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Min 09/02/2025 City of Wichita Falls City Council Meeting .....� Minutes �� � � Nj \1;11)/C411:1 September 2, 2025 9dMt r'� TEXAS 4 ,f ',^er Rime-Skres Glades-Oipaftcrniyres +L Item 1 - Call to Order The City Council of the City of Wichita Falls, Texas, met in a regular session at 8:40 a.m. on the above date in the Seminar Room at the MPEC with the following members present. Tim Short - Mayor Austin Cobb - At-Large Whitney Flack - District 1 Jeff Browning - District 3/ Mayor Pro Tem Mike Battaglino - District 4 Tom Taylor - District 5 Jeffery Jenkins - City Manager Kinley Hegglund - City Attorney Marie Balthrop - City Clerk Absent: Robert Brooks, District 2 Mayor Short called the meeting to order at 8:40 a.m. Item 2a — Invocation Pastor Caleb Carmichael, Grace Church, gave the invocation. Item 2b — Pledge of Allegiance Mayor Short led the Pledge of Allegiance. Item 3a — Employee of the Month — Joshua Berry, Fire Department Mayor Short recognized Joshua Berry, Fire Department, Employee of the Month for September 2025, and shared a brief video. He congratulated Mr. Berry, presented him with a plaque, a letter of appreciation, dinner for two, and a check, and thanked him for his service. Item 3b — Proclamation — All-A-Round CleanUp Month, Midas Touch Ministries Corporation Mayor Short read a proclamation proclaiming September 2025 as All-A-Round CleanUp Month in Wichita Falls, TX. Item 3c — Proclamation — Texoma Serves Day, JustServe Mayor Short read a proclamation proclaiming September 13, 2025, as Texoma Serves Day in Wichita Falls, TX. Item 4 — Comments from Citizens David Coleman, 3719 Cedar Elm Lane, Chairman of Hotter 'N Hell, reported that over 3,000 volunteers and 7,500 participants registered for the events. He noted numerous positive comments regarding the community's hospitality and recognized City employees who volunteered or participated. He commended all City staff and departments for their assistance in making the event a success. Mr. Coleman emphasized that the event represents determination, perseverance, and achievement, and recognized Councilor Battaglino for his perseverance in completing the Quadzilla, and presented him with an award. Item 5-7 — Consent Items Marie Balthrop, City Clerk, gave a briefing on the items listed under the Consent Agenda. Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve the consent agenda. The motion was seconded by Browning with no comments or questions from the public, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Brooks, Browning, Cobb, Flack, and Taylor. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES September 2, 2025 Page 2 Nays: None Item 5 — Approval of minutes of the August 12, 2025, Regular Meeting of the Mayor and City Council. Item 6— Resolution 104-2025 Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents for a contract with Marrs Patriot Construction, LLC, in the amount of $188,747, for the construction of a new restroom addition at the north quadrant of the newly renovated Sports Complex located at 1702 Sheppard Access Road. Item 7 — Receive Minutes (a) Animal Services Advisory Committee, April 4, 2025 (b) Wichita Falls Economic Development Corporation, May 15, 2025 (c) Planning and Zoning Commission, July 9, 2025 Item 8a — Public Hearing on the Fiscal Year 2026 Proposed Tax Rate Mayor Short opened the public hearing at 8:57 a.m. Stephen Calvert, CFO/Director of Finance, reviewed the budget timeline and proposed budget highlights, including a reduction in the property tax rate from $0.6848 to $0.6825, enhancements in employee pay and benefits, and the commitment of $45.8 million for capital expenditures, with reserves allocated for public safety facilities. He emphasized that the budget maintains disciplined financial management and a strong financial position. Mr. Calvert discussed the no-new-revenue rate of $0.662791 and the voter- approval rate of $0.708873, noting the proposed rate is lower than both the current and voter-approval rates. He also noted that all state-mandated postings and publications were completed to ensure transparency and accountability, and highlighted that the proposed rate is the second lowest in more than a decade, with the City maintaining a low tax levy per capita. Councilor Browning expressed concern regarding lowering the tax rate while increasing employee pay and questioned the potential impact on the City's future financial options and stability. Mr. Calvert stated that the changes were made responsibly, supported by debt retirement and the use of reserves for one-time capital improvements. He noted that potential legislative changes could present future challenges, but emphasized that the unused increment provides flexibility in future years. He reiterated that the City is in a strong CITY COUNCIL MINUTES September 2, 2025 Page 3 financial position and that staff will continue focusing on long-term sustainability under new legislative restraints. Councilor Battaglino asked Mr. Calvert to discuss the tax levy per capita. Mr. Calvert stated that the per capita rate is the average amount of taxes paid per citizen. Mayor Short reiterated that we are lowering the property tax rate and that the City has no control over appraisals, the County, or the ISD. Councilor Browning asked how new legislation