Following the February 3, 2026 City Council Workshop and Special Session, the City of Runaway Bay and Bay Community Church reached a framework agreement regarding the City’s main raw water intake line located beneath Church property. The discussion focused on preserving long-term water reliability for residents while allowing the Church’s construction project to move forward in a responsible manner. This workshop was intended for information sharing and discussion between City Council and Church representatives and did not include a public forum.   Background and History   • The City’s primary raw water intake line from Lake Bridgeport runs beneath what is now Bay Community Church property. • This line was installed in the early 1980s and was referenced in the property records when the Church acquired the land. • No formal and recorded utility easement was filed at the time of installation. • As was common in many small communities during earlier infrastructure development, some utility lines were constructed without modern easement documentation. • The City currently operates and maintains the line but does not have a recorded easement granting permanent legal access. Construction Activity and Early Coordination   • In 2023, the Church began construction related to an expansion project. • The City temporarily required work to pause to locate and protect underground utilities. • At the Church’s request, excavation work was postponed until after the Church’s Easter services. • B&R Utility Services was hired by the City to locate and reroute water service to businesses east of the Church property. • This work required multiple test excavations on and around Church property. • B&R identified a 6-inch water main serving businesses east of the Church and determined a separate 4-inch line could be removed. • B&R invoiced the City $26,315.91, which was paid by the City.  • The City advised the Church that agreement to a 40 ft water intake easement would allow the City to maintain and repair utilities. • The requested width aligns with industry standards for: Safe trenching Heavy equipment access Emergency repair operations • A professional land survey was completed to define the proposed easement area, totaling 17,303 square feet (0.40 acres). • Federal and state infrastructure programs generally require documented easements before approving water system funding. • The City indicated it would fund new service taps if required due to the Church’s expansion: One tap for the Church One tap for Lodge Condominiums • The estimated cost for both taps was $4,000 total. • The Church currently pays $500 per year for a covered picnic area that was constructed on City property. • The City indicated this lease fee could be reduced to $1 per year if an easement agreement were reached.   Engineering Review of Relocation Option   • The City retained Hayter Engineering to evaluate the feasibility of relocating the intake line. • The review considered abandoning the existing 12-inch raw water line and constructing a new 16-inch line around the Church property.   Key points from the September 19, 2025 Hayter Engineering review: • The estimate is preliminary and conceptual in nature. • A new 16-inch line would be routed along Blake Drive and the TxDOT right-of-way. • Upsizing was recommended to avoid additional pressure loss and pump upgrades.   Estimated construction cost only: $332,242   Summary of the Agreement Framework   Based on the discussion during the special session, the following terms were agreed to in concept:   • The Church will grant the City a 40-foot permanent utility easement over the existing raw water intake line, which allows sufficient space for City maintenance and emergency repairs • No additional water lines, sewer lines, or new utilities will be installed within the easement area • The City will reinstate the Church’s building permit, allowing construction of the children’s building to proceed     Provisions Related to Future Relocation   The agreement also addresses potential future scenarios:   • If the City determines at a later date that relocation of the main water intake line is necessary, the Church will grant an additional 40-foot easement on the east side of the property for the relocated line • Upon relocation of the line, the original easement beneath the Church property would be dissolved • If the Church proposes future expansion that requires relocation of the intake line, the Church’s building plans would include provisions to help offset relocation costs   No relocation of the intake line is currently planned or approved.   Outcome of the Special Session   • The City will receive a 40 ft easement to access main water intake • The Church will receive reinstatement of its building permit • The City will retain adequate access for maintenance and emergency response • The agreement establishes clear expectations for future infrastructure decisions  • Final legal documents will be prepared consistent with the agreed framework • Construction related to the Church’s children’s building may proceed under the reinstated permit   City Focus   The City of Runaway Bay remains focused on:   • Maintaining reliable water service • Managing infrastructure responsibly • Preserving access for maintenance and emergency response • Providing factual information and maintaining clear documentation for long-term infrastructure planning This framework agreement reflects the City’s commitment to problem-solving, collaboration, and stewardship of critical infrastructure for the benefit of the entire community.   Questions   Residents may contact Runaway Bay City Hall for additional information.

