Gatesville City Council to Meet March 24 at Council Chambers

The Gatesville City Council gathered Tuesday evening at Council Chambers, 110 North 8th Street, for its regular monthly meeting, convening at 5:30 p.m. just eight days after a devastating fire tore through a city block on the west side of the Square in downtown Gatesville.

Gatesville operates under a council-manager form of government, with a seven-member council comprising a mayor elected at-large and six council members elected to individual numbered places. The council meets in the City Council Chambers at 110 North 8th Street at 5:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. The city posted the formal agenda on March 18, 2026, in compliance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, six days before the session.

The meeting arrived amid one of the most consequential weeks in Gatesville's recent history. Dozens of fire crews battled a major fire on the west side of the Square in downtown Gatesville on Monday night, March 16. City Manager Brad Hunt confirmed the fire originated at the Gatesville Messenger building and that officials have ruled out criminal activity as a cause. Four businesses were affected: the Gatesville Messenger, Freedom Bail Bonds, Davidson Chiropractic, and Leaird's Furniture.

Three minor injuries were reported in firefighters due to smoke inhalation. In the days following, the city moved quickly on multiple fronts. The City of Gatesville outlined its next steps, including placement of a perimeter fence, while noting the insurance claim process and eventual demolition of remaining structures are anticipated to take some time. City contractors placed the fence to ensure people keep a safe distance from the unstable buildings.

Coryell County officials declared a state of disaster for both the county and the City of Gatesville after the fire destroyed multiple buildings. The declaration was set to remain in place for seven days unless extended by the Coryell County Commissioners Court.

Hunt, who serves as city manager, had been the public face of the city's response throughout the week leading up to the council session. The city directed property owners to available resources from the Texas Department of Emergency Management.

Adding a painful layer to the loss, the fire ignited after the Gatesville Downtown Historic District had been added to the National Register of Historic Places with assistance from the Texas Historical Commission.

Under the Texas Open Meetings Act, members of the public wishing to comment at council meetings are each allotted a maximum of three minutes, and the council cannot deliberate or act on items not listed on the posted agenda.

City Hall remains open to residents Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can be reached at 254-865-8951. The city's agendas and meeting minutes are posted online at gatesvilletx.com.