August 25 , 2008
FY 2008-2009 BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS
The Midland City Council gave final approval on Monday of the City of Midland FY2008-2009 Budget. The total amount is $167,374,477. The 2008-2009 Budget will go into effect on October 1, 2008.
The Budget contains many highlights including a decreased property tax rate of 5.27 cents less than the current rate/9.78% decrease per $100 valuation, market adjustments for city employees, technology and equipment upgrades, and additional personnel and program enhancements.
The Proposed General Fund Budget is a balanced budget of $80 million with Decreased property tax rate 48.59 cents per $100 valuation, with expenditures increasing $5,844,610/7.91%.
The current Ad Valorem Tax Rate will Decrease an estimated 5.27 cents to 48.59 cents per $100 valuation. The proposed rate would be the lowest tax rate in 20 years.
The City is projecting $24.23 million in Sales Tax Revenues. Compared to the FY08 estimated Sales Tax Revenue as of July 31, 2008, this is a 1.52% or $362,529 increase.
Expenditures in the proposed 2008-2009 General Fund Budget include a 5% broadband pay adjustment for City employees meeting progression criteria on October 1, 2008. There will be a 5% market adjustment to the public safety pay plans. The police department will add four new officers. In addition to the 5% market adjustment increase, 170 firefighters and 134 police officers will be eligible for consideration of an additional 5% step increase.
Overall, the expenditures for all operating funds in FY2009 are $167 million; this represents a 6.20% or $9,776,834 increase.
AUGUST 26th CITY COUNCIL MEETING
During an 8:30 a.m. briefing session, the City Council will discuss the status of the I-20 Wetlands Project. The Council will be updated on fundraising, timelines, and site development of the wildlife preserve. Friends of the I-20 Wetlands Preserve have received a grant from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Department in the amount of $75,000. The City will be asked to match that amount and future amounts through certificate of obligation bonds. Media Contact: Monette Burke/Director of Community Services at 685.7354
During the regular meeting, the Council will consider authorizing an agreement with the Commemorative Air Force for Airsho 2008. The annual event is scheduled for September 19 – 21, 2008. Media Contact: Marv Esterly/Director of Airports at 560.2200
Public safety portable and mobile radios will soon be upgraded. The Council will approve the appropriation of funds, $233,825 that will purchase the equipment. The funds will then be replaced by a COPS Technology grant when available in October. The upgrade to the next level will allow the city to gain significant capabilities without major costs. Sprint/Nextel is moving faster than the grant and approval of this item will allow the project to move forward. Media Contact: Chuck Gibson/Director of Communications and Information Systems at 685.7484
The Council will consider setting up a project fund with 2007 certificate of obligation bonds for improvements to the Sibley Nature Center. The $50,000 will help improve the entrance area, observation room, wildlife feeding area, outdoor classroom gazebo, storage building, specialty gardens, shade structures, and trail improvements. A matching grant from the Texas Recreation and Parks Outdoor Recreation Grant Program will provide the additional funding. Media Contact: Scott Swigert/Parks and Recreation Manager at 685.7370
The Council will consider entering into an agreement with a local builder for the construction and sale of workforce housing. The builder is constructing new dwelling units for sale throughout various neighborhoods in Midland. Incentives to the builder include $1,700 per home sold. Workforce housing includes homes priced $82,000 - $165,000. In return, the City’s tax rolls will be increased by approximately $610 each year per house. The agreement helps meet the need for affordable housing in Midland by encouraging builders to construct homes in this price range.
STRUCTURE FIRE
Midland Fire Department units responded to a structure fire this morning, August 25, 2008, at approximately 7:30 a.m. at 5510 N. Midland Drive.
First arriving units were on scene reported the structure to be 50% involved in fire. The residence is a two-story wood frame residential single-family dwelling.
A total of 12 fire departments units responded: four engines, one ladder truck, two ambulances, one command vehicle, one rescue vehicle, and three investigations vehicles. The fire was reported under control at 8:47 a.m. The residence is considered a total loss. One occupant was home when the fire was discovered.
Midland Fire Department investigators indicated the fire started in a dry sauna unit located on the back patio. Fire traveled into the residence through an open patio door.
No injuries were reported to fire officials. The precise cause of the fire is still under investigation.
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