Council: city hall closed Sep 30
The city council met in regular session Monday September 14 with all members present, Mayor Rick White presiding.
Public notices seeking comments on the proposed budget and the tax rate drew no members of the public for comments.
A 2015-2016 fiscal budget of $4,517,475 was adopted. The property tax rate of .7512 was approved. Of that amount .5098 goes into the general fund and .2414 into the interest and sinking fund for bond payments.
A bid of $46,381 was awarded to Fortenberry Roofing to re-roof three areas at Prairie Acres.
The October council meeting was moved to October 5 since the regular meeting date of October 12 is the Columbus Day holiday.
Police Chief Isidro Jimenez reported that two new officers had been hired and he now has a full staff. One of the officers has 17 years experience and lived in Friona until he was in junior high. The other new officer is a recent graduate of the police academy at Amarillo College and this is his first job as an officer. The Chief reported 11 arrests in August, 98 traffic stops, 32 citations, and a total of 237 calls for service.
During discussion of accounts payable city manager Patricia Phipps said the city has purchased a dump truck and two new mowers. During discussion of the August financial statement she said $19,000 in EMS fees were collected in August, a record collection.
The council approved the city manager request to close city hall September 30 to allow for year end close out of the fiscal year. She said they would answer phones but the office will be officially closed.
The new Prairie Acres/Heritage management company had submitted a yearly budget. During discussion the council heard comments from Prairie Acres administrator Billy Ray Johnston, business office manager Kathy Anthony, and maintenance supervisor Gary Johnson questioning certain budget items. The new budget was about $227,000 less than the last budget. After discussion the council took no action on the budget until further discussions are held.
For more details on city activities see the Mayor's Minutes on page two.
