Fate Tribune

31/10/2024

Fate City Attorney at it Again ... Stonewalling.

The attorney hired by the City of Fate is at it again in what appears to be an effort to stonewall our Open Records Requests.

On October 18, 2024 the Fate Tribune submitted an Open Records Request (ORR) for, "All email between city staff and elected officials regarding the DPS bond."

This could not be any more clear and concise, in our opinion.

Yet the response we received on 10/31/2024 is nothing short of astonishing. The response we received from Michael K. Kallas, Assistant City Attorney with the Law Firm, Messer * Fort lists three "clarifications" they need to receive in order to process our request.

1. That we clarify and narrow the scope of the term, "regarding".
2. That we clarify the term, "elected official". Does it mean only City officials? or State and County "officials" as well.
3. That we narrow the request by a series of dates.

We believe that our request is self-evident and that this response is little more than an attempt to evade the 10-day response requirement, pushing the response until after the election, and, may be and attempt to bilk our taxpayer funds by increasing the billing hours to the taxpayers ... in our opinion.

It's important to note that we never receive such types of responses except when an outside council is hired to represent the city.

This response is unacceptable and we urge the City Council to terminate the contract with this law firm immediately.

We will, of course, respond to this egregious abuse of lawfare... and citizens may rest assured, that when we do receive the final communications we have requested, there will be a full investigation into what this Council knew ... and when they knew it.

25/10/2024

City of Fate Stonewalls Investigation into DPS Bond Usage: A Fight for Transparency Amid Election

On October 8, the Fate Tribune submitted a simple Open Records Request (ORR) to the City of Fate, aiming to provide the community with much-needed clarity on how the proposed DPS bond initiative—slated for the November 2024 ballot—would be used. The request read, "Please provide all information that relates to how the proposed DPS bond initiative for the November 2024 ballot will be used."

What we got in return on October 22, 2024, was a response that some might call evasive. The City's newly appointed legal representative, Assistant City Attorney Michael K. Kallas, responded with an unexpected demand. Kallas, representing Messer Fort Municipal Law Firm, instructed us to "narrow" the scope of our request, specify the types of information we were seeking, and clarify our meaning of “relates to” by providing a list of search terms. Additionally, Kallas requested a defined date range and inquired about our acceptance of redacted information deemed confidential under the Public Information Act—a box we had already checked in our initial submission.

Kallas’s letter concluded with a gentle redirection to the City’s website, noting that much of the potentially responsive information could be accessed via a new link—conveniently posted after our initial records request—labeled 2024 Public Safety Bond | Fate, TX. This maneuver occurred just as early voting had already commenced and mere days before the official election, potentially stifling the public's ability to make an informed choice on a $20 million bond.

A Question of Transparency
In our response, we meticulously addressed the City’s supposed ambiguities. We clarified that “relates to” should encompass any discussions by City personnel regarding how the bond money might be spent. This would include, but not be limited to, planned buildings, renovations, and equipment purchases. We offered to restrict the time frame to March 2024 through October 25, 2024—a considerable concession.

Yet despite these efforts, the City’s initial strategy to defer and divert raises serious questions. Information posted to the website, according to the City, breaks down the $20 million bond proposal as follows:
• Fire Truck: $2,300,000 for a 100’ Aerial Ladder Truck.
• Downtown Fire Station Remodel: $500,000 to restore Fire Operations after the police relocate.
• South Side Station Remodel: $1,500,000 to convert a city-owned building into a second fire station.
• Police Station: $15,700,000 for a 20,000 square foot facility including parking, utilities, and furnishings.

On the surface, this breakdown seems detailed enough. But let’s be clear—this is merely what the City claims on its website. By law, the City must adhere to the language of the bond as written, which provides a much broader framework: "The issuance of $20,000,000 of bonds by the City of Fate, Texas, for designing, constructing, improving and equipping public safety facilities, including the purchase of fire trucks and vehicles for the City's Department of Public Safety, and levying a tax sufficient to make the payments of principal and interest thereon."

