Council adopts budget, tax rate

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The Dublin City Council approved the 2020-2021 budget and tax rate and officially appointed interim EMS director John Tadlock to the position during a busy but quick regular meeting Monday night.

Dublin City Manager Bobby Mendez reported that EMS employees have been happy with Tadlock’s leadership as the interim director with several saying they are staying on thanks to his involvement.

The Council members unanimously approved moving him into the position officially.

In unanimously approving the new tax rate of $0.9638 per $100 valuation, it was announced that the rate will effectively be raised by 3.49 percent and raise taxes on a $100,000 home by approximately $102.

The increase is due to the rise in tax values as the tax rate for the city was actually dropped from the 2019-2020 rate of $1.12 per $100 valuation.

Mendez reported in presenting the budget that the planning process had been “a headache” with every department head working hard to present a conservative and balanced budget. Mayor David Leatherwood thanked Mendez, city staff and department heads for the hard work, saying that it’s probably the most responsible budget the city has had in several years.

Dublin Police Chief Cameron Ray was present to present several items to the council for approval. Among the items was approving an interlocal agreement with Erath County to provide 24-hour dispatch services to Dublin PD for $125,000 per year in an agreement valid for five years. Ray reported that the price would be revisited at the end of the year with the promise that it could be less than $125,000 but would not be more. Council unanimously approved the agreement.

The Council also approved the sale of scrap metal (including items like broken bikes and a metal stand) and the public auction of two police vehicles (a 2007 Dodge Charger and a 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe), which Ray said were both in excess of 130,000 miles and were at the ‘end of life.’

Council members also unanimously released the title of the Dublin Airport Courtesy Car that was stolen and wrecked in Comanche to Garcia Towing of Comanche. Mendez reported that title was being accepted in lieu of the $900 towing bill.

Council members also gave Mendez approval to start discussion on the sale of land behind Thompson’s Custom Meats & Processing to the butcher with it noted that the land had previously been used for an animal shelter and public works, but it had not been used for some time.

Council members also approved David Cleveland to fill a vacancy on the Upper Leon Municipal Water District Board at the recommendation of Steve Hightower.

Dublin EDC Executive Director Karen Wright was also present for the EDC’s annual budget approval and to request temporarily appointing Lanora Davidson to fill the seat of Dr. Joe Cannon, who is on leave of absence. Council members approved both items with Darrel Curry abstaining as he represents the council on the EDC.

Council members also heard from Dublin Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ellisa Tiscareno regarding the historic Katy Train Depot, saying that the Chamber would be interested in using it for office space and that she could assist the city in pursuing grants and funding to speed up its renovation. The council tabled the item with Mayor Leatherwood reporting that he would form a committee so decisions could be made.

Council members also unanimously adopted the investment policy with no changes and moved the October meeting from Oct. 12 to Oct.19 at 6:30 p.m. so it would not coincide with Columbus Day.

Dr. David Stanphill was also present to issue a public comment on the city’s contract with hangar owners/pilots at the Dublin Airport, speaking on several items in the preliminary contract that he felt needed more attention.