Regular Session | January 20, 2026 1. Public Forum ·       Cindy Fuller announced that the Carter BloodCare Blood Drive will now be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 10am-3pm at the Civic Center. Contact Carolyn Dent  carolyndent75@gmail.com    for more information. Blood drive flyer is located at the bottom of recap. ·       Pansy Green encouraged the City to send out text alerts to notify residents of the Runaway Bay Bulletin  www.runawaybaybulletin.com   to ensure more residents receive accurate and timely City information. 2. Consent Items ·       Approve Minutes from the December 16, 2025 Regular Session - Approved ·       Accounts Payable (December 31, 2025) - Approved ·       December 2025 Financial Report - Approved 3. Updates from Mayor and Council Members ·       Todd Low | Parks & Recreation Reported that the parks are looking great. Work continues on ball fields, with discussion of possibly adding a baseball team in the future. ·       Richard Griffin | Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Shared that the EDC is seeking community input on future events, including Smoke on the Water and other possible activities. Ideas discussed included adjusting event dates and exploring new options such as monthly bingo nights. Residents interested in volunteering or sharing ideas are encouraged to reach out to Phil Reicheneker at phil@shredderzshop.com ·       Carolyn Moody | Cemetery Board Reported that the Cemetery Board is making plans and preparations for spring maintenance and improvements. ·       Christopher Petty | Fire Department Reported 21 calls, 5 of those being fire and the rest medical. Residents were advised about the icy weather expected this Friday and reassured that the Fire Department will continue to respond to calls while using caution on unsafe road conditions. ·       Steve Reynolds | Police Department Reported: ·       100 citations issued – including code violations ·       2 felony arrests ·       74 warnings issued Chief Reynolds also noted that Public Works has made significant progress addressing water leaks and sewer issues, working late hours to complete projects. With leaks largely under control, crews are now focusing on pothole repairs. Overall conditions have improved considerably compared to prior years. ·       Mayor Herman White Provided a status update from Freese and Nichols Engineering regarding the City’s ongoing infrastructure projects. Mayor White explained that Runaway Bay has been formally awarded federal funding. Most funding operates under reimbursement-based programs, meaning the City pays eligible project costs upfront (through the City's $2 million line of credit) and then submits documentation for reimbursement as milestones are met. The funding is secured, but released in stages as projects progress. Mayor White also answered questions regarding the Runaway Bay Bulletin and encouraged residents to rely on official City sources for factual information. 📌 Coming Next: A follow-up post will further explain the grant funding process and provide a more detailed status report from Freese and Nichols Engineering.

I want to take a moment to provide residents with an update on the City’s ongoing wastewater infrastructure improvements. These efforts are part of a long-term plan to strengthen critical systems, meet regulatory requirements, and plan responsibly for the future.   The City’s work is supported by significant federal grant funding and ongoing coordination with our engineering firm, Freese and Nichols, as well as our Infrastructure Task Force. While infrastructure projects can be complex and take time, steady progress is being made.   Here’s a clear update on where things stand:   Federal Funding Secured   Runaway Bay has been awarded over $9.4 million in federal funding to support wastewater system improvements:   • $1.75 million: EPA STAG Clean Water funding (FY 2024) • $6.7 million: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Section 5138 Texas Environmental Infrastructure Program • $1 million: Additional EPA STAG funding awarded in January 2026   These funds were secured through the federal appropriations process with support from Congressman Ronnie Jackson. EPA Grant Status (Reimbursement Program)   The EPA STAG program operates as a reimbursement grant, meaning: • Eligible project costs are reimbursed at 80% federal / 20% local match • Funds can reimburse eligible work performed prior to final approval • The City must apply, meet federal requirements, and receive EPA approval before reimbursement begins   Key milestones: • EPA implementation guidance released mid-2024 • Freese and Nichols engaged by City Council in June 2025 • A comprehensive preliminary facility assessment was completed • The EPA has approved the City’s application and project scope • A second task order was approved in December 2025   Design work is now underway on: • WWTP Chlorine Building • Jim Walters Lift Station • Port O’Call Lift Station   The 50% design submittal for the Chlorine Building is scheduled for February 5, 2026.  