Min 08/14/1967 1
Wichita Falls, "Texas 1
Memorial Auditorium Building
August 14, 1967
Items 1 k 2
The Board of Aldermen of the City of Wichita Falls, Texas, met in regular session
on the above date in the Council Room of the Memorial Auditorium Building at 7:30
o'clock P.M. , with the following members present:
R. C. Rancier Mayor
R. Kenneth Bill X
S. M. Lyons X
James M. Davis Z Aldermen
Leroy Daniel X
Cletus C. Schenk X
Jack Davis City Manager
Malcolm Hughes Assistant City Attorney
Wilma J. Thomas City Clerk
Max Kruger Absent
"Tile invocation was given by Alderman Daniel.
Item 3
Moved by Alderman Schenk that the minutes of the previous meetings held July 10
and 17, 1967, be approved.
Motion seconded by Alderman Hill, and carried unanimously.
/ Item 4
Dr. Joe Steed, of the Wichita Falls Clinic Hospital appeared, regarding the use
of utility automobiles as a means of transporting sick patients for treatment. Ambul-
ance charge for routine sick calls is at a cost which is prohibitive for patients to
pay. They desire this utility vehicle with an ambulance cart to carry their patients
to the clinic and hospital when needed at no charge to the patient. An ambulance
type vehicle is needed because some of their patients cannot sit up. He stated that
they and Colonial Manor purchased an ambulance cart from Owens-Brumley to carry patients
to and from the hospital. After consultation between the City Manager and City
Attorney they were required to cease operation of that vehicle for that purpose. IIe
stated that they only want to serve the health and welfare needs of their patients,
and does not feel that this ordinance should continue to prohibit them from providing
this health care. They are only concerned with the health, safety, welfare, and
convenience of their patients, and are asking for whatever relief is necessary to
enable them to provide this service, and still follow the law.
Dr. Dailey, of Colonial Manor, stated that Dr. Steed had covered the situation
adequately; also, that Colonial Manor would use this type of service approximately
two or three times per week. Ile explained that they do not seek to operate any type
of emergency service, nor to compete with Gold Cross.
Ur. Cox appeared, stating he was interested in an extended care facility into
which patients could be moved after their initial stay in the hospital when they no
longer require as much specialized care and equipment that a general hospital provides,
yet they are not ready to be discharged.
Mayor Rancier appointed a Council committee consisting of Aldermen Hill, Lyons,
and Schenk, with Alderman Schenk as Chairman, to work with the City Attorney in study-
ing the ambulance ordinance, and asked for a report at the next council meeting. lie
also expressed appreciation to the medical profession for their interest.
Mr. James Williams appeared as chairman of the Wichita Falls Chapter of The
United Political Organization regarding the capital improvement bond items. lie commend-
ed the Council for the neighborhood meetings which were held. He stated that they
favored the Health Center, Parks and Recreation projects, Rosewood and Colorado street
project, and the Central business district drainage. The Civic Center was not favored.
They also recommended the following additions to the proposed capital improvements
program:
1071
Item 4 cont'd.
1. Improvement and extension of Duncan Street to Loop 240.
2. Drainage for entire Kemp Addition.
3. Improvement of drainage ditch crossing Flood Street.
4. Extension of main sewage line on Harding Street east of Holliday Creek.
5. Extension of Harding Street to Cottonwood.
6. An overpass located at 7th or loth Street, if no overpass is planned at
12th or 13th as part of the Edison Street project.
7. Fire station in Kemp Addition.
Mr. Williams stated that they also favored the city sales tax in preference
to the ad valorem tax.
Russell ,Jack Ballard appeared as chairman of the Last Side Human Relations
Committeq in support of the proposed bond issue and the sales tax.
Mayor Rancier expressed appreciation for their interest and favorable reaction
to the neighborhood meetings. lie also read a letter from the local NAACP Chanter
commending the neighborhood meetings.
