• Reviewed the so-called “Wastewater Consolidation Study” and provided direction to the
staff regarding improvements at the wastewater plants. This topic could consume more
space than I have but four things are critical and perhaps misunderstood – 1.) substantial
repairs and improvements to the existing plants will be made, most of which have been
delayed awaiting this study commissioned almost two years ago 2.) affordability was a key
factor in our decision making and particularly critical given our current rates and bond debt
levels 3.) consolidation did not lower rates – now or in the future and the cost being dis-
cussed did not include the funds needed to adjust the collection system to accommodate a
new plant 4.) there is no agreement with EPA that requires consolidation.
• Approved Ethics ordinance and City Council policy changes
• Addressed a range of planning documents including the Area Development Plans for the
Downtown and North Beach and proceeding with discussion of a possible annexation policy.
• Refunded bonds which will save us over $50,000,000 in the coming years.
I will not go through some of the exciting economic development news since I sure you as
business owners keep up with these. In the next few weeks, we will begin in earnest our bud-
get discussions in which topics, such as potential savings through service consolidation or
elimination. Police and Fire staffing needs, city health insurance issues among others, will be
discussed in greater depth along with many of the above.
Congratulations are also due to the successful efforts of the Military Facilities Task Force, which
worked closely with our legislative delegation and other Texas bases with military aviation mis-
sions, on passage of SB 277. I was pleased to try to assist with these efforts and hope to be in
more active in the future to ensure the stability and even growth of the military in our community.
As UCCCC has in the recent month recommended a 2018 bond program, we listen hard when
you speak as an organization, and I welcome any thoughts or comments any of you may have
and hope you will reach out to me at [email protected] or 826-3100. We look forward
to working with you over the coming months and years.
I am honored to be your Mayor!
- Joe
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