Five things to watch at Monday’s city council meetings

By Colin Killian, Public Communications Office

The College Station City Council gathers Monday at city hall for its workshop (5:30 p.m.) and regular (7 p.m.) meetings. Here are five items to watch:  

1. Proclamations: The mayor will present proclamations in recognition of Alzheimer’s Awareness Day and Mental Illness Week.
2. Police Tasers and Body Cameras: As part of the consent agenda, the council will consider providing bicycle and motorcycle police officers with body cameras and deploying additional Tasers on patrol.
3. FY14 Budget Amendment: After a public hearing, the council will consider a $7.66 million amendment to the FY14 budget, most of which would come from the Electric Utility Fund to cover higher-than-expected purchased power and wheeling charges. Wheeling is the transfer of electrical power from another utility’s service area. For complete details on the budget amendment, see pages 201-202 in the regular meeting packet.
4. Comp Plan Evaluation: After a public hearing, the council will consider the Comprehensive Plan Five-Year Evaluation and Appraisal Report, which includes recommended modifications. Public outreach included an online survey, a public open house meeting, focus groups, and a public review.
5. FY15 Budget and Tax Rate: The council will consider adopting the city’s $253.1 million FY15 budget and a 6-cent increase in the property tax rate. Public hearings were held on Sept. 3 and Sept. 11. The new tax rate would be 45.25 cents per $100 valuation.

The meetings can be watched live on Suddenlink Ch. 19, or online. Previous council meetings are archived on the website. A detailed live blog from the meetings will be posted on this site and also can be accessed through the city’s Facebook page.

Related links:                                                                 

• Complete agendas and supporting materials