On Monday, August 31, the City Commissioners held a special meeting, beginning with a public hearing to receive comments concerning the City’s proposed operating budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. This budget will raise less revenue from property taxes than last year’s budget by an amount of $265,710, which is a 4.52% decrease from last year’s budget. The property tax revenue to be raised from new proeprty added to the tax roll this year is $85,876.
A copy of the 2026-2027 Proposed Operating Budget is on file in the office of the City Secretary and on their website at www.cityofpampa.org for public view.
With no public comment, the hearing was closed.
Next was an introduction for Pampa’s new Chief of Police, Shawn Myatt by City Manager Shane Stokes.
“I have the privilege of introducing our new Police Chief today, but I would be remiss if I didn’t stop right here and wish our very own City Secretary Barbara Stucker a happy birthday today. Now it is my honor to introduce our new Police Chief. Most of you have already met him and his wife, and this is an official opportunity to introduce him to the City Commission and to the public. Welcome Shawn.”
“First and foremost, I would like to thank you all for this opportunity,” Shaw said. “Shane and Dustin, I really have enjoyed getting to know you. God has really blessed us. We have been in your community for the last two and a half days and we have been fully and thoroughly impressed and Pampa has already made an impact on us. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming. I’m looking forward to working with each and every one of you all and I really appreciate this opportunity. I was born and raised in Levelland, and my mom and dad are in their 80s, alive and healthy. So God really set this pathway for me to be here in Pampa because I was raised in the south plains so I know this area. I feel like I’m coming home and now I’ll be able to be with my parents more. They’re actually going to be there for my swearing in, and this will be the first time in 30 years that they have been able to see me get sworn in, so this will be really special for me. Thank you for the opportunity and I look forward to working with all of you.”
“Shawn will start officially on October 1, so I believe we’re shooting for the 28th for the pinning ceremony in this room during that meeting,” Shane said. “Dustin and I will remain in constant communication with Shawn so he’ll be able to hit the ground running. He has a pretty good idea of who we are and how we work around here, so we’ll keep communicating with him and we look forward to October 1. Welcome to Pampa.”
Next was to consider approving the minutes of the August 24, 2026 and regular commission meeting, which was approved.
Next was to consider adopting on second and final reading Ordinance No. 1842, amending the monthly water rates to be charged for water within and outside the corporate limits of the City of Pampa, which was approved.
Next was to consider adopting on second and final reading Ordinance No. 1843, amending the sewer rates to be chared for sewer service within and outside the corporate limits of the City of Pampa, which was approved.
Next was to consider adopting on second and final reading Ordinance No. 1844, amending the tonnage fees at the City of Pampa’s landfill, including the additional fee of $200 for any vehicle unloading solid waste in unauthorized areas, which was approved.
Next was to consider adopting on second and final reading Ordinance No. 1845, amending the fees for tapping water water mains, which was approved.
Next was to consider adopting on second and final reading Ordinance No. 1846, amending the monthly solid waste rates to be charged within and outside the corporate limits of the City of Pampa, which was approved.
Next was to consider adopting on second and final reading Ordinance No. 1847 increasing the fee for Foster Home Inspections from $50 to $100, which was approved.
Next was to consider approving on first reading Ordinance No. 1848, adopting the City of Pampa 2026-2027 Operating Budget, which was approved with a final word from Finance Director Theresa Daniels and Shane Stokes.
“I just want to thank you guys for this process and everything,” Theresa said. “I know it’s been a long four/five months, and so we just want to thank you all for your help with this budget.”
“I just want to reiterate this time of year is always tough, but this specifically was challenging and I appreciate you guys for sticking in there with us and really doing your homework on it,” Shane said. “This is a really good budget and we appreciate it being passed.”
Last on the agenda was to authorize the City Manager to execute amended Solid Waste Agreements with the following entities: Allied Waste, City of Canadian, City of Lefors, City of McLean, City of Skellytown, City of Wheeler, City of White Deer, Hemphill County, Wasteco, Inc., and WasteWranglers, Inc.; to which Public Works Director Gary Turley addressed the commission.
“These are just our normal customers that we receive solid waste from from the surrounding area. This is just an update for the new tonnage rate.”
“How much do we usually get from them a month?” asked Commissioner Wendi Horst.
“I’ll have to get back to you on that, but our biggest users are us and Borger. I think the smaller towns bring around 20% total.”
“Did you have any pushback on the rate?” asked Commissioner Brian Doughty.
“No, sir.”
With no further questions, the item was approved.
With no further discussion or agenda items, the meeting was adjourned.
