City of Midland Press Release... August 18, 2006

August 18, 2006

AUGUST 22nd CITY COUNCIL MEETING

The City Council will consider approval of a Community Development Block Grant contract with the Permian Basin Workforce Development Board (PBWDB) to help low to moderate-income families with child care needs. The PBWDB administers the program through West Texas Opportunities. The $30,000 CDBG funds will be used to match funds in the amount of $58,114 from federal funding. A total of 50 children will be served. Media Contact: Sylvester Cantu/Community Development Administrator at 685.7408
The City Council will consider adopting the proposed FY 2006/07 City of Midland Budget. The Proposed General Fund Budget is a balanced budget of $63 million. If approved, the current Ad Valorem Tax Rate will decrease an estimated 5.5 cents to 58.70 cents per $100 valuation. The City is projecting $18.96 million in Sales Tax Revenues; a 3% or a $729,500 increase. Expenditures in the proposed 2006-2007 General Fund Budget include a 5% broadband pay adjustment for City employees meeting progression criteria on October 1, 2006. There will be a 5% market adjustment to the police pay plan. The majority of officers, 145, will also be eligible for consideration of an additional 5% step increase sometime during the fiscal year. The police department will add six new officers. The fire department will receive a 4% market adjustment. In addition, 113 firefighters will be eligible for consideration of an additional 5% step increase. The city will also contribute an additional 1% to the Fireman’s Retirement Fund. Media Contact: Bob McNaughton/Director of Finance at 685.7210 or Tommy Hudson/Assistant City Manager at 685.7200
In addition, the City Council will consider approval of the FY2006/07 Midland Development Corporation (4a) Budget and the Midland Football/Soccer and Baseball Complex Development Corporation (4b) Budget. On June 30th, the 4a Board approved and adopted the annual revenue and expenditure budget of a balanced $5,021,800. On July 19th, the 4b Board approved and adopted the annual revenue and expenditure budget of a balanced $4,744,750. Each of these budgets requires Council approval. Media Contact: Bob McNaughton/Director of Finance at 685.721

GROUP A STREPTOCOCCUS

The Midland Health Department and the Texas Department of State Health Services (formerly the Texas Department of Health) has become aware of several local patients who have had invasive Group A Streptococcus infections. There have been six confirmed cases locally since mid-July—normally there are between 0 and 2 per year for the area and 246 per year recorded in the state. Because this number is higher than usual, health officials will investigate, but do not believe that an outbreak, epidemic, or the widespread occurrence of a disease exists. The situation calls for concern and precautions, not panic.

The Streptococcus A bacteria reside in approximately 15% of the United States population. Person-to-person contact allows transfer of mucus or droplets from the nose or throat. Most of the infections caused by Streptococcus A result in “strep throat” or impetigo. A few strains can invade to produce deep tissue infections, toxic shock syndrome, necrotizing fasciitis, organ failure and other life-threatening complications. Strep throat does not precede these invasive infections. Practically all Strep A infections respond to treatment started promptly.

Public health officials have not identified a common source of infection for the 6 cases, but continue to investigate the possibility. Five of the six patients reside in Midland County, and one resides in Upton County. None of the cases involve school age children.

Health officials offer the following precautionary recommendations:

keep hands clean. Hand washing with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer remains the most effective communicable disease control measure;
maintain good personal hygiene by not sharing drinks, utensils and toothbrushes;
seek medical help promptly for any infected skin wound or persistent fever;
avoid spreading droplets when coughing or sneezing; and
take any prescription antibiotic as instructed, and take all of it.

Please direct any questions to the Midland Health Department at 681.7613.

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