Min 10/01/1963 Wichita Falls, 1�exas 571
Memorial Auditorium bldg.
October 1. 1963
Item Nos. The Board of Aldermen of the City of Wichita Falls, Texas, met in called session
1 4 2 on the above date, in the Council Room of the Memorial Auditorium Building at 8:00 o'clock
A.M. , with the following members present:
John J. Gavin Mayor
J. Winston Wallander I
Dr. D. Clifford Burross Aldermen
Dr. Al 1'. Witcher
L. Jack Davis City Manager
H. P. Hodge, Jr. City Attorney
W. B. Hicks City Clerk
0. D. McBride Absent
Roy V. (Pete) Claytor Absent
Don Wade Absent
The invocation was given by Alderman Burross.
3 In calling the meeting to order, Mayor Gavin stated that this meeting was called
to have a public hearing on the proposed budget for the fiscal year commencing October 1,
1963, through September 30, 1964.
Mayor Gavin now read a letter of transmittal of the proposed budget from City
Manager Jack Davis, addressed to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen which states that the pro-
posed budget for this year is in the amount of $7,373,679.00, and even though this was an
increase from the previous year, that this budget would give the city an estimated surplus
of $97.,679.00 from the estimated revenueJ, and that no increase in the tax rate would be
necessary to meet the budget for this year. (Copy of letter attached.)
Mayor Gavin next stated that at the time of hiring Mr. Davis as City Manager that
the City Council had agreed to increase his salary by $1000 when the budget for the next
fiscal year was adopted. The Mayor further stated that in view of the progress and change
that Mr. Davis had made in the administration of city government, the City Council had de-
cided to increase Mr. Davis' salary by $2000 per year instead of the $1000, as originally
agreed upon. At this time Mr. Davis took the floor and remarked that he certainly appre-
ciated the increase in salary, but even more so the vote of confidence shown by the Council
in their taking of this action.
The Mayor went on further to call attention to the increase in the street mainten-
ance budget, explaining why this was done, and also had some remarks to make regarding the
Central Garage, and the budget decrease in the Traffic Department, this decrease in the
Traffic Department being due to the capital expenditures in the budget for the previous year
for street signalization, which did not recurr in the proposed budget for this fiscal year.
Mr. Ivan Allred was recognized and took the floor to make some comments on the im-
provement in accounting procedures since the time of the audit last year. fie stated that
there had been a marked improvement in the Water Department, and that the procedures in the
Tax Department were in the process of being improved. lie further stated that although the
Tax Department was one of the better departments audited last year, there is still room for
improvements, which are being made. He stated that the Finance Department was staffed with
top flight personnel, in whom he had a lot of confidence, and that many of the changes in-
stituted during this year have been checked out with the auditors before being instituted,
and that he was certain that additional improvements would be made in all realms of finance.
The Mayor next read the summaries of the proposed budget. Mr. Bill Thacker was
recognized and took the floor to report that lie represented the Chamber of Commerce Action
Group budget committee, which had made a study of County, City, and School budgets. Mr.
Thacker stated that this committee appreciated the City holding the tax rate at the same
level as in the previous year. At this time Mr. Jack Davis, City Manger, remarked that the
1964 tax rate was the lowest combined tax rate since 1926. Mr. Thacker further remarked
that the citizens of Wichita Falls were fortunate in that there were only three taxing units.
Mr. Otto Pfeiffert Managerof the Carnation Company, was recognized and took the
floor to remark on the budget and the holding of the tax rate to the same level as the pre-
vious year. Mr. Pfeiffer had several questions to ask in regard to the operation and the
budget for the health department, which were answered by the Mayor, City Manager Jack Davis,
and Director of Finance, Ronald Neighbors.
Mayor Gavin asked if there were any further questions, and since there were none,
the Council would close the budget hearing. Mayor Gavin declared the budget hearing closed.
4 City Manager, Jack Davis, remarked that we owe a great deal to Mr. Ivan Allred and
v. the Firm of Allred and Armstrong for their help and assistance throughout the year on the
many changes that had been made, and those that were contemplated, and that he thought the
572
Council should publicly express their appreciation to Mr. Allred. Mayor Gavin stated Item 4, cont'd.
that the Council concurred wholeheartedly, and was publicly expressing their appreciation
to Mr. Allred.
Mayor Gavin next stated that Colonel Mahoney, representing the Wichita Air Transport 5
Company, was present with a problem which he wished to discuss with the Council, but Mayor
Gavin felt that this should be discussed informally and not while the Council was in formal
session; thereforeP he would entertain a motion to adjourn, following which this discuss-
ion could be held with Colonel Mahoney.
Moved by Alderman Witcher that the meeting be adjourned.
Motion seconded by Alderman Burross and carried unanimously.
The Board of Aldermen then adjourned at 8:37 A.M.
APPROVED this the YX day of 1963.
mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
The Council held an informal discussion with Colonel Mahoney. At 8:58 A.M. Mayor
Gavin reconvened the City Council of Wichita Falls to make a decision regarding Colonel
Mahoney's request that they be allowed to construct ten (10) "Tee" Hangers at Wichita
Falls Municipal Airport.
