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.
Texas Senate Primaries Show Early Leads for Crockett and Paxton
AUSTIN, Texas – A new poll released by The Texas Tribune indicates that Jasmine Crockett and Ken Paxton are leading their respective primary races for the U.S. Senate seat in Texas. The survey, published on February 9, 2026, highlights the early momentum for both candidates as they vie for their party nominations in a closely watched election cycle. The results point to strong voter recognition and support for Crockett in the Democratic primary and Paxton in the Republican primary.
The poll, conducted among likely primary voters across the state, shows Crockett holding a significant lead over her Democratic challenger James Talarico, while Paxton maintains a commanding position among Republican contenders John Cornyn & Wesley Hunt.
According to the poll, Ken Paxton leads with 38 percent of likely GOP primary voters, pulling ahead of incumbent John Cornyn, who trails at 31 percent, while Wesley Hunt remains a distant third at 17 percent. The survey indicates Paxton would hold a commanding advantage in a runoff scenario and currently outperforms Cornyn across nearly every key Republican demographic group, with Latino voters the lone exception, where Cornyn maintains a seven-point edge.
Among Democrats, the poll shows Jasmine Crockett opening a notable lead, capturing 47 percent of likely primary voters compared to 39 percent for James Talarico—a meaningful shift from earlier polling that had Talarico in the lead. While still early, the numbers suggest momentum is consolidating ahead of primaries that will determine the general election matchups.
Jasmine Crockett, a sitting U.S. Representative whose district lines were redrawn out from under her, has responded to political extinction with a desperate lurch toward the U.S. Senate. Her campaign, widely criticized as race-baiting and grievance-driven, has leaned heavily on inflaming urban Democratic turnout while cloaking thin policy substance in fashionable slogans about healthcare and “equity.”
By contrast, Ken Paxton enters the race with a long, battle-tested record as Texas Attorney General, earning fierce loyalty from conservatives for his aggressive defense of state sovereignty, constitutional limits, and successful legal challenges to federal overreach. Though relentlessly targeted by opponents, Paxton’s tenure reflects durability, clarity of purpose, and an unapologetic alignment with the voters he represents—qualities that define his standing in the contest.
The Texas U.S. Senate race draws national attention, as the state remains a critical battleground in determining the balance of power in Congress. With incumbent dynamics and shifting voter demographics at play, the primary outcomes will set the stage for a potentially contentious general election. The Texas Tribune poll serves as an initial benchmark, though voter sentiment could evolve as campaigns intensify and debates unfold in the coming weeks.
Councilman Mark Harper walks out of meeting before adjournment.
FATE, TX – The Fate City Council voted late Monday night to waive deliberative privilege, opening the door to the public release of secret audio recordings that may have driven a recall election against Councilwoman Codi Chinn. The decision came after hours of public criticism, procedural friction, and a lengthy executive session with legal counsel.
The meeting, held Monday, February 2, was streamed live by the city and is available on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/live/zQVN0i-d8C0 (Embedded Below)
(Source: City of Fate, official meeting broadcast)
Timeline for Readers
- 00:33:52 – Public comments begin, largely focused on the recall election of Councilwoman Codi Chinn.
- 00:56:10 – Councilman Harper interrupts public Comment.
- 00:57:00 – Councilman Harper interrupts public Comment.
- 00:58:00 – Councilman Harper interrupts public Comment.
- 02:21:00 – Executive Session – Council enters closed session to consult with legal counsel.
- 03:22:52 – Council reconvenes in open session.
- Primary motion – Council votes to “waive deliberative privilege”, allowing release of disputed audio recordings.
Public Comment and Visible Strain
Public comments began just after the 33 minute mark and quickly centered on the recall election. Speaker after speaker questioned the conduct of city officials and demanded transparency regarding audio recordings that have circulated privately but remained unavailable to the public.
During one speaker’s remarks, critical of Councilwoman Chinn, procedural tension became visible. Three separate times, Councilman Mark Harper interrupted to remind Mayor Andrew Greenberg that the speaker had exceeded the three-minute time limit. Each time, Mayor Greenberg thanked Harper for the reminder, then directed the speaker to continue.
The exchange stood out. While council rules clearly limit speakers to three minutes, the mayor’s repeated decision to allow the speaker to proceed suggested an effort to avoid the appearance of silencing criticism during a highly charged meeting.
Clarifying the Recordings
Contrary to some early assumptions, the audio recordings at issue were not recordings of executive sessions. Instead, they are one-party consent recordings, the existence of which has been previously reported and alluded to on Pipkins Reports. Their precise origin has not been publicly detailed, but their contents have been referenced repeatedly by both supporters and critics of the recall effort.
Behind Closed Doors
Following the public meeting, the council entered executive session to consult with legal counsel. After about an hour, members returned to open session at approximately 3:22:52 .
The primary motion coming out of that session was to “waive deliberative privilege“. The effect of the vote was to remove a legal obstacle to releasing the secret audio recordings that have been at the center of the controversy.
No excerpts were played, and no conclusions were announced. The council did not rule on the legality of the recordings, nor did it weigh in on the merits of the recall election itself.
Why the Vote Matters
The decision does not resolve the recall of Councilwoman Chinn. It does not validate or refute claims made by either side. What it does is shift the debate away from rumor and secondhand accounts.
According to guidance from the Texas Municipal League, governing bodies may waive certain privileges when transparency is deemed to serve the public interest, particularly when litigation risk is balanced against public trust (Texas Municipal League, Open Meetings Act resources).
