By George Slaughter
The Katy City Council Friday afternoon voted to reduce local property taxes by two cents per $100 valuation while adopting its 2017-2018 budget.
Even though there will be a tax rate decrease, the city will generate 12 percent more in total revenues because there will be more homes on the tax rolls in the coming year.
This is the fifth consecutive year the city has given a property tax cut.
The city’s fiscal year begins in October. The budget is for $26.1 million, a six-percent increase from the current budget of $24.6 million.
J. Gary Jones
The budget includes a two-percent cost of living increase because insurance costs have risen. Ward A Council Member Gary Jones offered an amendment to exempt the mayor and council members from this increase. His amendment passed.
In other action Friday, the council:
- Adopted a resolution authorizing Mayor Chuck Brawner to sign an agreement with Metropolitan Landscape Management, of Spring, for grounds maintenance and mowing of city properties.
- Passed an ordinance to amend the employee classification and compensation plan by amending job descriptions of telecommunications dispatch supervisor, telecommunications dispatcher, information technology specialist, information technology assistant, animal control supervisor, and juvenile case manager. The ordinance also amends the pay range and wage hour exemption schedule.
- Passed an ordinance to amend the city’s vacation, sick leave, personal time, and holiday pay personnel policies. The change in ordinance keeps the city consistent with other area cities in paying full-time Katy Fire Department shift firefighters based on a 12-hour day.