By Anton Riecher
A public hearing on a proposed Devine city tax rate of 59 cents per $100 valuation has been scheduled for 6 p.m. Sept. 17 at the city community center.
The city council voted 5-0 on the proposal during a budget workshop held Aug. 27.
“We honestly would like to see consideration for the 59 cent tax rate which would generate some $100,000 extra,” City Administrator David Jordan told the council during the budget workshop.
The present municipal tax rate is $.55 per $100 valuation.
Discussion during the workshop session covered topics as diverse as election expenses, longevity pay, city vehicles and police overtime.
District 4 Council Member Josh Ritchey expressed concern about the prospect of reduced sales tax influenced by election year economic issues.
District 5 Council Member Debbie Randall said she considered the proposed tax rate a “very conservative number.”
“I’ve always said we need to live within our means,” Randall said. “But if we’re going to go to 59 cents I think at least the numbers are conservative enough.”
In other action, the council approved a motion to proceed with negotiations with Maguire Iron, Inc. to refurbish the city’s main above ground water storage tank near Warhorse Stadium.
The motion by District 3 Council Member Jeff Miller, seconded by District 2 Council Member Michael Hernandez, also involves…
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