August 28, 2007

AUGUST 28th CITY COUNCIL MEETING

• The City Council will consider accepting a grant for Homeland Security.  The grant is an adjustment to a previous grant, the Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program portion, the 2006 Homeland Security Grant.  The adjustment increases the funding from $200,606 to $429,500.  The funds will help in the purchase of computers and other equipment as well as facilitate necessary training. Media Contact: Russ Conley/Fire Chief at 685.7330
• The Council will also consider accepting the FY2008 Victim Coordinator and Liaison Grant.  The City will receive $35,880 to maintain one civilian Victim Assistance Liaison position.  In the later part of 1989, State law mandated that all local law enforcement agencies designate an individual to serve as a representative to consult with the Texas Attorney General to ensure victims, guardians, of victims, or relatives of deceased victims were afforded the rights granted to them.  The MPD Liaison has been in place since 2002 and works with victims of family violence, sexual assault, and a number of other crimes.   Media Contact: Chief Price Robinson/Interim Police Chief at 685.7593
• During a scheduled public hearing, the Council will consider a request by the Burton Hotel Group for a zone change.  The zone change is from a PD, Planned District for a Shopping Center, to an Amended Planned District.  This would allow for the construction of two hotels near the area of the Scharbauer Sports Complex.  One hotel, the Sleep Inn and Suites, would have 71 units.  The other future hotel site has plans for 90 units.  Media Contact: Cameron Walker/Planning Manager at 685.7405

CITY COUNCIL APPROVES FY07-08 BUDGET
The Midland City Council gave final approval of the 2007-2008 Budget during today’s City Council Meeting.  The 2007-2008 Budget will go into effect on October 1, 2007.

The Budget contains many highlights including a decrease in the property tax rate of 4.84 cent, market adjustments for city employees, decreased employee insurance costs, and additional personnel and program enhancements.

The Proposed General Fund Budget is a balanced budget of $70 million with decreased property tax rate 53.86 cents per $100 valuation, with expenditures increasing $5,779,906/9.00%. 

The current Ad Valorem Tax Rate will decrease an estimated 4.84 cents to 53.86 cents per $100 valuation.  The new rate will be the lowest in Midland since 1989.

The City is projecting $21.82 million in Sales Tax Revenues.  Compared to the FY07 estimated Sales Tax Revenue as of June 30, 2007, this is a 2.89% or $612,426 increase. 

Expenditures in the proposed 2007-2008 General Fund Budget include a 5% broadband pay adjustment for City employees meeting progression criteria on October 1, 2007.  There will be a 5% market adjustment to the police pay plan. The majority of officers, 130, 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 5% market adjustment.  In addition, 95 firefighters will be eligible for consideration of an additional 5% step increase.  The city will also contribute an additional 1.2% to the Fireman’s Retirement Fund.

Overall, the expenditures for all operating funds in FY2008 are $151 million; this represents a 6.43% or $9,098,885 increase.

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