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Posted on: August 25, 2022

Shenandoah City Council Meeting August 24, 2022 Update

Supporting Documents for Agenda Items can be found HERE.

Proposed 2022-2023 Annual Operating Budget

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Attendance: Present: Mayor John Escoto, Mayor Pro Tem Charlie Bradt (Position 4), Mike McLeod (Position 5), Jim Pollard (Position 3) Ted Fletcher (Position 2) and Ron Raymaker (Position 1)

ITEM 6: Municipal Development District (MDD) Monthly Report - No action required; report only.

ITEM 7: Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Proclamation- Members of the Daughters of the American Revolution honor and preserve the legacy of our patriot ancestors. Over 200 years ago, American patriots fought and sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy today. September 17, 2022 marks the 235th anniversary of the framing of the Constitution of the United States of America by the Constitutional Convention. The Twin Creeks chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, located in the City of Shenandoah, requested a proclamation designating September 17 through 23 as Constitution Week. No action required; Proclamation presented.

ITEM 8: William C. Ferebee Day Proclamation - June 10, 2022 marked the 45th anniversary of William C. Ferebee (Bill) becoming a licensed attorney. Bill was appointed as City Attorney in 2010 and has continued to serve the City well over the last 12 years. We would like to acknowledge his commitment and celebrate his accomplishment by designating June 10, 2022 as William C. Ferebee Day in the City. No action required; proclamation presented.

ITEM 9: Homestead Exemption Increase - At a previous Council meeting, recent appraisals and homestead exemptions were discussed along with ideas for providing some tax relief to residents. CouncilmemberMcLeod asked that a resolution supporting an increase to the current maximum 20% homestead exemption be brought to Council and sent to the state for consideration. Council voted 5-0 to approve the resolution.

ITEM 10:Montgomery County Emergency Communications District (MCECD) Board - A vacant position on the Board of Managers of the Montgomery County Emergency Communication District expires on September 30. The Mayor of each city in the county submits a name to be considered for placement on the ballot. Council, acting as a body, then takes action by casting a vote for the candidate of their choice. Of the three nominated, Kathie Reyer received 4 of the 6 nominations. Council voted 5-0 to cast their vote for Reyer for the position.

ITEM 11: Equipment Replacement Fund Purchases for Technology - The technology department has requested approval for replacement of four network switches and the replacement of one environmental monitoring and alert device for the server room. The network switches are at least 7 years old, and the alert device is at least 10 years old. Cost is $10,700. Council voted 5-0 to approve the replacements.

ITEM 12: Public Hearing on 2022-20234 Annual Operating Budget - The budget must be approved before the vote on the 2022 tax rate. Opened at 7:24 pm and closed at 7:42 pm with one speaker. Council voted 5-0 to approve the 2022-2023 Operating Budget.

ITEM 13: Adoption of the 2022-20234 Annual Operating Budget - The budget must be approved before the vote on the 2022 tax rate. Council voted 5-0 to approve the 2022-2023 Operating Budget.

ITEM 14: Tax Rate Adoption, M&O - Per the Truth in Taxation law, Council must adopt, by resolution, the annual Ad Valorem Tax Rate (property taxes). The tax rate consists of two components: Maintenance and Operations (M&O) and Debt Service. The Maintenance and Operations tax rate of $0.0082/$100 valuation will raise more taxes for maintenance and operations than last year’s tax rate and is based on the total tax rate of $0.1477/$100 as proposed by Council. It was recommended Council adopt the M&O Ad Valorem Tax Rate of $0.0082/$100 valuation. Council voted 5-0 to approve the M&O tax rate of $0.0082/$100 valuation.

ITEM 15: Tax Rate Adoption, Debt Service - Per the Truth in Taxation law, Council must adopt, by resolution, the annual Ad Valorem Tax Rate (property taxes). The tax rate consists of two components: Maintenance and Operations (M&O) and Debt Service. It was recommended that Council adopt the Debt Service Rate of $0.1395/$100 valuation. Council voted 5-0 to approve the Debt Service tax rate of $0.1395/$100 valuation.

ITEM 16: Approval of Minutes of June 22 and July 13 - Council voted 5-0 to approve the minutes as presented.

ITEM 17: Ratification of July Accounts Payable - Council voted 5-0 to ratify the accounts payable.

City Attorney Updates

None

City Administrator Updates

The wetlands permits for the David Memorial extension have been received.
The Holly Hill Trails Park will officially open September 1.

Executive Session: Started 8:02 pm; ended 9:05 pm

According to the Texas Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551 of Government Code as follows:

Government Code Sec. §551.087 Deliberation Regarding Economic Development Negotiation
- Certificate of Convenience and Necessity
Government Code Sec. §551.071 Consultation with Attorney Pending Litigation
- Powell Lawsuit

Consideration and, if determined appropriate, take action resulting from the item(s) listed under Executive Session.

No action was taken in the meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 pm.