Good News on Electrical Upgrades   Freese and Nichols also confirmed that Oncor’s upgrades to 3-phase power related to these facilities have been approved for reimbursement under the EPA grant program. US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Status   • The USACE approved Runaway Bay’s Section 5138 Letter Report in November 2025 • The City is finalizing the Project Partnership Agreement (PPA) • Federal funding is projected to become available in Q2 of 2026   Unlike the EPA program, USACE funding cannot reimburse work completed prior to final approval, which is why engineering work under this program will begin after funds are released.   Initial USACE-funded efforts are expected to include: • A comprehensive facility assessment • A long-term capital improvement plan • A rate study to support sustainable infrastructure planning What This Means for Residents   ✔️ Major federal funding is secured ✔️ Engineering work is actively underway ✔️ Projects are being prioritized based on professional assessments ✔️ The City is following federal compliance requirements ✔️ Long-term planning is focused on reliability, safety, and fiscal responsibility   This work is part of a multi-year effort to develop a responsible master plan for Runaway Bay’s infrastructure, focused on public health, regulatory compliance, and long-term reliability.   My goal is to ensure that today’s decisions are guided by careful planning, professional expertise, and fiscal responsibility,. With the support of our Infrastructure Task Force, engineering partners, and federal funding, we are taking deliberate steps to assess our systems, prioritize improvements, and plan responsibly.   I will continue to share updates as milestones are reached.   — Mayor Herman White

Good Afternoon, Runaway Bay!   My name is Roddy Boston and the Mayor added me to the Runaway Bay Public Works Task Force in 2023. I currently have an “A” Wastewater Treatment License and serve as Deputy Director of Public Works for Decatur.   Interesting Facts about your Wastewater Treatment Plant:   Capacity of the current plant: 400,000 gallons   A wastewater treatment plant's capacity isn’t determined by how much it can hold at any one time. It is determined by how much wastewater it can process in a 24-hour period.   The numbers used are the average of one month of your daily flows. Then we take 12 months of those averages to calculate the “Annual Average”.   TCEQ allows us to use the annual average to determine how much development you, as a city, can handle with the current facilities.   Using this averaging system, your plant is currently sitting at around 25% capacity.   The TCEQ rule for determining whether a wastewater plant is nearing, at, or above capacity is known as the 75/90 rule found in TAC Chapter 217.   At 75% capacity, your plant would process 300,000 gallons per day on an annual average. If this were the case, the city would need to be involved in engineering for an expansion of the existing plant or the construction of a brand-new plant.   At 90% capacity, your plant would process 360,000 gallons per day on an annual average. If this were the case, the city would need to be past engineering and under expansion or new construction for a new plant.   So, as you can see, at only 25% capacity, the city has plenty of room to expand, population-wise.   As you can imagine, using averages gives the city plenty of time to plan for and ready themselves for additional development.   Some people have seen the plant from the top and voiced their concern that it's running “full” and shouldn’t be.   Don’t listen to those people.   Wastewater plants are designed to run “full”. If not, then it wouldn’t properly treat the wastewater from one tank to the next.   That is probably more information than you thought you’d ever need to know about a wastewater treatment plant, but the more you know, the more informed you are!   More information to come!   If you have any additional questions, please let me know!   Roddy Boston

Recently, inaccurate information has been shared publicly regarding the status of Runaway Bay’s wastewater system and related infrastructure efforts.  To ensure residents have accurate and factual information, the City of Runaway Bay would like to provide clarification directly from a qualified professional who is actively involved in overseeing these operations.   The following statement is from Roddy Boston, who serves as Deputy Director of Public Works for the City of Decatur and has been assisting the City with wastewater and collection system operations.  He offers firsthand insight into the current condition of the system, ongoing evaluations, and next steps:       Good afternoon, Runaway Bay!   As a member of the current public works task force, I wanted to take a minute and thank each and every one of you who has reached out to get clarification of the misinformation that has been circulating about the state of the collection system and your wastewater treatment plant.   As I’ve expressed to many of you, the misinformation has come from people who have very limited knowledge of how a system of this size, or any size, is supposed to work.    