Supporting Documents for Agenda Items can be found HERE.
2023 – 2024 Proposed Operating Budget latest version with all proposed changes and a $0.1449 tax rate
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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: Presentation by Representative Steve Toth - Representative Toth gave Council an update on the recent legislative actions that impact Texas residents. Toth spoke about efforts to help homeowners through an increase in the homestead exemptions, promising to continue his fight to help Texas taxpayers. He asked for support to help close the border. Toth discussed mobility issues planned for the Montgomery County area which is being impacted by growth throughout the county. He reminded Council and county residents that his office is always interested in issues impacting them and willing to help with solutions. No Council action required; update only.
ITEM 7: Public Hearing for the 2023-34 Operating Budget - The budget must be approved before the vote for the 2023 tax rate. There were no comments presented. No Council action needed; public hearing only.
ITEM 8: Adoption of the 2023-24 Operating Budget - Council voted 5-0 to approve the 2023-24 Operating Budget.
ITEM 9:2023 Ad Valorem Tax Rate for Maintenance and Operation (M&O) - The Maintenance and Operations tax rate of $0.0250/$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 $0.1449/$100 as proposed by Council. These funds can be used for Maintenance and Operations . Council voted 5-0 to set the M&O tax rate at $0.0250.
ITEM 10: 2023 Ad Valorem Tax Rate for Debt Services - The Debt Service tax rate of $0.1199/$100 valuation is also based on the total tax rate of $0.1449/$100 as proposed by Council. These funds can only be used toward debt service obligations. Council voted 5-0 to set the debt service tax at $0.1199.
ITEM 11: Creation of Investment Pool Accounts with TexSTAR & LOGIC - With the recent increase in interest rates, staff met with an investment representative from Hilltop Securities to learn about additional investment opportunities. Our current investment policy is restricted to three (3) types of investment types and investment pools is one of the approved investments. The city currently uses Texpool and Texpool Prime for investments and recently started to capitalize on higher interest rates, but it is always good to diversify the city’s investment portfolio to take advantage of higher yields when available. These investment pools will be in addition to Texpool and will be reviewed daily to ensure the city is utilizing the best option. Council voted 5-0 to approve TexSTAR and LOGIC as additional investment opportunities.
ITEM 12: Amendment to Professional Services Agreement with Bleyl Engineering - The David Memorial roadway extension project requires lab testing for the subgrade and road/bridge testing. A revised proposal was recently received due to the removal of the portion of the roadway in the city limits of Conroe. Terracon will act as a sub-consultant for Bleyl Engineering. Council voted 5-0 to approve the amendment.
ITEM 13: Award for the WWTP Interim Phase Improvements Project. - The city received four bids for the WWTP Improvement project on July 18, 2023. The lowest bid from JTR Constructors has been negotiated down to $7,827,704.75. This bid was greater than the estimated construction cost and proposed funding. The project bids have been submitted to the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) for review and they have given their approval to award the project to JTR Constructors. The Municipal Development District will be discussing the option to delay or waive the city’s responsibility to reimburse the $500,000 borrowed for the initial preliminary engineering report, design, and loan application at their meeting on September 27, 2023. Council voted 5-0 to award the bid.
City Attorney Updates
City Administrator Updates
- David Memorial extension construction is set to start later this week or early next week.
- Tamina Project Phase I is set to begin September 25 and is expected to take up to 60 days to complete.
Executive Session: Started 8:03 p.m. Ended 9:01 p.m.
According to the Texas Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551 of the Government Code as follows:
- Government Code Sec. §551.074 Personnel Matters
- City Administrator Evaluation
Consideration and, if determined appropriate, take action resulting from the item(s) listed under Executive Session.
No action was taken in the Executive Session.
After returning to the open session, Councilmember Mike McLeod made a motion to raise the city administrator's salary by 2%; Councilmember Bradt seconded the motion. Council voted 4-1 to approve the raise. (Raymaker voted nay)
The meeting was adjourned at 9:01 p.m.
Upcoming Events/Meetings;'
September 19: Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z), 6 p.m.
September 27: Municipal Development District (MDD), 6 p.m.
September 27: City Council, 7 p.m.
September 28: Cybersecurity Workshop, 6:30 p.m., Community Room
October 2: National Night Out, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m., City Park