C.A.F.R., FY 2010-11 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The City provides utilities through its 36 MGD water plant and 7.25 MGD wastewater plant. Electric power is supplied to Paris by TXU Electric's interconnected transmission system. It has a generating capacity of 22,808,000 KW. The supply of electric power is adequate to meet the requirements of any commercial or industrial demand. Atmos Energy provides natural gas for residential, commercial, and industrial users. Atmos Energy is the largest provider of pure natural gas in America. It provides service to over three million customers in 12 states. There are 3 transmission lines serving the City with a line pressure of 300 pounds per square inch. Telephone service is provided by AT &T. 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 enrollment of these entities is 13,428. 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 Sam Bell Maxey House, the A.M. Aikin Archives, Red River Valley Exposition, and the Lamar County Historical Society Museum. Also, the City has 3 18-hole golf courses, 4 private and 1 public swimming pools, 26 tennis courts, 3 walk/jog tracks, a sports complex, and 24 public park areas. Government Organization The City was founded in 1839 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 can serve a maximum of three consecutive 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 2011-2012 reflect a 1.55% decrease over the 2010-2011 values. This decrease was caused by a decrease in non-home site improvement values. Building permits for new residential and commercial construction totaled $10,594,986 for fiscal year 2010-11. This activity should be reflected in next year's taxable values. Sales taxes for 2010-11 increased from the prior year by 3.25%. This increase had been predicted due to the recovering local economy. Current rebates are 0.91% above the 2010-11 rebates through March 2012. Hotel occupancy taxes were down 10.29% compared to 2009-10 taxes and is reflective of the delinquency of two hotels. Both of these hotels have either paid or made arrangements to pay their tax obligations in the 2011-12 fiscal year. Franchise fees decreased 0.86% due to lower solid waste fees. This area is a major source of revenue to the City and is aggressively guarded by City officials. There is some discussion by the Public Utilities Commission indicating that they may reverse an earlier decision which had reduced franchise fee collections in the past few years. 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. 1-3