The Brownwood city council unanimously approved the 2012/2013 fiscal year budget and tax rate on Tuesday.
The $30,283,130 budget is an increase of 1.16% over last year and includes a cost of living raise for city employees. Even with the increase in the budget and the added raises, Brownwood will not be increasing any fees including water and permitting fees.
The proposed budget includes the same tax rate of $.7463 per $100 valuation which is the effective tax rate for the current year. Although this is a slight increase from the current rate, it is not considered a tax increase because property values in Brownwood went down overall. The effective rate will generate the same amount of tax revenue for the city as the previous fiscal year after adjustments.
The city of Brownwood also approved on first reading an ordinance updating the salary, longevity, and certification pay for all civil service firefighters and police officers through their meet and confer agreements. Effective October 1st, there will be a 3% base salary increase for all city firefighters and police officers and on October 1st of next year, they will receive an equivalent increase in base salary as all other city employees.
Other items approved at Tuesday’s City Council Meeting:
*Council authorized the mayor to sign a vendor agreement for the new fiscal year for the Congregate and Home Delivered Meals program with West Central Texas Council of Governments. This is for the Senior Citizen Center meals program.
*City Council approved a rental rate of the Brownwood Coliseum with Howard Payne University for $29,137.05 for their volleyball and basketball season.
*City Council approved an ordinance on first reading eliminating restrictions of the Zoning Board of Adjustment son granting variances to front and side yard setbacks for restrictions on signs. This will give the board more latitude on granting sign variances.
*City Council ratified the mayor’s appointment of Chip Camp, CEO of Brownwood Regional Medical Center, to the Brownwood Economic Development Corporation. The term will run for three years starting October 1st.