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Regular Council Meeting July 22, 2019 Page 5 Mr. Godwin outlined the highlights of the 2019-20 recommended budget, beginning with the general fund. He said there was no change in the existing tax rate of $55.195 per $100 of valuation; a replacement of outdated phone system at the police and courts building; seniority pay for police and fire supervisors; programmed increase in debt service for fire apparatuses; new ambulance and associated equipment; code enforcement equipment; contract mowing; Grant matches for HOME program, Main Street CDBG sidewalk, and safe routes to school; one new community service employee, one added code enforcement officer; expanded downtown grants; mill and inlay miscellaneous streets; park grant match for pump track; pool and park improvements; revised development fees; no new utilities employees; replacement water and sewer equipment; capital maintenance improvement sat the water treatment plan, rehab water treatment plant building, and WTP pumps; lift station rehabilitation; tasks 1-3 of engineering services agreement for conceptual design of sewer plant; previously implemented water and sewer rate increase. Next, Mr. Godwin said cities reviewed development fees, and said that a City did not make money on these fees. He said the fees were to recoup the costs of providing for inspection type services. Mr. Godwin said a new state law prohibited fees from being used based on the value of property or improvements. He also said since the City based building fees on the estimated value of improvements, that they must change the fee structure. Mr. Godwin said some of Paris' fees had not been adjusted since the 1970s. Mr. Godwin answered questions from City Council and reminded them that in addition to their regular September meetings, they would have two special meetings on September 3 and September 16. 18. Discuss development fees and provide direction to staff. Mr. Godwin said he discussed this item with the budget, and would bring an ordinance for consideration at their September 16 meeting. 19. Discuss and act on RESOLUTION NO. 2019-025: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS, FORGIVING CERTAIN CIVIL PENALTIES ASSESSED AGAINST THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 801 W. WASHINGTON STREET; FINDING A PUBLIC PURPOSE IN SUPPORT OF SAME; MAKING OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT; AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Mr. Godwin apologized for not having the information in the packet, and said this came up at the last minute. He said from time to time City staff waived code penalties and interest on properties when those charges become so high as to make a sale impossible. Mr. Godwin said the costs were far more than the property was worth and because of the amount, these fees required Council authorization. He explained that the prospective buyers planned to rebuild an existing house and improve the lot and its taxable value. Ms. Harris said the City would recoup the demolition fee of $750.00, and explained the BSC orders. Council Member Knox inquired about the back taxes, and Mr. Godwin said he did not know about the back taxes, but that would be handled at closing. This was forgiving fees, interest and penalties.