07 City Council Spec Budget Session Min 9-5-06
SPECIAL WORK SESSION MEETING
OF THE CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF PARIS
September 5, 2006
The City Council of the City of Paris met for a special work session at 6:00 P. M.
Monday, September 5, 2006, at the City Council Chamber, 107 E. Kaufman, Paris, Texas.
Present:
Richard Manning
Mayor:
Council Members: Tim Ray; Curtis Fendley; Mary Ann
Fisher, Mayor Pro Tern; Kevin Gray; Jesse
James Freelen; and Don Wilson
City Staff: Tony N. Williams, City Manager; John
Lestock, Assistant City Attorney; and
Janice Ellis, City Clerk
1. Open City Council Special Work Session.
Following the special meeting, Mayor Manning called the special work session to
order at 6:48 p.m.
2. Budget Workshop - Discuss City Manager's 2006-2007 Budget.
Council Member Fisher left the meeting at 6:50 p.m. and returned at 6:55 p.m.
Tony told Council he had information requested at the previous meeting. He informed
the City Council should they increase tax exemptions from $17,000.00 to $20,000.00 for
residents over 65, it would result in loss revenue of$40, 154.00. Council Member Ray said this
would make Paris more desirable for seniors. Council Member Wilson stated reducing the tax
rate would also attract seniors to retire in Paris. Tony further informed Council should they
put in place a tax freeze for residents over 65, that it would be irrevocable. Mayor Manning
expressed concern about a tax freeze, as did Council Member Wilson.
Tony told Council the $2,500.00 under main street, was for repainting Farmer's Market
and erecting a new sign. Tony informed Council that he had spoken to the State with regard
to the Main Street Coordinator position, and was informed it can be a part-time position. Tony
said to add the duties of main street coordinator to the community development director would
not be best for the main street program, because it would not get enough attention. Council
Member Ray inquired as to why the main street coordinator was given a raise in excess of
$8,000.00. Tony explained that he reclassified the position after reviewing the salary survey.
Council Member Freelen said he had noticed a big improvement in the downtown area and it
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Special Work Session
September 5, 2006
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looked great. Tony suggested the $15,000.00 budgeted for the pumpkin festival be deleted,
because staff assured him they could raise the money through donations. Council Member Ray
made a motion to cut $8,449.00 from the budget. Council Member Fisher said that the
employee was already getting the salary, at which time Council Member Ray withdrew his
motion. Council Member Gray said that much of an increase for one person was not fair to the
other employees. Mayor Manning inquired of Lisa Wright ifthey could raise the $15,000.00
through donations and she answered in the affIrmative.
A Motion to delete $15,000.00 from the Main Street Budget was made by Council
Member Wilson and seconded by Council Member Fendley. Motion carried - 7 ayes, 0 - nays.
3. Consideration of amendments to the City Manager's proposed budget.
Council Member Gray left the meeting at 8:10 p.m. and returned at 8:12 p.m.
Council reviewed budgets for the following departments: Engineering, Public Works,
Parks and Recreation, Sanitation, Streets, Traffic and Public Lighting, Garage, Emergency
Medical Services, Cox Field Airport, Paris Band, Library, Water Billing and Collections,
W arehouse, Water Production and Distribution, Sewer Maintenance, Wastewater Treament,
and Lift Stations.
Tony asked Council to review the PEDC and VC&C budgets.
Mayor Manning read a letter from Stephen Holmes regarding the City's health
insurance for retirees and current employees and ask that they reconsider the insurance plan.
Gene Anderson stated that no changes could be made to the plan until next May.
4. RESOLUTION NO. 2006-120: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS, SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED
AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY MANAGER'S PROPOSED BUDGET FOR
FISCAL YEAR 2006-2007; MAKING OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS
RELA TED TO THE SUBJECT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
A Motion to approve this item was made by Council Member Fendley and seconded
by Council Member Ray. Motion carried, 7 ayes - 0 nays.
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