Opinion and Perspective
The council’s action was a necessary step. Secret recordings, selectively referenced and strategically leaked, undermine confidence in local government. So does a refusal to confront them directly.
Transparency is not about protecting officials from embarrassment. It is NOT the job of the council to assist the city in concealing information that may be used against it in legal proceedings when the City Manager, or Councilmen, may have done bad things. It is about protecting citizens from manipulation. If the recordings exonerate those involved, their release will restore credibility. If they raise concerns, voters deserve to hear them unfiltered before making decisions in a recall election.
Monday night in Fate did not end the controversy. It ended the excuse for keeping the public in the dark.
ROCKWALL, TX — Texas State Sen. Bob Hall appeared before voters at Rockwall County’s Final Friday Night Forum, on Friday. The appearance renewed online criticism from supporters of his primary challenger which brought attention back to a decades-old allegation from a former marriage and also to social-media comments allegidily attributed to Hall’s wife.
The renewed discussion did not stem from new legal filings, court actions, or investigative reporting. Instead, it followed social-media posts by individuals publicly supporting Hall’s opponent, Jason Eddington, including Fate City Councilwoman Codi Chinn, whose sharply worded statements have drawn attention for both their substance and tone.
The Forum and the Race
The forum was hosted by Blue Ribbon News in partnership with the Rockwall County Republican Party, and held at the Rockwall County Courthouse. It marked the final event in a series intended to give Republican voters an opportunity to hear directly from candidates ahead of the March primary.
Other candidates in attendance included:
- Rockwall County Judge
- Frank New
- Scott Muckensturm
- County Commissioner, Precinct 4
- John Stacy
- James Branch
- Lorne Megyesi
- Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2
- Victor Carrillo
- Chris Florance
Pipkins Reports could find no official transcript or video of the forum. According to available coverage, the event proceeded without public discussion of personal controversies, and no candidate addressed the matter from the stage.
Background on the Allegations
The most damaging allegations currently being recirculated date back to divorce proceedings in Florida in the early 1990s, during which Hall’s former wife, Jane Hall, made claims in court filings alleging physical, verbal, and sexual abuse during their marriage.
The allegations, raised during a contested divorce, as they often do. Bob Hall has denied the allegations. No criminal charges were filed. No court ruled against Hall or issued a finding of abuse. The filings did not result in convictions, injunctions, or adverse judgments.
The allegations became publicly discussed during Hall’s first Senate campaign in 2014 and have resurfaced intermittently during contested elections. Their latest reappearance coincides with the current Republican primary and has been driven by individuals openly advocating for Hall’s opponent.
Explicit Attribution and Political Context
Following the January 30 forum, Fate City Councilwoman Codi Chinn, who has publicly endorsed Jason Eddington, posted a statement on social media criticizing Hall and urging Republican voters to support Eddington.
In her post, Chinn wrote:
“Senator Bob Hall I expect you will be making a statement issuing an apology on behalf of your wife for body shaming a woman simply because you don’t ideologically agree with her. These comments are shameful and your silence is deafening. Being Republican shouldn’t mean being small minded. I hope Republican Primary voters will pick the true Conservative Jason Eddington, Candidate for Texas Senate, District 2!”
Critics of Chinn, including some local Republican activists, say the post reflects what they describe as a pattern of caustic and confrontational rhetoric directed at individuals she opposes politically. It’s ironic that Chinn requests accountability for language of others, while she herself asks for forgiveness of her digressions in her bid to not be recalled. Supporters of Chinn, by contrast, characterize her comments as blunt advocacy and a willingness to publicly challenge those with whom she disagrees.
Amplification by a Political Social Media Page
On January 31 at 10:57 p.m., the Facebook page Rockwall County News First published a post calling on the Rockwall County Republican Party to condemn comments attributed to Hall’s wife. The page credited Codi Crimson Chinn as the source of screenshots included in the post.
The post stated:
“We hope that Rockwall County Republican Party will join us in condemning Senator Bob Hall’s wife in her comments.”
The screenshots included in the post purport to show comments written by Kay Hall, Senator Hall’s wife. The screenshots have not been independently authenticated by this publication. According to the screenshots, the comments attributed to Kay Hall read:
“Oh, yes, so disgusting to see Jill get up an speak. She and all of the TFRW little people are in their element. Wish I had recorded her speech, or even more wish I had stood up in the room to tell everyone how she got the Democrats to vote for her in the election. The pictures are very flattering to her because she has gained weight and really looked aged. I am sitting across from Bob near the podium. too, close!!!”
As of publication, neither Senator Hall nor his wife has publicly confirmed the authenticity of the screenshots or issued a statement regarding the comments.
Hall’s Position and Current Status
Hall has not publicly addressed the social-media posts and did not respond to our request for comment. He has previously stated, during earlier campaigns, that efforts to revive allegations from his former marriage are politically motivated and unrelated to any legal findings or his conduct in office.
Hall is currently married to Sarah Kay Smith Hall, with whom he has three children. There are no legal actions or criminal allegations involving his current marriage. The current controversy centers on online posts circulated by political opponents and their supporters.
Conclusion
The Final Friday Night Forum was intended to focus voter attention on policy differences among Republican candidates. In the days following the event, however, the race shifted toward personal disputes fueled by online posts from supporters of Hall’s challenger, including commentary that some observers describe as emblematic of an increasingly sharp-edged political style.
As the March primary approaches, voters in Senate District 2 must weigh not only policy and legislative records, but also the motivations and methods used by campaigns and their advocates. Whether the renewed criticism is viewed as relevant scrutiny or as opposition-driven escalation remains a question for the electorate to decide.
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