It’s Saturday.
What’s on your mind?
We deserve better
Brutus
Remember this in November
September 6, 2019Well they got us again.
In Maximum tax increase from the city we pointed out that while city council took a preliminary vote to increase our property tax rate to 88 cents per hundred dollars of valuation they simultaneously published notice in the Times that they would increase the rate to 90.73 cents.
When it came time to finalize the budget they used the 90.73 cent rate. Three of the members that are up for re-election voted against or vetoed the increase.
Note that we did not hear much explanation as to why they voted against the increase.
It seems that they were only concerned with what their vote would like to the voters.
We deserve better
Brutus
6 Comments | 
City government | 
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Posted by Brutus
Right in front of their faces
September 5, 2019From a recent presentation to city council:
Let’s see:
- Local manufacturers buy $39 billion of goods and services each year
- Local suppliers provide 2% of that
Duh
If city council thinks it is responsible for economic development why don’t they focus on finding ways to raise the percentage above 2% instead of giving money away for water resorts and sports stadiums?
We deserve better
Brutus
5 Comments | City government | Permalink
Posted by Brutus
Not doing her job
September 4, 2019At the August 6, 2019 meeting of city council our city attorney spoke about ethics training as well as council members having a better understanding of Roberts Rules of Order.
Then astoundingly she indicated that having a more robust understanding of Roberts Rules would help even her.
Doing her job
Unfortunately this council as well as past councils has appointed the city attorney to also be the city parliamentarian. This job should be done by someone who is not dependent upon the good will of city council.
She should know the rules backwards and forwards. She should see to it that council meetings are conducted using those rules since council has voted to use them.
The job of city parliamentarian has been assigned to her. She should have learned the rules before the very next council meeting.
While we’re at it
She should also see to it that council takes no action that is illegal. She should be completely familiar with the Texas Open Meetings Act and see to it that the act is obeyed.
Further
She should also see to it that the rules about providing backup material when items are placed on the agenda. Too often presentations are made at council meetings without them having been made available for viewing by the public 72 hours before a meeting.
If she doesn’t have time to handle these things she might assign one of her ample staff to do them for her.
Otherwise she should resign as parliamentarian.
We deserve better
Brutus
6 Comments | City government, State Government | Permalink
Posted by Brutus
Historic designation not voluntary
September 3, 2019This slide came from a presentation to city council:
It appears that other people can collectively vote to take your property.
We deserve better
Brutus
2 Comments | City government, State Government | Permalink
Posted by Brutus
elpasospeak 
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