Watauga · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Watauga, TX public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Failing Outdoor Warning Sirens
Two of the city's three storm sirens are dead after 20+ years and can't be repaired. Replacements should be up and running before next spring's storm season.
Police hiring standards on prior marijuana use
The police department wants to stop auto-rejecting applicants who legally used marijuana within two years, matching what the Fire Department did in 2024. About 10% of police applicants have this issue; unlawful use is still disqualifying and everyone still goes through background checks.
SAFER grant firefighters and future staffing costs
The budget funds three firefighters through a federal SAFER grant covering 75% the first two years, but the city's share climbs in year three and the city pays fully in year four. Council members flagged this as a future budget risk given flat revenues.
Crime Control and Prevention District FY 2026-2027 budget
The crime district board approved its proposed budget and the council accepted it for review; public hearings are still ahead before anything is final.
Rise in park graffiti and vandalism
Vandalism incidents in city parks jumped this spring — 13 in April, up 10 from the year before — with graffiti and damaged bathroom partitions, though staff report it's been cleaned up.
Flock license-plate camera privacy and data concerns
A board member raised concerns that Flock retains perpetual use of camera data, is exempt from open records requests because it holds the data, and that AI misreads could create liability for the city. The chief defended the system as a major policing tool and offered to provide contract details.
Shared services cost increase
Watauga's share of regional dispatch/jail/IT shared services is up about $93,000, driven by call volume. Council Member Welch asked for an explanation; the mayor cited the Memorial Day nursing facility evacuation as an example of the value.
Police Chief Appointment
Watauga has a new police chief: Jim Lewis III. He’ll lead the department and help set public-safety priorities, so his appointment matters for how the city is policed.
Police Conduct Investigation
A Watauga woman says her sexual assault case only got police action after her Facebook post went viral, raising questions about how the department handles these reports. The case puts a spotlight on police responsiveness, accountability, and whether victims need social media pressure to be heard.