Friday Update April 10,2026
Upcoming Double Oak Public Meeting Dates
Town Council Meeting will be on Monday April 6, 2026, at the Town Hall
Town Council Meeting will be on Monday April 20, 2026, at the Town Hall
If you have not already, please watch the recording of the recent Candidate Forum Hosted by Cross Timbers Gazette Link to YouTube Video
Early Voting Information
The standard dates and hours for the May 2, 2026 election will be as follows:
Monday, April 20 from 8am - 5pm
Tuesday, April 21 there will be no voting due to San Jacinto Day which is a State Holiday
Wednesday - Saturday, April 22 through April 25 from 8am - 5pm
Sunday, April 26 from 11am - 5pm
Monday - Tuesday, April 27 through April 28 from 7am to 7pm
Early Voting and Election Day Voting will take place at Town Hall
Setting the Record Straight: Misinformation from the April 8th Candidate Forum
At the Cross Timbers Gazette Candidate Forum April 8, 2026, held at Double Oak Town Hall, several statements were made that were either inaccurate, misleading, or lacked critical context.
Residents deserve clear, factual information especially when it comes to taxes, development, and how your Town operates. Unfortunately, several claims presented during the forum do not reflect how Double Oak actually functions. Below is a point-by-point clarification to set the record straight.
Budget Growth Misrepresented
Claim: The Town budget has increased 50% over three years
Fact: This is demonstrably inaccurate.
The actual budget progression is:
FY 2021-22: $2,173,004
FY 2022-23: $2,272,002
FY 2023-24: $2,498,775
FY 2024–25: $2,625,190
FY 2025–26: $2,725,470
When calculated correctly:
Total increase over this period is $552,466
This represents approximately 25.4% total growth, not 50%
The average annual increase is approximately 5.9%
Year-over-year growth:
2022–23: 4.56%
2023–24: 9.98%
2024–25: 5.06%
2025–26: 3.82%
This is measured, controlled growth consistent with responsible municipal budgeting.
It is also important to recognize the broader environment. Healthcare premiums alone have increased approximately 25% since 2021, with annual increases commonly ranging from 6% to 10% or more.
In Double Oak’s case one example; we have experienced even greater impacts, with annual healthcare cost increases in the high teens to twenties percent range in certain years. These are real, external cost drivers that directly affect municipal budgets.
These increases are not theoretical they directly impact on the Town’s ability to recruit and retain qualified staff, including public safety personnel, while continuing to provide the level of service residents expect.
Put simply: the numbers do not support the claim and ignoring the real drivers behind these costs does not change the reality the Town must manage.
Town Financial Position
Claim: The Town is “spending money it doesn’t have”
Fact: This is false. All expenditures are made within approved budgetary guidelines. The Town maintains designated fund balances for roads, drainage, and infrastructure.
Balance Sheet Summary:
2025: $2,510,204
2024: $2,515,929
2023: $2,409,281
2022: $2,387,626
2021: $2,210,988
This reflects stable and responsible financial management.
Sales Tax Misstatement
Claim: The Town generates $750,000 per month in sales tax
Fact: This is incorrect. That figure represents annual sales tax revenue—not monthly.
Taxes and Property Valuations
Claim: Current Council has increased taxes by raising home valuations
Fact: This is incorrect. Home valuations are determined by the Denton County Appraisal District not the Town of Double Oak. The Town does not control or influence property valuations.
Town Administrator Compensation
Claim: A 20% increase was given to the Town Administrator “for no apparent reason”
Fact: This statement lacks context. Compensation decisions are made through a structured evaluation process by Council, based on performance, market conditions, and operational needs, not arbitrary action.
It is also important to note that the Town Administrator’s compensation remains below comparable positions in similar municipalities. The Town has taken a measured and responsible approach to compensation to remain competitive while maintaining fiscal discipline.
Staff Phones and Time Tracking
Claim: Phones were issued to all staff to track time
Fact: This is misleading and inaccurate. Town staff have had phones for many years as part of standard operations. These devices were in place long before any recent payroll or technology system changes. Their purpose is to support communication and responsiveness—not time tracking.
Development: Drainage and Traffic
Claim: The Town is not addressing drainage or traffic related to development
Fact: This is false. Drainage and traffic are core components of the development review process and are actively being addressed by both the Town and the developer.
Planning & Zoning (P&Z) Notification
Claim: P&Z received no notification or information about the Planned Development
Fact: The application is currently under staff review. Once finalized, it will be formally presented to both P&Z and Town Council in accordance with the Town’s established process.
Off-Site Drainage Responsibility
Claim: No one has asked the developer to address off-site drainage
Fact: This is false. Both the Town and impacted residents have raised and documented this issue with the developer.
Claim: The Town’s engineering firm has not been asked to address drainage
Fact: Engineering review occurs during the platting phase, once detailed plans are submitted. This is the appropriate and required step in the development process.
Engineering Firm Mischaracterization
Claim: The firm responsible for past drainage issues is now working for the developer
Fact: This is misleading. While G&A was involved in Carruth Estates decades ago, McAdams acquired that firm many years later. McAdams represents the Town not the developer and serves as an independent engineering advisor to protect the community’s interests.
250 Simmons Project
Claim: The project moved forward without drainage review
Fact: This is incorrect. No work was permitted to begin until the drainage plan was reviewed and approved by the Town Engineer. Only after that approval did initial grading begin.
250 Simmons Zoning
Claim: Council approved agricultural exemptions
Fact: Council approved a zoning designation of Ranch Estates I. This is not the same as granting agricultural exemptions
Contractor Oversight
Claim: The Town Administrator is not holding contractors accountable
Fact: This is inaccurate. The Town meets regularly with its permitting contractor, who in turn meets with project contractors on a consistent basis. This structured process ensures continuous oversight, coordination, and accountability across all active projects.