Your system, while not perfect, is a good, solid system. But it does have issues that are being addressed. Those issues are currently being looked over by Freese and Nichols Engineering. This firm is nationwide and specializes in Water and Wastewater systems, helping towns and cities address issues that can plague a system. We are lucky to have them as a partner in ensuring that your system is reviewed and the problem areas addressed.   As for the few of you who don’t know me, I have been assisting your city for the last three years, overseeing the wastewater and collection operations. I have lived near Boyd since 1986 and graduated from Boyd ISD. I have been a customer of Walnut Creek SUD and have used and played in the water from Lake Bridgeport for years. I have raised a family and now have grandchildren who consume and play in the same water. I definitely have “skin in the game”.   I have an “A” Wastewater Treatment License, which allows me to work and operate any wastewater treatment plant and/or collection system in the state of Texas. I currently have over 365 verifiable water/wastewater education hours and am subject to continuous education to keep my license valid. This includes familiarity and a working knowledge of TAC Chapter 217, which details the rules of Wastewater System design. It has been my goal to produce the cleanest possible wastewater effluent to reintroduce into the lake.    Mayor White invited me to help with your system in early 2023, when your previous operator retired. Since then, the assembled team of operators and public works utility crew, with help and direction from the TCEQ and me, has been assisting the city in surveying and grading your system so that the problems can be addressed properly and professionally.    Although your system isn’t considered a “large” system, we have taken our time and ensured we have covered the most important parts while striving to keep the system in working order.   Over the next few months, you may see crews at manholes, lift stations, or around the wastewater treatment plant. Our plan is to perform the work in stages due to time and operational constraints. We will be utilizing new and groundbreaking technology that is very promising and has shown much success, but much of the work will depend on the work done prior to the next stage.    I hope to maintain my relationship with the city for many years to come and look forward to continuing to provide accurate information about your system. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at any time. You may send me a message through this app or leave a message for me at City Hall.    Roddy Boston     Residents with questions are encouraged to contact City Hall.

Many residents have questions about zoning, deed restrictions, and what is legally possible regarding the Golf Course. I want to share the Planning & Zoning Commission’s summary of the information presented during their January 6 work session, providing clarity about the legal framework that currently exists.   P&Z Summary   A comprehensive legal and planning review confirms that the Runaway Bay Golf Course is subject to long-standing deed restrictions that significantly limit its ability to be rezoned for non-golf uses.   The property is governed by a 1966 subdivision-wide Declaration of Restrictions that designates the land for recreational and scenic purposes, including golf. These restrictions are legally binding, recorded in Wise County deed records, and reinforced by later amendments and lease assignments.   In addition, the property falls within a Planned Community District (P.C.D.), which centralizes development approval authority and requires comprehensive architectural and site plan approval for any change in use. This structure prevents piecemeal redevelopment and creates substantial procedural barriers to rezoning.   The deeds also contain strong enforcement provisions, including potential reversion of title, injunctive relief, and removal of non-conforming improvements if restrictions are violated. Proceeding without first resolving these restrictions would expose both the property owner and the City to significant legal risk.   Further complicating redevelopment are Charter Member protections established in a 1995 quitclaim deed and lease assignment. These protections limit assessments and fees and materially affect the financial feasibility of repurposing the land.   While Texas law allows municipalities to rezone property, the review concludes that any effort to approve mixed-use or non-golf development would first require multiple prerequisite actions, including formally amending or releasing deed restrictions, resolving Charter Member rights, and re-platting the property. Rezoning without these steps would carry substantial legal exposure.   In summary, the Runaway Bay Golf Course is not a blank-slate redevelopment opportunity. Existing deed restrictions create significant legal and practical barriers that must be resolved before any non-golf rezoning could responsibly be considered.   Conclusion   I believe it’s important residents are given clear, factual information so questions can be evaluated based on what the law allows - not speculation or assumptions. The City remains committed to due process and protecting the long-term interests of Runaway Bay.   Respectfully, Mayor Herman White City of Runaway Bay

