Bonham, Texas – Bonham City Council held a regular monthly meeting at city hall on Monday, May 11, 2026. Mayor Pro Tem Kevin Hayes called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
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A public hearing was held and council approved an Ordinance adopting the amendments to the Home Rule Charter approved by the qualified voters of the City of Bonham, Texas, at a Special Election held on May 2, 2026; canvassing the election returns; declaring the election results; and providing for recordation and certification of the Charter Amendments as required by Texas Law.
The city secretary reported that there was only a 3% voter turnout and that all charter amendments were approved.
Allen Sanderson became mayor by running unopposed. Jerrad Besch and Wolf Laughing were elected as new council members and both were also unopposed. Ernie Quintana was re-elected to his city council spot and was also unopposed.
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The Oath of Office for Sanderson, Besch, Laughing and Quintana was administered by City of Bonham Municipal Court Judge Michael Evans.
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Council selected Kevin Hayes to be the Mayor Pro tem. Hayes then took the Oath of Office for Mayor Pro tem which was administered by Judge Evans.
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The new mayor was planning on giving a special presentation for outgoing Mayor John Burnett, but Burnett was unable to attend the meeting. The new city council includes Mayor Allen Sanderson and council members Sam Fox, Kevin Hayes, Jerrad Besch, Wolf Laughing, Ernie Quintana and Clark Smith. All council members were present for the meeting.
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The new City of Bonham Mayor Allen Sanderson gave some comments. He started by noting that it was an honor to be of service to Bonham, as this is his hometown. Sanderson went on to say that the city is on the cusp of major growth and development and he is proud of city manager Sean Pate and the city staff for their efforts to prepare for this growth.
Sanderson sees many important goals for the city, including increasing residential growth, creating jobs, increasing the tax base, enhancing the quality of life through parks, events, and other things, revitalizing the historical district and ensuring that the city collaborates and cooperates with the school and county.
Sanderson expressed the hope that Bonham be known for welcoming new people and having tolerances for differences. He urged the citizens to stay informed by attending meetings, referring to the city webpage, watching for city media releases and contacting the city departments directly when you have questions.
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Council approved the minutes of the April 13th regular meeting and the April 30th special meeting.
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Council accepted the financial report for the month ending April 30, 2026. Sarah Osburn pointed out that sales tax is trending at 4% which corresponds to what is in the city budget.
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Citizens Opportunity to Speak:
Rusty Deets said that last week, paramedics showed up at his house and did a tremendous job. He said that he cannot thank them enough.
Troy Waggoner who lives in Ravenna and serves as Commissioner, Pct 1 spoke next. He expressed his thanks to the city for their part in assisting for Heritage Day Festival and Steaks on Main.
Chuck White spoke about a recent car accident at the corner of 15th and Island Bayou. He asked for the city to consider putting us a 4-way stop at this intersection to slow traffic down.
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Council approved a Resolution to approve a Site Plan, Hunter Terrace Second Installment, Block 4, Lot 1R. Property ID# 91995. Ross Altobelli explained that this project will include expanding a concrete parking lot, upgrading landscaping and adding a new fence. P&Z approved the plans a recommended the council also approve it. The applicant, Spanky Carter, attended and thanked the council for their approval.
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Council approved a Resolution establishing a Comprehensive Plan Advisory Task Force.
Altobelli reminded the council that the city received a $300k grant to update the city’s plan. At the next council meeting, the council will be appointing nine people to serve on this task force. These nine people will include the mayor, two council members, two Planning & Zoning members, one from the Chamber of Commerce, one from the School District board or staff and two citizens of Bonham.
Altobelli noted that there is a community survey that is currently published that is related to this project. Pate pointed out that the city has done a mass mailer and social media posts to help get citizens to complete the survey. Pate emphasized the importance of citizens completing the survey for future planning. The mayor also pointed out that this is a wonderful opportunity for citizens to give input about the future of the city.
Altobelli noted that this task force will work from summer 2026 to fall 2027 and then be dissolved once the work is complete. There will be four specific meetings, plus open houses and workshops for this task force. The mayor asked if any council members were interested in serving on this task force and Quintana and Smith both said they would be interested in serving.
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Council appointed Samantha Lumpkins to the Heritage Architectural Review Committee. After this appointment, there is still one vacancy on this committee.
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Council appointed Sam Fox to the Board of Adjustment.
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Council adopted a resolution reviewing and approving the City of Bonham Investment Policy.
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Council approved Texas Connect as an additional liquidity option for increased diversification and yield.
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Council adopted a Resolution accepting a Petition to Create Legacy Ridge Public Improvement District (PID); Setting a Public Hearing under Section 372.009 of the Texas Local Government Code to be held on June 8, 2026 on the Advisability of the Creation of Legacy Ridge Public Improvement District and Improvements within the City of Bonham, Texas; and Authorizing the Issuance of Notice by the City Secretary of Bonham, Texas, regarding the Public Hearing; Providing a Severability Clause; and Providing an Effective Date.
Pate explained what PIDs are. He also noted that this development at full build out will include about 400 homes, plus infrastructure and amenities such as picnic areas, hike and bike trails. There will be assessments paid by homeowners to cover the infrastructure expansion and the improvements will not be not paid by current taxpayers.
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Council adopted a Resolution setting a Public Hearing under Chapter 311 of the Texas Tax Code (Section 311.003) to be held on June 8, 2026 on the Creation of Legacy Ridge Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) within the City of Bonham, Texas; and Authorizing the Issuance of Notice by the City Secretary of Bonham, Texas, regarding the Public Hearing; Providing a Severability Clause; and Providing an Effective Date.
Pate explained what a TIRZ is and how it can help fund future developments for the public’s good.
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Council held a public hearing and then approved establishing guidelines and criteria governing tax abatement agreements. BEDCO Director William Meyers pointed out that these guidelines expire every two years and he was asking the council to renew these guidelines. Pate explained that this is a tool for Meyers to use when trying to attract new businesses to town. Meyers noted that he never promises an abatement but rather will share the process and opportunity for the tax abatements to prospective businesses.
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Council approved a Resolution supporting nomination of two Opportunity 2.0 zones for the City of Bonham and Fannin County, Texas. Meyers said the state of Texas has revised this opportunity. He said that he was proposing two nominations, which are the only two places in county that qualify for this program.
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Meeting adjourned at 6:21 p.m.
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The link to complete the community survey for the city of Bonham is:
https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8795570/bonham-community-survey-long
