HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/09/2004 City Council
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August 9,2004 Budget Work Session
I MINUTES OF SPECIAL SESSION OF COUNCIL
HELD ON
AUGUST 9, 2004
The Work Session ofthe City Council ofthe City of The Colony, Texas, was called to order at 6:30
p.m. on the 9th day of August 2004, at City Hall, 6800 Main Street, The Colony, Texas, with the
following roll call:
John Dillard Mayor Present
Allen Harris Councilmember Present
Scott Ward Councilmember Present
Joe McCourry Mayor Pro-tern Present
Lynda Bayliss Councilmember Present
Perry Schrag Councilmember Present
Joel Marks Councilmember Present (arrived 6:45)
And with six council members present a quorum was established and the following items were
addressed:
1. Work session to discuss preliminary municipal budget for 2004-2005
I City Manager Dale Cheatham distributed a summary of the proposed budget (Exhibit A),
explaining to Council that the base budget as presented would keep the tax rate for 2004-
2005 the same at $.72. Included in the summary are three other options, which include
adding fire and police department personnel. Dale advised that some consideration has been
given to hiring a Project Manager to handle the expansion ofthe fire department facilities.
Assistant City Manager Tony Johnston told the Council that the city's bond rating has
changed from an A to A +.
Dale turned the meeting over to Fire Chief Mike Nolen who made a presentation regarding
the need for adding additional fire/EMS personnel. Police Chief Joe Clark also presented
Council with his department's staffing needs. Dale then reviewed the four options and gave
examples of the effect of tax increases at the different tax rates. He also explained that two
ofthe options would exceed the rollback rate of$.76.268. He added that some research has
been done regarding the city's ISO Rating, stating that increasing the fire staff may help
reduce the home owner insurance rates. Dale reminded Council that many homeowners saw
a reduction in their home's appraised value this year, and that next year school tax reform
may have an affect on budget flexibility.
Mayor Dillard suggested that Council take some time to get community feedback.
Discussion followed among Council members- some in favor of proceeding with the tax
I increase for public safety purposes and others want to check the budget closer for possible
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August 9,2004 Budget Work Session
cuts in other areas in an effort to help alleviate the impact of expanding public service ----
staffing levels. Mayor Dillard set an additional work session for August 23, 2004, giving
time for Council to review the budget and make suggestions. Suggestions will be submitted
to Councilmember Bayliss who will compile them and forward to Dale to his response.
And with no further business to discuss the meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
APPROVED:
J hn Dillard, Mayor
ity of The Colony
ATTEST:
~~!J~
Christie Wilson, TRMC, City Secretary
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