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Major Initiatives <br />The City continues to work on its long-range plan to maintain its infrastructure. The City called for a general obligation bond <br />election in May 2013 in the amount of $45,000,000 which passed overwhelmingly. Proceeds from these bonds were used for <br />water and sewer infrastructure improvements. At the same time a small low interest $2,900,000 Certificates of Obligation <br />issue was made through the Texas Water Development Board. Both bonds will be paid for out of utility system revenues. <br />With the payoff of earlier debt issues, it was not necessary to raise utility rates to fund this new debt. Likewise a $9,750,000 <br />bond election for street construction and repair was approved in 2017 and those projects have been completed. In May of <br />2021, the City issued $43,855,000 in Combination Tax and Surplus Revenue Certificates of Obligation to fund Phase One <br />construction of a new wastewater treatment plant. These bonds will be paid for out of utility system revenue and tax revenue. <br />It is expected that additional bonds will be issued in 2024 for Phase Two of the new wastewater treatment plant project. Also, <br />the City used the Federal American Rescue Plan funding to install water transmission lines around Loop 286 to aid in <br />industrial recruitment as well as providing a second water line connection to certain areas of town. <br />The City also continues to expand its effort in law enforcement related area. Programs in this effort include the Auto Theft <br />Task Force and Justice Assistance Grants for needed equipment. <br />From a development standpoint, the City has taken several steps. Reentry into the State of Texas Main Street Program has <br />channeled additional funds for revitalization of existing structures and businesses. The City continues to work closely with <br />the Paris Economic Development Corporation to attract new business to Paris and to support existing businesses as well. <br />Working with the Chamber of Commerce, the City is effectively using the civic center to attract people and business to Paris. <br />A major renovation of the civic center was recently competed. City officials are also closely working with Keep Paris <br />Beautiful, Inc. to promote and improve the City. The Historic Preservation Committee is working with local property owners <br />to maintain the historical character of the City. The City also implemented a new incentive program to encourage residential <br />housing construction. The City, PEDC, and the Chamber of Commerce recently worked together to develop a common <br />branding strategy to emphasize our unity in economic development and other areas. <br />Other Financial Information <br />The financial statements of the City of Paris, Texas, have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting <br />principles as applied to governmental units. The Governmental Accounting Standards Board is the accepted standard-setting <br />body for establishing governmental accounting and financial reporting principles. Using the GASB 34 reporting model, the <br />City's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report provides for a management's discussion and analysis, government -wide <br />financial statements, major fund financial statements, notes to the financial statements, and other required supplementary <br />information. <br />The City has a written investment policy that conforms to state statutes, which outlines permissible investments. The City <br />pools its cash balances for investment purposes from the various funds maintained in its consolidated cash account. Interest <br />earnings of the pool are allocated to the various funds of the City based upon a fund's equity position in the pool. The City of <br />Paris' primary risk exposures are in the areas of workers' compensation and tort liability. Provision for these risks is made <br />through participation in the Texas Municipal League's risk pool. <br />Between 30 days and 90 days prior to the beginning of each fiscal year, the City Manager submits to the City Council a <br />proposed budget for the fiscal year beginning on the following October 1. The operating budget, which represents the <br />financial plan for the ensuing fiscal year, includes proposed expenditures and the means of financing them. Public hearings <br />I-4 <br />