05 Audit for FY01-02 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

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. Distribution voltage in the City is 12,500 volts. The supply of electric power is adequate to meet the requirements of any commercial or industrial demand. TXU Gas provides natural gas for residential, commercial, and industrial users. There are 3 transmission lines serving the City with a line pressure of 300 pounds per square inch. Telephone service is provided by Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. Educational facilities of the County are provided by 5 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 in the City. Total enrollment of these entities is 12,794. 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 18-hole golf courses, 1 private and 1 public swimming pool, 26 tennis courts, and 24 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 2002-2003 reflect a 3.16% increase over the 2001-2002 values. Building permits for new residential and commercial construction totaled $25,087,943 for fiscal year 2001-2002. This activity should be reflected in next year's taxable values. Sales taxes for 2001-2002 increased from the prior year by .83%. Current rebates are 13.8% above the 2000-2001 rebates through January 2003 due to last year's state audit adjustment. Without this adjustment, rebates would be up 6.8% over the previous year. Hotel occupancy taxes were down 11.81% compared to 2000-2001 taxes. This decline of activity is expected to parallel general economic conditions. Hotel taxes through January 2003 were down 16.2% over the previous year. Franchise fees are expected to remain at their current levels during 2002-2003. This area is a major source of revenue to the City and is aggressively guarded by city officials. I-5