Decatur, Texas is a fast-growing DFW community built on integrity an d a vi s ion f or the f uture . T h e b u siness c omm u n i ty h as a r i c h history of pioneers in industries from ranching to manufacturing.
Today Decatur is home to legacy businesses as well as new and diversified industries choosing to relocate into our community. Existing and new employers are creating quality jobs in our community for current and future generations of our workforce. Decatur boasts nonstop access to the global marketplace, located 25 miles from Interstate 35 and Alliance Airport, and 45 minutes from DFW International Airport.
A ordable real estate, a skilled workforce and a business friendly environment all make Decatur the premier choice for business operations. Decatur Economic Development Corporation’s 162-acre fully developed Eagles Landing Business Park and 370-acre Landmark Industrial Park will help your business grow into the future in Decatur.
On the Cover
A new day dawns for the stately Wise County Courthouse in Downtown Decatur.
For the past couple of years, a project to restore the courthouse to its original glory has included a new roof, customfitted windows and extensive renovations inside the building, including bringing back the original, two-story district courtroom as it was conceived in 1895.
The courthouse is expected to reopen to the public this summer. The cover features a drone photo taken as the sun rises over the courthouse. You can find more information about the renovation project and additional photos inside this publication.
If your visit to Decatur includes a stop at the courthouse — it definitely should,
by the way — be sure to check out the Decatur Visitor Center, located just a block away in a historic building of its own at 106. S. Trinity St. Just look for the historic old post office building that is now the home of Decatur Chamber of Commerce and Decatur Main Street.
Cover photo by Andy Doan with Precision Construction and Roofing, and graphic art design by Hannah King.
Decatur Chamber of Commerce
Dear Members and Community Partners,
As the president of the Decatur Chamber of Commerce, it is my privilege to share with you the mission that drives our organization and the exciting opportunities we are creating for businesses in our fast-growing area of Decatur and the entire Wise County community.
The fundamental mission of the Decatur Chamber of Commerce is to generate more business activity for our community and local business owners and be an excellent resource to visitors who come to our community. We are dedicated to fostering an environment where businesses can thrive, by initiating more business-to-business commerce and offering numerous opportunities for networking and connecting local professionals. Our Chamber provides an unrivaled platform for both new and established businesses to develop and flourish.
We firmly believe that engaging with the Chamber will not only bolster your business's growth but also contribute to the overall prosperity of our community. Our commitment is to support you every step of the way, providing members with invaluable opportunities to engage with each other. Through active involvement and relationship-building, we are confident that our collaborative efforts will lead to meaningful growth and success for all.
We invite you to join us in embracing this mission of becoming an integral part of our vibrant and dynamic business community. Together, we can ensure that Decatur continues to be a thriving hub for commerce and innovation, which are key to growing cities and schools.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our shared goals. We look forward to another year of growth, success, and community engagement.
Sincerely,
Charlotte Fitzgerald President, Decatur Chamber of Commerce
CHARLOTTE FITZGERALD President
Heidelberg Materials
JELLY COCANOUGHER Wise Asset
BRANDT WICKER James Wood Motors
NIKKI MOWERY 1st Vice President
Guardian Title Company
Staff
NICOLE MUSSER 2nd Vice President
First State Bank
BERRY Executive Director THOMPSON Administrative Assistant
Board Members
JEREMY EDGAR Branded E Construction
SHILOH HAMBRICK Parker Properties
KERI MALONE Attorney Broker Services, LLC
GARRETT BOCKMAN The Community WILL HOOPER Sterling Consultive, LLC
EATON Marketing by Eaton
SARAH HABERMAN Legend Bank
Charlotte Fitzgerald
CHARLOTTE FITZGERALD
MICHAEL
STEPHANIE NEWBURY Edward Jones
SARA REYNOLDS Butter Bean Bakery
DEAN MILLER Medical City Decatur
Our Mission
To achieve maximum prosperity of businesses and citizens of Decatur, by promoting economic development and a higher quality of life in the area.
Your investment makes a difference!
Join hundreds of local businesses, making an impact where you live and work by investing in the Decatur Chamber.
Who We Are
The Decatur Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary organization of citizens investing their time and money in community development and working together to improve the economic, civic and cultural well-being of the area. The Chamber is led by its members. They elect a 15-member board, from which three people are elected to an executive board. The board president leads board meetings and represents the Chamber at local functions. The Chamber office is managed by the executive director and staff.