Mayor Rancier read statements on the proposed bond issue and sales tax
(attached) . Alderman Lyons also read a statement regarding his position on the
sales tax issue, stating he is now in favor of it. (attached)
Item 5a
The public hearing for curb and R
P g nutter assessment on }`dindthorst }load was
opened by Mayor Rancier. No one asked to be heard. T }
ORDINANCE NO. 2343
ORDINANCE CLOSING HEARING AND LEVYING ASSESSMENTS FOR PART OF THE COST OF
OF IMPROVING A PORTION OF OLD WIiVDT'HORST ROAD FROM 1900 FEET SOUTH OF EAST
SCOTT TO U.S. 287 EXPRESSWAY IN THE CITY OF WICIIITA FALLS, TEXAS, FIXING
CHARGES AND LIENS AGAINST ABUTTING PROPERTY THEREON, AND AGAINST THE OWNERS
THEREOF; PROVIDING FOR THE COLLECTION OF SUCH ASSESSMENTS AND THE ISSUANCE
OF ASSIGNABLE: CERTIFICATES IN EVIDENCE THEREOF; RESERVING UNTO THE BOARD
OF ALDERMEN THE RIGHT TO ALLOW CREDITS REDUCING THE AMOUNT OF TIIE RESPECT-
IVE ASSESSMENT TO THE EXTENT OF ANY CREDIT GRANTED; DIRECTING THE CITY
CLERK TO ENGROSS AND EIIIZOLL THE ORDINANCE BY COPYING THE CAPTION OF SAME
IN THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS, AND BY
FILING THE ORDINANCE IN TIIE ORDINANCE RECORDS OF SAID CITY; PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE, PROVIDING SUNDRY OTHER MATTERS INCIDENT THERETO, AND
DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Moved by Alderman Hill that the public hearing be closed, and Ordinance No.
2343 be passed.
Motion seconded by Alderman Schenk, and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Aldermen Hill, Lyons, Davis, Daniel, and Schenk.
Nays : None
( ; Item 6a
Ed Daniel, Director of Planning presented a recommendation that the street
r
name of Gladney Circle be changed to Newcomb 'Terrace. ,
ORDINANCE NO. 2344
t
AN ORDINANCE CHANGING THE NAME OF GLADNEY CIRCLE, A STREET WITHIN THE
CITY OF WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS, TO NEWCOMB TERRACE; AND REPEALING ALL
ORDINANCE, OR PORTIONS THEREOF, IN CONFLICT HEREWITH.
Moved by Alderman Schenk that Ordinance No. 2344 be passed.
Motion seconded by Alderman Lyons, and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Aldermen Hill, Lyons, Davis, Daniel, and Schenk.
Nays : None
1072
i
Item 6b
i �
A proposed ordinance was presented accepting improvements on nineteen units
of the 1966 assessment paving program.
( ORDINANCE NO. 2345
. a
ORDINANCE ACCEPTING IMPROVEMENTS ON NINETEEN (19) UNITS OF THE 1966 ASSESSMENT
PAVING PROGRAM IN THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS, AS DESIGNATED IN ORDINANCE NO.
2216; DECLARING THE CONTRACT WITH ASPHALT PAVERS, INC. , FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF
SAID IMPROVEMENTS FULLY COMPLETED AND PERFORMED; DIRECTING THE ISSUANCE, EXECUTION,
J4D DELIVERY OF CERTIFICATES IN EVIDENCE OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS LEVIED AFTER
GIVING EFFECT TO SUNDRY CREDITS IIEREIN AUTHORIZED AND ALLOWED AGAINST SOME OF
SAID ASSESSMENTS; DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO ENGROSS AND ENROLL THIS ORDINANCE
BY COPYING THE CAPTION 01' SAME IN THE MINUTE BOOK OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE
CITY OF WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS, AND BY FILING THE COMPLETE ORDINANCE IN APPROPRIATE
ORDINANCE RECORDS OF SAID CITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Moved by Alderman Daniel that Ordinance No. 2345 be passed.
Motion seconded by Alderman Davis, and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Aldermen Hill, Lyons, Davis, Daniel, and Schenk.
Nays : None
Item 6c
A proposed ordinance was presented accepting curb and gutter improvements on
the 1967 street reconstruction program.
