The Weatherford City Council went through a short but weighty agenda at its Sept. 10 meeting, approving a budget and tax rate for the coming year, and authorizing a major development agreement.
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a tax rate of .3984, a slight decrease from the 2023 rate. However, because of rising property values, the new rate would add about $37 per year to the average homeowner’s tax bill.
The council also approved the budget for the coming fiscal year.
Dawn Brooks, Chief Financial Officer for the city, said the new budget anticipates revenues of about $77.5 million in the coming year, with expenses totaling about $77.6 million. The city has about 124 days’ of operating reserves.
The council approved a development agreement with Retail Partners, LLC for a 7.9-acre tract of land at the corner of Interstate-20 and Center Point Road. Retail Partners has agreed to close on the land, zone, plat, and annex into the City of Weatherford. The developer will receive a sales tax rebate of 70% not to exceed specified amount for a period not to exceed five years. In exchange, Capital Partners will make a capital investment of at least $20 million.
In other business, the council approved new water, sewer, and electric rates that will go into effect Oct. 1. Residential and commercial water rates will gradually rise yearly until 2028 under the new plan; and updated building permit fees.
At the beginning of the meeting, City Council Member Luke Williams read a proclamation honoring John Hale.
Hale served in the U.S. Army from 1962 to 1967 and then initially served as a history teacher before joining the Texas Department of Protective Services in 1975, where he dedicated 23 years to investigating cases of child abuse, neglect, and elder abuse.
In 2003 Hale became office manager for precinct four, later becoming a county mail carrier and additionally Veteran Services Officer in 2012. He served veterans and their families as a member of the American Legion post 163 and a Disabled American Veterans, contributing significantly to veteran causes during the time. He has received numerous awards for his service to veterans.
Council member Zack Smith read a mayor’s proclamation designating Sept. 17-23 as Constitution Week in the City of Weatherford. Stepping forward for the proclamation were members of the local Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).
The DAR distributed about 2,000 Constitution booklets to fifth graders all over Parker County in honor of Constitution Week. They rang bells at City Hall on Sept. 17 at 3 p.m. in honor of Constitution Day. Bells rang from the churches in Philadelphia after the Constitution was signed in Independence Hall on September 17, 1787. People heard the bells and knew that it was completed. Since that day, it has been a tradition to ring the bells in honor of the Constitution at 3 p.m.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here