COUNCIL WRAP-UP MEETING DATE: JULY 21, 2026
CITY COUNCIL CONTINUES ACTION ON DATA CENTER REGULATIONS
City Council directed staff to begin the public process of amending the City's zoning ordinance to prohibit data centers in all zoning districts within the city limits. This action reinforces the Council's ongoing commitment to protecting residents and preserving quality of life by taking a proactive approach to potential data center development. In April, the Council approved stricter regulations that increased the required setback from residential areas from 1,000 feet to 5,000 feet and required any future proposal to obtain a Conditional Use Permit and undergo public review by both the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council. The proposed ordinance will return for future public hearings and consideration.
REGIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY PRESENTATION
Kaufman County Judge Jakie Allen presented information on a proposed countywide housing authority, which Kaufman County plans to apply for through HUD. The proposal includes a cost-sharing partnership between Kaufman County, the cities of Forney and Crandall to fund one employee during the first year, with future salary costs expected to be reimbursed through the federal housing voucher program. Judge Allen said a local housing authority would provide greater local oversight of housingrelated issues, including rental investments and voucher administration. The presentation was for informational purposes only, and no action was taken by the City Council.
CITY COUNCIL APPROVES CCPD BUDGET
City Council, acting as the governing body of the Forney Crime Control and Prevention District (CCPD), held a public hearing and approved the District's FY 2027 budget. Forney voters approved the CCPD in November 2024, reallocating 0.25% of the existing local sales tax to public safety without increasing taxes. The FY 2027 budget continues the District's investment in crime reduction and public safety by funding additional police personnel and other resources that strengthen the Forney Police Department. Because the CCPD is funded through local sales tax revenue, purchases made in Forney by both residents and visitors help support these public safety investments, allowing shoppers from outside the city to contribute to Forney’s public safety initiatives.
MULBERRY PARK BASEBALL FIELD IMPROVEMENTS APPROVED
City Council approved funding for the Mulberry Park Four-Plex Renovation and Drainage Improvements Project, allowing construction to begin this fiscal year. The nearly $1.9 million project will renovate all four baseball fields by improving drainage, replacing and expanding irrigation systems, installing new sod, and reconditioning the infields to improve playing conditions and reduce field closures following rain events. The next council meeting will be on August 4th. More information at forneytx.gov/meetings