City Council Meeting
By:Jenna Howle
The Slaton City Council convened on September 9, 2024, at 6:30 p.m., with the invocation delivered by a representative from the Slaton Ministerial Alliance. No public comments were made during the meeting.
The Council approved the minutes from the Commission Meeting on August 8, 2024, the Cemetery Board Meeting on August 26, 2024, and the Public Hearing on August 28, 2024. The financial statement and monthly bills were also approved, with no changes noted in the public investment funds, which continue to yield high interest.
Department reports highlighted ongoing projects across the city. The Street and Sanitation Department reported progress on curb and gutter work on Panhandle Street, paving efforts at various intersections, and the installation of the new sign at Elgie Allen Park. Tree trimming is also underway around town. The Water and Sewer Department noted improved efficiency in meter reading, now taking about a week instead of 2-3 weeks, with 96 service orders completed and 174 new meters installed.
Zoning and Code Enforcement reported 74 open cases for August, with 19 citations issued. The next Zoning meeting is scheduled for the first Tuesday of October. Lake Meredith’s water level was reported at 75 feet, providing 46% of Slaton’s water usage.
The Police Department, including Animal Control, handled 457 total calls, with 16 disturbances, 47 traffic stops, and 15 arrests. They are close to hiring their 9th officer, pending final approvals from Austin, and have begun the process of hiring a 10th officer, a female candidate. The department is also considering changing record management companies to save costs, with a contract expected on next month’s agenda.
The meeting also covered updates on the new library, ongoing airport rehabilitation, and future maintenance needs for the city’s historic brick roads. Ordinance #831, adopting the FYE 2025 Proposed Operating Budget, was passed with a roll call vote, raising total property taxes by 0.82441%. Ordinance #832, adopting a property tax rate of $0.53016 per $100 of valuation, was also approved unanimously.
In other business, the Council denied Southwestern Public Service Company’s proposed surcharge in rates and approved a resolution establishing various fees for city services. A construction contract was awarded to JAJ Concrete Solutions, the lowest bidder, and a maintenance service agreement was approved with Utility Service Co. Inc. The Council also adopted a Language Access Plan for the HOME Program.
Finally, the Council approved Slaton ISD’s request for a fireworks display during the Slaton Homecoming Parade and Carnival on September 18, 2024. The meeting concluded at 7:26 p.m.
