The City Council approved a water-rate increase, discussed employee pay hikes and scheduled a November election during its July 9 meeting.
After much debate, council members gave their approval to a 1.5 percent jump in water rates.
City Administrator Stan Farmer introduced two different plans to city leaders.
One involved the 1.5% increase across the board, while the other called for tiered increases, with a 0.5% jump per every 1,000 gallons used.
The latter plan met with unanimous disapproval by those on the dais, with Councilman Tony Battle saying it penalized large households using more water than a single person or a couple.
“If a person has five kids, we’re going to punish them more?” Battle said.
Councilwoman Linda Palmer also echoed that sentiment, recalling how much water her family used when she was raising her children.
At least one elected leader indicated the suggested 1.5% increase may be too low.
Councilman Jeff Flowers suggested a 3% hike for those who use the most water. Some of his colleagues pushed back, saying that rate would be too high.
After some debate, the council reached a consensus to put forward the 1.5% increase for now.
Another issue that raised eyebrows came with a discussion about pay raises for city employees, though no action took place.
Palmer opposed any compensation increases, indicating funding should instead be spent on city projects.
“I get that they want to feel appreciated, but this is taxpayer money,” Palmer said.
Other council members said a decision would have to be tabled until they had more information.
Farmer agreed to compile data on the pay hikes requested by the council.
In other news, the council approved a resolution to hold municipal balloting Nov. 5, coinciding with a general election that includes county, state and national offices.
Many cities do the same to save election costs, while others still hold separate city and school board voting in May. The terms of Mayor Rebecca Gibson, Flowers and Palmer are set to expire.
The council also announced two public hearings on the proposed Fiscal Year 2024-25 tax rate, with the first Aug. 27. For now, the rate remains at 47 cents per $100 valuation.
Under state law, city budgets must be approved by Oct. 1.
In other business, City Treasurer Allyson Wright gave an update on quarterly investments, with the now-complete sewer line being the biggest cost at $147,714.65.
Wright also assisted Farmer in an update on the yearly budget, expenditures and revenue. The city has made 89.86% of its budget in revenue as of June 30, keeping solidly in the black, they noted.
The council meets the second and fourth Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m.
For more information, as well as the agenda packets for each meeting, go to www.banderatx.gov/ meetings.
