The Ledger

Fate City Council Special Workshop - January 8, 2024

Fate Gazette

— 2 min read

The Fate Gazette — Ledger

Public Meeting Record

Special City Council Workshop
City of Fate, Texas
January 8, 2024

Meeting Details

  • Date: January 8, 2024
  • Time: 5:00 p.m. – 5:40 p.m.
  • Location: Fate City Hall, 1900 CD Boren Parkway, Fate, Texas

Call to Order and Quorum

  • Mayor David Billings called the special workshop to order at 5:00 p.m.
  • City Secretary Victoria Raduechel confirmed the presence of a quorum.

Elected Officials 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 5:05 p.m.)

Elected Officials Absent: None

City Staff Present

  • Michael Kovacs, City Manager
  • Steven Downs, Assistant City Manager
  • David Overcash, 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
  • Michael Wright, IT Manager

Public Comment

  • No members of the public were present wishing to speak.

Workshop Agenda Item

A. Uniform Homestead Exemption for Fiscal Year 2025 and General Fund Functions Funded by Fees

  • City Manager Michael Kovacs reported the item was requested by Council Members Scott Kelley and Allen Robbins.
  • City staff provided an analysis of a proposed 20% general homestead exemption for Fiscal Year 2025, including:
    • Pros:
      • Estimated homeowner savings of approximately $92 per year.
    • Cons:
      • Potential impacts on planning and development, including effects on single-family residential development and tax burden distribution.
    • Financial Assumptions Used:
      • New value: $150 million
      • Total tax base growth: $324 million
      • Value reduction due to 20% exemption: $370 million
      • Average homestead taxable value: $346,500
      • Proposed de minimis property tax rate
  • Council discussion addressed:
    • Maximum allowable exemption percentage
    • Adoption timeline
    • Financial plan impacts
    • Appraisal value increases
    • Percentage-based exemption requirements
    • Impacts on small businesses and ownership rates
    • Election requirements related to adoption
  • Council consensus: Staff to return with additional information at a future Council meeting.

General Fund Fees Discussion

  • City Manager Michael Kovacs reported the discussion was requested by Council Member Lance Megyesi and seconded by Mayor Billings.
  • Staff reviewed potential fees and revenue sources, including:
    • Clean Community Fee
    • Stormwater Fee
    • Park Fee
    • Road Fee (increased rate)
    • Fire and EMS billing to insurance carriers
    • Passport applications and renewals
  • Council consensus:
    • Pursue Fire and EMS billing to insurance carriers
    • Pursue passport application and renewal services

Adjournment

  • Council Member Mark Harper moved to adjourn.
  • Council Member Lance Megyesi seconded the motion.
  • Vote: Unanimous approval.
  • Meeting adjourned at 5:40 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