ccreg 09-07-1999 (2)
.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
SEPTEMBER 7, 1999
The Schertz City Council convened in regular session on Tuesday,
September 7, 1999 at 7:00 p.m. in the Municipal Complex Council
Chambers, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas. Those present
were as follows: Mayor Hal Baldwin, presiding; Council members Pia
Jarman; Joe Potempa; Reginna Agee; Glyn D. Williams and Ken
Greenwald. Staff present were City Manager Kerry Sweatt; Comptroller
L.J. Cott; and Deputy City Secretary Dolores Butler.
Mayor Baldwin called the meeting to order and asked everyone to rise
in the Pledge of Alligence. Following the Pledge, Mayor Baldwin asked
everyone to remain standing for the invocation offered by Clark
Sloneker, Minister of the Randolph Christian Church.
.
Mayor Baldwin welcomed Michael Spain, City Attorney, back after a
recent illness.
#1 PUBLIC HEARING: To receive citizen comments on a proposal
to increase total tax revenues from properties on the tax roll by 14.70
percent.
Mr. Sweatt noted this public hearing is called at City Council's direction,
under terms of State law that dictates not only the wording, but the
timing of this notice. Several people have questioned why, when we
are recommending a tax rate that is lower than last year's rate, the
notices imply the taxes are increasing and the public hearing is called
on an increase by 14.70 percent.
At this time slides were presented. The first slide indicates total
assessed value. Starting in 1993 a total assessed value of $259
million. The 1994 total assessed value hit its lowest point in this period
of time of measurement of $258 million. From that point on, the chart
begins to take an upward swing running from $258 million to $312
million in 1995; $334 million in 1996 up to the 1999 number of $629
million. It is significant, when comparing the 1993 number, the major
increase in the total assessed value in this community. When
comparing $258 million to $629 million, we have almost doubled in that
period of time.
.
-290-
.
The second slide depicts the actual tax rate ranging from the 1993
number of 0.4684 cents per $100 value up to 1994 of .04300 cents per
$100 value; a decrease in 1995 of 0.4072 cents per $100 value; and in
1998 our tax rate was set at 0.3544 cents per $100 value. This year we
are recommending a tax rate of 0.3455 cents per $100 value which
amounts to 0.250% less than last year's rate even though the tax rate is
called for a total tax revenue increase by 14%. We think those two
values need to be taken together, and when you look at the total
assessed value and continuing decrease in the tax rate, we believe you
have been a good steward and have watched the ad valorem tax rate
wisely.
In calculating the tax rate, it is necessary to take last year's assessed
taxable value, take the tax rate and compare the levy of last year to
what the new total taxable value is and apply this year's tax rate,
producing a new tax levy of a total of some $278,000 increased total
taxes (14% increase).
The next slide should make the figures more realistic - that is the total
cost of taxes during each of these years. Assuming a $50,000 value on
a home in 1993 the total taxes by the city would have been $234.20. In
1994 the amount went to $215., and in 1999, at the recommended tax
rate, would be $172.79. We believe that is quite significant. Using
those same tax rates applying the next group of values is a home
valued at $75,000 ranging in 1993 from a total tax burden of $351.30
down to using this year's recommended rate would be $259.18. A
$150,000 value the 1993 tax burden was $702.60 as compared to the
1999 tax burden of $518.36. These are illustrative of the effect of
increased assessed value in the community as well as the ability of this
city council to continue to take the tax rate down and provide a high
level of service.
.
The last chart is simply a tabulation of those same numbers showing on
the charts. At this stage we would be happy to answer any questions
anyone may have. We are recommending the 1999 tax rate be set at
0.3455 cents per $100 value, as compared to last year's rate of 0.3544
cents per $100 value.
It is our understanding that you will receive testimony and take no
action tonight. The order of business will be that you will receive any
and all testimony and answer any questions and at such point in time in
.
-291-
.
the future (set for September 15) City Council will consider setting the
tax rate, then on September 21 for the budget schedule, consideration
of adopting a budget and adopting a tax rate ordinance at that time.
Mayor Baldwin opened the floor for any questions or comments.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no questions
Baldwin closed the public hearing at 7:12 p.m.
Mayor
ATTEST:
.
iJ~~~
Deputy City Secretary, City of Schertz
.
-292-