Tax rate hearing

City Council members will have their first public hearing on the proposed property tax rate for 2008-'09 at 6 p.m. Tuesday.

Council is proposing 56.2 cents per $100 valuation, 1.67 cents lower than the current rate. The 56.2-cent rate will keep the city just under the amount it would take to trigger a possible property-tax rollback election, where citizens could vote to decrease the tax rate even further.

If the proposed rate is adopted, it will mark the fifth year council members have decreased property taxes.

Council will also take a final vote on increasing water and sewer rates by 3 percent. The rate change will show up in October bills if it's approved.

City utilities director Debbie McReynolds has said the increase is needed to cover rising costs in electricity, chemicals and personnel. An average family of four will see a $2.95 increase on their bill.

Council will also consider:

>> Appropriating two anonymous $50,000 donations to the police and fire departments.

>> Approving GK's Shuttle limousine franchise.

>> Approving the rate review mechanism tariff as recommended by the steering committee of cities served by Atmos West Texas.

>> A monthly financial summary report for July.

>> Amending chapters, 1-4A, 8 and 8A, 9 and 9A, 12-14 and 17-21 of the city code.

>> Revisions to personnel policy and procedures.

>> Approving the Odessa Development Corporation's $15 million budget, certain contracts and the General Development Plan for 2008-'09.

>> Authorizing the renaming of Central Park to Dan Hemphill Central Park.

>> A bid award to construct a new, 12-inch waterline along Billy Hext and Marco.

>> Appointments to various boards.

SHOW UP EARLY:

>> City Council members will tour the new Fire Station No. 4 at 5 p.m. Tuesday before their meeting at City Hall. Meet on the Odessa College campus at 2616 N. Golder Ave. to check out the new digs. Council will head back to City Hall around 5:30 p.m.