ORDINANCE NO. 2346
f v
ORDINANCE ACCEPTING IMPROVEMENTS ON NINTH STREET FROM BEVERLY DRIVE TO EAST
WENONA11 AND OLD WINDTHORST ROAD, FROM EAST SCOTT TO 1900' SOUTH IN THE CITY
OF WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS, AS DESIGNATED IN ORDINANCE NO. 2293; DECLARING THE
CONTRACT WITH TIMMINS AND ANDERSON CONTRACTORS, FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF
SAID IMPROVEMENTS FULLY COMPLETED AND PERFORMED; DIRECTING THE ISSUANCE,
EXECUTION, AND DELIVERY OF CERTIFICATES IN EVIDENCE OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS
LEVIED AFTER GIVING EFFECT TO SUNDRY CREDITS IIEREIN AUTHORIZED AND ALLOWED
AGAINST SOME OF SAID ASSESSMENTS; DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO ENGROSS AND
ENROLL THIS ORDINANCE BY COPYING THE CAPTION OF SAME IN THE MINUTE BOOK OF
THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS, ADN BY FILING
THE COMPLETE ORDINANCE IN APPROPRIATE ORDINANCE RECORDS OF SAID CITY; AND
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Moved by Alderman Hill that Ordinance No. 2346 be passed.
Motion seconded by Alderman Schenk, and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Aldermen Hill, Lyons,' Davis, Daniel, and Schenk.
Nays: None
Item 6d
a
A proposed ordinance was presented accepting improvements on seventeen leave-out
sections in the 1967 assessment paving program.
f ORDINANCE NO. 2347
ORDINANCE ACCEPTING IMPROVEMENTS ON SEVENTEEN LEAVEOUT LOCATIONS IN THE CITY
OF WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS, AS DESIGNATED IN ORDINANCE NO. 2304; DECLARING THE
CONSTRUCTION OF SAID IMPROVEMENTS FULLY COMPLETED AND PERFORMED; DIRECTING THE
ISSUANCE, EXECUTION, AND DELIVERY OF CERTIFICATES IN EVIDENCE OF SPECIAL
ASSESSMENTS LEVIED AFTER GIVING EFFECT TO SUNDRY CREDITS HEREIN AUTHORIZED AND
ALLOWED AGAINST SOME OF SAID ASSESSMENTS; DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO ENGROSS
AND ENROLL THIS ORDINANCE BY COPYING THE CAPTION OF SAME IN THE MINUTE BOOK
OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS, AND BY FILING
THE COMPLETE ORDINANCE IN APPROPRIATE ORDINANCE RECORDS OF SAID CITY; AND
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Moved by Alderman Lyons that Ordinance No. 2347 be passed.
Motion seconded by Alderman Schenk, and carried by the following vote:
1073
Item 6d cont'd.
Ayes: Aldermen hill, Lyons, Davis, Daniel, and Schenk.
Nays: None
Item 6e
A proposed ordinance was presented closing a portion of Virginia Street, to
clarify the intention of the City Council in passing Ordinance No. 2091 on May 25, r
1964.
! ORDINANCE NO. 2348
AN ORDINANCE CLOSING AND ABANDONING A PORTION OF VIRGINIA STREET LYING
BET11EEN THE SOUTH ONE HALF OF BLOCK 11 AND THE SOUTH ONE HALF OF BLOCK
1011 SOUTH PARK ADDITION TO THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS.
Moved by Alderman Schenk that Ordinance No. 2348 be passed.
Motion seconded by Alderman Daniel, and carried by the following vote:
Ayes : Aldermen hill, Lyons, Davis, Daniel.. and Schenk.
Nays : None
J Item 6f
A proposed ordinance was presented regulating passage of trains at Kemp and
Kell and Fairway and Kell because the necessary signal equipment has not yet been
installed by the railroad company.
ORDINANCE NO. 2349
J '
AN ORDINANCE IMPOSING TEMPORARY OPERATING RESTRICTIONS ON ALL TRAINS
OPERATING ON FORT i",1ORTH END DENVER RAILL AY COMPANY TRACKS NEAR THE INTER-
SECTIONS OF KEMP AND KELL, AND FAIRWAY AND KELL, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Moved by Alderman Hill that Ordinance No. 2349 be passed.