Who Can Join
Any citizen interested in helping develop the business community is eligible to join the Chamber of Commerce. A membership investment depends on the size and type of your business. Investments are paid in advance on an annual basis and may be tax deductible as a business expense.
Membership Benefits
l Two free listings in the Chamber Directory and Business Guide
l Listing on Chamber website — decaturtx.com
l Official ribbon cutting and grand opening at your place of business
l Member referrals
l Link from Chamber website to your website
l Events posted on the Chamber calendar
l Increased visibility to newcomers — tourists and people relocating
l Support of local education community
l Workforce development
l Distribution of advertising in Chamber lobby
l Free ad space in weekly Chamber newsletter
l Networking and marketing
l A voice in the community
January
February 25
March 25
April 22
May 13
August 26
September 23
October 28
November 18
Decatur At-a-Glance
Wise County seat, located 38 miles northwest of Fort Worth
Major area employers
l Decatur ISD
l Imperial Fabrication
l James Wood Motors
l Entegris/Poco Materials
l Walmart Supercenter
l Karl Klement Motors
l Lowe’s Home Improvement
l Cardinal Paint
l Wise County (county government)
l City of Decatur (municipal government)
Incentives
l Tax Abatement — Yes
l Enterprise Zone — Yes
l Industrial Foundation — No
l Foreign Trade Zone — No
l Freeport Exemption — Yes
l Reinvestment Zone — No
Population (2023 est.)
l City — 8,016
l County — 78,097
Property Tax Rate (2023)
$100 Assessed Value)
Decatur ISD
The Decatur Independent School District covers 213 square miles and has a student enrollment of 3,781. The district’s mission is “Empowering life-long learners to be visionary leaders in local and global communities.” DISD is made up of four elementary schools (including a STEM campus), a middle school and a Class 4A high school.
Central Administration (940) 393-7100
307 S. Cates
Carson Elementary (Pre-K-5) (940) 393-7500
2100 Bus. 81/287
Principal Craig Weston
Rann Elementary (Pre-K-5) (940) 393-7600
1300 Deer Park Rd.
Principal Tanya Ledger
Young Elementary (Pre-K-5) (940) 393-7400
379 Buchanan Rd.
Principal Lana Coffman
STEM Academy at Enis Elementary (Grades K-5) (940) 393-7475
1200 Eagle Dr.
Principal Stephanie Quarles
McCarroll Middle School (Grades 6-8) (940) 393-7300
1201 W. Thompson St.
Principal Brandi Shisler
Decatur High School (Grades 9-12) (940) 393-7200
750 E. Eagle Summit Drive
Principal Lyle Lackey
www.decaturisd.us
Weatherford College Wise County
Weatherford College Wise County has served the area for 25 years.
Located between Decatur and Bridgeport, the school offers students the opportunity to start their college education or undergo training for a career.
The facilities, which opened in 2012, are designed to accommodate 1,500 students and provides general coursework in addition to programs in registered nursing, cosmetology and workforce/continuing education. The college also delivers dual credit courses to local high school students.
In addition to expanded health science programs at the campus, they have also recently added criminal law, creative writing and a drawing class, the first studio class for the campus. For information call (940) 627-2690.
Williams chosen to lead Decatur ISD
Taylor Williams was named the lone finalist for superintendent at Decatur ISD in February.
This is a homecoming of sorts for Williams, who graduated from Decatur High School in 2006.
“Returning home to lead the district that shaped me is both an honor and a dream come true,” Williams said. “This community has always been more than just a place — it’s been my foundation and my family. There are so many teachers and mentors who have poured into me, shaping me into the leader I am today. It is the privilege of a lifetime to give back to the very people and schools that made me who I am.”
She spent the past seven years as superintendent at nearby Slidell ISD, a rural school district which has seen tremendous growth in the past few years.
Decatur ISD Board President Stan Shults said the board was impressed by Williams’ qualifications.
“We have found an outstanding leader to move us into our future and to build upon the strong spirit of community that runs through Decatur public schools.” Shults said.
Williams earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree, both in education, from Texas Woman’s University. While attending college, Williams started working in Slidell ISD as a substitute teacher in 2009 before taking a teaching job in the district in 2010. She later moved into leadership roles that included students services director, testing and textbook coordinator, elementary principal and junior high/high school principal.
In the fall of 2018, Williams was named interim superintendent while serving as principal. The following year, at the age of 29, Williams was named Slidell ISD superintendent.