It’s a language that leaves substantial room for interpretation.

Deflection, Delay, and Trust
The primary issue here is trust. For those who’ve closely followed Fate’s past financial undertakings, confidence in the City’s management is less than robust. The broad language of the bond allows for considerable flexibility. For instance, “equipping public safety facilities” could encompass a variety of expenses—anything from police radios to extravagant gym equipment. Or, consider the 20,000 square foot police station proposal: Should the City decide later to downsize that building and redirect funds to other endeavors, technically, they would still be within their rights. But would such a decision be transparent? Would it honor the spirit of the bond voters approved?

With such significant taxpayer investments at stake, the public has the right to scrutinize every dollar’s intended use. Yet, with the City’s approach to our records request, it appears that transparency and public oversight may not be their top priority.

What’s at Stake
The DPS bond will impact not just Fate’s physical landscape but the safety and livelihoods of residents. At $20 million, this bond is not chump change. If approved, it will fund major changes to public safety infrastructure, including fire and police facilities. For residents, understanding exactly what they are voting for is essential—not only because of the large sum involved but because of the nature of the investment: public safety.

But the stonewalling tactics the City employs cast a long shadow over the process. As it stands, with early voting already in progress, hundreds have likely already made decisions based on insufficient information. In a small town like Fate, where many residents personally know their councilmembers, transparency isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the foundation of public trust.

In recent days, several Fate City Council members have come forward to express their support for the upcoming DPS bond initiative. Some even took the initiative to host an informal "town hall" meeting in an effort to address public concerns. While these gestures may appear as official attempts to inform residents, citizens should be aware that comments made during such unsanctioned gatherings hold no official weight. These are personal opinions, dressed up as "informational," and carry no binding authority. Unfortunately, the appearance of legitimacy can be misleading, leaving council members free to say whatever they like without accountability to those statements. If councilmembers make false promises or misleading claims, the most a citizen can do is remember it come election time—after the potential damage has already been done. In the end, all that matters is the language of the Bond proposal and however it may be interpreted by some future council.

The Broader Issue of Accountability
When government entities refuse to share crucial information, it undermines the very premise of democracy. Open records laws exist to empower citizens and hold their governments accountable. In Fate’s case, the legal pushback to a straightforward request indicates a reluctance to be forthcoming—a tactic that undermines public confidence and raises suspicions.

In small towns like Fate, transparency is more than a procedural obligation; it’s the bedrock of community trust. And it’s not the first time this issue has surfaced. Past financial missteps and questionable expenditures have left many in the community wary of City promises. The fact that the website information only went live after our records request hints at a reactive—rather than proactive—approach to transparency.

While the City continues to hide behind vague legal rhetoric and strategic deferrals, the clock ticks on a critical decision for Fate residents. It’s hard to escape the conclusion that this isn’t just about managing information; it’s about controlling the narrative.

Moving Forward
It remains to be seen whether the City will honor its legal and moral obligations to its residents in these final days before the election. We hope that City officials will take their responsibility seriously and provide the people of Fate the transparency they deserve. If there’s nothing to hide, why not share the records and remove the shadows of doubt?

Until then, the people of Fate must navigate this crucial election with the limited information they have been given. Trust in local government, once lost, is not easily regained. At this juncture, it’s not just about this bond initiative; it’s about setting a precedent for the future.

The Fate Tribune will continue to push for the release of all pertinent documents, and we encourage residents to demand transparency and accountability from their elected leaders. After all, without an informed public, there can be no genuine democracy.
Stay vigilant, Fate. The stakes are high, and the future of our community rests in the balance.

**This post first appeared in the Fate Tribune. For more in-depth coverage of Fate politics and conservative viewpoints, visit our website.