Motion seconded by Alderman Davis, and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Aldermen Hill, Lyons, Davis, Daniel., and Schenk.
Nays : None
Item 6g
t '
A proposed amendment to the traffic ordinance was presented, regulating dir-
ection movements at intersections.
j / ORDINANCE NO. 2350
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 29-42 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY
OF CJICHITA FALLS, AUTHORIZING THE CITY TRAFFIC ENGINEER TO PLACE MARKERS,
BUTTONS, OR SIGNS WITHIN OR ADJACENT TO INTERSECTIONS INDICATING THE COURSE
TO BE TRAVELED BY VEHICLES A"1' SUCH INTERSECTIONS AND REQUIRING OBEDIENCE
THERETO, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Moved by Alderman Schenk that Ordinance No. 2350 be passed.
Motion seconded by Alderman Lyons, and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Aldermen Hill, Lyons, Davis, Daniel, and Schenk.
Nays : None
Item 7
X
A proposed resolution was presented setting up a committee on architectural
control for buildings constructed at Lake Arrowhead.
RESOLUTION NO. 720
U
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS,
THAT:
1074
Item 7 cont'd
Those certain Lake Arrowhead Rules and Regulations approved and adopted by
the Board of Aldermen of the City of Wichita Falls by Resolution No. 718 are hereby
amended by adding to the Section entitled "Building Restrictions" a paragraph 4.2,
which shall read as follows:
"4.2 COMMITTEE ON ARCHITECTURAL CONTROL. There is hereby created a committee
on architectural control, which shall be composed of five members, who shall be
appointed by the Mayor, with the approval of the Board of Aldermen. One of the
members shall be an architect and one of the members shall be a home builder. Each
member shall hold office for a term of one year, and thereafter until his successor
is appointed. Plans and specifications shall be presented to such committee for
approval, and must be approved by at least three of such committee members."
Moved by Alderman Hill that Resolution No. 720 be passed.
Motion seconded by Alderman Daniel, and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Aldermen Hill, Lyons, Davis, Daniel, and Schenk.
Nays: None
i Item 8a
City Manager Jack Davis recommended award of the base bid for airport expansion
to Max Yancey Construction Company in the amount of $129,865.00; also, that Alternate
Additive Number One be included provided that Max Yancey and Braniff Airways can
! ' reach agreement on the cost of the alternate, since Braniff will be paying for the
alternate. Ile further recommended that Additive Alternate Number Two be rejected
at this time due to insufficient surplus. In the event that our fiscal year end
balance is sufficient, and within our ability to pay, then the Council could review
the situation at that time and make a decision on further expansion, if they so
desire.
Moved by Alderman Schenk that the base bid for airport expansion be awarded to
Max Yancey Construction Company in the amount of $129,865.00.
Motion seconded by Alderman Hill, and carried unanimously.
i
` Item 8b
Award of the bid for 180 tons of liquid chlorine for Water Purification Department
was considered.
Moved by Alderman Schenk that the low bid of Diamond Alkali Company, Houston,
Texas, be accepted in the amount of $17,892.00, for 180 tons of liquid chlorine.
Motion seconded by Alderman Hill, and carried unanimously.
Item 8c
Award of the bid for trickling filter arms for waste water treatment plant was
considered.
J
Moved .by Alderman Davis that the bid for trickling filter arms be awarded to
Municipal Equipment Company, 1%'eatherford, Texas, in the amount of $5,438.07.
1
Motion seconded by Alderman Lyons, and carried unanimously.
' Item 9
v
Joe Smith, Director of Public Utilities, requested approval of Change Orders
No. 2 and 2A, and final estimates on the contract with E. L. Dalton and Company
for water and sewer facilities in Expressway East Industrial District. Change
Order No. 2 (water) is in the amount of --$132.13, and final estimate in the
amount of $490088.49. Change Order No. 2A (sewer) is in the amount of --$1,093.88,
and final estimate in the amount of $65,599.72. Both change orders are the results
of adjusting final quantities against proposed quantities.