She was honored as Superintendent of the Year for Education Service Center Region 11 by the Texas Association of Schools in 2022. In 2023, she was named to the Wise County Messenger’s 40 under 40 list.
Williams said she was looking forward to the opportunity to lead Decatur ISD into its next chapter.
“As superintendent, my commitment is to uphold the values, traditions, and excellence that make our district special while embracing innovation and opportunities for our students that will propel us forward,” she said. “There’s something truly surreal about leading the very schools that once shaped my dreams, and I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to serve in this capacity.”
Parks
Harmon Park
Decatur City Parks
• 3351 E. Mill St.
• New playground
• Lighted baseball fields (2)
• Seth Keener Skatepark
Hollis and Sue Jones Park
• 550 Country Club Road
• Basketball courts (2)
• Baseball fields (2)
• Soccer field
• Sand volleyball courts
• Pickleball complex
• Playground
• Disc Golf Course
• Walking trail, 0.46 mile
Kenny Renshaw Park
• 2705 S. Farm Road 51
• Soccer fields (2)
• Softball fields (2)
• Fitness court
• Pavilion
• Playground
• Walking trail, 0.62 mile
Louida “Big Mamma”
Willis Park
• 400 N. Arthur St.
• Playground
• Sandbox
• Picnic tables
• Benches
Melba Doyle Park
• 1551 Melba Doyle Park Road
• Disc Golf Course (6 baskets)
• Picnic tables
• Shade trees
Wise County Veterans Memorial Park
• 406 N. Trinity St.
• Path of Sacrifice and Valor
• Eternal flame
Saddle up for the LBJ National Grasslands
One of North Texas’ hidden jewels is the LBJ National Grasslands, located just north of Decatur.
One of North Texas’ hidden jewels is the LBJ National Grasslands, located just north of Decatur.
Boasting 20,250 acres, the vast area provides not only habitat for wildlife, but also numerous recreational activities.
Boasting 20,250 acres, the vast area provides not only habitat for wildlife, but also numerous recreational activities.
Some of the best horseback riding in the state can be found in the 75 miles of multi-use trails. TADRA Point is a designated trailhead and is the primary access point for the trail system, which is also used by hikers and mountain bikers.
Don’t let the name “Grasslands” fool you: the area features plenty of trees, rolling hills and lakes. You’ll find a variety of wildlife that calls the Grasslands home, including deer, coyotes, bobcats, quail, turkey and several varieties of fish in the lakes.
Some of the best horseback riding in the state can be found in the 75 miles of multi-use trails. TADRA Point is a designated trailhead and is the primary access point for the trail system, which is also used by hikers and mountain bikers.
Don’t let the name “Grasslands” fool you: the area features plenty of trees, rolling hills and lakes. You’ll find a variety of wildlife that calls the Grasslands home, including deer, coyotes, bobcats, quail, turkey and several varieties of fish in the lakes.
The 30-acre Black Creek Lake is the largest of the lakes and has a developed recreation area with
The 30-acre Black Creek Lake is the largest of the lakes and has a developed
seven picnic units, seven walk-in camp units, a boat ramp and fishing bridge.
A 4-mile hiking trail connects Black Creek Lake to Cottonwood Lake.
recreation area with seven picnic units, seven walk-in camp units, a boat ramp and fishing bridge.
A 4-mile hiking trail connects Black Creek Lake to Cottonwood Lake.
Valley View Group Use Campground is available by reservation on weekends.
Valley View Group Use Campground is available by reservation on weekends.
Call the Caddo-LBJ district office at (940)-627-5475 for reservations.
Facilities include restrooms, parking spurs, fire rings, lantern posts and group pavilion.
Call the Caddo-LBJ district office at (940)-627-5475 for reservations. Facilities include restrooms, parking spurs, fire rings, lantern posts and group pavilion.
The Grasslands were originally settled in the 19th century under Homestead Acts that opened land to people settling in the West.
The Dust Bowl in the 1930s caused many homesteads on the poor farmland to dry up and blow away. Congress then established the Land Utilization Program that bought homesteads from bankrupt farmers to turn them into public land.
The Civilian Conservation Corps, a Depression-era program, worked to
The Grasslands were originally settled in the 19th century under Homestead Acts that opened land to people settling in the West. The Dust Bowl in the 1930s caused many homesteads on the poor farmland to dry up and blow away. Congress then established the Land Utilization Program that bought homesteads from bankrupt farmers to turn them into public land.
halt the erosion by replanting and using conservation techniques. In the 1950s, the USDA Forest Service took over management of the Grasslands.
