HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN 09.03.2019 CC-SNotice of a Special Meeting of the
Governing Body of the
City of Georgetown, Texas
Tuesday, September 3, 2019
The Georgetown City Council will meet on Tuesday, September 3, 2019 at 6:00 PM at the Council Chambers, 510 W
911 Street, Georgetown, Texas.
The city of Georgetown is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you require
assistance in participating at a public meeting due to a disability, as defined under the ADA, reasonable assistance,
adaptations, or accommodations will be provided upon request. Please contact the City Secretary's Office, at least
four (4) days prior to the scheduled meeting date, at (512) 930-3652 or City Hall at 808 Martin Luther King Jr Street
for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
All Council Members were in attendance: Mayor Dale Ross; Valerie Nicholson, Council Member District 2; Mike
Triggs, Council Member District 3; Steve Fought, Council Member District 4; Kevin Pitts, Council Member District
5; Rachael Jonrowe, Council Member District 6; and Tommy Gonzalez, District 7. District 1 is vacant.
Mayor Ross called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
Legislative Regular Session
A. Public Hearing on the proposed FY2020 Annual Budget -- David Morgan, City Manager
Morgan presented the item and gave a brief overview of the FY2020 budget. He noted that Council has
reviewed the budget over several meetings. Morgan stated that the proposed tax rate is $0.42, which is the
same as 2019, however it does put the City 3.6% over the effective rate and staff has worked to shape the
debt/infrastructure plan to stay within current tax rate. He added that the City has had continued growth of
6.7% in sales tax and 34% growth in utility revenues. Morgan said that there will be no rate increases for
water, sewer, electric, drainage rates and a $0.75 monthly residential sanitation rate increase due to TDS
contract cost increase. He then reviewed the valuations and tax rate noting: the total assessed valuation is
certified at $8.6 billion, which is an overall increase of 8.16% increase over last year; new value represents
$345 million, which is an increase of 38%; commercial growth of $47 million; existing property increased
4.7% over last year; the average taxable home value is $285,357.00 and this is an increase of $7,244.00
(2.6%) over the past year; and at the proposed tax rate of $0.42, the estimated tax increase for the average
homeowner ($285,357.00) would be $30.42 annually or a 2.6% increase. Morgan reviewed the City's return
on investments, compensation, staffing, continuation of current initiatives, reorganization to improve service
delivery, risk management initiatives, electric fund, water fund, tourism and CVB, and a budget summary.
Mayor Ross opened the public hearing at 6:10 p.m. to receive comments on the proposed budget in
accordance with the local government code. Each speaker was given 3 minutes. Mayor Ross then called the
first speaker.
Resident Brian Ortego stated that things have changed over 18 years and expenses have increased. He then
noted the needs of beautification and truth in taxation. Ortego also noted the City's growth.
Mayor Ross closed the public comment period of the public hearing on the fiscal year 2020 budget at 6:14
p.m.
Mayor Ross stated that the City Council will vote to adopt the budget on first reading at 6:00pm on Tuesday,
September 10, 2019 at the City Council Chambers at 510 W 9th St., Georgetown, Texas, and on second
reading at 6:00pm on Tuesday, September 24, 2019 at the City Council Chambers at 510 West 9th St.,
Georgetown, Texas.
Mayor Ross asked for a motion to close the comment period of the public hearing. Motion by Nicholson,
second by Pitts.
Approved 6-0. (District 1 vacant)
B. Public Hearing on the proposed 2019 Property Tax Rate used for the FY2020 Annual Budget -- David
Morgan, City Manager
Mayor Ross opened the public hearing at 6:16 p.m. to receive comments on the proposed property tax rate in
accordance with the local government code. Each speaker was given 3 minutes. Mayor Ross then called the
first speaker:
Resident Brian Ortego spoke on the Williamson County Appraisal District and how Georgetown is affordable
compared to neighboring areas. He asked Council to consider people on fixed incomes, the over 65 tax
exemption and ways to offset it.
Mayor Ross closed the first public hearing on the proposed property tax rate at 6:20 p.m.
Mayor Ross stated the City Council will vote to adopt the tax rate on first reading at 6:OOpm on Tuesday,
September 10, 2019 at the City Council Chambers at 510 West 9th St., Georgetown, Texas; and on second
reading at 6:OOpm on Tuesday, September 24, 2019 at the City Council Chambers at 510 West 9th St.,
Georgetown, Texas.
Mayor Ross asked for a motion to close the public hearing. Motion by Nicholson, second by Pitts.
Approved 6-0. (District 1 vacant)
Gonzalez announced that he will propose a half cent cut on the tax rate at the next meeting. He added that
he was making the announcement now to allow Council time to consider his proposal.
Adjournment
Motion by Fought to adjourn, second by Nicholson.
Approved 6-0. (District 1 vacant)
Meeting adjourned at 6:22 p.m.
Approved by the Georgetown City Council on . 1I
Date
Dale Ross, Mayor Attest: City Secr ry