C.A.F.R., FY 2004-05 - Laserfiche WebLink

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provides service to over three million customers in 12 states. There are 3 transmission lines serving the City with a line pressure of300 pounds per square inch. Telephone service is provided by SBC Texas. Educational facilities of the City are provided by 3 independent school districts. Each of the districts is accredited by the Texas Education Agency. Higher education needs in the bOunty are provided at Paris Junior College located in the City. Total enrollment of these entities is 15,595. Tourists are attracted to the area by activities on Lake Crook and Pat Mayse Reservoir. Pat Mayse Reservoir is located 15 minutes from the City and provides 6,000 acres for boating, fishing, and camping. The Gambill Goose Refuge and numerous hunting and fishing areas are also located in the County. Other points of interest and activities include the Flying Tigers Air Museum, the A.M. Aikin Archives, Red River Valley Exposition, and an antique automobile rally. Also, the City has 3 l8-hole golf courses, 4 private and 1 public swimming pool, 26 tennis courts, 3 walk/jog tracks, a newly completed sports complex, and 13 public parks. Government Organization The City was incorporated in 1836 with the current charter adopted in November of 1948. The City operates under the Council/Manager form of government with 7 council members elected from single member districts. The Mayor is elected by the Council itself to serve as moderator of the group. The Council members serve 2 year staggered terms. The Mayor and Council appoint the City Manager, the City Attorney, and the Municipal Judge. The City is a Home Rule City with all powers granted to home rule cities by the constitution and laws of the State of Texas. The Council enacts legislation, adopts budgets, and determines policies of the City of Paris. The City Manager executes the laws and administers the government of the City. Economic Condition and Outlook Current taxable values for fiscal year 2005-2006 reflect a 2.43% decrease over the 2004-2005 values. This decrease was due to the reappraisal of certain commercial or industrial property. Building permits for new residential and commercial construction totaled $20,242,658 for fiscal year 2004-2005. This activity should be reflected in next year's taxable values. Sales taxes for 2004-2005 increased from the prior year by 5.67%. Current rebates are 8.81 % above the 2004-2005 rebates through December 2005. Hotel occupancy taxes were up 3.99% compared to 2003-2004 taxes. This increase in activity is an additional sign that the local economy is growing stronger. Franchise fees increased 24.23% due to settlement of a disputed amount with a local natural gas provider. This area is a major source of revenue to the City and is aggressively guarded by City officials. The Paris Economic Development Corporation is working hand in hand with the Lamar County Chamber of Commerce to recruit new business to the area as well as supporting already existing businesses. General Fund receipts equaled 106.68% of budget. Expenses did not exceed total budget appropriations. General Fund expenditures were only 98.53% of budget. For the 2005-2006 fiscal year, the City Council adopted a tax rate of 69.225 cents per $100 of value. This rate allows maintaining all services at their current levels or above and funds the interest and sinking fund for the certificates of obligation issued in 2000, 2002, and 2003. 1-3