Today the tall-grass prairie is interspersed with remnants of an
The Civilian Conservation Corps, a Depression-era program, worked to halt the erosion by replanting and using conservation techniques. In the 1950s, the USDA Forest Service took over management of the Grasslands.
Today the tall-grass
prairie is interspersed with remnants of an ancient forest that once separated the eastern deciduous forests and grasslands of the southern plains.
ancient forest that once separated the eastern deciduous forests and grasslands of the southern plains. The LBJ National Grasslands office is located at 1400 N. U.S. 81/287 in Decatur.
The LBJ National Grasslands office is located at 1400 N. U.S. 81/287 in Decatur.
New Business Resources
Trying to get a new business off the ground and need some help?
Here’s a list of local agencies to give you guidance and point your company in the right direction.
Setting Up Shop Utilities
Water
City of Decatur (940) 393-0200
Electricity Oncor (888) 313-4747
TXU (866) 278-4898
Wise Electric Co-op (940) 627-2167
Cable Television VYVE Broadband (855) 367-8983
Natural Gas Atmos Energy (888) 286-6700
Emergency Gas Leak (800) 322-8667
City of Decatur
City Hall ......................................... (940) 393-0200
City Manager (940) 393-0200
City Secretary (940) 393-0204
City Attorney .................................. (940) 393-0200
Decatur Police Department (940) 393-0300
Decatur Fire Department (940) 393-0230
U.S. Post Office .............................. (940) 627-3541
Animal Control (940) 627-7577 Wise County
911 Addressing (940) 627-9332
Animal Control Officers (940) 627-5971
Auto Registration (940) 627-3304
County Attorney (940) 627-3321
County Clerk .................................. (940) 627-3351
Senator Tan Parker ......................... (512) 463-0112
Representative Andy Hopper (512) 463-0582
United States
President Donald Trump ................ (202) 456-1414
Vice President J.D. Vance (202) 456-1414
Senator John Cornyn (512) 469-6034
Senator Ted Cruz ........................... (214) 361-3500
Congressman Brandon Gill, District 26 (922) 966-5454
Congressman Ronny Jackson, District 13 (940) 285-8000
About Decatur
About Decatur
Petrified Wood Gas Station
904 Business U.S. 81/287
The Petrified Wood Gas Station stands like a relic from a bygone era on the east side of Decatur. E.F. Boydston built a gas station in 1927 and eight years later decided to cover its exterior with chunks of petrified wood. He even covered the walls of the cafe next door and the motor court.
The Waggoner Mansion End of Main Street
The Waggoner Mansion was built by Dan Waggoner and was dubbed “El Castile.” The two-story home sits on 13.5 acres and includes 16 rooms and eight fireplaces. It’s constructed of fossiliferous limestone and decorated with handcrafted wrought iron on the roof and balconies.
Although the mansion is not open to the public, it’s worth trekking to the gate for a photo op.
Decatur Golf Club
211 Country Club Rd.
decaturgolfclub.com
Located about 2 miles north of Decatur, just off FM 730, DGC offers private memberships, as well as public daily rates. The clubhouse and pool just underwent significant improvements and are inviting areas to unwind after a challenging round of golf. DGC also offers on-site cart barns for members to store their personal carts.
Decatur
Municipal Airport
351 Airport Rd. decaturtx.org/131/Airport
The Decatur Municipal Airport has been in existence since 1914, making it the oldest airport in the state. One mile north of town off Farm Road 730, it features a 4,200-foot by 60-foot runway with a 17,000-pound dual wheel weightbearing capacity. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.
Decatur Conference Center
2010 W. U.S. 380 decaturconferencecenter.com
The 27,000 square-foot multiuse facility hosts a variety of events large and small. The center offers full catering services and a state-of-theart sound system. Fairfield Inn and Suites is located on site, allowing the center to host multi-day events and conventions.
Historic
Downtown Decatur Square decaturtownsquare.com
Decatur’s vibrant downtown features the historic Wise County Courthouse, retail stores, restaurants, unique art pieces and more. The Decatur Square hosts numerous events throughout the year, including the Christmas Parade of Lights.
