Taylor, Texas Development News
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City Council Meeting - **AMENDED AGENDA** - Media
Published: Jul 23, 2026
City Approves New Taser Agreement for Police Department Amidst Public Safety and Funding Debates
The City Council discussed a new agreement with Axon for the police department's taser program. The proposed agreement would replace aging equipment, provide each patrol officer with their own taser, and upgrade to the latest Taser 10 technology. This is the primary less-lethal weapon for the department. The current contract, approved in 2022, is in its final year, with 12 tasers currently shared among officers. The new agreement would increase the number of tasers to 31, covering all officers, and extend the contract from five to ten years. The annual cost would remain the same for the first year, with a significant increase from years two to ten. Differences between Taser 7 and Taser 10 include greater accuracy, more probes, improved effectiveness, and better connection rates. Councilmember Long supported the idea of every officer having a non-lethal option. However, resident Carrie Deanna expressed concerns, noting that 'less lethal' is not 'non-lethal' and highlighting statistics of deaths following taser deployment, particularly for individuals with mental health or neurological issues. She also raised concerns about Axon as a company, its contracts, and the potential for increased militarization and surveillance. She advocated for increased funding for mental health services instead of expanding taser use. Commander Branson stated tasers are used rarely in Taylor, with officers trained in de-escalation, and the taser is a backup to firearms. The council ultimately approved the new agreement. [cite: 385-480]
City Council Approves Easement Acquisitions for Sewer Projects, Including Use of Eminent Domain
The City Council convened into executive session and subsequently took action in open session regarding two easement acquisitions for sewer projects. First, they approved a settlement agreement and related acquisition documents for a utility easement across property along Kent Street for the Tammy Lane sewer replacement project. Authorization was granted for the Mayor or City Manager to execute all necessary documents for closing, title requirements, and payment. Second, they adopted Resolution R-26-17, authorizing the use of eminent domain to acquire drainage and temporary construction easements from the Schmidt property for the Bull Branch Sanitary Sewer Improvement Project. This includes specific details on the size and location of four temporary construction easements. The resolution authorizes the Mayor, City Manager, City Attorney, and special counsel to execute documents and pursue condemnation proceedings if necessary. Both actions passed 5-0. [cite: 1091-1095, 1099-1102, 1018-1022]
Resident Highlights Disparities and Calls for Improved Communication for South and East Sides
Essie Bass spoke about the disparity in treatment between the South and East sides of Taylor compared to the North and West sides. She noted that the South and East sides have overgrown grass and are not treated with the same care, despite paying taxes equally. Bass stated that the South and East sides need beautification and care, similar to other areas. She pointed out that mosquito spraying did not reach the South side, indicating a lack of service. Bass called for better communication from the city to South side residents, especially those who work during council meetings and cannot attend, urging that information be provided in layman's terms on the city's website, not just through complex jargon. She emphasized the need for fair communication so citizens can be involved and understand the city's work. [cite: 176-205]
South Side Resident Expresses Long-Standing Neglect and Opposition to Data Center
Pamela Griffitt expressed frustration and a feeling of neglect regarding the South side of Taylor, stating that residents have endured hardship, dumping, and disrespect for a year. She asserted that the South side has not received its fair share of resources and attention compared to the North and West sides. Griffitt shared that she and her family have faced threats and derogatory language, but chose not to escalate these issues publicly, prioritizing community over personal grievances. She criticized the Mayor for not mentioning the South side in a recent speech, highlighting their suffering and opposition to the data center. Griffitt declared herself the voice for those on the South side who feel unable to speak for themselves, stating her commitment to fight for them and her family, even having to hire a lawyer, because the town is supposed to care for everyone. She defended her anger, stating it's justified by their experiences. [cite: 123-173]
Citizen Questions City's Adherence to Charter Regarding Petition
Citizen Jose Orta addressed the City Council regarding a petition that was submitted, stating that the city failed to act within the required 30 days as per the charter. Orta emphasized that the lawsuit is not about the issue of data centers itself, but about the city's adherence to its own charter and the rule of law, ensuring that citizens can trust their government to follow the same rules expected of them. He highlighted that if the city can ignore the charter on one issue, it sets a precedent for other issues, thus protecting the rights of the people of Taylor. This case is framed as being about trust and ensuring that the rights reserved to the people of Taylor have meaning. Orta concluded by stating it's time for the city to act correctly by its citizens and call an election. [cite: 23-47]
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