Minutes  City Council = Special Session Meeting - Budget Workshop #5 and Public Hearing  CITY OF SIMONTON September 16, 2024  This is a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the City Council - Special Session Meeting - Budget  Workshop #5 and Public Hearing held on September 16, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.  1. Call to Order at 6:04 p.m.  A quorum was present with the following City Council Members in attendance:  Laurie Boudreaux, Kelli Matula, Courtney Cox, Faith Haley,Justin Boudreau, and Burns Turner  City Staff present: City Secretary Nanci Mohr Public Present: Dan McJunkin Kristi Smith Jennifer Vinton 2. Invocation and Pledge  Mayor) Boudreaux gave the invocation.  Mayor Boudreaux led the assembly int thel Pledge of Allegiance.  3. Public Comments  In accordance with Texas Open Meetings Act and Texas Government Code 551.007, City Council may not discuss or take action on any item. NOT listed on the Agenda. Each member ofthe public Community Member Kristi Smith spoke to City Council regarding her hopes for reasonable budgeting negotiations and presented Mayor Boudreaux with a trophy in appreciation for her hard  wishing to speak must sign-up prior to the meeting and is limited to 3 minutes.  work. 4. Public Hearing a. b. C. 5. New Business  Mayor Boudreaux opened the Public Hearing at 6:06 p.m. Public Comments There were no speakers to address the City Council. Mayor Boudreaux closed the Public Hearing at 6:07 p.m.  a. Review of2024-2025 Proposed Budget  Mayor Boudreaux presented a PowerPoint detailing the property tax, sales tax, road maintenance and EDC percentages as they pertain to City revenues. The Mayor clarified that a Super Majority refers to Council's attendance for a vote (4 out of 5 Council Members), whereas a Simple Majority AI review ofthe proposed $0.29 ad valorem tax rate versus a $0.21 rate as it pertains to thej proposed budget commenced. Mayor Boudreaux asked if any additional fact-based information was requested. Mayor Boudreaux stated that zoning was a priority, and that zoning and road work  refers to the actual vote (3 out of5 Council Members).    cannot be completed if the ad valorem tax rate is set too low. Mayor Boudreaux stated that any "leftover" (unspent): funds go into the reserves and that ifmonies are: needed to fund the budget, the Council Member Kelli Matula stated that the City takes a huge risk of not generating enough revenue at a $0.21 ad valorem tax rate. Council Member Burns Turner stated that the City can be operated with a $0.21 ad valorem tax rate. A1 brief debate between Council Members Kelli Matula  monies come out oft the reserves.  and Burns Turner ensued.  b.  Adoption oft the Budget Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2024-2025  Consider and take action to adopt Budget Ordinance No. 2024-06 for Fiscal Year 2024-2025. Motion by Council Member/Pro Tem Courtney Cox to adopt her version of the budget. At 6:35 p.m., Mayor Boudreaux paused the Council meeting to consult with the City Attorney regarding this new development. At 6:49 p.m., Mayor Boudreaux returned and stated that the Council Council Member/Pro Tem Courtney Cox stated that the budget can be amended if a City Administrator is hired. A lengthy discussion ensued: regarding Council Member/Pro Tem Courtney Cox's line-by-line proposed budget cuts. A brief debate proceeded regarding legal fees, $116,000 ofunspent funds from last year and how to generate roadwork funds. Council Member Kellil Matula, upon observing the lack ofa budget for Keep Simonton Beautiful (KSB), stated that KSB needs a Mayor Boudreaux reiterated Council Member/Pro TemC Courtney Cox's Motion to adopt her version Ayes: Council Member/Pro Tem Courtney Cox, Council Member Faith Haley and Council  Meeting would continue.  budget and one that should be separate from other City funds. oft the budget. Council Member Faith Haley seconded the Motion.  Member Burns Turner  Noes: Council Member Kelli Matula and Council Member. Justin Boudreau Not voting except in the event ofa tie: Mayor Laurie Boudreaux  Motion to adopt Council Member/Pro Tem Courtney Cox's version of the budget at $0.21 passed.  C. The next City Council Special Meeting is on September 17, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.  6. Adjournment  The Mayor adjourned the City Council Meeting at 7:17 p.m. without objection.  Respectfully submitted, Launi Mayor] Laurie B  OF SIMO  - City/Secretary  Eauaye