Moved by Alderman hill that Change Orders Nos. 2 and 2A, and final estimates
in the amount of $49,088.49 for water and $65,599.72 for sewer, be approved.
1075
Item 9 cont'd
Motion seconded by Alderman Daniel, and carried unanimously.
Item 10
The minutes of the meetings of the Electrical Advisory Board held August 8,
1967, and the Planning Board held July 12, 1967, were presented for reception.
Moved by Alderman Schenk that the minutes as presented be received.
Motion seconded by Alderman Hill, and carried unanimously.
Item 11
Moved by Alderman Daniel that water reimbursement contracts be approved in
the amount of $3,842.14, and sewer reimbursement contracts in the amount of
$13,547.90, for a total amount of $5,390.04, as follows:
Wichita Building Corporation, Water, Sikes Estate Addition, Section D,
from July 8, 1966 to July 8, 1967; $716.49
C. W. L. Dennis and Elmer L. Dennis, Dennis Construction Company, Water,
Section A-5 of University Park Subdivision from July 27, 1966 to July 27,
1967; $784.75
R. D. Montgomery, Water, LeFall Heights Addition, Section #2 from July 15,
1966 to July 15, 1967; $300.86
C. W. L. Dennis and Elmer Dennis, Dennis Construction Company, Water,
Lake View Manor, Section One, from June 30, 1966 to June 30, 1967;
$11426.80
Robert G. Seabury, Water, Somerset Park Exhibit "A" from July 26, 1966 to
Julv 261, 1967; $56.10
W. B. Hursh :Estates, Water, Hursh Estates Subdivision, Section Two, from
July 1, 1966 to July 1, 1967; $200.73
Mary Lillian Singleton, Independent Executrix of the Estate of George T.
Singleton, Water, Blocks 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 of the Singleton Addition from
July 6, 1966 to July 6, 1967; $356.41
Wichita Building Corporation, Sewer, Sikes Estate Addition, Section D.
from July 8, 1966 to July 8, 1967; $157.78
C. .W. L. ,Dennis: and Elmer L. Dennis, Dennis Construction Company, Sewer,
Section A-5 of University Park Subdivision from July 27, 1966 to July 27,
1967; $226.82
R. D. Montgomery, Sewer, LeFall Heights Addition, Section #2 from July 15,
1966 to July 15, 1967; $95.86
E. E. Cloer, Sewer, Ditto Heights Addition from July 31, 1966 to July 31,
1967; $632.11
Hughes Development Company, Sewer, Southern Hills Section of the Dittoe
Heights Addition from July 25, 1966 to July 25, 1967; $418.05
Robert G. Seabury, Sewer, Somerset Park Exhibit "A" from July 26, 1966 to
July 26, 1967; $17.28
Motion seconded by Alderman Schenk, and carried unanimously.
Moved by Alderman Schenk that the meeting be adjourned.
Motion seconded by Alderman Bill, and carried unanimously.
The Board of Aldermen adjourned at 9:40 P.M.
PASSED AND APPROVED this day of 1967.
ATTEST:
Mayor
City le
STATEMENT
PROPOSED BOND ISSUE
August 14, 1967
On July 17 , 1967, the Citizens Advisory Committee presented a
proposal to the City Council, recommending that a bond issue be called
to cover needed capital improvements in our City. We have reviewed
these proposals in considerable depth and detail since that date. We
believe that the CAC has done a remarkable job in selecting these
particular items from all those that needed to be undertaken as soon
as practical and possible. We endorse the report of the CAC and com-
mend them for their unselfish efforts in behalf of their City. Mr.
Clay Underwood, Chairman of the CAC, has been diligent in his leader-
ship and is to be especially commended.
In July and early August, we held five area meetings to allow
our citizens to be heard on this proposal as well as other problems
they might have. Out of these meetings came several recommendations.
Some of these were local in nature and did not involve a sufficient
number of people to. warrant inclusion in a city wide bond issue.