24/10/2024

Fate’s Alternative to a $20 Million Bond: Practical Solutions and Leadership Change Needed

Following widespread criticism of our support against the City of Fate’s proposed $20 million bond, it is clear that residents asked us to provide cost-effective and realistic alternatives to building an extravagant, oversized police station. The proposed bond seeks to construct a 20,000-square-foot police facility, which many believe to be both financially burdensome and unnecessary. However, we believe there are viable, pragmatic solutions that would meet the needs of the Fate Department of Public Safety (DPS) without saddling taxpayers with millions of dollars in debt.

Of course, it must be said that these are off the cuff suggestions. Should the citizens of Fate decide to vote down the proposed bond we will be granted more time in which to do a deep dive into the issue. As it stands, the city blindsided the community with this bond proposal, leaving little time for a thorough investigation into available options … but this is exactly what they wanted.

Cost-Effective Alternatives: Renting and Repurposing
Instead of constructing a new police station, the city could explore renting nearby industrial space, such as Rockwall Park 30, which is conveniently located just outside Fate’s city limits. Rockwall Park 30 offers flexible industrial spaces ranging from 20,000 to 157,000 square feet. Renting space at Rockwall Park 30 provides two major advantages: it allows for an immediate expansion without the hefty upfront costs of construction, and it maintains adaptability for future growth. The city would have the flexibility to adjust its rental space as needed, depending on the changing needs of the police department. A bond to cover the finish out would still be needed, but it would significantly drop the bond to a more manageable level.

Despite the claims of some, there are times when renting is more advantageous than owning. The bond will cost taxpayers approximately $1,400,000 per year. This is significantly more than the rent that would be paid for the same amount of space. Furthermore, it allows us something much more valuable … time. Time to find better solutions. Time to allow for interest rates to return to normal.

Another alternative is repurposing existing space at Fate’s City Hall. There is space at city hall that is used extremely inefficiently, and it might be possible to swap this space with the Police Department, who currently works out of a modest 3,000 square feet next to a local donut shop. This reallocation of space would make the most out of existing infrastructure without incurring additional debt. An adjacent solution might be to build onto the existing City Hall. Actually, this is another example of an inept council and City Manager as this should have been an option before the City Hall building was designed. It would have been of little effort, or cost, to preplan for an expansion wing to the building … opportunity lost.

A 20,000 Square Foot Station: An Overblown Ask?
It’s important to question why Police Chief Lyle Lombard believes a new 20,000-square-foot police station is necessary. The reality is that the police department has been operating efficiently out of just 3,000 square feet of retail space. Under Lombard’s leadership, Fate’s police officers have successfully maintained law and order, proving their capability with the existing resources at hand. Given this success, it seems highly excessive to multiply the department’s space by a factor of six without six-fold growth in either the city’s population or crime rate to justify such an expense.

If the Chief feels that some expansion is necessary, a more moderate increase in space—such as relocating to a 6,000-square-foot facility—would suffice for at least the next few years. To argue that 20,000 square feet is essential defies logic and data. Fate has not seen exponential growth that would justify such an enormous increase in space, and it is unlikely to experience six times the growth in the near future. This oversized proposal not only strains taxpayers financially, but it also raises questions about whether city leadership is making data-driven decisions or pursuing grandiose projects that fail to deliver genuine value to residents.

If Construction Is the Path: Consider a Fabricated Steel Building
For those insisting on new construction, it’s critical to rethink the type of building the city aims to construct. Police stations do not need to be luxurious, architecturally ambitious buildings. If the City of Fate moves forward with construction, they should explore more affordable options, such as a fabricated steel structure. Prefabricated steel buildings offer durability, lower construction costs, and faster build times, making them a sensible alternative to the proposed $500-per-square-foot police station.

Building a functional, cost-efficient structure will ensure that the department has the resources it needs to operate effectively while remaining fiscally responsible. This approach also provides taxpayers with a more transparent use of their money, ensuring that funds are not being squandered on unnecessary extravagance.

