Council to hold budget hearing

The Odessa City Council will hold a public hearing for the city’s fiscal year 2010-2011 budget as part of its regular meeting tonight.

The proposed budget calls for total expenditures of more than $137.94 million.

While City Manager Richard Morton has said the budget would be relatively flat compared to fiscal year 2009-2010, it does include 4 percent step pay raises for public safety officers, as well as 2 percent raises for the city’s other employees.

The first reading of an ordinance on the city’s 2010-2011 tax rate is also scheduled. A tax rate of 52.275 cents per $100 valuation, the same as the current fiscal year, is being considered. Because of an increase in the average taxable value for homes in the city, that would mean an increase of about $25 in city taxes for the average homeowner in the city.

Council will vote on final approval for the budget at its Sept. 14 meeting.

Council will also consider an economic development agreement with Precision Lining Systems LLC that has already been approved by the board of the Odessa Development Corp. ODC approved a grant of $207,000 at its Aug. 12 meeting. Though ODC also approved a $400,000 loan for the project, the company has notified the city it is no longer requesting a loan.

The meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the fifth floor council chamber at Odessa City Hall, 411 W. Eighth St.

Council will also consider:

>> Second and final approval for original zoning for land at the Parks Legado Town Center and Leeco Industrial Park.

>> The donation of two surplus vehicles to the South Ector Volunteer Fire Deparment.

>> Second and final approval for a storm water management ordinance.

>> Amending ODC’s job creation benefit matrix.

>> Approval of rate tariffs as part of a negotiated settlement with Atmos Energy. It represents an overall increase of 1.6 percent in revenue for Atmos.

>> The ODC budget and general development plan.

>> Appointments to boards and committees.