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Item 1 - Call to Order
The City Council of the City of Wichita Falls, Texas, met in regular session at 8:30 a.m.
on the above date in the Council Chambers at Memorial Auditorium with the following
members present.
Stephen Santellana - Mayor
Bobby Whiteley - Mayor Pro Tem/At-Large
Tim Brewer - Councilors
Jeff Browning -
Steve Jackson -
Larry Nelson -
Michael Smith -
Darron Leiker - City Manager
Kinley Hegglund - City Attorney
Marie Balthrop - City Clerk
Mayor Santellana called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m.
Item 2a — Invocation
Pastor Don Stribling, New Hope Presbyterian Church, gave the invocation.
Item 2b — Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Santellana led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Item 3 — Resolution 70-2022
8:33 a.m.
Resolution approving a general plan for the future appropriations of the City's
approximately $29.1M in allocated federal funds via the American Rescue Plan Act
(ARPA), and directing City staff to develop recommended approaches to implement the
programs and projects therein.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Resolution 70-2022
Motion seconded by Councilor Smith.
Jessica Williams, Director of Finance/CFO discussed ARPA funding, approved uses,
timelines to commit the funds and complete projects, and presented a list of proposed
projects.
Brief discussion was held regarding the rules, eligible projects, requirement of future
Council action, other allocation requests, and contingency funds to cover possible
changes in project costs. Results of the community survey were presented, and there
was brief discussion regarding the transparency of the process, and the various public
input opportunities. Staff and Council discussed the possibility of funding some projects
through grants, fund balance, or the normal budgeting process.
Motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Jackson, Nelson, Smith, and
Whiteley
Nays: None
Item 4 — Announcements concerning items of community interest from members
of the City Council. No action will be taken or discussed.
9:07 a.m.
Councilor Smith discussed non-profits and the services they provide, and thanked all non-
profits that serve our community, and especially for the services provided during COVID.
Councilor Nelson asked about the bus shelters. John Burrus, Director of Aviation, Traffic,
and Transportation, stated that the materials are in, and they are working on getting them
built. Councilor Nelson asked about the Safe Cam program, and Chief Borrego stated
that it is an opportunity for the Police Department to know which homes have security
cameras. The Police Department will not be accessing people's cameras, and would only
asked to view footage if it is needed for an investigation.
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June 14, 2022
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Item 5 — Comments from the Public to Members of the City Council Concerning
Items That Are Not on the City Council Agenda
9:10 a.m.
There were no comments from citizens.
Item 6 — Pre-Budget Workshop for Fiscal Year 2022-2023
9:11 a.m.
Mr. Leiker discussed the additional time built into the budget calendar to allow for
additional review and input. He asked Council to remember that these numbers are
based on preliminary property valuations, are a snapshot in time, and are subject to
change. There was brief discussion regarding the difference in property tax valuations,
tax rates, city revenue caps, and the 10% cap on taxable valuation increases. Mr. Leiker
encouraged the public to contact the City, County, or School for tax rate question and to
contact the Wichita Appraisal District for any valuation questions.
Ms. Williams presented an overview of the General Fund, Water/Sewer Fund, Sanitation
Fund, and other funds for the 2022-2023 proposed budget. She discussed the budget
process and timeline, additional time built into the budget calendar, COVID recovery,
increased inflation, increased interest rates, economic uncertainty, fund balance policy
recommendations, and sales tax projections.
Discussion was held regarding the uncertainty of the national economy, possible effects
on sales tax, property tax values, how our tax rate and valuation compare with other cities,
and the effects of Senate Bill 2 on property tax revenues and caps. Mr. Leiker discussed
how although our tax rate may be higher, our assessed valuations are lower, and the
overall tax levy is below all of our comparable cities. Lower valuations are partly due to
a lower industrial and manufacturing values.
Mayor Santellana recessed the meeting for a break at 9:56 a.m.
Council returned to open session at 10:15 a.m.
Ms. Williams discussed additional labor cost considerations and a possible Cost of Living
Adjustment of 2.5% and a Merit Increase of 2.5%.
Christi Klyn, Director of Human Resources, discussed the 2021 pay study
recommendations, what our benchmark cities are proposing, the Bureau Labor Statistics
information, and the recommendation to complete comprehensive pay studies every five
to eight years. Ms. Klyn discussed the Economic Consumer Index (ECI) and how that
information is used to make pay recommendations to stay competitive and address
inflation. She discussed the history of STEP and COLA increases, the implementation of
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June 14, 2022
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the MAG study, and stated most benchmark cities are proposing increases between 3-
5%.
Ms. Williams discussed current water rates, comparison to other cities, the increase in
expenditures due to increased costs in supplies and chemicals, requested capital needs,
and how there has not been an increase in water rates over the past eight years. A cost
of service and retail rate study shows that a rate increase may be needed and the fund
balance policy may need to be increased. The recommended increase in water rates is
9%, which would increase an average bill by $5.27 per month.
Paul Menzies, Assistant City Manager, discussed possible increases in Development
Services fees, due to the cost of service study being completed.
Council was encouraged to contact staff to provide feedback or answer any questions
they may have.
Item 7 — Executive Session
City Council adjourned into Executive Session at 11:32 a.m. in accordance with Texas
Government Code §551.074.
City Council reconvened at 12:34 p.m.
Mayor Santellana reconvened in open session and announced that no votes or polls were
taken.
Item 8 —Adjourn
Mayor Santellana adjourned the meeting at 12:34 p.m.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 21st day of June 2022.
jr44—
Stephen Santellana, Mayor
ATTEST:
14AL
Marie Balthrop, TRM , MMC
City Clerk
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
June 14, 2022
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