with S.B. 10 would affect the City. Mr. Jenkins reported that the Legislature is considering lowering the property tax cap, with the House version proposing a 1% cap with a public safety exception and the Senate version proposing a 2.5% cap without exceptions, both reduced from the current 3.5%. He noted no compromise has been reached and the bill has been referred to committee, with a decision expected by the end of the week. He emphasized the importance of ongoing discussions on fiscal sustainability and continuing to communicate the City's story to highlight the potential impacts of the legislation. Mayor Short reiterated that the City is in an excellent financial state, which allows us to lower the tax rate. Councilor Taylor thanked Mr. Calvert and the staff for their work and for educating the Council on the changes that impact our citizens. There were no comments from the public. Mayor Short closed the public hearing at 9:07 a.m. Item 8b — Ordinance 43-2025 Ordinance adopting the annual budget for the fiscal year beginning October 1 , 2025, and ending September 30, 2026, and appropriating the various amounts thereof. Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve Ordinance 43-2025. The motion was seconded by Councilor Cobb and, with no comments or questions from the public, carried by the following record vote: Councilor Cobb - Aye Councilor Flack - Aye Councilor Browning - Aye CITY COUNCIL MINUTES September 2, 2025 Page 4 Councilor Taylor - Aye Councilor Battaglino - Aye Mayor Short - Aye Item 8c — Ordinance 44-2025 Ordinance levying, assessing, and fixing the tax rate for the use and support of the Wichita Falls Municipal Government and providing for the Interest and Sinking Fund for the 2026 fiscal year. Moved by Councilor Battaglino that the property tax rate be increased by the adoption of a tax rate of $0.682500, which is effectively a 2.97% increase in the tax rate. The motion was seconded by Councilor Browning and, with no comments or questions from the public, carried by the following record vote: Councilor Cobb - Aye Councilor Flack - Aye Councilor Browning - Aye Councilor Taylor - Aye Councilor Battaglino - Aye Mayor Short - Aye Item 8d — Ordinance 45-2025 Ordinance ratifying the increase in property tax revenue as reflected in the Annual Budget for the fiscal year beginning October 1 , 2025, and ending September 30, 2026. Moved by Councilor Battaglino to adopt this budget that will raise more total property taxes than last year's budget by $1 ,754,382 or a 3.39% increase, and of that amount $486,514 is tax revenue to be raised from new property added to the tax roll this year. The motion was seconded by Councilor Cobb and, with no comments or questions from the public, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Browning, Cobb, Flack, and Taylor. Nays: None CITY COUNCIL MINUTES September 2, 2025 Page 5 Item 8e — Ordinance 46-2025 Ordinance adopting the Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan for the fiscal year beginning October 1 , 2025, and ending September 30, 2030. Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve Ordinance 46-2025. The motion was seconded by Councilor Taylor and, with no comments or questions from the public, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Browning, Cobb, Flack, and Taylor. Nays: None Item 8f— Ordinance 47-2025 Ordinance replacing Ordinance No. 50-2024 that was amended by Ordinance No. 24- 2025, the fee schedule applied to City operations; providing for severability; providing that such ordinance shall not be codified; and providing an effective date. Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve Ordinance 47-2025. The motion was seconded by Councilor Taylor and, with no comments or questions from the public, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Browning, Cobb, Flack, and Taylor. Nays: None Item 8q — Ordinance 48-2025 Ordinance adopting the meet and confer agreement between the City of Wichita Falls and Wichita Falls Police Officers Association, pursuant to Chapter 143 of the Texas Local Government Code. Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve Ordinance 48-2025. The motion was seconded by Councilor Taylor and, with no comments or questions from the public, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Browning, Cobb, Flack, and Taylor. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES September 2, 2025 Page 6 Nays: None Item 9 — Resolution 105-2025 Resolution of the City Council of the City of Wichita Falls, Texas, approving a negotiated settlement between the Atmos Cities Steering Committee ("ACSC") and Atmos Energy Corp., Mid-Tex Division regarding the Company's 2025 Rate Review Mechanism Filing; declaring existing rates to be unreasonable; adopting tariffs that reflect rate adjustments consistent with the negotiated settlement; finding the rates to be set by the attached settlement tariffs to be just and reasonable and in the public interest; approving an attached exhibit establishing a benchmark for pensions and retiree medical benefits; approving an attached exhibit regarding amortization of regulatory liability; requiring the company to reimburse ACSC's reasonable ratemaking expenses; determining that this resolution was passed in accordance with the requirements of the Texas Open Meetings Act; adopting a savings clause; declaring an effective date; and requiring delivery of this resolution to the company and the ACSC's legal counsel. Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve Resolution 105-2025. The motion was seconded by Councilor Taylor. Pam Hughes Pak, Manager of Public Affairs at Atmos Energy, presented a City profile and explained the rate-setting process, noting that Atmos is audited annually by the Railroad Commission, after which settlement negotiations are conducted through the ACSC Attorney. She reported that Atmos has invested $69,746,656 in capital improvements since 2020, including $14,015,869 in the past year. Atmos serves 24,408 customers in Wichita Falls, an increase of more than 1 ,000 since 2024, and employs 64 people at the Wichita Falls Service Center. She stated Atmos' goal of being a top-rated employer, highlighted workforce recruitment with above-average pay and benefits, and noted that the company contracts with local businesses, contributing to the City's tax revenue and local economy. Atmos also donated $317,000 in the past year to benefit Wichita County. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Browning, Cobb, Flack, and Taylor. Nays: None Item 10a — Staff Reports, City Manager CITY COUNCIL MINUTES September 2, 2025 Page 7 Mr. Jenkins provided an update on S.B. 10, noting the differences between the Senate version proposing a 2.5% cap and the House version proposing a 1% cap with a public safety exception, and a possible conference committee to reconcile the differences. He emphasized that Texas is the only state where cities are not directly funded by the state, making financial flexibility essential. He stated that Home Rule Charters were created to provide such flexibility, and cautioned that this bill could impact public safety, quality of life, and infrastructure maintenance. He also highlighted concerns regarding disaster response without financial flexibility, noting Wichita Falls' conservative budget practices and commitment to affordability, opportunity, and innovation. Mr. Jenkins discussed his plan to create a financial sustainability staff group for long-term solutions and expressed willingness to work with the Legislature to address potential challenges. Mr. Jenkins discussed staff leadership training, which will be held on September 30th and will focus on leadership, problem-solving, and healthy living. Chad Wright with Forward Partners will provide the training. This is a kickoff for directors, and moving forward, mid- level managers and other employees will be involved to provide opportunities to learn and grow. Mr. Jenkins recognized Jenny Stevens, Transportation Administrator, for her work on changes to the Sheppard Express that increased ridership. He thanked Lindsay Lewis and her team, Public Works, and Public Safety for their efforts on Hotter 'N Hell. He recognized Fire Equipment Operator Kevin Morgan for being selected as a fellow in the Firefighter Cancer Initiative research project with the University of Miami and Paul Menzies for his 25-year service award that will be presented at ICMA, thanking him for his dedication. Item 10b—Announcements concerning items of community interest from members of the City Council. No action will be taken or discussed. Councilor Cobb congratulated Jenny Stevens, Paul Menzies, and Kevin Morgan and expressed appreciation to all City staff for the positive changes over the past year. He also congratulated James McKechnie on the Civil Service agreement with the Police Officers Association, and said he hopes everyone had a good Labor Day. Councilor Flack expressed appreciation for the progress made and the recognition of service organizations, noting the importance of community involvement. She encouraged participation in Texoma Gives and Texoma Serves and announced a District 1 Town Hall Meeting on September 22, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Lamar Baptist Church. Councilor Browning wished everyone a good day. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES September 2, 2025 Page 8 Councilor Taylor congratulated Josh Berry on being named Employee of the Month and expressed appreciation for the new fiscal year budget, highlighting funding for parks, sidewalks, public safety, and municipal court facilities. Councilor Battaglino discussed various upcoming community events and encouraged participation. Mayor Short thanked Stephen and Kaitlin for their work on the budget and for their availability in addressing questions. He noted the reduction in the property tax rate and the City's commitment to fire, police, and other community needs. He congratulated Josh Berry on being named Employee of the Month, commended the success of Hotter'N Hell, and expressed appreciation to all who volunteered and participated. He also extended birthday wishes to his son. Item 11 — Executive Session City Council adjourned into Executive Session at 9:40 a.m. in accordance with Texas Government Code §551 .071 and §551 .087. Mayor Short returned at 10:02 a.m. and announced that no polls or votes were taken. Item 12 — Adjourn Mayor Short adjourned the meeting at 10:02 a.m. PASSED AND APPROVED this 16th day of September 2025. Tim Short, Mayor ATTEST: . ak.k.A.,„ /)071/1 Marie Balthrop, TRMC, MMC City Clerk CITY COUNCIL MINUTES September 2, 2025 Page 9