Final Thought: Facts Matter
Public forums are an important part of the democratic process. They provide candidates with an opportunity to share ideas and engage with the community.
However, with that opportunity comes responsibility.
Serving on Town Council is not symbolic, it carries significant responsibility. It requires a commitment to understanding the facts, respecting the process, and making decisions grounded in the ordinances and standards that govern our Town. These processes are not arbitrary; they have been thoughtfully developed over time to protect our community, ensure fairness, and guide responsible growth.
When incorrect or misleading statements are presented as fact, it creates confusion, erodes trust, and undermines the very process that exists to serve our residents.
Residents deserve transparency. They deserve accuracy. And they deserve candidates and elected officials who are committed to both.
The Town will continue to operate with a commitment to clear communication, responsible governance, and adherence to the processes that safeguard Double Oak’s character and long-term stability.
Patrick Johnson
Mayor, Town of Double Oak
FM 407 & Simmons Update: Facts, Process, and What Comes Next
Recent discussions about the proposed FM 407 & Simmons development have raised important questions and, in some cases, included information that is not accurate. As your Town leadership continues to work through this process, we want to provide a clear update, correct the record where needed, and outline what residents can expect in the coming weeks.
Update on FM 407 & Simmons Proposed Development
The Town would like to provide an update on the proposed shopping center at FM 407 & Simmons and address several statements that have been shared publicly which are factually incorrect.
Process Update – Slowing Down to Get It Right
At the request of residents, the development timeline has been intentionally slowed to allow for additional review of drainage conditions, particularly in Carruth Estates. The developer has conducted on-site visits with homeowners so their engineering team can gather accurate, real-world data to inform future planning.
This is consistent with Double Oak’s approach taking the time to ensure decisions are informed, thorough, and protective of surrounding neighborhoods.
Setting the Record Straight
There have been repeated claims suggesting that Direct Retail Partners (DRP) was responsible for drainage issues tied to the Highland Court subdivision in Flower Mound. Based on documentation provided to the Town and confirmation from Flower Mound engineering officials, these claims are not accurate.
DRP was not involved in any legal disputes related to Highland Court.
The drainage concerns referenced have been attributed to a separate subdivision, Bradford Park, which was developed independently and after Highland Court.
Some of the materials being circulated rely on misinterpreted or unrelated information, including older reports not connected to DRP’s work.
There were also statements made regarding a relationship between DRP and the Town’s engineering consultant. To be clear:
Direct Retail Partners (DRP) has never worked with McAdams Engineering or its predecessor firm, G&A.
DRP’s engineering partners are completely independent and not affiliated with McAdams.
Why This Matters
Public input is an important part of this process, and questions are encouraged. However, it is equally important that discussions are based on accurate and verified information, especially when evaluating a project of this scale.
Where Things Stand
The property remains in the early conceptual zoning phase (AG-1 to Planned Development). No development has been approved, and critical elements such as drainage, traffic, and grading will be fully engineered and reviewed in later stages of the process.
As conversations continue between Direct Retail Partners, McAdams, and the Town of Double Oak, a high-level project timeline will be developed in the coming weeks. This timeline will be shared with the community shortly thereafter. It is important to note that this will be a preliminary, high-level view and will remain subject to change as the project progresses and additional information is evaluated.
Bottom Line
The Town is committed to a process that is deliberate, transparent, and grounded in facts. While all perspectives are welcome, decisions will be guided by verified information, professional analysis, and what is in the best long-term interest of the entire community not by misinformation or unsupported claims
Ordinance Reminder – Political Signs
As the Town enters into the upcoming election season, just a reminder that Ordinance 3.1303 allows for only one sign per candidate or “authorized purpose” on each property. Thank you in advance for your compliance and please make sure all signs are taken down by May 3rd.
News from The Double Oak Women’s Club
TOMORROW EVENING
Double Oak Women’s Club Hawaiian Luau Casino Night Saturday, April 11th, 2026 • 7 PM
Double Oak Volunteer Fire Department
Get ready to be whisked away on a tropical breeze! This year’s Casino Night is going full Hawaiian Luau, so grab your brightest Hawaiian shirt, shake out that grass skirt, and prepare for a night of fun, food, and fundraising — all in support of the Connie Gall Scholarship Fund and other vital community service projects.
Tickets – $40 Each
Your ticket includes:
Entry at 7 PM
$3,000 in casino chips
Delicious food & refreshing drinks
A night packed with excitement and chances to win fabulous prizes
New This Year
Bingo!
VIP Package Add‑On (details coming soon!)
How to Purchase Tickets
Contact any DOWC Board Member,
Email communitydowc@gmail.com, or
Call (315) 720‑2610
2026 Connie Gall Scholarship
The Double Oak Women’s Club is dedicated to helping graduating seniors from our community who are continuing his/her education. We award the scholarship(s) to a deserving student, who is pursuing educational opportunities at a college, university, technical or trade institution. We look for students who exhibit a desire to excel in the following areas: Character, Academics, Community Service, and Leadership.
Scholarship Amount: $1,000
Qualifications for applicants:
Current Double Oak, Texas resident
A parent does NOT need to be a member of the Double Oak Women’s Club
A graduating 2026 senior who will be continuing his/her education either at a university or trade school
Exhibits a desire to excel in the following areas: Character, Academics, Community Service, and Leadership
Application deadline: Friday, April 24th, 2026 at midnight (CST) emailed to communitydowc@gmail.com
Thank you and have a safe and wonderful weekend.
Town Hall Administration