By Jeremy A. Corley

Managing Editor

The Van Alstyne City Council voted against the proposed realignments of the county's fire districts, declined to grant incentives to a developer and recognized a former council member during Tuesday's regular meeting.

Under the proposal to realign Grayson County's fire districts, Gunter and Howe's coverage areas would include areas within Van Alstyne's extraterritorial jurisdiction.

City Manager Bill Herrington said that considering Van Alstyne's future growth, it would not be in the city's best interest to stop serving any of its current fire district.

"We don't want to give up something we're going to be responsible for in years to come," he said.

The city will send a letter to the Grayson County Commissioners Court citing Van Alstyne's opposition to the proposed realignment. The commissioners will vote on whether or not to execute the proposal.

Council members ultimately took no action to provide incentives to Tin Star Homes to take over 106 lots in the Georgetown subdivision and build them out.

Tin Star requested a waiver of impact fees and half of the tap fees to take over the lots with a guarantee of at least 10 homes sold this year and complete build-out within three years.

The fee waivers would have amounted to $3,300 per lot.

After significant discussion, Councilman A.C. Mosby made a motion to approve Tin Star's proposal with a guarantee of at least 20 homes sold in the first year. The motion did not receive a second, and no further motions were made on the proposal.

Council members recognized Nancy Webb for her six years on the council, including four as mayor pro tem. She also served four years on the board of the Texoma Council of Governments.

Also during Tuesday's meeting, the council:

Approved budget amendments to fund replacement computer equipment salary expenses for an executive assistant for the Economic Development and Community Development Corporations.

Vicky Garrison, who filled in for Betty Samuels during a recent illness, will fill the assistant position and will aid Samuels as well as providing grant-writing services for the city.

The new position is funded for 30 hours per week with no benefits.

Approved a professional services agreement with Kasner and Associates to audit the city's sales taxes.

"This is just to make sure we get all the sales tax money we should," Herrington said, adding that the company only gets paid if it finds something amiss.

Approved a replat on a property at the west end of Jefferson Street.

Tabled any action on animal control regulations until the new proposed rules can be posted on the city website to receive citizen feedback.

Approved updates to the fire department's standard operating procedures.