Mayor Lynn Beeler installed newcomer Austin Collins and veteran Richard Phillips as aldermen for the city of Plainview before the Mayor and Board of Aldermen meeting on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
Austin Collins was elected to represent the aldermen on the Plainview Planning Commission, and Richard Phillips was elected Vice-Mayor. Both will serve a four year term.

Police Chief Jerry Lawson, who had only been on the job for one week at the time of the meeting, reported that Plainview Officers had assisted the Union County Sheriff Department as back up, had written a dozen tickets, reviewed two applicants for the part time position, and scanned the past budget to determine if some money could be better spent or maybe saved. Sergeant Johnny Collins reported that he had followed up on the motorcycle issues, had notified parents regarding the incidents, had summoned three riders to juvenile court, and had issued warnings to others. He had also been patrolling the area on Monday Road and in Mountain View Estates.

Fire Chief Justin Hensley was on a fire call and could not attend the meeting.

Stewart Skeen, zoning official, reported that he had written one building permit and had answered numerous questions related to zoning and development.

Mayor Beeler appointed Jeanie Parker to a one year term as a citizen representative and re-appointed Walter Stone, who has served as chairperson, to a two year term on the Plainview Planning Commission. Mayor Beeler also appointed Marilyn Toppins to serve the remainder of the two years vacated by Keith Brantley. Ms. Toppins indicated that she had no intention to run for the office in 2028. The MBA concurred with all of the appointments.

Josh Collins of Collins Insurance presented insurance information and plans to the MBA. The MBA discussed benefits that may help retain full time employees. Mr. Collins advised the MBA to consider a private plan through an independent company since Plainview lacked the number of full time employees to make the state or other group plans cost effective. Vice Mayor Richard Phillips will contact the independent insurance broker to finalize the plan. But the MBA voted to offer full medical coverage insurance to full time employees at a cost of approximately $800 per month. Full time employees could opt for spouse or family insurance by paying the additional cost.

The MBA briefly discussed the CTRIS contract, the TITAN reporting system, and the Flock Cameras. Vice Mayor Richard Phillips noted that one of the two cameras was missing and asked that discussion of the cameras be put on the October agenda.

Josh Collins, whose term on the MBA ended August 31, 2026, was recognized and awarded a plaque for his sixteen years of service on the MBA and the Plainview Metropolitan Planning Commission.

The next meeting of the MBA will be on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, a6t 7:00.