DUNCANVILLE, Texas — The Duncanville City Council will not move forward with a proposed November 3, 2026, bond election for a new public safety facility following action taken during a Special Called Meeting on August 10.

Council considered an ordinance that would have asked voters to authorize up to $50 million in general obligation bonds for public safety facility improvements. Council chose not to move forward with the election at this time, allowing for further evaluation of options for a future Duncanville Police Department facility.

The decision follows more than a year of study and discussion. In February 2025, the City Council established a Bond Advisory Committee to evaluate potential capital projects. The committee recommended a $20 million base bond package for a police station and training facility and Municipal Service Center improvements. In August 2025, Council delayed consideration of a bond election to allow additional study of the Police Department’s facility and space needs.

The City subsequently engaged Kimley-Horn/ADG to conduct a Police and Court Needs Assessment. Through a series of briefings and workshops, Council considered operational and security needs, required space, potential locations, renovation and expansion options, new construction, costs, and financial impacts. Following revisions that reduced the proposed facility’s footprint and separated Municipal Court from the new Police Department concept, a $50 million target was established for the police facility. Additional improvements to the existing police facility and portions of City Hall were estimated at approximately $1 million to $5 million, depending on the extent of reconfiguration.

The proposed $50 million bond issuance was estimated to have a property tax rate impact of approximately 6.2 cents. The voter information document accompanying the proposed ordinance estimated approximately $93 million in combined principal and interest over a 25-year period.

Council discussed the need for improved police facilities while considering overall costs, existing debt, ancillary expenses, infrastructure, facility alternatives, financing, and project timing. Council also emphasized continuing the planning process and requested a facilities assessment to provide additional information about the condition, use, and future needs of City facilities.

Separately, the City currently has three outstanding debt obligations totaling $28,015,000 in principal and approximately $9.1 million in scheduled interest, for a combined obligation of about $37 million. These include General Obligation bonds associated with the voter-approved 2018 Bond Program, Certificates of Obligation for the Advanced Metering Infrastructure water meter project, and Texas Water Development Board financing for a lead service line inventory project. Duncanville also recently received an AA rating with a positive outlook from Fitch Ratings and an AA rating with a stable outlook from S&P Global Ratings.

The City Council will continue evaluating options for addressing the Police Department’s long-term facility needs as additional information becomes available.

Duncanville, TX – Robert D. Brown, Jr. will begin serving as Duncanville’s Interim City Manager, effective March 31, 2023. The Duncanville City Council voted to approve Mr. Brown’s appointment at a Special Called Meeting held on Thursday, March 30, 2023.

As Interim City Manager, Mr. Brown will serve as the chief executive officer, chosen by the Duncanville City Council to administer all City affairs and ensure all laws and ordinances are enforced.

Mr. Brown has previously served the City of Duncanville as Chief of Police from 2007 to 2021. In 2021, he accepted the position of Assistant City Manager.

“I have served the City of Duncanville since 2007 and am proud to continue to do so as Interim City Manager,” said Interim City Manager Robert D. Brown, Jr. “City staff and I remain committed to continue doing the very best work we can for the over 40,000 residents of this fine city.”

“As the Duncanville City Council and I begin the search for a new City Manager, we are pleased to announce Robert Brown’s appointment as Interim City Manager,” said Duncanville Mayor Barry Gordon.

“Robert has consistently revealed himself to be an exceptional leader and stabilizing presence for our city.”

Robert D. Brown, Jr., is a graduate of the 38th Management College from the Institute for Law Enforcement Administration (ILEA) in Plano, Texas. He is also a graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy, Session #216, in Quantico, Virginia. He holds a Master Peace Officer certification from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE). He has obtained training in advanced police administration, criminal justice administration, criminal justice human resource management, media relations, internal affairs investigations, community policing, and police ethics.

Robert earned a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from Northwood University located in Cedar Hill, Texas and he holds a Master of Business Administration Degree in Management from Amberton University in Garland, Texas.

The Duncanville City Council has approved funding for the City’s first round of Arts Grants, marking an exciting step forward in supporting local creativity and cultural expression. The funding follows the recommendations of the Duncanville Arts Commission, which carefully reviewed applications submitted during the inaugural grant cycle.

The new program provides financial support to artists, schools, and organizations whose projects will enrich Duncanville’s cultural life, encourage community engagement, and highlight the City’s growing arts presence.

“Arts are a powerful way to connect people, celebrate our culture, and strengthen community pride,” said Mayor Greg Contreras. “These grants represent an investment in Duncanville’s future as a creative and vibrant city.”

Approved grant recipients include:

• Beacons of Light – Kalen McGuire – $3,000
  

• Dance Recital – Myatta Metzger-Flanagan – $3,000
  

• Duncanville Paws & Paint – Rotary Club of Duncanville – $3,000
  

• Ellafair – Arts Commission – $3,000
  

• Empowerment Through Ballet – TaKiyah Wallace-McMillian – $5,000
  

• Fixin’ His Plate – Candice Y. Johnson – $3,000
  

• Laughter is Good Medicine – K. Rochelle Enterprises, LLC – $3,000
  

• Master’s Voice Christmas Concert – First Christian Church of Duncanville – $3,000
  

• Mentor Moments – Village Tech Schools – $3,000
  

• Musical Performance – Gerald Wise – $1,185
  

• Painting in the Park – Downtown Gallery & Museum of Art – $3,000
  

• Rhythms of Culture – Kaylyn Hayes – $3,000
  

• Rhythm of the Heartbeat Dance Experience – Pink Diamonds Survivors of Cancer, Inc. – $3,000
  

• Supafly Studio – Bria Maiden – $3,000

Together, these projects represent a wide variety of artistic disciplines—from dance and theater to music, visual arts, and community experiences—that will be shared with Duncanville residents in the coming year.

