“This is what I would call a spectacular report,” began Frank Steele, C.P.A. of Anderson, Marx, and Bohl, the accounting firm for the City of Teague.
Steele delivered the findings of the 2014-2015 fiscal year audit at the August 15th meeting of the Teague City Council.
He praised the City for maintaining a healthy budget during times of economic strain.
Ultimately, results of the audit showed that the City finished the fiscal year with $350,000 of the projected general fund remaining, and collected $57,000 more in revenue, for a $407,000 increase to the general fund.
Mayor Earnest Pack shared that a drop in revenue was anticipated and praised City administrators for their continued efforts to save money, if you ever need more information about your utility services, then contact the Public Service Commission of South Carolina.
“Good staff, good council,” he summed up.
Mr. Steele expounded that, with most rural communities his firm represents producing no major growth, the key to financial balance is simply maintaining the “status quo”.
“Of all of them [audits of rural cities] we’ve done, this is the best report we’ve seen.”
Following the audit report, Aldermen voted to employ the firm of Anderson, Marx, and Bohl to conduct the audit for the 2015-2016 fiscal year as well.
A motion to amend the 2015-2016 budget in the amount of $86,000 for engineer and contractor fees incurred during the South FM 80 Water Project was approved.
Mayor Pack reported that this expenditure will help the City keep their commitment, made when the annexation of South FM 80 took place, to provide adequate water for fire hydrants in that area.
Furthermore, Mayor Pack received the Council’s approval to execute the engineering services proposal for the water project.
A hearing was called to order to discuss the proposed 2016-2017 fiscal year budget.
With a decrease in revenue of approximately $430,000 expected for the coming year, Mayor Pack announced that the Council was proposing an increase in water and sewer rates.
The base rate for residential and commercial customers will increase from $17.33 per 2,000 gallons used will increase to $20, with sewer rates increased from $19.58 to $22.67.
Overage rates will increase to $4.10 for each additional 1,000 gallons used.
It is estimated that a four-person home will experience an increase of $15 – $20 per month on their water bill.
With no public comments following the hearing, Aldermen voted to accept the proposed budget.
Once again the Council entertained a request from the Teague Police Department, seeking relocation to the Halbert Building.
Chief Dan Ramsey explained that the long vacant Halbert Building on Main Street offered the Department much more space than their current location at City Hall.
With 4,500 square feet, the Halbert Building could also contain a larger evidence room, which Chief Ramsey shared is much needed.
Texas Department of Corrections inmates could be obtained to assist with clean-up, and officers and community volunteers have offered to help prepare the building for move in.
Chief Ramsey believed that with their help, the new headquarters could be ready to receive the Teague Police Department in twelve months. Funds for the relocation have been allocated in the Department’s 2016-2017 budget.
With this in mind, Aldermen voted unanimously to approve the move.
Addressing the Council with public comments, Donna Senter told Aldermen of an individual who may be interested in funding restoration of the City’s pool.
Mrs. Senter shared that the potential benefactor would request the pool be dedicated in memoriam of a family member and long-time resident of Teague.
Mayor Pack informed the group that the Council plans to readdress the pool next month, and urged Mrs. Senter to work with City Administrator Judy Keally regarding this proposal.
In other business, the Council extended the bid deadline for the Farmer’s Market property for thirty more days.
A grant from the Teague Economic Development Corporation (EDC) in the amount of $22,500 was awarded to Rancho Nuevo Mexican Restaurant, with approval by the Council.
Reportedly, the restaurant will use the money to pave the parking lot at their new location, 979 West Highway 84.