C.A.F.R., FY 2005-06 - Laserfiche WebLink

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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 County are provided at Paris Junior College located in the City. Total emollment of these entities is 12,201. 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 pools, 26 tennis courts, 3 walk/jog tracks, a recently completed sports complex, and 24 public park areas. 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 2006-2007 reflect a 21.87% increase over the 2005-2006 values. This increase was due to the expiration of a local power plant's tax abatement period. Building permits for new residential and commercial construction totaled $10,325,998 for fiscal year 2005-2006. This activity should be reflected in next year's taxable values. Sales taxes for 2005-2006 increased from the prior year by 6.6%. Current rebates are 10.3% above the 2005-2006 rebates through December 2006. Hotel occupancy taxes were up 26.05% compared to 2004-2005 taxes. This increase in activity is an additional sign that the local economy is growing stronger. franchise fees decreased .29% and are expected to experience slow growth. 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 109.27% of budget. Expenses did not exceed total budget appropriations. General Fund expenditures were only 93.70% of budget. For the 2006-2007 fiscal year, the City Council adopted a tax rate of 59.225 cents per $100 of value. Even though this is a 10 cent rate decrease, this rate still 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