The Arts Grant Program was designed to make the arts more accessible, inspire creativity, and provide opportunities for residents to experience the cultural richness of Duncanville.

For more information about the Arts Grant Program and to apply during the September 2025 application period, please visit the Art Grant Application. Also, make plans to attend the Wednesday, September 10, 2025, information session being held at Duncanville City Hall, 203 E. Wheatland Rd., Duncanville, TX 75116.

City of Duncanville Council and Staff Mourn the Passing of Assistant City Manager Paul Frederiksen

Duncanville, Texas - Duncanville Mayor Barry L. Gordon, the City Council, City Manager Aretha R. Ferrell-Benavides, and staff are stunned and heartbroken after learning of Assistant City Manager Paul Frederiksen’s unexpected passing on Friday, March 12, 2021.

Mr. Frederiksen was hired as the Assistant City Manager by former Duncanville City Manager Kevin Hugman in 2017. He had most recently served as the Interim City Manager while the Duncanville City Council worked through the lengthy process of recruiting a new Manager. He’d accepted the interim position during a difficult time for the world and our city. As both Interim and Assistant City Manager he led city staff through the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and, more recently, the winter storm that impacted Texas and neighboring states.

“When disaster was declared, Paul put his already exceptional leadership skills into action,” said Mayor Barry L. Gordon. “We were in crisis mode dealing with unprecedented critical issues around the clock. There were no days off. Not for a man who led by example. Not until our city and citizens were taken care of.”

Councilmember Joe Veracruz added, “Paul demonstrated true leadership by assembling the Department Directors, implementing an emergency plan, and continually communicating with the City Council.”

“Paul performed at an extraordinary level during his time serving as Interim City Manager for Duncanville,” said Councilmember Johnette Jameson.

“His leadership through the snowstorm that caused the electrical power grid failure that left many without electricity for days was inspiring. He worked tirelessly to care for the citizens as we teetered acutely close to losing our water.”

Paul Frederiksen had dedicated his life to serving others, which is revealed through a long career in government that started with his work as a City of Dallas Planning Technician. His career path would eventually lead to his becoming the Town Manager of Argyle, Texas and ultimately bring him to the City of Duncanville where he served as the Assistant City Manager. Throughout his career he simultaneously focused on both the bigger picture and the individual citizen, always striving to create a better place for people to live, work and play. Mr. Frederiksen worked hard for the citizenry without a wish for credit or accolade.

“I am very proud to have worked with Paul in the cities of Dallas and Duncanville,” said Councilmember Patrick Harvey. “I respected him for his focus and dedication. He was kind, considerate, compassionate, and conducted himself with integrity.”

“Even prior to assuming the role of Interim City Manager, Paul consistently gave Duncanville his all,” Mayor Gordon said. “He was the dependable rock everyone looked to for wisdom, guidance, and discernment. He had the deep professional love and respect of the city council, the entire city staff, and his many peers and colleagues throughout the metroplex.”

“He was well liked, had a great sense of humor and worked with diligence to help move Duncanville forward,” Councilmember Don McBurnett said.

“Paul was an absolute joy to work with,” said Ms. Jameson. “As he conducted city business, he would reveal a dry sense of humor much like my father’s. He always made me laugh. When the Council was on the dais during meetings, he would sit on the front row of the auditorium. I always enjoyed watching his expression when something or someone provided unexpected entertainment.”

“Paul was the ultimate Municipal Government professional with knowledge in numerous areas, which made him a major resource for our councilmembers, staff, and citizens,” said Mayor Pro Tem Mark D. Cooks. “And his humor and laughter would leave me in tears during and after meetings. His untimely departure will leave a void in my heart.”

Councilmember Don McBurnett said, “The news of Paul Frederiksen passing came as heartfelt shock. This is a tremendous loss for the City Council, his coworkers, friends and family. Prayers for his family and the countless people he touched.”

“I cannot begin to express my gratitude for his dedication, leadership, and selfless efforts. His loyalty will never be forgotten,” Councilmember Joe Veracruz said. “My thoughts and prayers are with the Frederiksen family.”

“My husband, Ted Benavides, and I have known Paul for many years, and I was very excited to finally work alongside him after being given the opportunity to serve as Duncanville’s City Manager,” said Aretha R. Ferrell-Benavides. “Our city has lost a knowledgeable and dedicated public servant and I have lost a friend.”

“Our hearts are broken,” Councilmember Monte Anderson said. “Paul spent time with me talking about cities, how to be better collaborators and about life in general. He always made me laugh at our problems. He used a lot of common sense to fix things and he showed me how cities, businesses and citizens could work together. Paul was my friend.”

“His service to Duncanville will never be forgotten and will always be appreciated,” Councilmember Jameson added. “I will miss you, my friend, but I know that I will see you again.”

“There are no words that can sufficiently express the impact of his passing,” Mayor Gordon added. “We pray earnestly for his entire family for God’s strength.”

Paul Frederiksen will be remembered by Duncanville City Council and staff as a champion for our city and its residents.