Fate, TX – 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.