Others can be handled through our regular programs such as street
assessment, alley paving and annual street reconstruction. Many
requests were outside the authority of the city to act.
After individual study and observation, the City Council has
selected some additional projects to be included in various parts
of the bond program. Even though these were: not presented by the
CAC, we feel that they are complementary to that program and need
to be considered at this time.
Health Unit - No change
Parks - Addition of $15,000 to provide park
facility in the residential area (Eden
Hills-Lincoln Heights) West of and ad-
jacent to Sheppard Air Force Base. The
children in this area have no park avail-
able without crossing an expressway.
Several requests were presented to include
a 50-meter svi.mming pool. The primary
purpose of the three proposed 25-meter
pools is recreational, although they can
and will be used for some competitive
swimming. We believe that the greater
need exists for recreational swimming at
this time. We would like for the CAC to
study the feasibility of a 50-meter pool for
future improvement, but feel that the pre-
sent plan is desirable at this time since
we have no public pools for recreational
swimming.
Statement
Proposed Bond Issue
August 14, 1967 - Page 2
Civic Center - No change
Fire Improvements - No change
Streets and Drainage -
a. Plum Creek - $50,000 - Insufficient money
was provided in the 1963 bond issue for the
City's share of this program. A new study by
the Corps of Engineers indicate that our cost
will be $150,000. The original $100,000 voted
for this is still on hand and will be added to
this $50,000 to provide our share of the cost.
The balance will be paid by the Corps of
Engineers.
b. Flood Street Drainage Ditch - $200,000 -
Although this ditch does not represent a flood-
ing problem, the flat grade and growth of weeds
and grass causes water to back up and stand
constantly, creating both nuisance and health
problems. This will provide for concrete lining.
c. E. Harding Street Drainage - $35,000 -
This will provide for widening and levelling an
existing drainage ditch and lengthening to pick
up additional areas . It will not be concrete
lined but flattened to allow mowing and grading.
Sanitary sewers were requested in this area but
revenue bonds are not being presented in this
program.
d. Sidewalks - $60,000 - Many of our school
children have no sidewalks to use in going to or
from school. To provide sidewalks throughout
the city would cost $325-$350,000 dollars . $60,000
is being asked to permit a pilot project and to
judge the benefit received. If the program is
successful, it can be continued as a regular budget
item until all school areas have been paved through-
out the City. It is proposed to assess one-half the
cost against adjacent properties with the balance
being paid by the bond fund.
The bond issue recommended by the CAC amounted to $15 ,080,000.
The additional items listed here amount to $360,000 bringing the total
amount to $15,440,000. The First Southwest Company, our fiscal advisors,
Statement
Proposed Bond Issue
August 14, 1967 - Page 3
has indicated that this additional amount will not affect our credit
or ability to sell these bonds and it would in no way alter our fine
A and double-A bond rating. Therefore, the City Council of the City
of Wichita Falls wishes to make it publicly known that it is our
intention to call for a bond election to be held on September 28,
1967. This official action will be taken at a special meeting of
the City Council to be called on August 28, 1967. The bond program
will be divided into five separate categories on which a voter may
decide the merits of each before casting his ballot. The bonds to
be voted on will be as follows :
Health Unit $ 390,000
Civic Center 3,235,000
Parks 770,000
Fire Improvements 375,000
Street and Drainage 10,670,000
Total $15 ,440,000
Mayor R. C. Rancier
Board of Aldermen
R. Kenneth Hill
S . M. Lyons
James M. Davis
Leroy Daniel
Max Kruger
Cletus C. Schenk
STATEMENT
SALES TAX
August 14, 1967
The past Texas Legislature has authorized the municipalities of
Texas to implement a one percent sales tax by local option. That is,
any city can assess a one percent sales tax by a majority vote of its
citizens. This is the first legislation allowing cities to seek new
revenue and to relieve the ad volor.em tax base. In Wichita Falls,
the ad valorem tax represents 48 percent of all revenues. Most major
Texas cities range from 40l0 - 50% of total income from this direct
tax In an effort to relieve this tax burden, many cities in Texas
will be calling a sales tax election in the next few months. Oklahoma
has authorized such a tax and most Oklahoma cities have adopted it.