Lyndon B. Johnson
National Grasslands
1400 N. U.S. 81/287 (940) 627-5475
fs.usda.gov
Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ) National Grasslands boasts 20,250 acres north of Decatur and is a destination for horseback riders, campers, hikers, hunters, fishermen and photographers.
There are 75 miles of multi-use trails and several small lakes for fishing.
TADRA Point is a designated trailhead and the primary access point for the trail system. Restrooms and parking facilities are available at this location.
Valley View Group Use Campground is available by reservation on the weekends. Facilities include restrooms, parking spurs, fire rings, lantern posts and a group pavilion.
Popular lakes are Black Creek Lake, Clear Lake and Rhodes Lake.
The Law Firm of Carrillo|Sipes|Tibbels, PLLC is rooted in the Decatur community, with a history that dates back to 1905. We are proud to serve clients throughout Wise County and North Texas, offering a wide range of legal services to meet their needs.
At Carrillo|Sipes|Tibbels, we understand the importance of local representation. Our office is conveniently located across from the Historic Wise County Courthouse, in the heart of Decatur. We take pride in our reputation for serving clients with dedication and professionalism. We work hard to obtain positive results for our clients, including multiple million-dollar settlements. We are committed to providing the highest level of legal service to each and every client.
Leadership Decatur
Leadership Decatur creates path to success
Developing leaders is a vital part of a thriving community.
The Decatur Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Decatur program was established to ensure the continuing vitality of the Decatur Community by providing a solid source of motivated leaders.
Each class is comprised of 15 participants from a variety of sectors, including education, medical, small business, banking, industrial, hospitality, and nonprofit. The program focuses on information, education, and discussion of local and regional assets, challenges, and opportunities.
Each year, approximately 15 adult individuals are chosen by a selection committee, made up of Leadership Decatur Graduates, to participate in an eight-month educational program that includes a full day retreat/ropes course and seven monthly day-long sessions.
The program inspires class members to increase involvement in their organizations and communities. It helps them identify where strategic alliances might be formed. Employers will see increased awareness of issues most important to our region and inspiration to create positive changes.
The Leadership Decatur program is open to anyone who currently lives or works in Wise County, and whose organization is a Chamber Member. If you are new to Decatur, it’s the quickest
way to get plugged into the community. If you’re familiar with Decatur, take this program to find out all the things you’ve been missing!
Tuition for the program is $525 per individual. Tuition can be financed by the individual, the employer or a sponsoring organization. Payment is due in full before the first session.
Visit decaturtx.com/ leadership-decatur for more information.
Junior Leadership Decatur
Last year, the Chamber partnered with local schools to offer the Junior Leadership Decatur program. Fifteen students — 13 from Decatur High School and two from Victory Christian Academy — participated in the first class.
The new program offers leadership development training, college-and-career readiness tools and a hands-on introduction to the various organizations and businesses that drive Wise County.
The class aims to provide students tools, experiences and relationships that will help them enter the next chapter of their lives, as well as a chance to show students the value of working and living in Wise County.
The junior leadership program has been condensed to four, fullday sessions between September and March to better align with students’ schedules.
Heidelberg Materials proudly supports Wise County communities, while serving the construction material needs of Houston, Louisiana, and DFW
Heidelberg Materials proudly supports Wise County communities, while serving the construction material needs of Houston, Louisiana, and DFW
2023 events involved in:
2023 events involved in:
• Educational Tours
• Educational Tours
• Career Days
• Career Days
• Supporting Education Foundation
• Supporting Education Foundation
• Wise County Legislative Days
• Wise County Legislative Days
• Local Golf Fundraisers
• Local Golf Fundraisers
• Wise County United Way
• Wise County United Way
Lake Bridgeport Quarry
Lake Bridgeport Quarry
1160 FM 1658, Bridgeport, TX 76426
1160 FM 1658, Bridgeport, TX 76426
Sales #: 972-657-4213
Sales #: 972-657-4213
Bridgeport Quarry
Bridgeport Quarry
1443 S. Hwy 101, Chico, TX 76431 Sales #: 972-657-4213
1443 S. Hwy 101, Chico, TX 76431
Sales #: 972-657-4213
Courthouse project preserves history
The nearly $15 million project to restore the 130-year-old Wise County Courthouse is expected to be completed in the summer of 2025.
The courthouse is being restored as close as possible to the original 1895 design by architect James Rielly Gordon.
Work has included removing the central elevator to open up the central staircase to provide a view of the original skylights, installation of custom-fitted windows, a separate staircase to accommodate inmates, a new roof, upgraded HVAC and fire suppression system.