Moved by Alderman Burross that City Manager Jack Davis, and City Attorney H. P.
Hodge, Jr. , confer with Colonel Mahoney and work out the necessary details regarding the
construction of the "Tee" Hangers at Wichita Falls Municipal Airport.
Motion seconded by Alderman Witcher and carried unanimously.
Moved by Alderman Witcher that the meeting be adjourned.
Motion seconded by Alderman Burross and carried unanimously.
The Board of Aldermen then adjourned at 9:00 A.M.
APPROVED this the day of 1963.
ATTEST:
City ClerK
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CITY OF WC141TA FALI-4S
eenier ol' oreat 91atural 9?esources
V,ICHTTA FALLS, TP—XAS
Honorable Mayor and Board of Aldermen
City of Wichita Falls, Texas
Gentlemen:
Submitted herewith is the proposed budget for the fiscal year 1963-64. This
budget has been prepared in accordance with the principles of municipal finance,
proper budget procedure and within the provisions of State law and our own
Charter. This proposed budget anticipates the expenditure of $7,373,679 for
all functions of the City and an expected surplus of $97,697.
This budget provides for a total increase of $767,319 over last year's
anticipated budget. This includes $339, 502 for the operating departments and
$427,817 for bonded debt. There is no projected increase in the tax rate which
will remain at $1.47. No increase is proposed for other major services such as
water, sewer and sanitation. Sufficient funds on hand in the Interest and Sinking
Funds make it unnecessary to increase taxes even though an increase up to $. 17
was projected prior to the passage of a $6.9 million bond issue on June 4, 1963.
The above projections do not consider the needs of the Halsell Reservoir due to
its status in the courts. We anticipate a favorable ruling, however, some time
during this fiscal year.
Reorganization and consolidation of departments make it difficult to compare
-63 have been combined into
past and projected budgets. The 50 accounts of 1962
41 this year. A few of the more important budget changes should be noted.
Street Maintenance has an increase of $118,405 of which $46,000 is earmarked
for participation paving. Thirteen men with proper equipment will be added to
e Department shows an additional $71,315 to
improve our maintenance* The Polic increases granted in March, 1963.
authorize 5 new men and provide for the salary tion being
Set provides for 12 men to man the new sta
The Fire Department bud Longevity in both Fire and Police increases
bu ilt in the southwest section- ffic has a decrease of $32,058 due
gularly each year. The Department of Tra result of past improvements and the
re ntenance and capital costs as a 'afety Division
to lower mai it should be Pointed Out that the Public S collected.
approved Bond issue. 53.6 cents of every ad valorem tax dollar Total
(Fire, police and Traffic) uses ion is the Finance Department.
A change that deserves special attent ased $47,415. one need Only read
-A has incre
cost of the accounting operatiOr this expenditure. Great strides have been and A
the audit Of 1961-62 to justify ts handling financial transactions.
will continue to be made in all departmen ital function as it
agent has been established. This is a v clips to main-
separate Purchasing ions and Purchases Of everything from paper
specificat f Actions are necessary for
involves The Finance Department and its related ul
tainers. atiOn of every city department- liy unchanged in terms
the efficient oper f the departmental budgets remain virtua
The balance 0 as increased with the allocation of one
The library budget h ed to Provide a job
of total expelse* that purpose. A personal survey is plan' of delinquent taxes
cent more tax for a pay plan for all employees. Collection
classification an project. is planned, as well as
will remain a top talizatiOn insurance
participati On in employee IIOSP' nicipal Retirement System- Sufficient funds
increased coverage under the Texas Mu is provided a Ong with an
for our pro-rata share of the Genera I Ilospital deficit
Mental Health and an Urban Ilighway Master Plan. eview
allocation for 1963, conducted by the Texas Business R
A populat on study dated April, nce 1960 Of
cates that Wichita Falls rated fifth in the rate of growth sl
indi xas. These figures and projections
twenty-one etrOPOl't an. areas in Te effort indicate that an
addition to the anticipated succes s of our industrial
expanded and progressive approach should be taken to meet our responsibilities.
We must plan ahead of growth and be prepared to provide for it. This budget is
intended to meet the demands of our time and still remain within our ability
to pay. This budget has been in the making for five months and each portion
has been reviewed many times to make it both conservative and realistic.
This letter of transmittal should not pass without tribute to our top level
staff and department heads for their work in its preparation. This has been a
period of change and transition to which they have contributed a great deal. A
special commendation should go to Ronald Neighbors as the major portion of this
budget preparation has been his responsibility.
This also affords me an opportunity to commend this Board of Aldermen on
the devoted and businesslike approach they have taken in their duties to the
City of Wichita Falls. This is the first of many budgets I hope to present
for approval by such a dedicated City Council. In closing let me remind all
City employees as well as the Board of Aldermen that our only reason for being
here is to serve the citizens of this City and to give you complete assurance
that courteous, efficient and economic service will be our constant and continuing
purpose.
Respectfully submitted,
L. Jack Davis