The Ledger

Fate City Council Special Meeting - August 14, 2023

Fate Gazette

— 3 min read

The Fate Gazette — Ledger

Meeting

Special City Council Meeting
City of Fate, Texas
August 14, 2023

Location: Fate City Hall, 1900 CD Boren Parkway, Fate, Texas
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 7:01 p.m.

Call to Order and Quorum

  • Mayor David Billings called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
  • City Secretary Victoria Raduechel confirmed a quorum.

Council Members Present

  • David Billings, Mayor
  • Heather Buegeler
  • Mark Harper
  • Scott Kelley
  • Jim Deland
  • Lance Megyesi, Deputy Mayor Pro Tem
  • Allen Robbins, Mayor Pro Tem (arrived at 6:11 p.m.)

Council Members Absent

  • None

City Staff Present

  • Michael Kovacs, City Manager
  • Steven Downs, Assistant City Manager
  • Jon Thatcher, City Attorney
  • Victoria Raduechel, City Secretary
  • Spencer Foster, Assistant to the City Manager
  • Shelbi Stofer, Public Engagement Coordinator
  • Lyle Lombard, Director of Public Safety
  • Ryan Wells, Director of Planning and Development Services
  • Steve Gilbert, Director of Community Services and Building Safety
  • Scott Monaghan, Director of Public Works
  • Raju Anthony, Director of Finance
  • Teresa Stevens, Accounting Manager
  • Leigh Corson, Director of Human Resources
  • Isaiah Tackett, Systems Administrator

Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

  • Invocation was given by City Attorney Jon Thatcher.
  • Council led the Pledge of Allegiance to the American and Texas flags.

Public Comment

  • Mark Hatley, 267 Callaghan Drive, addressed the Council regarding Ordinance No. O-2022-016 adopted July 5, 2002, requesting clarification on the reversion clause in Section 2 and stating concern that Senate Bill 2 invalidates that section.
  • No other speakers were present.

Items considered:

  • Approval of Financial Report for July 2023.
  • Approval of Ordinance No. O-2023-023 amending the Fiscal Year 2022–2023 Budget – Parks Fund.

Action Taken:

  • Motion to approve the consent agenda as presented made by Council Member Megyesi; seconded by Council Member Kelley.
  • Vote: Ayes — Billings, Buegeler, Harper, Kelley, Deland, Megyesi; Nays — none.
  • Motion carried unanimously.

Action Items / Public Hearing

A. Public Hearing on Proposed Fiscal Year 2023–2024 Budget

  • City Manager Michael Kovacs presented information on:
    • State property tax changes and estimated impacts.
    • De minimis tax rate impact.
    • Proposed road fee.
    • Garbage contract rate changes.
    • Fee increase timing options.
    • Household hazardous waste options.
    • City expenses and staffing considerations.
    • FY 2024 Capital Improvement Program highlights.
    • Budget calendar.
  • Mayor Billings opened the public hearing at 6:18 p.m.
  • No public comments were made.
  • Mayor Billings closed the public hearing at 6:18 p.m.

B. Resolution No. R-2023-062 — Senior or Disabled Tax Freeze Election

  • City Attorney Jon Thatcher reported receipt of a verified petition meeting the threshold to call a special election.
  • Motion made by Council Member Megyesi to take no action on the resolution and direct staff to return with an ordinance to accept a tax limitation; seconded by Council Member Kelley.
  • Vote:
    • Ayes — Billings, Buegeler, Harper, Kelley, Deland, Megyesi
    • Nays — Robbins
  • Motion carried.

C. Ordinance No. O-2023-024 — Over 65 Property Tax Homestead Exemption

  • City Attorney Jon Thatcher reviewed the ordinance and relevant statutory provisions.
  • Motion made by Council Member Megyesi to approve the ordinance with:
    • Adjustment of the exemption amount to $25,000, and
    • Removal of the spring-back (reversion) clause.
  • Motion seconded by Council Member Robbins.
  • Vote:
    • Ayes — Billings, Buegeler, Kelley, Robbins, Megyesi
    • Nays — Harper, Deland
  • Motion carried.

D. Ordinance No. O-2023-025 — Disabled Person Property Tax Homestead Exemption

  • City Manager Michael Kovacs reported the proposed increase from $25,000 to $50,000.
  • City Attorney Jon Thatcher noted eligibility to select between senior or disabled exemptions if qualified for both.
  • Motion made by Council Member Megyesi to approve the ordinance; seconded by Council Member Deland.
  • Vote:
    • Ayes — Billings, Buegeler, Robbins, Deland, Megyesi
    • Nays — Harper, Kelley
  • Motion carried.

E. Proposed Fiscal Year 2023–2024 Budget

  • Council discussed:
    • Household hazardous waste and e-waste fees.
    • Fee increase timing options.
  • Council consensus:
    • Proceed with $1.05 for household hazardous waste and e-waste and bring back a contract for future consideration.
    • Implement increased fees in October and ensure the road fee ordinance includes a sunset clause.

Adjournment

  • Motion to adjourn made by Council Member Robbins; seconded by Council Member Harper.
  • Vote: Ayes — Billings, Buegeler, Harper, Kelley, Robbins, Deland, Megyesi; Nays — none.
  • Meeting adjourned at 7:01 p.m.

Record Note
This Ledger entry records the publicly observable proceedings of the meeting listed above. It does not offer analysis or commentary.

Read more