City council proposes 68.77¢ tax rate
Albany city council members worked through several significant agenda items during a meeting on Friday morning, Aug. 17, including proposing a tax rate and setting dates for two required public hearings.
The session had been postponed from its regular time on the second Monday of the month so that more council members could be present.
The elected officials also approved an annexation agreement with Clarke Estate Development.
Low Water Crossing
City manager Billy Holson gave an update this week on the low water crossing on Baird Street, which he had hoped would be completed by the end of this week.
Because of Sunday night’s storm, the contractor was unable to pour concrete on Tuesday.
Holson anticipates that the portion of the street between Hwy. 180W and Rambler will be reopened by Monday or Tuesday of next week.
Tax Rate Proposal
The proposed tax rate of 68.77 cents is the same as last year, but about 3.3 percent higher than the effective tax rate of 66.59 cents.
It is calculated to generate additional revenue of $15,695, or a total tax levy of $495,111.
“Values are up a little, but according to the tax office, most of that increase is commercial,” said Holson. “I don’t want to go up more than last year’s rate, but we could use some extra revenue for infrastructure.”
After agreeing unanimously to propose the same rate of 68.77 cents, council members decided on dates for the two hearings that are required if entities propose rates above the effective rate – Thursday, Aug. 30 at 7:00 p.m. and Thursday, Sept. 6, also at 7:00 p.m.
The council hopes to adopt the proposed rate at the next meeting after the Sept. 6 hearing.
Annexation Plans
With little discussion, the council approved the annexation agreement for “Albany Phase I” of the Clarke Estate Development on the city’s east side.
Also adopted was the Phase I annexation ordinance, including approval of the service plan for the annexed area.
The city’s next step is to start working with engineers on the infrastructure plans for the 160-acre development, Holson said.
The city will probably spend about $150,000 on the infrastructure, with the Economic Development Committee (EDC) pledging $250,000.
Both funding proposals must be approved by the council, and will probably be reviewed at the September meeting.
Hazard Mitigation
Jay Hardaway of H2O Partners, representing the West Central Texas Council of Governments, presented a 600-page document to be considered for the required Hazard Mitigation Plan Update.
The city’s plan must be updated every five years.
Hardaway, who works with a number of surrounding communities, made the comment that he “has yet to have a city in this area that is as responsive as Albany is.”
The draft was approved, but will not be formally adopted until feedback is received from all entities in Region 2, and it has been submitted to the state and to FEMA.
Grant Proposal
Holson was authorized to start the process of applying for a Community Development Block Grant in the next cycle.
The city manager hopes to obtain one of the competitive grants for street work and sewer improvements, primarily in the northwest part of the city.
