As 2024 draws to a close, our coverage of the city of Sachse reflects on a year marked by significant milestones, community achievements and moments of both triumph and challenge. 

From local elections to new developments, crime updates to educational honors, Sachse has seen progress in many areas—while also confronting challenges that have shaped the community.

Tax cuts, local elections, legislation

In January, more than 450,000 property tax notices were sent out to Collin County residents, including new rate reductions prompted by a state constitutional amendment passed by voters in November 2023. 

The tax cuts, part of a sweeping $18 billion property tax relief package, were anticipated after the Legislature had instructed local officials to include them in the notices.

Also in January, a Sachse resident, Josiah Perez, was sentenced to 30 years in prison for shooting two Sachse police officers in 2022. Perez, 27, was convicted of aggravated assault against a public servant in December 2023. 

Sachse Chief of Police Bryan Sylvester expressed the department’s gratitude for the work of the Collin County District Attorney’s Office in securing the sentence. “This heinous crime illustrates that policing, regardless of city or jurisdiction, is unpredictable and inherently dangerous,” Sylvester said.

Locally, the city readied for its next council election as filing opened in January for two council positions—Place 1 held by Brett Franks and Place 2 held by Michelle Howarth. The election was set for May 4, 2024, setting the stage for another year of civic engagement.

In February, the issue of student vaping took center stage as a new state law took effect. House Bill 114, signed into law in June 2023 by Governor Greg Abbott, brought severe punishments for students caught vaping on school campuses. 

The law mandates that students found using, selling, or possessing e-cigarettes face removal from class and placement in a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP). Garland ISD, which serves Sachse, adopted these tough measures. 

GISD Assistant Director of Student Services Mary Garcia noted that while the district initially worried about handling the increased demand for DAEP placements, it has been manageable so far.

In terms of local education infrastructure, improvements were underway at Sachse High School, with updates to baseball and softball fields, including turf and bleacher canopies. 

Other improvements were planned for Armstrong and Sewell elementary schools, which would each get new playgrounds designed for different age groups.

Hospital, crime stats, community

A significant shift in local healthcare occurred in February when Medical City Healthcare officially purchased the former Trinity Regional Hospital in Sachse, renaming it Medical City Sachse. City officials attended a ceremony on February 1 to mark the transition, which expanded the hospital’s affiliation with Medical City Plano.

Meanwhile, local crime statistics revealed a 17% overall increase in crime in Sachse during 2023. 

Sachse Police Chief Bryan Sylvester presented the data to the city council, highlighting a sharp rise in thefts, particularly shoplifting incidents at local businesses like Walmart. Criminal mischief, including vandalism and property damage, also spiked by 45% compared to 2022.

During his annual State of the City Address on February 6, Mayor Jeff Bickerstaff reflected on Sachse’s progress, citing the city’s vision to remain a vibrant community offering opportunities for all to live, work, and play. 

He celebrated the hard work of city employees and the community’s ongoing efforts to build a better Sachse. Bickerstaff highlighted the city’s ongoing infrastructure improvements, such as roadwork on Sachse Road, which was being expanded to accommodate regional traffic.

In March, the Sachse Historical Society commemorated its 35th anniversary, highlighting the city’s deep historical roots. 

Sean Sachse, a descendant of the city’s founder, J.K. Sachse, presented a collection of family heirlooms that had been passed down through the generations. Among the artifacts were items from his grandfather, Woodrow Wilson “Happy” Sachse, who had hoped to establish a museum to share the city’s history.

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