If this option had been explored the proposed bond would have been significantly less. But they didn’t really explore ALL options. They wanted to cram this proposal through before the next Fate Council Election in May. Following widespread criticism of the City of Fate’s proposed $20 million bond, it is clear that residents need cost-effective and realistic alternatives to building an extravagant, oversized police station. The proposed bond seeks to construct a 20,000-square-foot police facility, which many believe to be both financially burdensome and unnecessary. However, there are viable, pragmatic solutions that would meet the needs of the Fate Department of Public Safety (DPS) without saddling taxpayers with millions of dollars in debt.

Cost-Effective Alternatives: Renting and Repurposing
Instead of constructing a new police station, the city could explore renting nearby industrial space, such as Rockwall Park 30, which is conveniently located just outside Fate’s city limits. Rockwall Park 30 offers flexible industrial spaces ranging from 20,000 to 157,000 square feet. Renting space at Rockwall Park 30 provides two major advantages: it allows for an immediate expansion without the hefty upfront costs of construction, and it maintains adaptability for future growth. The city would have the flexibility to adjust its rental space as needed, depending on the changing needs of the police department. This way, taxpayers aren’t locked into a long-term financial commitment that cannot be undone.

Another alternative is repurposing existing space at Fate’s City Hall. Currently, the Planning & Development offices occupy a sizable portion of the City Hall building, while the Police Department works out of a modest 3,000 square feet next to a local donut shop. One solution is to swap these offices, relocating the Planning & Development department to the existing police facility while bringing the DPS Command & Control operations back to City Hall. This reallocation of space would make the most out of existing infrastructure without incurring additional debt. Is this option realistic? We don’t know for sure … if the City had responded to our Open Records Request, we would know if the option was even discussed. But as it stands, the city is stonewalling our request… more on that in another article.

A 20,000 Square Foot Station: An Overblown Ask?
It’s important to question why Police Chief Lyle Lombard believes a new 20,000-square-foot police station is necessary. In fact, we have been criticized for not discussing the matter with the Chief and we freely admit that we haven’t. The reason? Because it’s not necessary. We already know his opinion because it is baked into the proposal for the bond and backed up by all the comments from the shills for the department.

The reality is that the police department has been operating efficiently out of just 3,000 square feet of retail space. Under Lombard’s leadership, Fate’s police officers have successfully maintained law and order, proving their capability with the existing resources at hand. Given this success, it seems highly excessive to multiply the department’s space by a factor of six without six-fold growth in either the city’s population or crime rate.

If the Chief feels that an expansion is necessary, a more moderate increase in space—such as relocating to a 6,000-square-foot facility—would suffice for at least the next few years. To argue that 20,000 square feet is essential defies logic and data. Fate has not seen exponential growth that would justify such an enormous increase in space, and it is unlikely to experience six times the growth in the near future. This oversized proposal not only strains taxpayers financially, but it also raises questions about whether city leadership is making data-driven decisions or pursuing grandiose projects that fail to deliver genuine value to residents.

If Construction Is the Path: Consider a Fabricated Steel Building
For those insisting on new construction, it’s critical to rethink the type of building the city aims to construct. Police stations do not need to be luxurious, architecturally ambitious buildings. If the City of Fate moves forward with construction, it should explore more affordable options, such as a fabricated steel structure. Prefabricated steel buildings offer durability, lower construction costs, and faster build times, making them a sensible alternative to the proposed $500-per-square-foot police station.

Building a functional, cost-efficient structure will ensure that the department has the resources it needs to operate effectively while remaining fiscally responsible. This approach also provides taxpayers with a more transparent use of their money, ensuring that funds are not being squandered on unnecessary extravagance.

This option would have led to a much significantly lower bond proposal. But the Council didn’t take the necessary time to evaluate all options. They simply wanted to force a bond through before the next Fate Council Election in May 2025 … fearing that they will lose two more seats to fiscal conservatives … and likely replacing City Manager, Michael Kovacs.

