Open letter to City of Fate residents from Mayor David Billings

FATE, TX (Dec. 30, 2021) Happy New Year! To be honest, it has been quite a year, again. However, my heart is full of gratitude, humility, and I feel blessed.

We are blessed to live in such a great city. We are blessed to have city team members who continually demonstrate an esprit de corp that is unmatched in our state, and we are blessed to have great neighbors, friends, and family.

I want to highlight a few of the accomplishments of our great city team members.

Finance

Accessing more federal funds; $1.9 million from the American Rescue Plan Act, with $1.9 million more coming in 2022 to assist with City capital projects.

Leadership

Brought an innovative partnership with the Avondale developer to provide gap funding for $2 million to go towards the Woodcreek Blvd. Extension.

Utility Billing

Added support to another 675 customer accounts to the total 7,327 number of accounts in Fate.

Public Works

Completed $700,119 in road and drainage maintenance work in the city.

Municipal Court

Implemented hybrid, in-person, and online court during COVID in 2021.

Human Resources

Assisted sixteen employees become a part of the organization in open and new positions.

Information Technology

Navigated the redesign and migration of City website to FateTX.gov.

Economic Development

Awarded several economic development acknowledgements from different organizations from around Texas for the new downtown Three-story vertical mixed-use building and downtown streets.

Planning and Development

Completed the new Forward Fate Comprehensive Plan, to reflect City of Fate’s land use, development, and fiscal sustainability goals.

Building Safety / Facilities

Constructed pickleball courts at Robert Smith Family Park and phase I of the Fate Station Park.
Performed 22,106 inspections of new homes, businesses, and infrastructure.

Property Standards

Established a targeted voluntary cleanup for a Fate area in need of help.

Public Safety

Fate recognized as the 6th “Safest City” in the State of Texas.
Completed a DPS strategic 3-, 5-, & 10-year plan.

In 2022, we will see unparalleled commercial development with many exciting new restaurants and stores. We will continue to see traditional commercial development along the I-30 corridor with unique commercial development being completed in our award-winning downtown.

I am grateful for your City Council, as their public service make Fate a great place to live and work. Thank you!

As I have said many times, we are a family. We may have our family disputes, but in the end, we work together to find the right solution for our city.

As we approach the end of another holiday season, please take some time to enjoy your families. We have a lot of challenges coming up in 2022, but for now, let’s take time to rejoice in our successes and find time to hug our kiddos and loved ones.

Yes indeed, our future is bright. May God bless our great city and each of your families. May the New Year bring you and your families joy, love, and happiness.

In Service –

David Billings, Mayor, City of Fate