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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/04/1980 City Council 000671 CITY OF THE COLONY D~N~fON COUNTY, TEXAS SEPTEMBER 4, 1980 The City Council of The City of The Colony held a Town Hall Meeting at Peter's Colony Elementary on September 4, 1980 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for the purpose of explaining and receiving input on the proposed Budget for the 1980/81 Fiscal Year. Mayor Turner opened up the meeting with the following members present: Ri chard Turner Mayor Norman Adeler Councilman Gary Shipman Councilman and Councilman Longo was not in attendance due to a conflicting work schedule. Councilman Adams was not in attendance due to illness. Councilman Norwood was not in attendance due to a conflicting evening COnTai~t. Mayor Turner introduced Tom Hart, City Manager, to review the Budget revenue and expenditures for the citizens present. After Mr. Hart's presentation, questions were asked concerning the City's legal right to assess taxes. Mr. Hart did inform the citzens that the City does have the right to assess taxes and that they can also revalue the property as long as it is done in an equitable manner. It was brought out by a member of the audience that the one cent at the nineteen cent tax rate yielded thirteen thousand ($13,000.00) in the 1979/80 Budget Year; however, in the' 1980/81 Budget Year the san~ one cent would yield sixteen thousand .~$16,000.00) due to growth which affects an increase. Mr. Hart agreed that, that is correct; however, he emphasized again that the tax rate for the 1979/80 Budget year was lowered significantly by the use of IBM money paid to the City for the abandorm~nt of public roads. Members of the audience also expressed concern that Fox and Jacobs undeveloped land was not assessed at a fair market value. The Council assured the citizens that this will be reviewed at the proper tin~. The citizens also stated that they would like to know what services could be had for a 19.5 cent tax rate, a 22¢ tax rate or a 26¢ tax rate. If the services were broken down in this manner, they would have a better idea of the choices that could be made. Mr. Bob Brown, a member of the Citizens Association, stated that he felt the base-line, as well as, the packages presented Dy the Council were extravagant. He further explained that it was too much, too soon, and that he would like to promote a compromise on the amount of services presented. He emphasized again that he was not against taxes but was against such a substantial increase. There were further questions regarding over-time salary, retirement plan, health and dental insurance and pay increases for the employees. Citizens also questioned private auto allowances for the building inspectors as well as the take vehicle program for police officers. After discussion, Mayor Turner, adjo :00 p.m. ATTEST: JANI~ARROLL, CITY SECRET