Council Approves FY 2010-2011 Budget

At the September 28 meeting, Council approved the final read of the FY 2010-2011 Annual Budget. This year’s assessed valuation comes in at 2.98% less than the previous year and the city’s sales tax revenues have remained flat. In preparation of the budget, City staff looked for efficiencies to continue the service delivery expectation of the community. The approved general fund budget reflects a 2.2% reduction compared to the previous year adopted budget, despite the addition of one full-time position and the upgrade of two part-time positions to full-time. Decreases in the services, supplies and capital categories more than offset an increase in personnel. No tax rate increase is proposed and the current tax rate of $.56963 has been maintained since 2000. Initiatives this year include continued support of the Community Policing model, the ongoing utilization of technology to facilitate resident access to information and program efficiencies, completion of the Municipal Service Center and the Robert & Lee DuVall Center, maintaining employee benefits and provide a modest salary increase to remain competitive and the continuation of the construction of trails and a master plan for development of Doubletree Ranch.

Also at this meeting Council appointed members to the City’s boards and commissions. Council appointed the following:

• Board of Ethics - Stephanie Askew, Virginia Walters and Heather Berner
• Media Communications Committee – Johnny Rae, Melissa Reddick
• Parks and Recreation Advisory Board – Kathy Hudson, Pam Beers, Kim Silva, Fred Busche, Michael Honeycutt
• Planning & Zoning Commission – Jim Spooner, Michelle Schwolert, Austin Adams
• Zoning Board of Adjustment – Gene Cherrnay, Richard Turner, Denice Thomas, Stan Lemko, Eliseu Batista
• Highland Village Community Development Corporation – Pat Falcon, Louis Robichaux, Kenneth Koonsman
• Animal Shelter Advisory Committee – John McGee

During the Mayor and Council comments, Mayor McDearmont invited businesses to attend the Highland Village Business Association Community Coffee on Thursday, October 7 at Rockfish Seafood Grill beginning at 8:00 a.m.

Michael Leavitt, during the City Manager report, informed residents of the Fall Clean Up scheduled for Saturday, October 16 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Copperas Branch Park. This event is an opportunity to dispose of household hazardous waste, electronic waste, batteries, paper to be shredded and tree and lawn clippings. The Clean Up is for Highland Village residents only – proof of residency is required. Details are available on the city website. Mr. Leavitt also invited residents to the Fall Festival on October 31 at Kids Kastle. The Fall Festival is a safe alternative for trick or treating and includes hot dogs and candy.

Mr. Leavitt also invited residents to attend the ribbon cutting for the opening of FM 2499 through Highland Village. The event will take place on Saturday, October 30 at 10:00 a.m. on FM 2499 just south of the second bridge and north of Orchid Hill Lane. TxDOT will open the road to the public later that afternoon.