Recent media coverage has caused understandable concern regarding a rezoning request from the former RB Golf Club. I want to be very clear: the Runaway Bay City Council is unanimously opposed to the rezoning proposal as presented by the property owners.   Under Texas law, the City cannot legally prevent a property owner from submitting a rezoning application, nor can we refuse to place it into the required public process. The word “consider” reflects a legal obligation - not support, endorsement, or likelihood of approval.   To clarify: ·       The City Council has unanimously rejected the reasoning behind this proposal. ·       No development plan has been approved. ·       Acceptance of an application does not mean it will pass.   City Council retains full authority to deny the rezoning following the required public hearings, and Council members have been clear and consistent in their opposition.   We understand residents’ concerns and remain committed to transparency, community input, and protecting the character of Runaway Bay. Official updates will be shared as required by law.   -        Mayor Herman White City of Runaway Bay

I would like to provide accurate information regarding recent media coverage of a federal fraud investigation in North Texas that referenced activity within our city.   Regional Case Overview During the investigation, the City was not privy to all details, as the matter was handled at the federal level  Now that the defendant has pleaded guilty to all charges, additional information related to the case may be disclosed  The investigation identified approximately $5 million in total losses More than 40 victims were affected The fraudulent activity spanned seven counties across North Texas   These figures above reflect the regional investigation, not activity specific to Runaway Bay.   What occurred in Runaway Bay A total of 5 residential properties (3 of them retaining most of the violations) in Runaway Bay were associated with the individual involved. These properties involved two builders constructing speculative homes for resale. No individual Runaway Bay homeowners were defrauded in the manner described elsewhere in the investigation. The affected builders ultimately completed the homes and mitigated their financial losses.   City enforcement and cooperation During construction activity, Runaway Bay Code Enforcement issued 424 citations related to violations of City ordinances. For example, construction debris and unsafe working conditions, such as trash and materirals not being secured. Because the violations were not corrected in a timely manner, citations continued to be issued on a daily basis, demonstrating active and ongoing enforcement. City staff and law enforcement worked cooperatively with state and federal investigators when information and documentation were requested. Because this was an active federal investigation, the City was limited in what could be publicly discussed until the defendant formally pleaded guilty, which is why media coverage occurred only recently.   Commendation of investigative efforts   I would like to recognize Investigator Brian Brennan, Euless Police Officer with the Crimes Task Force, assigned through the U.S. Secret Service, for his professionalism throughout this investigation. Investigator Brennan praised the outstanding cooperation, accommodation and responsiveness of Runaway Bay’s Police Department, Judge Karen Green, and City leadership. It's my commitment to always work with County, State and Federal agents to help prevent financial crimes against our citizens. This case reflects a team effort across multiple agencies, and I am proud of the role Runaway Bay personnel played in protecting public safety and supporting a successful federal prosecution. Additional information will be shared as it becomes available. Herman White City of Runaway Bay

As another year comes to a close, we reflect on the infrastructure work completed in 2025 and share what lies ahead for Runaway Bay in 2026. This past year largely focused on foundational work to the City’s water and sewer systems. Much of it behind the scenes and not always visible, but necessary to keeping Runaway Bay safe, compliant, and well-maintained for years to come.   