions through the end of the fiscal year is $233,750. Funding for these positions will come from a budget transfer from the General Fund to the Fire Department.
CITY COUNCIL APPROVES HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION FOR SENIORS AND DISABLED RESIDENTS
The Forney City Council has approved a local option homestead exemption for residents who are either 65 years of age or older or disabled, as allowed under Section 11.13(d) of the Texas Tax Code. This exemption provides a $65,000 reduction in taxable value for qualifying seniors and a $35,000 reduction for qualifying disabled persons. To be eligible, applicants must own and occupy the property as their primary residence. Disabled applicants must meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability and may be required to provide supporting documentation. In addition, surviving spouses age 55 or older may qualify if their deceased spouse met the eligibility requirements and the home remains their principal residence. Residents who already have a Homestead exemption and either the Over 65 or Disabled Person exemption in place will automatically receive the new benefit. No further action is required with the City of Forney or the Kaufman County Appraisal District (KCAD). Due to the timing of the ordinance’s adoption, the exemption amount will not appear on 2025 Appraisal Notices. However, qualified residents will still receive the benefit for the 2025 tax year.
PLANET FITNESS NEARS OPENING WITH APPROVAL OF INFRASTRUCTURE
City Council approved the acceptance of public improvements for the Planet Fitness project, including water and sanitary sewer connections. With these utilities now fully connected to City of Forney services, the project moves one step closer to receiving its Certificate of Occupancy and officially opening its doors. We’re excited to welcome Planet Fitness to our community! The new location is at 857 N. Farm to Market 548.
JOHN HOLCOMB NAMED FORNEY FIRE CHIEF
During the meeting, City Manager Charles Daniels announced that John Holcomb has been officially named Fire Chief of the Forney Fire Department. Holcomb, who has served as Interim Chief since January 2025, brings decades of experience to the role. He began his fire service career in 1990 and joined Forney Fire in 2010, holding key leadership roles such as Fire Marshal, Assistant Chief, Emergency Management Coordinator, and Deputy Chief. Congratulations, Chief Holcomb!
