Liberty City Council members took their oaths of office Tuesday night, May 12, as Mayor John Hebert Jr. began his second term and the council welcomed both returning and newly elected members during the meeting.
Hebert was sworn into office alongside returning councilmen Ross Ward and Ed Seymour, as well as newly elected Councilwoman Betty Runkle. Council also canvassed the results of the May 6 election during the meeting.
While new to the council dais, Runkle is no stranger to public service in Liberty. She previously served on the Liberty Economic Development Corporation and was instrumental in the community’s LIGHTS in Liberty campaign last Christmas alongside Councilwoman Debbie Duggar.
Following the swearing-in ceremony, the council selected Duggar to serve as mayor pro tem.
Tommy Brents also attended his final meeting Tuesday night as a councilman following an unsuccessful mayoral campaign against incumbent Mayor John Hebert. Brents was gracious in his departure, congratulating Hebert on his victory and expressing his hopes for the city’s continued success under its current leadership. Council members and city officials thanked Brents for his years of service to the City of Liberty.
The meeting then began with the presentation of a proclamation recognizing Peace Officers Memorial Week, observed nationally from May 10-16, 2026. Liberty Police Chief Richard “Rick” Ashe accepted the proclamation on behalf of the department.
“The fact that we have it is kind of sad in itself, but I am glad that Canada and our country recognizes it,” Ashe said. “The good news is that last year was the lowest recorded number of officers killed in civilian tracking, so we are on the right track.”
Ashe said he hopes one day the number of officers killed in the line of duty will become so low that memorial observances will no longer be necessary.
In reading the proclamation, Hebert honored the sacrifices and service of law enforcement officers across the nation.
“Whereas law enforcement officers across the United States serve with courage and dedication and integrity to safeguard our communities, uphold the rule of law, and protect the rights and safety of all citizens,” Hebert read, “and Peace Officers Memorial Week, observed in 2026 from May the 10th through May the 16th, provides an opportunity to honor the memory of those officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.”
The proclamation also recognized May 15, 2026, as Peace Officers Memorial Day and called upon residents to honor the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers past and present.
During council comments, Duggar commended Liberty Police Department for an increase in proactive policing efforts, specifically business checks conducted by officers.
“We went from 497 business checks in March up to 527 in April,” Duggar said before asking Ashe if the department was intentionally increasing the effort or if it was simply proving beneficial to businesses and citizens.
“Yes, yes and yes,” Ashe responded.
He said department leadership has set goals for officers regarding business checks and officers have been meeting those goals.
“We get comments all the time from business owners who say, ‘Thank you for checking it,’” Ashe said. “So it is really good for the citizens to see and the business owners to see that we are checking on those doors.”
Duggar also praised the recent performance of the Liberty Municipal Golf Course under manager Scott Neal.
“I think the public should really understand that we have seen a 78 percent increase in rounds played in golf for this April over last April,” Duggar said. “That shows you that he’s going the extra mile to get the players, whether it be local or from out of town, and to keep those tournaments going, which is what is helping him to have a 15 percent increase in revenue. I never dreamed a year ago it would be that great. I am totally excited for the support he’s getting.”
Hebert added, “I think we’re climbing up the ladder. I don’t think it’s topped out yet.”
Council also approved three separate agenda items tied to a proposed Texas Parks and Wildlife grant application for local parks improvements.
Assistant City Manager Naomi Herrington, filling in for City Manager Bryan Kendrick while he was on vacation, explained that the items all related to the same grant opportunity.
The council approved a resolution authorizing a contract with Public Management to assist with applying for and administering the Texas Parks and Wildlife grant. The council also approved a resolution authorizing submission of an application for the 2027 Local Park Grant and approved an ordinance prohibiting drilling and mining in public parks in relation to the grant requirements.
Herrington explained that Public Management recommended the city pay the firm’s $7,500 application fee as an “overmatch,” which could help the city earn additional points during the grant scoring process.
“It also helps if an engineer is brought on and the city can pay engineering services out of the grant, with a hard cap of 12 percent for all professional services,” Herrington said.
Herrington said Public Management believes Liberty has a strong chance of receiving funding because the city already has a park master plan and a top tier project, has demonstrated community engagement, is willing to provide the grant match and has scheduled consultations regarding the project.
The grant would provide up to $150,000 in funding with the city providing a matching $150,000 contribution, creating a potential $300,000 project total, though Herrington noted the project itself could ultimately exceed that amount even if the grant amount remained $150,000.