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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/08/1988 - Special Minutes City Council MINUTES CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1988 5:30 P.M. COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ringer, Councilmembers Brown, Gardner, McIlhaney, Haddox, Schneider, Birdwell STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Ragland, Assistant to the City Manager Piwonka, Finance Director Harrison, Budget Director Schroeder, Public Utilities Director Woody, City Attorney Locke, Council Coordinator Hooks VISITORS PRESENT: See guest register. Agenda Item No. 1 - A public hearing on proposal to increase the tax rate (setting the 1988 tax rate at $.3925/$100 of valuation). Mayor Ringer opened the public hearing. Mr. Ramiro Galindo spoke to the Council. Mr. Galindo offered the council an idea he hoped would perhaps eliminate the need to raise taxes. His suggestion was to pass an ordinance requiring resi- dents to separate aluminum products from household trash. This proposal would generate a source of income which would cut down on solid waste disposal costs. He added that it would also save the city money and landfill space. Councilman Haddox asked if he could provide any estimates on revenue received. Mr. Galindo replied that a private company could make $60,000 profit on the basis of $.50 per pound. Mr. Chuck Allen, President of the Bryan/College Station Apartment Association, 100 W. Brookside, Bryan, addressed the Council. He introduced Ms. Barbara Jones, apartment manager of Doux Chene Apartments, who presented a report to the Council showing how the tax rate would affect apartment communities. She explained that the proposed tax rate would cost her business an extra $525 a year in taxes. Ms. Jones emphasized that the Council include apartment complex owners in the budget hearings and asked that the City show an interest in working with the apartment association during this slow economic time. ~ITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING YHURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1988 Page 2 Councilman Birdwell pointed out that paying for drainage by ad valorem taxes instead of assessments would save apartments money. Further discussion was held. Mayor Ringer closed the public hearing. Agenda Item No. 2 - Consideration of a date of the meetin~ at Which the ordinance adopting the 1988 tax rate will be considered. Mayor Ringer suggested that the date for the formal adoption of the tax rate be held on Wednesday, September 21st. He stated that the City Manager would like guidance from the Council as to set- ting the tax rate and other items relating to the budget, in order that staff can begin preparing the ordinances according to the Council's desires. This does not mean changes cannot be made at the next meetings. Councilman Brown emphasized that "a tax increase is a tax increase and all it's going to do is send a shock wave through the community." He emphasized that now is not the economic time to make changes. Councilman Haddox stated that there may be another equitable way to look at the drainage assessment charge. Councilman Gardner commented that the property tax increase will actually save taxpayers money in the long run and will be more equitable. He urged the Council to support the tax increase. Councilman Birdwell pointed out that if changes are authorized, then the staff should wait until the first of January to change the billing program. He does not believe the reprogramming aspect should be considered at this time. Also, he again emphasized that most homeowners will save money. Councilman McIlhaney suggested that the Council keep the 70-cent monthly drainage assessment and if the Council feels strongly enough about placing the fee into the general fund, then this is- sue should be made a council priority for next year. Councilman Haddox pointed out his concern about the continuing increase of the general fund. Mr. Galindo addressed the Council. Mayor Ringer indicated that the city's tax rate as compared to many other cities is very low. 73 CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1988 Page 3 Councilman Schneider, commenting on three areas, stated that 1) timing for a tax increase is poor; 2) council should look into the proper route for assessment fees; and, 3) there may be other ways to address the tax increase issues. Mayor Ringer addressed Mr. Galindo's requests concerning the issue of separating household garbage and aluminum. He noted that it might be a worthwhile project for staff to investigate. Councilman Birdwell moved to approve Wednesday, September 21st as the date to vote on the tax rate. Councilman Brown seconded the motion which carried unanimously, 7-0. Mayor Ringer indicated that the City Manager is willing to allocate monies from this year's contingency fund to purchase a book drop and payment for additional staff time. The total request is for $4137.00. Aqenda Item No. 3 - Adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 6:25 p.m. ATTEST: Dian' Jo~sJ-City Secretary AP PROVE D: ,f GUEST REGISTER CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1988 5:30 P.M. 10. 11. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18.