One of the most dramatic changes involves restoring the district courtroom to its original two-story design with a balcony.
“The pictures don’t prepare you for it,” Wise County Judge J.D. Clark said. “It’s staggering. This will be district court — fel-
ony court. And I think it will be an appropriate environment for the level of justice that the district courtroom commands. They built courthouses and courtrooms like this to reflect justice. You walk people in here with serious charges, and this will be an appropriate space for a jury to hear those charges.”
As workers have removed parts of the 1960s remodel, they have discovered hidden gems that haven’t been seen in decades or even a century in some cases — picturesque scenes on a vault door or intricate molding from the original windows, for example.
Visitors will also see a strikingly different array of paint colors as they will be able to envision what the interior would have looked like in the late 1800s.
In addition to preserving the historical nature of the building, the project also aims to ensure
that the building is functional for county work for many years to come.
“It’s a big and great project in both scale and purpose, the county has never done anything like this — except for when they built it,” Clark said.
The last major portion of the
project is the installation of a new elevator on the outside of the main frame of the building.
Photos courtesy of J.D. Clark and those involved with the Wise County Courthouse Restoration Project
Citizen of the Year
Mara named Citizen of the Year
Decatur City Manager Nate Mara was honored as Decatur’s Citizen of the Year at the 33rd Decatur Chamber Auction at the Decatur Conference Center last October.
Decatur Chamber President Charlotte Fitzgerald introduced Mara and presented the award to him, highlighting his lifelong dedication to Decatur, which includes time in the fire service and guiding the city through infrastructure and quality of life improvements at city hall.
“I am deeply humbled to be this year’s Citizen of the Year,” Mara said, as he was joined by his wife, Amber, daughters, Kennedy and Reagan, son, Benjamin, plus several other family members on stage after being surprised with the honor. “When I looked out at all the people in this room, I saw so many friends, neighbors, and community members who continue to make this place truly special. It’s impossible not to feel a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to serve such an amazing community. This is truly where you want to live, work and worship.”
“I want to thank the Chamber of Commerce for this recognition — it means the world to me,” he added.
Mara was born and raised in Decatur, and he has devoted his career to his hometown.
During high school, Fitzgerald said you could find Mara tending to the elderly at a local nursing home, which seems to have began his career as a public servant.
College. After graduating Summa Cum Laude from Texas A&M-San Antonio with a B.A.A.S. in Fire and Emergency Services Administration, Mara was promoted to Deputy Chief in Charge of Operations and to Fire Chief in March of 2020, a position he held for 2 years.
“This honor is not mine alone,” Mara said. “It belongs to everyone I’ve had the privilege of working with — whether through the city council, our local organizations, or in everyday conversations with community members. The work we do together is always driven by a shared vision: To build a stronger, more connected, and more vibrant community for everyone.
Mara graduated from Decatur High School in 2003. In 2005, he began volunteering at Decatur Fire Department, and completed EMT school, also working part-time for Wise County EMS. In 2007, he graduated from paramedic school and was hired as one of the first full-time career firefighters at Decatur.
Later that year he was promoted to captain. In 2014 he received his associate’s degrees in Emergency Medical Services, Fire Protection and Safety Technology, and Fire Service Administration from Weatherford
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT edie@cmccpa.com
CPA, CFF CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT ray@cmccpa.com
• 940-627-5611
•
During his time at Decatur Fire, Mara received Firefighter of the Year and Fire Officer of the Year, while serving as an instructor for Tarrant County College.
In 2022, Mara was hired as Decatur’s city manager, holding a title only held by three people since 1958.
In his first two years as the city’s top employee, Mara has led the city through major projects, including the ongoing construction of the new Decatur police station, several park expansion and improvement projects and critical infrastructure upgrades.
Now he joins a revered list of community members recognized with the honor of Decatur Citizen of the Year.
“I want to extend a special thank you to God and my family, whose guidance and support has always kept me grounded, and to my colleagues, whose dedication makes this work both possible and rewarding,” he continued. “Lastly, I want to encourage everyone to continue doing what makes our community thrive. It’s not about recognition or titles — it’s about showing up for one another, day after day, and making a difference in whatever way we can. Thank you once again for this incredible honor. I am truly grateful, and I look forward to continuing to serve this wonderful community in any way I can. May God continue to bless Decatur, Texas.”
