Rachel Duplechain

The Special Called Meeting addressed several administrative and budgetary matters. Key actions included the approval of a resolution authorizing the City of Vidor to participate in the Purdue Opioid Settlement. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a workshop to consider and discuss the final budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. Discussions on the budget involved detailed line-item reviews, particularly concerning the City Manager's position, including salary adjustments for the interim manager and potential car allowance changes. Concerns were raised regarding proposed budget increases for Human Resources due to prior salary adjustments made outside the standard process, and City Secretary expenses related to professional development and required records paper. The Municipal Court budget review highlighted significant staffing issues, high turnover, requested pay adjustments for clerks due to increased workload and being underpaid relative to surrounding cities, and complexities arising from the implementation of the new InCode software system which is causing duplicate entry work. The Police Department budget focused on Canine expenses, which were offset by a grant, with a note that a future budget amendment might be needed for liability costs.

The meeting included citizen comments regarding employee respect and the hiring process for the new City Manager, with concerns raised about a candidate's past conduct. The council discussed and approved a resolution for placing Blessings Boxes at City Hall and the Library. An executive session was held to deliberate on the appointment and employment of a City Manager, after which the council decided to rescind the offer to Benjamin NiBarger and reopen the application process.

The council considered the appointment of reserve officers to the Vidor Police Department Reserve Force. An engineering agreement with Leavins Engineering & Design, LLC for the West Davis Loop and Jennings street improvements project was discussed and approved.

The council discussed and approved the use of Conn Park by Conn Park Complex for the month of October 2025. A resolution was approved for the execution of a Right-of-Way Instrument in favor of Entergy, Texas, Inc., for the Orange County POD and the Conn Park Complex, pending legal review. The council also approved a resolution for a Master Services Agreement for debris monitoring services with Tetra Tech, Inc. An ordinance was approved to amend Ordinance No. 1226, re-establishing and decreasing the speed zones on FM 105. The council certified the 2025 Anticipated Collection Rate, the 2024 Excess Debt Collections, and the 2025 Property Values as presented by the Orange County Tax Assessor-Collector. A proposed ad valorem tax rate was established, and a public hearing was set for August 21, 2025. The council moved to not renew Judge Abbott's appointment effective immediately and agreed to bring in three candidates for City Manager interviews.