Bonham, Texas – A regular meeting of the Bonham City Council was held on December 8, 2025 at city hall. The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by John Burnett. All council members were present.
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Council approved the minutes of the November 10 regular meeting and December 1 special meeting.
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Council accepted the financial report for the month ending November 30, 2025.
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Citizens Opportunity to Speak: no one chose to speak.
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Employee of the Quarter is Colby Davis, the Community Development Intern. Davis started working with the city in August. He worked on parking regulations, researched zoning laws and was described as an “ultimate team player.” His internship will end later this month and he will soon return to Texas A&M University.
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Council reluctantly accepted the resignation of H Compton as mayor. Burnett said he is sad, but Compton is on to bigger and better things. Burnett presented a token of appreciation to Compton. Compton has announced that he has filed to run for Fannin County Judge.
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John Burnett took the Oath of Office for mayor administered by City of Bonham Municipal Court Judge Michael Evans.
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The Council unanimously selected Kevin Hayes to be the new mayor pro tem.
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Kevin Hayes took the Oath of Office for mayor pro tem administered by City of Bonham Municipal Court Judge Michael Evans.
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Council held a public hearing and approved an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Bonham, Texas, approving and adopting bylaws of the Board of Directors of Reinvestment Zone Number One, City of Bonham, Texas (the "Zone"); approving the final project and finance plan for the Zone; and providing a severability clause; and providing an effective date.
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Council held a public hearing and approved an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Bonham, Texas, approving and adopting bylaws of the Board of Directors of Reinvestment Zone Number Two, City of Bonham, Texas (the "Zone"); approving the final project and finance plan for the Zone; approving a tax increment reinvestment zone (TIRZ) economic development agreement between the City and Bonham Land Partners, LLC; and providing a severability clause; and providing an effective date.
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Council held a public hearing and approved an Ordinance amending the city’s zoning map and zoning ordinance and changing the zoning of certain property consisting of 37.9± acres located at the southeast corner of State Highway 121 and US Highway 82 from Planned Development District (PD) to Planned Development – Thoroughfare District (PD-THOR) with modified development standards (Property ID 119761 & 135090). Ross Altobelli said this step corrects some mistakes from a previous filing. This development will include retail, restaurants, residential and multi-family residential. Both the applicant & engineer were present at the meeting and available to answer questions. City Manager Sean Pate said that he thought it was important to note that no actual business of any kind has been planned for this space yet, despite what is being said on Facebook. He said that the developer is currently just getting the land ready for development.
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Council approved a resolution to approve a Concept Plan, Horse Apple Addition, Block A, Lots 1-6. Property ID# 119761 & 135090.
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Council approved a resolution to approve a Revised Site Plan, Wal-Mart Addition, Block 1, Lot 1. Property ID# 91326. Altobelli said that these plans include restriping the parking lot on south side of Walmart and an addition to the building to expand the delivery and pick up part of the business.
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Council discussed and gave staff direction regarding equipment needs for FY26 and financing options. Sarah Osburn said that the city is working on developing a plan to finance a new motor grader. City staff are compiling a list of other needed equipment in an effort to bundle the financing and get a better deal. The total cost is roughly estimated to be about $1.3-$1.4 M total. This was not an action item. Osburn was getting input from the council and plans to return at a future meeting with a formalized proposal. No council members objected to Osburn’s plan.
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Council approved a resolution approving actions of the Bonham Economic Development Corporation of the City of Bonham, which voted to approve the sale of 505 South Main Street, Bonham, Texas and 120 South 5th Street, Bonham, Texas. BEDCO Director William Myers said that BEDCO owns two undeveloped lots near Powder Creek Park. The offer is for $30k and the contract is pending, contingent on council approval. Myers pointed out that this sale will get the lots back on tax rolls. Councilman Allen Sanderson stated he drove by the lots and he agreed that they should be sold.
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Council approved a resolution approving actions of the Bonham Economic Development Corporation of the City of Bonham, which voted to approve a contract of sale and commercial lease agreement for 327 North Main Street, Bonham, Texas. Myers explained that this is the building that currently hosts the Visitor Center and Chamber of Commerce. In the past year or so, BEDCO applied for a grant to improve the property and the grant was denied. Myers said the second floor is currently unoccupied, the first floor needs work and the outside of the building also needs work. Myers pointed out that this sale will get the property back on the tax rolls. The sale price is $350k. The Visitor Center and Chamber will need to get temporary office space during the planned renovation, which is estimated to last about six months. After the renovations are completed, the plan is for BEDCO to lease the space back at about $15 per square foot, which will be around $4,000 - $4100 per month. The time line is estimated for the building permit to be obtained by April and completed by the fall of 2026. After the renovations, the building will have an elevator, which will also allow the second floor to be fully utilized. The bathrooms will become ADA compliant and be able to be accessed at certain times, even when the offices are closed. Pate said the current insurance, utilities and upkeep or the building are rather expensive and that this would be a good deal for BEDCO and the city.
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Council approved a resolution approving actions of the Bonham Economic Development Corporation of the City of Bonham, which voted to approve a contract extension for the sale of 1940 North State Highway 121, Bonham, Texas. Myers said that the 6-acre property is located just north of Braums and is listed for $2.7 million. The contract is being extended for one year. The land can be sold all together or split into parts. There are two pads along Highway 121 and another section in the back.
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Council approved a resolution approving actions of the Bonham Economic Development Corporation of the City of Bonham, which voted to approve a performance agreement for Pura Vida Beach, LLC and/or assigns. Myers described this as an incentive agreement which calls for a minimum $500k investment in the property at 327 N Main that currently houses the Visitors Center and Chamber. This agreement will encourage an expedited remodel of the building. They already have conceptual plan of the work to be done. The agreement includes $100K incentive once a building permit is obtained and they own the property and another $125K incentive once they get a certificate of occupancy. Myers said this will help get the building back on tax rolls, will get the building improved, will improve ADA accessibility for the building and will expand access to public restrooms at the facility.
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Meeting adjourned at 6:16 p.m.
