July 1, 2025 - The Tenaha City Council approved the termination of Police Chief Jacob Metcalf during their meeting held June 23, 2025.
Following an executive session on the matter Janice Barton, Alderman, moved to terminate Metcalf’s employment and Dave Thomas, Alderman, seconded her motion. The motion carried with all in favor with the exception of Lee Gibbs, Alderman, who voted against the action.
Several audience members questioned the termination. The council moved on to the next agenda items while members of the audience continued to question and throw allegations in the direction of the council and interjected the suggestion they would be going to the District Attorney’s office.
The meeting began at 5:30pm and the council had two executive sessions scheduled for the meeting. The council entered into the first executive session at 5:44pm, and just before entering executive session Annie Northcutt, an attorney with Biggs & Greenslade Law representing Jake Metcalf, let the council know that she would like to be invited into the executive session when they address issues relating to Metcalf. The meeting returned to open session at 6:25pm and Northcutt was invited into the second executive session at that time, which lasted until 6:39pm.
After that the council took action.
Earlier in the meeting during public comment the council heard from Jenny Hicks, former Municipal Court Judge; and Cliff Lloyd, former council Alderman. Hicks referenced financial documents from the city which she stated included Christmas bonuses for employees that were not approved in the budget. She said that on December 2, 2024 all employees received a $650 bonus from the General fund.
Hicks said it would be directed to a higher authority and there will be an investigation.
Lloyd said nothing has been done on the roads in the city and he described a long period of time during which the roads have perpetually been a point of conversation. He continued by saying that nothing is getting done and they need to get something done.
The council addressed several other items on the agenda which were approved.
After the conclusion of the meeting, a large contingent of the audience remained in the parking lot and an argument ensued when members of the council and mayor exited the building. The group eventually disbursed before the argument developed into anything else.
Agenda items approved during the meeting include: 1. Terminate employment of Chief of Police Jacob Metcalf. 2. Minutes for the May 2025 City Council meeting(s). 3. Financials for May 2025. 4. Invoice #2873709 in the amount of $11,928.45 to Badger. 5. Adopt a resolution identifying signatories for the City TxCDBG grants with the Texas Department of Agriculture. 6. TML Health Benefits Pool Plan Year 10/01/2025 – 09/30/2026 Renewal. 7. Adjourn 6:58pm.
Related article: Tenaha Council Temporarily Suspends Chief Metcalf