Leadership’s Role in Effective Planning: A Call for Change
If indeed Fate’s Department of Public Safety is facing critical space issues, the root of the problem lies in failed leadership. Michael Kovacs, has consistently shown a lack of effective planning and fiscal responsibility. Under his leadership, the city finds itself in a position where it must choose between heavy debt or inefficient use of existing facilities. This situation speaks to a larger issue of mismanagement and a lack of foresight in city planning.

A new City Manager, with a fresh perspective and a commitment to responsible governance, could steer Fate toward creative, practical solutions. New leadership would prioritize the long-term interests of residents, embracing more innovative and fiscally sound options. Michael Kovacs’ track record of wasteful spending, including the luxury of a private vehicle on the taxpayers’ dime and indulgent out-of-town conferences, highlights a failure to focus on the essential needs of the community. Fate’s taxpayers deserve leadership that prioritizes common-sense solutions over ego-driven projects.

Conclusion: Better Solutions Are Available
The proposed $20 million bond is not the only way to address the needs of Fate’s Department of Public Safety. Those within the City and those on the Council who are gaslighting citizens with hyperbolic claims of Citizen Safety on the line. Or those who make asinine claims of “Defunding the Police”, are doing damage to the reputation of our great city. There may be solutions that we haven’t even considered. What citizens need, is time. Time to consider other options. Time to find creative solutions.

Ultimately, the issues facing the DPS are not due to a lack of space, but rather due to poor leadership, ineffective planning, and a lack of vision. This decision should be pushed until after the May election, and after the Council is able to find a new city manager. Michael Kovacs’ tenure has shown a pattern of mismanagement and a lack of responsible planning. Residents should demand better and advocate for solutions that are realistic, efficient, and in the best interest of the taxpayers.

The proposed $20 million bond is not the answer to Fate’s public safety needs. There are smarter, more sustainable solutions available. It’s time for Fate to reject this costly proposal and demand accountability from its leadership. A new direction and fresh ideas can ensure that the city remains safe, while also protecting the financial well-being of its residents.

** This post first appeared in the Fate Tribune. Visit our website for the original story.

21/10/2024

Fate’s $20 Million Bond Proposal: A Looming Burden on Taxpayers

In the upcoming November 2024 election, the City of Fate is asking residents to approve a $20 million bond package under the guise of improving public safety. But the facts reveal a different story—one that saddles taxpayers with a massive financial burden without delivering the public safety improvements that are being promised. At the heart of the proposal is a plan to construct new buildings, including a $15.7 million police station, but let’s be clear: a new building won’t make Fate any safer.

Safety comes from the men and women of the police force who have already been doing their jobs effectively with the resources they currently have. A new police station, without even including a basic holding cell, will not improve how the department operates. Instead, the city is asking residents to foot the bill for unnecessary facilities that won’t even change the current practice of transporting offenders to Rockwall.

A Building Does Not Equal Safety
The city’s sales pitch for the bond rests on the assumption that public safety will somehow be improved by erecting a new police station. But buildings are just structures—they don’t protect communities, trained police officers do. Fate’s police force has proven capable of maintaining public safety with its current facilities and resources, so why is this new building necessary?

The proposed police station lacks critical infrastructure, such as holding cells, meaning that the current policy of transporting offenders to Rockwall will remain unchanged. For $15.7 million, taxpayers should expect more than just a shiny new building. A facility that doesn’t even address core operational needs hardly seems like an improvement, and it raises serious questions about the true purpose of this proposal.

A Taxpayer Burden with Little Return
If approved, the bond will increase property taxes by $31.40 per $100,000 of property valuation, which means an additional $125.60 in annual taxes for the owner of a $400,000 home. These calculations are based on optimistic growth projections that assume Fate’s population will increase by 15% in 2026, 10% in 2027, and 5% annually from 2028 through 2038. If that growth doesn’t materialize, the tax burden will fall harder on existing residents.