Infrastructure Planning & Oversight Water and sewer infrastructure remained a priority for safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance Water tower maintenance, including full restoration of the City’s iconic “golf ball” water tower Continued progress on water and wastewater system improvements, including preparatory work on lift stations and water lines Approved task authorizations with Freese and Nichols for upgrades to the Wastewater Treatment Plant Chlorine Building, the Jim Walters Lift Station, and the Port O’ Call South Lift Station   Oncor Collaboration Oncor invested approximately $5 million in Runaway Bay as part of its initiative to improve electrical systems in smaller communities Construction of a new substation to improve reliability Continued upgrades to poles, transformers, automated equipment, and system hardening measures for wildfire mitigation and outage reduction   Public Works Completed a wide range of work orders in addition to daily maintenance responsibilities The City invested $18,894.96 in road repairs and materials, including pothole repairs and asphalt work – 1 mile maintenance on Martins Ln Re-asphalted the entrance to the City on Runaway Bay Drive Provided year-round, around-the-clock response to water line repairs, including street excavation and restoration Responsible Financial Planning The City secured a $2 million line of credit along with state and federal grant funding to support infrastructure improvements EPA: $1.75 million U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: $6.75 million These grants help offset project costs, reducing the financial burden on taxpayers, while allowing critical work to move forward     2026: Looking Ahead   As we look toward 2026, the focus remains simple: maintain what we have, complete projects already underway, and plan responsibly for the future. Priorities include: Continued work on water and wastewater infrastructure Completing engineering design with Freese and Nichols Determining infrastructure upgrade priorities based on the outcomes of engineering reports, ensuring system capacity keeps pace with current and future needs Preparing for construction and phased infrastructure work using finalized design plans Continued collaboration with Oncor on electrical upgrades, including transitioning systems to three-phase power and improving maintenance procedures Addressing road damage on Jim Walters in coordination with County and consulting engineers Ongoing road maintenance and repairs as needed Monitoring a federal funded grant for upcoming infrastructure projects in coordination with Congressman Ronny Jackson’s office   Thank you to everyone who stayed engaged throughout 2025 by asking questions, attending meetings, and volunteering. Your involvement helps guide the City and strengthens our community.   Here’s to a peaceful and productive new year in Runaway Bay!

We’re pleased to share that the City of Runaway Bay now has an official YouTube channel where residents can easily access recorded City Council meetings and other important video updates. You’ll be able to: ✔ watch recent Council meetings ✔ find previous recordings ✔ stay updated when new videos are added Our most recent December City Coucil Meeting and 2 other recorded meetings are now available to view at your convenience. 📺 Visit our YouTube Channel and subscribe if you’d like to be notified when new videos are posted: Whether you prefer reading the City Council recap or watching the full session, the choice is yours and everything is now in one convenient place. Thanks for staying connected with what’s happening in Runaway Bay!

Regular Session – December 16, 2025 1. Public Forum Kimberley Chandler expressed concerns about limited online access to City Council meetings and encouraged the City to explore options for publishing meetings online. Kaye Fite thanked the Council for its detailed review of the Cocanougher golf course development proposal. She raised concerns about long-term impacts on the City’s water supply, potential effects on other construction projects, and suggested an impact analysis addressing water, infrastructure, traffic, and roads. 2. Consent Items Approve Minutes from the November 18, 2025 Regular Session – Approved 3. Consideration and Action Items   A. Accounts Payable (November 30, 2025) – Approved   B. November 2025 Financial Report – Approved   C. Proposed Project Agreement with Freese and Nichols, Inc. – Approved   City Council approved a task authorization agreement with Freese and Nichols, Inc., signed by Mayor Herman White, to complete engineering design improvements for key components of the City’s wastewater system.   This phase supports future upgrades to the Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) Chlorine Building, the Jim Walters Lift Station, and the Port O’Call South Lift Station. The work is a critical step in a multi-year infrastructure improvement effort and is required to maintain compliance with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) standards.   Project Details: Authorized Amount: $334,791 (Not-to-Exceed) Design Schedule: Approximately 33 weeks Deliverable: Full Construction Documents Engineering Firm: Freese and Nichols, Inc.   A wastewater project task force has been coordinating this effort and includes Mayor Herman White, Police Chief Steve Reynolds, Council Member Richard Griffin, Roddy Boston, and Barry Schimpf. The task force has overseen technical, regulatory, and financial planning for the project.   Because the project requires coordination with multiple agencies (TCEQ, EPA, Freese and Nichols, and Oncor) the planning process involves phased reviews and approvals. These steps help protect grant funding and ensure long-term financial stability.   