CITY OF CROSS PLAINS CITY COUNCIL BOARD MINUTES MARCH 31, 2025 PAGE515 This was a Special Called. Meeting of the Cross Plains City Council, Members of the council present were: Mayor Gary Moses, Mayor Pro Tem, Polly Beeler, Blake Cohorst, Homer Parson, Darvel Hutchins & Randy Strickland. Employees present was City Administrator, Debbie Gosnell & Dannes Turner, EDC Board President. Moses called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The meeting focused on finalizing both the City as well as the EDC's 2025-2026 Annual Budget. Dannes Turner, as the first agenda item, presented the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) budget to the council. She provided the council with the annual report, a list of current EDC board members, proposed board members, a summary of the 2024/2025 accomplishments, the 2025/2026 goals, and the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Ms. Turner informed the council that the current board members whose term expires in March 2025 are willing to serve an additional two years, subject to the council's approval. She also highlighted the board's achievements over the past year and celebrated its successes. Turner outlined the board's goals for 2025/2026 and shared insights into the proposed budget. Additionally, she reminded the council of the EDC board's s collaborative efforts with Bill Steele/Bill's Diesel over the past couple of years, noting that the project has been successfully completed. She reported that Bill has made several payments, and the board views the initiative as a significant success for both the EDC and Bill's Diesel. Turner also asked for the Council's consideration of a project the EDC is interested in pursuing. She stated that the property located South of Texas Highway 36 has come available for sale through tax forfeiture. She asked that the EDC borrow $75,000 in an effort to obtain this property. She explained that since the city does not have a hotel, the EDC would like to develop this property into a really nice RV Park with several amenities to include a couple of cabins, several RV hookups, with a small pavilion, trees, as well as other beautification items. She stated that the EDC is prepared to repay the loan at $25,000 annually. By general consent the council approved the request if the EDC is successful in obtaining the property. Gosnell then presented the 2025/2026 City Budget, noting that no changes had been made since the budget workshop. In a letter to the Mayor and Council, Gosnell outlined that the adopted tax rate of 0.29140510 meets the budget's requirements. The new budget includes a $1.00 increase in both the water and wastewater minimum charges, along with a twenty-five-cent increase in the variable water charge, all effective April 1, 2025. No increase in the gas rate was proposed. Gosnell emphasized the continued strength of sales tax revenue, which generates approximately $400,000 annually. A portion of this revenue is allocated specifically for street repairs. This year, $20,000 from the sales tax was designated for street repairs, which the city matched to ensure the streets remain in good condition. Acknowledging the Police Department as a vital cornerstone of the City's operations, Gosnell remarked that finding the right person(s) to lead the department remains the City's highest priority. As the search for a chief continues, Gosnell emphasized the necessity of increasing starting salaries to remain competitive within the field. She underscored the importance of allocating additional funds to this department as a critical step toward attracting the best candidates. Gosnell discussed the costs associated with the operation of the Cemetery and how to generate additional funds for the continues success oft the Memorial Park. Gosnell highlighted the Fire Department, EMS, Community Center, sports leagues, and Library as essential services that play a pivotal role in fostering a thriving community in Cross Plains. While these programs do not generate direct revenue, they greatly enrich the quality of life for residents. She noted that reductions in state funding have necessitated increased financial support from the City to sustain Library operations. Despite these challenges, Gosnell reaffirmed the City's dedication to funding these critical services and exploring creative solutions to enhance the community without adding financial strain on its citizens. 1Page CITY OF CROSS PLAINS CITY COUNCIL BOARD MINUTES MARCH 31, 2025 DAGES 516 Lastly, Gosnell outlined the key objectives for the 2025-2026 budget year as follows: Recruit and retain qualified personnel for the Police Department Modernize and enhance the infrastructure within the Water and Wastewater Departments Continue adding amenities to the Butterfly Garden/ Walking Path Project Partner with the Economic Development Corporation to support business retention and attract new enterprises Maintain a rigorous Code Enforcement program to address and eliminate dilapidated structures throughout the city Ensure the consistent delivery and maintenance of exceptional day-to-day services Gosnell presented the 2025-001 ordinance making appropriations for the support of the City of Cross Plains for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. Beeler moved to approve the EDC Packet as presented. Cohorst seconded, motion carried. Parson moved to adopt the Ordinance as presented, Beeler seconded, and motion carried Parson mgvedigdjour. Cohorst seconded, motion carried. Gary Moses, Mayo bble Goonale ATTEST: Debbie Gosnell, Secretary 2/Page