City Government

The City Council is the legislative and policy-making body of the city. The Council is composed of the Mayor and Aldermen elected at large by the voters of McLean. Members serve staggered terms so that experience is retained on the Council from one year to the next.

Responsibilities of the Council include:

• Adopting the annual budget and setting the property tax rate
• Passing ordinances and resolutions
• Setting water, sewer, and sanitation rates
• Appointing the City Secretary, Chief of Police, Municipal Judge, and other officials
• Approving contracts and major purchases
• Representing the residents of McLean

The Mayor presides over meetings of the City Council, signs ordinances, resolutions, and contracts on behalf of the city, and serves as the ceremonial head of city government. In a general-law city, the Mayor works with the Council and staff to carry out the decisions of the Council.

Residents may contact the Mayor and Council members through City Hall. Letters may be mailed or delivered to 120 S Main St, McLean, TX 79057, or emailed to info@mcleantx.org. Correspondence will be forwarded to all members of the Council.

Please note that under the Texas Open Meetings Act, a quorum of the Council may not deliberate city business outside of a properly posted meeting, so members may not respond to group messages on matters that may come before the Council.

The City Council holds regular monthly meetings at City Hall. Special meetings, workshops, and budget hearings are called as needed. All meetings are open to the public except closed sessions permitted under Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code.

Agendas are posted on the official bulletin board at City Hall at least 72 hours before each meeting, as required by the Texas Open Meetings Act. Agendas list every item the Council may discuss or act on. The Council may not take action on any item not listed on the posted agenda.

Residents are welcome to address the Council during the public comment portion of each regular meeting. Speakers are asked to sign in before the meeting and state their name and address for the record. Comments are generally limited to three minutes per person.

For items not on the agenda, Council members may only respond with a statement of fact, a recitation of existing policy, or a request to place the item on a future agenda.

Minutes are prepared by the City Secretary and approved by the Council at a following meeting. Approved minutes are the official record of the Council's actions and are available for review at City Hall during business hours.

City Hall is wheelchair accessible. Persons with disabilities who plan to attend a meeting and need auxiliary aids or services are asked to contact City Hall at least 48 hours in advance so reasonable accommodations can be arranged.

For the 2026 tax year, the City of McLean proposed a property tax rate of $0.707000 per $100 of taxable valuation, a decrease from the 2025 rate of $0.725000 per $100 valuation.

The city's fiscal year runs October 1 through September 30. Each summer, staff prepare a proposed budget based on anticipated revenues and the needs of each department. The proposed budget is filed with the City Secretary and made available for public inspection, a public hearing is held, and the Council adopts the budget and tax rate before the start of the new fiscal year.

Property and sales tax revenue supports general city services, including:

• Police protection and public safety
• Fire protection through the McLean Volunteer Fire Department
• Street maintenance, drainage, and signage
• Parks and public facilities
• General administration, municipal court, and elections

Water, sewer, and sanitation services are supported by monthly utility fees rather than property taxes.

Property values are set by the Gray County Appraisal District, not the City. If you disagree with your appraised value or wish to apply for a homestead, over-65, disabled person, or veteran exemption, contact the appraisal district directly. Protest deadlines are typically May 15 or 30 days after your notice of appraised value was mailed, whichever is later.

Ordinances adopted by the City Council are kept on file by the City Secretary and may be reviewed at City Hall during business hours. Copies may be requested under the Texas Public Information Act.

• Animal control, registration, and leash requirements
• Junked and abandoned vehicles
• High grass, weeds, and nuisance properties
• Building permits and manufactured home placement
• Water and sewer service and rates
• Solid waste collection
• Fireworks and outdoor burning
• Peddlers and solicitors
• Parking and commercial vehicles on residential streets

City general elections are held in May on the uniform election date set by the State of Texas. Candidates for Mayor and Council must file an application for a place on the ballot with the City Secretary during the filing period, which typically runs from mid-January to mid-February.

If the number of candidates does not exceed the number of open positions, the Council may cancel the election and declare the unopposed candidates elected, as permitted by state law.

To vote in a city election you must be registered to vote in Gray County and live within the city limits. The deadline to register is 30 days before election day. Voter registration applications are available at City Hall, the Gray County Elections Office, the post office, and the library.

McLean ISD conducts its own Board of Trustees elections. In May 2026, candidates included Alan Eubank, Ike Hanes, and Sheri Haynes. Contact McLean ISD for results and information.

Under the Texas Public Information Act, you have the right to request access to government records. The City of McLean will promptly release requested information that is not confidential by law.

Requests must be made in writing and may be submitted in person at City Hall, by mail to 120 S Main St, McLean, TX 79057, or by email to info@mcleantx.org. Please describe the records you are requesting as specifically as possible and include your contact information. Requests for police records may also be submitted at the police department.

The City will produce records promptly, or within ten business days will either provide the records, notify you of when they will be available, or request a ruling from the Texas Attorney General if the City believes information may be withheld.

The McLean Municipal Court has jurisdiction over Class C misdemeanors occurring within the city limits, including traffic violations and city ordinance violations. Class C offenses are punishable by fine only.

• Pay the fine — entering a plea of guilty or no contest. The conviction may be reported to DPS.
• Driving safety course — eligible drivers may request to take a course to have certain moving violations dismissed.
• Deferred disposition — the judge may defer a case for a period of time; if conditions are met the charge is dismissed.
• Plead not guilty — request a trial before the judge or a jury.
• Inability to pay — if you cannot afford to pay, tell the court; you may qualify for a payment plan, community service, or a waiver.

If you fail to appear by the date on your citation, a warrant may be issued for your arrest. Contact the court as soon as possible to resolve any outstanding case. Remember: the court will never call you demanding payment by gift card.