John Ryder

The City Council meeting included discussions on various topics such as an Oncor rate increase, the presentation of the proposed 2025-2026 budget and tax rate, and the approval of the proposed tax rate. Additionally, staff reports from the City Administrator, Chief of Police, City Attorney, consulting engineers, and department heads were reviewed. The council also addressed the approval of minutes from a previous meeting, financial reports, the establishment of the 2026 city holiday schedule, and an invoice from Core & Main, LP. An exit interview process for departing employees and an executive session to discuss Miracle Lane were also on the agenda.

The meeting included a call to order, community announcements, and citizen presentations. The council discussed and considered canvassing the results of the November 7th general election for the Mayoral and Council seats, as well as ballot propositions. They also covered the swearing-in of newly elected council members. Reports were presented by the Police Chief, Public Works Director, Engineering, Community Development, and City Administrator. Other topics included consent agenda items such as approval of minutes, write-off of bad debt, and renewal of an agreement for professional cleaning services. The selection of a Mayor Pro Tempore, an agreement for interlocal cooperation with the City of Troy, the Police Chief's annual evaluation, and the appointment of a Director to the Bruceville-Eddy Economic Development Corporation were also discussed. Additionally, the council addressed office personnel salary adjustments and repairs to groundwater wells at the Friendly Oaks and Westridge Water Plants.

The proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 includes discussions on property tax revenue, which is expected to increase. Key focus areas include water system improvements, sewer system projects, street repairs, employee compensation, and animal services. The budget allocates funds for water system maintenance, sewer system completion, and street maintenance. It also includes provisions for employee cost-of-living adjustments and increased contributions to retirement plans. Additionally, the budget addresses animal control services.

The City Council held a workshop and regular meeting. The workshop included a community forum on the Eagle Prairie Subdivision, where WBW Development presented a Planned Development District proposal. The regular meeting covered a range of topics, including citizen requests for septic system installation, regulation of shipping containers and livestock, and an extended use permit for recreational vehicle residency during home construction. Reports were heard from the Police Chief, Public Works Director, Engineering, and City Administrator. The council discussed and considered action on financial reports, a proposal from DW Appraisal LLC, a website hosting renewal with Extraco Consulting, an amendment to a service agreement with The Payment Group, LLC, and an interlocal agreement for animal shelter services with The City of Waco. Employee policies regarding personal vehicles and weapons were discussed, and resolutions were considered for a GLO RCP grant application submission and related procurement and financial policies. The council also received training from Senior Attorney Jennifer Richie and entered an executive session to discuss legal and real property matters.

The meeting included discussions on citizen comments regarding the sewer project, concerns about costs, and the preference for a gas station. The council discussed the city engineer's report, sewer provision, street paving, and potential alternative engineering firms. The council also addressed the police department's report and the city attorney's employment. They decided against dismissing the city attorney and expressed confidence in the city engineer, emphasizing the importance of completing the sewer project and addressing relational fractures within the city.