Fate, TX – The Fate Tribune recently conducted an analysis of Fate City Councilman Heather Buegeler‘s voting history and has discovered a concerning pattern that raises questions about her representation of the people and commitment to their best interests. The Fate Tribune has identified several key instances where Councilman Buegeler’s decisions may have far-reaching consequences for the community.
Property Tax Increase (0-2023-036):
Affixing And Levying The Ad Valorem Taxes For The Fiscal Year Beginning October 1, 2023 And Ending September 30, 2024 At A Rate Of $0.26421 Per $100 Of Assessed Valuation On All Property Within The Corporate Limits Of The City Of Fate, Texas As Of January 1, 2023, And Approving All Other Matters
Related Thereto.
Council Member Robbins made a motion that the property tax rate be increased by the adoption of a tax rate of $0.26421, which is effectively a 5.96 percent increase in the tax rate. (Ordinance No. 0-2023-037). Buegeler voted in favor of this motion, effectively endorsing a 5.96 percent increase in the tax rate. This decision may place an additional burden on Fate residents already grappling with economic challenges.
Senior Homestead Exemption Adjustment (0-2023-024):
Reviewing And Approving The Over 65 Property Tax Residential Homestead Exemption Amount And Providing An Effective Date.
Council Member Megyesi suggested adjusting the senior homestead exemption to $25,000, aligning it with the average of County exemptions. Buegeler’s vote in favor of this change, lowering the exemption from $110,000 to $25,000, this will negatively impact senior citizens in the community, potentially placing financial strain on those who rely on this exemption.
This caused a massive outcry in the Fate community as this action was seen as retribution for a community activist, Patty Sargent Mattlage-Hatley, who had garnered the signatures necessary to put the issue on the ballot to Establish An Ad Valorem Tax Limitation For Persons Who Are Disabled Or Persons Who Are Sixty-Five (65) Years Of Age Or Older. (AKA Senior Or Disabled Tax Freeze). However the Council, with Buegeler’s help, seized that power and enacted the ordinance themselves. Then, in what most citizens of Fate see as a petty retribution, they took back the Senior Homestead Exemption from $110,000 to $25,000.
Citation Program Approval (0-2023-022):
Amending Chapter 1, “General Provisions” Of The City Of Fate Code Of Ordinances, By Adding Section 1-16 Creating A Citation Program For The Enforcement Of The City’s Ordinances.
Council Member Kelley proposed the implementation of a citation program for the enforcement of the City’s ordinances. Buegeler’s vote in favor of Ordinance No. 0-2023-022 may be perceived as supporting a potentially stringent enforcement approach, raising concerns about the impact on residents and businesses. This vote came after the issue had previously been tabled, due to outrage by the community. Buegeler was heard making a snide comment about how she would have voted in favor of the issue in the previous meeting.
Buegeler, along with the entire Council and the City Attorney, have lied about the nature of this ordinance. The City Attorney misrepresented the legislation in the public forum to state that the ordinance will only apply to the Code Review Director when in fact the written text indicates no such restriction, and any Director, of any department, can be granted the power to write citations as related to that department. This effectively has weaponized the entire City Government against the Citizens of Fate.
There are only two possibilities with regards to this ordinance. Either the Councilmen didn’t actually read the ordinance ( which several have denied ) or they did read the ordinance and went along with the deception to the public.
Townhome Development Approval (R-2023-055):
Discuss, Consider, And Take Any Necessary Action Regarding A Type Ill Development Plan For A 179-Unit Townhome Development Project To Be Constructed In Two Phases. The Project Location Is On The North And South Side Of Greenbriar Road On The East Side Of Water Tower Road. The Total Project Area Is 13.9 Acres. Case# DP-23-001. Approving A Type Ill Development Plan For A 179-Unit Townhome development With Amenity Center On Approximately 13.9 Acres Of Land Comprising All Or A Portion Of Four Parcels Of Land Identified As Rockwall CAD Property ID 115328, 61630, 72205, & 72208, City Of Fate, Rockwall County, Texas.
Council Member Robbins initiated a motion to approve a Type III development plan for a 179-unit townhome development on approximately 13.9 acres of land. Buegeler’s vote in favor of this resolution raises questions about her support of increased housing density and thus increases on infrastructure, traffic, and the overall character of the community. The citizens of Fate have demonstrated time and again they they are not in favor of any sort of increases in Multi-Family zoning.
$3 Road Fee Proposal:
Council Member Robbins proposed a $3 road fee that would sunset each year, subject to annual votes. Buegeler’s support for this motion should be perceived as contributing to potential financial uncertainty for Fate residents who would face an annual vote on a fee affecting their daily lives. This also sets a dangerous precident that the City will begin hiding tax increases though the use of ever increasing ‘fees’.
The Fate Tribune encourages residents to scrutinize Councilman Heather Buegeler’s voting record and consider the implications of these decisions on the community. It is essential for citizens to be informed and engaged in local governance, holding elected officials accountable for their actions and decisions that shape the future of Fate.