Full completion of the wastewater system improvements is not anticipated until 2028. The task force will continue to monitor progress and keep City Council and residents informed. Additional Context on the Wastewater Project Agreement   Mayor White shared that the City began this process years ago through emergency planning to address the most critical wastewater needs and to position the City for state and federal funding.   He explained that Freese and Nichols worked closely with City staff to reduce early planning costs, prepare required documentation, and coordinate with federal agencies. After receiving EPA guidance, engineering teams completed preliminary assessments to identify priority projects.   Mayor White noted that coordination among multiple agencies and delays caused by a federal government shutdown extended the timeline. Despite these challenges, the task force worked diligently to move the project forward.   Council Member Christopher Petty thanked the mayor, City staff and engineering partners for their collaboration. He commended the team for securing funding and prioritizing projects that address the City’s most urgent infrastructure needs. Updates from Mayor and/or Council Members Todd Low reported no updates from Parks and Recreation. He thanked Mayor White for the Christmas Tree Lighting and the Runaway Bay Police Department for public safety during holiday events. He also stated his personal preference that the golf course remain dedicated solely to golf. Richard Griffin reported that the EDC did not meet this month. He shared that the Smoke on the Water committee is discussing improvements for next year’s event and noted better cooperation this year, despite lower attendance. Carolyn Moody shared that the Cemetery Board hosted a successful Wreaths Across America ceremony. Although the Board did not meet this month, plans are underway for butterfly gardens next year. Christopher Petty reported that the Runaway Bay Volunteer Fire Department responded to 21 calls this month (9 fire, 12 medical). He noted the department’s Christmas party and recognized James Gates for his three years of service as Fire Chief. He wished everyone a Merry Christmas. Steve Holt extended a Merry Christmas on behalf of the Greater Runaway Bay Alliance. Steve Reynolds reported that the Police Department issued 125 citations, 87 of which were warnings. He also congratulated Christopher Petty on his new role as Fire Chief of the Runaway Bay Volunteer Fire Department. Mayor White reflected on the Wreaths Across America ceremony and thanked Jackie Ishmael, Barry Schimpf and Cathy Miller for their hard work. He honored and named each veteran laid to rest at Eternal Oaks Cemetery.       Max S. Anderson – U.S. Army (Korea) Jerry C. Ballard – U.S. Army George Ballenger – U.S. Navy (World War II) Clarence “Claude” Clark – U.S. Army Frank M. Corlett – U.S. Army & U.S. Air Force (World War II) Jack Eison – U.S. Air Force William E. Gilbert – U.S. Navy (World War II) Bobby L. Ishmael – U.S. Army Randy Kittrell – U.S. Army Robert Langford – U.S. Army Eugene “Gene” Larrow – U.S. Army (Vietnam) – Bronze Star David E. Lowrance, Jr. – U.S. Army (World War II) Hubert C. McDonald – U.S. Army (World War II) Rosalie McDonald – U.S. Navy (World War II) Gary Miller – U.S. Army William “Bill” Pedigo – U.S. Air Force (Pilot), Colonel (World War II) Kenneth Scherer – U.S. Navy Robert Sivley – U.S. Army Danny Terry – U.S. Navy (Korea) Earl Thomas Tharp – U.S. Navy (Korea) John Alfred Tharp – U.S. Navy & U.S. Army (World War II & Korea) John William Tibbs – U.S. Air Force Thomas Thompson – U.S. Navy Merlin Trehus – U.S. Army (World War II)     🎄 Merry Christmas from the City of Runaway Bay! 🎄

The City of Runaway Bay will hold a General Election for City Council on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Residents interested in voting, learning about the election, or running for office can find key information below. Voter Registration Information For voter registration details, polling locations, and election administration, please visit Wise County Elections. Run for Runaway Bay City Council Residents who meet eligibility requirements and are interested in running for Runaway Bay City Council may apply during the filing period outlined below. Application Deadlines First day to pick up application: Monday, January 5, 2026 First day to file application: Wednesday, January 14, 2026 Last day to file application: Friday, February 13, 2026 Filing Methods Applications may be submitted: In person By mail By fax By email Filing Location / Contact Runaway Bay City Hall 101 Runaway Bay Drive Runaway Bay, TX 76426 Phone: (940) 575-4745 Fax: (940) 575-2563 Email: rabcitysecretary@runawaybaytexas.com Required Election Notices & Forms Internet Posting Requirement – City of Runaway Bay 2026 (Form 1-20) Notice of Deadline to File for May 2, 2026 General Election For questions regarding the election or filing process, please contact the City Secretary’s Office using the information above.