Min 09/10/2002 138
Wichita Falls, Texas
Memorial Auditorium Building
September 10, 2002
Items 1 & 2
The City Council of the City of Wichita Falls, Texas met in special session on the above
date in the Council Room of the Memorial Auditorium Building at 4:30 o'clock p.m., with the
following members present:
Bill Altman - Mayor
Arthur Bea Williams - Councilors
Linda Ammons -
James Esther, Jr -
Michael Norrie -
Harold Hawkins -
James Berzina - City Manager
Bill Sullivan - City Attorney
Lydia Torres - City Clerk
Johnny Burns - Absent
It was noted that Councilor Burns was not present because he was representing the
City at Sheppard Air Force Base.
Mayor called the meeting to order.
Councilor Esther gave the invocation.
Item 2
Mayor proclaimed the month of September 2002 as "City Parents Teachers Association
Enrollment Month". Mrs. Vikki Holcomb, President of the Wichita Falls Parents Teachers
Association, accepted the proclamation and invited parents to join the PTA.
Mayor proclaimed the week of September 16-21, 2002 as "World Changers Extreme Teen
Week" in Wichita Falls in an allied effort to improve the lives of the teens in our community. Mr.
Bob Johnston, Director of Straight Streets YMCA, accepted the proclamation.
Mayor presented Certificates of Recognition to Mr. Glen Eickman, Housing Division, and
Mr. John Burrus, Traffic Division, for having achieved the title of Certified Toast Master.
Item 3
A public hearing was held on the proposed property tax rate for the 2002-2003 Fiscal Year.
Mayor declared the public hearing open.
Scott Storm, 4716 Brookdale, expressed concern that more taxes would bankrupt
businesses and small businesses will move to other counties. He asked Council to cut the "fat" in
the budget and suggested ways to cut back, such as using rock gardens instead of flower gardens,
delaying some projects until the economy gets better. He felt there was a need for grass roots
support for local businesses.
Councilor Hawkins stated that most of the proposed tax is not in Council's hands but in the
voters' hands and referred to the Fire/Police referendum election. He mentioned that Council is
looking for any "fat" that needs to be cut from the budget.
139
Item 3 continued
Ann Bishop, 2200 Midwestern Parkway, expressed concern that the proposed tax rate
increase will have a large impact on homes because buyers will not be able to purchase homes.
She mentioned that new buyers who come into town are appalled at our tax rate and she wanted
the Council to be informed as to what they were hearing. She asked Council to give this matter
serious consideration when they make their decision.
It was noted that the last Council tax increase was ten years ago with two tax increases
mandated by referendums that voters voted on to give the fire fighters and the police officers an
increase in 1995 and in 1999, respectively. However, citizens need to realize that it is not the City
that has increased taxes over the years but the other two taxing entities, the Wichita Falls
Independent School District and the County.
Councilor Williams posed a question to Mr. Storm and Mrs. Bishop as to what they had
heard citizens state that they can do without. Mr. Storm suggested that Staff look at wiser and
more frugal use and purchase of vehicles and road materials. He also mentioned the car
dealerships inventory tax.
Denny Bishop, Realtor, 2200 Midwestern Parkway, agreed that some of the concerns that
they have might need to be shifted to the other taxing entities. They just wanted the Council to
know that they are interested and concerned. Tax breaks are very important in owning a home.
He suggested that the City have a composite meeting with the County and the WFISD and maybe
more citizens would attend these public hearings.
Lou Waggoner, 3001 Whitehall, wanted to know if the appraisal values had remained the
same would Council have asked for a property tax increase. Mayor explained that the property
values had increased some, however, the interest the City makes has dropped by more than the
appraised income. He went on to explain the shortage and how it affected City funds.
Mr. Waggoner expressed concern that when appraisals go up the taxes also increase.
A brief history of the appraisal process was given. Council expressed concern over the
spiraling, out of control insurance costs and the affect this has on budgets.
Mayor informed that videotape presenting the facts surrounding the special City election will
be aired today through Thursday on the City's channel.
Appreciation was expressed to those citizens who attended and participated in this public
hearing.
Mayor called for additional public comment. There being none the Mayor declared the
public hearing closed.
City Council adjourned at 5:53 p.m.
PASSED AND APPROVED this_ A day of �l ,ti ttikf �, 2002.
WILLIAM K. ALTMAN
MAYOR
ATTEST:
l
Lydia Torres
City Clerk
NOTICE OF MEETING
Special Meeting Of The Mayor And City Council Of The City Of
Wichita Falls, Texas To Be Held In The City Council Chambers Of
The Memorial Auditorium On Tuesday, September 10, 2002,
Beginning At 4:30 p.m.
City Council: Mayor William K. Altman — Councilors Arthur Bea
Williams, Linda Ammons, James Esther, Michael
Norrie, Johnny Burns, and Harold Hawkins.
1 . Call to Order.
2. Presentation: Proclamation For City PTA
REGULAR AGENDA
3. Public Hearings: Public Hearing On Proposed Property Tax
Rate For The 2002-03 Fiscal Year.
4. Adjourn.
Wheelchair or handicapped accessibility to the meeting is
possible by using the handicapped parking spaces, ramp and
elevator located off the east parking lot on Sixth Street entrance.
Spanish language interpreters, deaf interpreters, Braille copies
or any other special needs will be provided to any person
requesting a special service with at least 24 hours notice.
Please call the City Clerk's Office at 761-7409.
CERTIFICATION
I certify that the above notice of special meeting was posted on
the bulletin board at Memorial Auditorium, Wichita Falls, Texas
on the day of 20 at
o'clock (a.m.)(p.m.).
City Clerk