Lawton has called such an election for August 29th.
We have previously indicated our intention of calling an election
for the issuance of $15,440,000.00 in capital improvement bonds.
Approval of these bonds will necessitate a 33 cent tax increase. The
adoption of the one percent sales tax would provide enough income to
offset the cost of this total bond issue After approval of the bonds,
the interest and sinking fund levy would be increased by 33 cents.
After the sales tax approval, the tax levy for the General Fund could
be decreased by the same 33 cents, since sales tax revenue would go
into the General. Fund. Thus, although the sales tax cannot be directly
pledged for bond retirement, the net result would be approval of the
$15,440,000 bond issue without an increase in ad valorem taxes .
We believe that the citizens of Wichita Falls should have the
right to vote on each of the separate bond items . We also believe
they should have a choice in how these improvements are paid for.
For these reasons, we intend to call an election on the sales tax
question on the same day as that set for the bond issue, September
28, 1967 . Each voter will then have the opportunity of voting on
the improvements and the financing method at the same place and date.
We plan to take formal action on August 28th, but in order that the
public will know our intent, we are announcing it at this time.
Mayor R. C. Rancier
Board of Aldermen
R. Kenneth Hill
S. M. Lyons
James M. Davis
Leroy Daniel
Max Kruger
Cletus C. Schenk
STAT SENT
AUGUST 14 , 1967
DURING THE CAMPAIGN F01� CITY COiINCIE.�IAN IAST MARCH, I STATED TIIAT I
01'VOSED TO TEII. CITY SALES TAX AND TIEAT A VOTI' FOR Mis WAS A VOTE AGAINST
TElE SAI,I S TAX. AT ` EAT TIME, I FELT IT WAS UNNECESSARY AND UNFAIR TO THE
WT GE EARNER. AS A FOi�MER RAILROAD MAN, MY MAIN CONCERN WILL BE TO SEE THAT
EVERY CITIZEN, INCLUDING THE LOWER SALARIED PEOPLE, GET A FAIR BREAK.
AFTER SERVING ON TIIE COUNCIL FOR THE PAST FEW MONTI-IS , I THINK THAT I
WAS WRONG IN TAKING THAT POSITION. BEING ELECTED BY THE CITIZENS, I WANT
TO ;MAKE THIS PUBLIC STATEMENT SO THAT THEY MIGHT KNOW MY FEELINGS ON THIS
MATTER. I NOW BELIEVE THAT THE FAIREST TAX TO IMPOSE IS THE SALES TAX BE-
CAUSE A �LaN IS TAXED ON WHAT HE CHOOSES TO SPEND. OLDER PEOPLE HAVE TOLD IIE
THAT IT WOULD HELP THEM SINCE THEY OWN THEIR HOMES AND WILL BE HURT BY PROPERTY
TAXES, BUT SINCE THEY HAVE A LIMITED INCOME, THEY WILL PAY LESS SINCE THEY
SPEND LESS ON TAXABLE GOODS.
PEOPLE WILL WONDER WHY I CHANGED MY MIND. I WANT TO SAY THAT NOT A
SINGLE MEMBER OF THE CITY COUNCIL OR CITY EMPLOYEE HAS TRIED TO INI'LUENCE
ME. WE NEED THESE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS BECAUSE IT WILL MEAN MORE. JOBS AND
A BETTER CITY FOR ALL OF US. I JUST BELIEVE THAT THE EASIEST AND FAIREST
WAY TO PAY FOR ALL THIS BOND PROGRAM IS BY THE ONE-CENT SALES TAX. I THINK
THE PUBLIC SHOULD HAVE A CHANCE TO VOTE ON HOW HE PAYS FOR IMPROVEMENTS AND
v
THIS WILL GIVE HIM THAT CHANCE. I AM NOW GOING TO VOTE FOR THE SALES TAX AS
t. CITIZEN AND AS A COUNCILMAN BECAUSE I THINK IT'S A GOOD DEAL.
S. M. LYONS
CITY COUNCILMAN