Meanwhile, the city already carries $8.8 million in debt that has yet to be paid off. Adding $20 million more in debt, plus interest, will push the total obligation to nearly $28 million. All of this for a building that won’t tangibly improve public safety? It’s a hard pill to swallow, especially considering the city’s troubled track record with fiscal responsibility under City Manager Michael Kovacs.

Michael Kovacs: Mismanagement on Display
City Manager Michael Kovacs has repeatedly demonstrated his inability to responsibly manage taxpayer dollars. He’s the only city official who enjoys the luxury of a paid, private vehicle—a wasteful perk that residents are forced to fund. His administration also continues to spend lavishly on things like out-of-town management conferences and unnecessary lobbying efforts in Austin, all while neglecting critical infrastructure like road repairs and water management.

Now, Kovacs wants taxpayers to foot the bill for a bond that will cost $27.86 million over the next 20 years. His refusal to prioritize the actual needs of the community, combined with the opaque decision-making process that has shrouded this bond proposal, should raise alarm bells for every Fate resident.

In fact, the Fate Tribune submitted two Open Records Requests (ORRs) in October 2024 asking for all communications between city staff and elected officials about the DPS bond proposal. Despite launching a public relations campaign to sway voters, the city still hasn’t responded to those requests. The lack of transparency is troubling, especially when the stakes are so high for taxpayers.

Lafayette Project: A Complete Turnaround
The push for this bond also stands in stark contrast to the city’s messaging during the approval of the massive mixed-use project known as “Lafayette.” At the time, city officials and council members went to great lengths to assure the public that the Lafayette project would not jeopardize public safety. They repeatedly claimed that all developments were signed off by the Chief of Police, and that the influx of residents and businesses from Lafayette would not strain the city’s resources or pose any safety concerns.

But now, just a short time later, the city is singing a different tune. Why the sudden shift? Were they lying about the Lafayette project back then, or are they lying about the need for this bond now? You can’t have it both ways. If the city was truthful when it said that the Lafayette project wouldn’t compromise public safety, then there should be no need for a costly bond to build new facilities. If they’re telling the truth now, then residents should question why they were misled about the impact of Lafayette in the first place.

The Real Impact on Public Safety
At the end of the day, this bond proposal does little to enhance public safety. Despite what city officials claim, a new building without proper facilities like holding cells won’t fundamentally change how the police department operates. Officers will still transport offenders to Rockwall, and the proposed design of the new station won’t alter this core function.

More importantly, the current police force has shown that they can handle the job with the resources they already have. Throwing millions of dollars at a new building that doesn’t offer substantial improvements to policing practices is not a solution. It’s a costly distraction that diverts attention from the real issues—like hiring more officers or investing in equipment and technology that will actually improve public safety.

Conclusion: A Dangerous Precedent
Fate’s city government has a history of poor financial decisions, and this $20 million bond proposal is no different. It’s not about public safety—it’s about saddling taxpayers with debt for a building that offers no real improvements to how the police department operates.

City Manager Michael Kovacs and his administration continue to waste taxpayer dollars on unnecessary perks, trips, and luxury vehicles, all while asking residents to pay more in taxes. The Lafayette project was sold as a safe and manageable development, but now the city is pushing a contradictory narrative that public safety requires $20 million in new infrastructure. It’s a clear case of either dishonesty then, or dishonesty now.

The residents of Fate deserve better. They deserve a government that prioritizes fiscal responsibility, transparency, and true public safety—without the burden of unnecessary debt. It’s time to say “no” to this reckless bond proposal and demand accountability from city leadership. Vote “no” on the $20 million bond and hold City Hall accountable for their past promises and their future actions.

** This post first appeared in the Fate Tribune.

Print 🖨 PDF 📄 eBook 📱In the upcoming November 2024 election, the City of Fate is asking residents to approve a $20 million bond package under the guise of improving public safety. But the facts reveal a different story—one that saddles taxpayers with a massive financial burden without del...