August 14, 2007

PROPERTY TAX RATE LOWEST SINCE 1989
The Midland City Council today held the second and final public hearing regarding the proposed tax rate ordinance.  The first reading of the proposed tax rate ordinance will be considered and voted on at the August 21, 2007, City Council meeting.  A second and final reading will be held on August 28, 2007.

The proposed rate is a .0484 cent, 8.25%, decrease from the current rate of .5870.

The proposed tax rate, although a decrease, will increase the total tax revenues of the City from properties on the tax roll in the preceding year by 5.98 percent.

The proposed Ad Valorem Tax Rate of .5386 cents per $100 valuation is the lowest rate in Midland since 1989.

LAW ENFORCEMENT ACADEMY KICKS OFF
The Midland Police Department is among five departments in the area with recruits in the current Permian Basin Regional Law Enforcement Academy.  The class is one of the largest by number of enrolled. 

The media is invited to attend a defensive tactics session on Thursday, August 16, 2007, at 4:00 p.m. at the MPD Firing Range. 

There are 15 recruits in the academy.  Ten, eight men and two women, are attempting to become officers with the Midland Police Department.  Andrews, Lamesa, Big Spring, and Western Texas College all have an officer candidate going through the academy as well. 

The 18-week session kicked off on Monday, August 13.  The successful candidates are scheduled to graduate on December 14, 2007.

The academy includes a rigorous academic schedule, physical fitness, as well has defensive tactics training.  All are required to pass the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education exam at the end of the academy.  

The Midland Police Department currently has vacancies for 23 officers.  With the ten currently in the academy, plus three more potential certified officers interested in relocating to Midland, there are still ten more vacancies.  The MPD is currently working to test and fill spots for the next academy in February 2008.  

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