City Council - Regular Meeting

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I WILL CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER. THIS IS OUR REGULAR MEETING FOR SEPTEMBER THE 9TH, 2026. IT'S 6 P.M. AND WELCOME, EVERYONE. THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE. AT THIS TIME, I WILL CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER AND ESTABLISH A FORUM, WHICH IS DORA BARRETA-CANTU, COUNCILWOMAN DORA BARRETA-CANTU, COUNCILMAN MARIO BORONES, MAYOR POTEN FRANCIS DORES, COUNCILPERSON Felix Cantu, and on Zoom is Mr. Councilperson Lambert. We will start with an invocation followed by a pledge of allegiance. So if everyone would stand, please. Heavenly Father, we come to you today asking for your guidance, wisdom, and support as we begin this meeting. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Again, welcome everyone and thank you for being here. At this time, any person wishing to address the city council on agenda or non-agenda items may do so. Speakers are requested to state their name and address for the record. Public comments are limited to five minutes per individual in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act. THE CITY COUNCIL MAY NOT DELIBERATE OR TAKE ACTION ON ANY MATTER THAT IS NOT POSTED ON THE AGENDA. HOWEVER, THE COUNCIL MAY DIRECT STAFF TO PLACE THE ITEM ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION OR ACTION, IF APPROPRIATE. SO DO I HAVE ANY CITIZENS' COMMENTS OR PUBLIC COMMENTS?

HOW DO I KNOW WHERE'S MY TIME KEEPER? 1033 C Street, Florenceville, Texas. Mayor and member of the City Council, for the record, my name is Jason Talley. I'm the owner of Talley Benefits Insurance Group. I'm here because City Manager Andrew Munoz publicly stated during the August 26th meeting that my company had not been responsive to the City's employee benefit needs. That was a false statement. That was basically a lie about the responsiveness of my business, and I will not allow that statement to go uncontested. I've spent 32 years building a business in this community based on integrity, honesty, service, and trust. I first met Mr. Munoz around March 5th. My first meeting found him to be abrasive, with little interest in reviewing the city's existing benefits or allowing me to bring him up to date on things. I left that meeting believing it was only a matter of time. before the city's business was moved outside the community. Unfortunately, my intuition proved accurate. Nevertheless, we continued our job. On June 1st, I sent Mr. Munoz a proposal designed to save the city money by removing commissions and moving to a flat consulting fee of less than 2%. I received no response. I followed up by phone later in June. He acknowledged receiving it and said he planned to bring it before council, and to my knowledge, that never occurred. Meanwhile, we continued working on the city's renewal and marketing the benefits to other carriers. The Blue Cross Blue Shield renewal wasn't released until July 14. Then in my stock on July 28, Blue Cross Blue Shield notified me that the city had changed its age in the record and I didn't learn that from Mr. Munoz, I learned it from Blue Cross Blue Shield. I immediately emailed Mr. Munoz and copied the mayor. I acknowledged the city's right to change agents, but expressed my disappointment that no one had extended the professional courtesy discussing any concerns with us, and of course, that conversation never occurred. This is a direct quote from my letter to Mr. Munoz and the mayor. I made several attempts over the past few weeks to communicate with you regarding the city's employee benefit program. We spoke by phone on a couple of occasions. I sent you a proposed consulting agreement for your consideration. and also requested the completed underwriting forms needed to obtain competitive quotes from other insurance carriers. Despite those requests, I never received the completed information back, and even after leaving additional messages, I did not receive a response. My goal was simply to ensure the city had every available option before making any decisions. So let's talk about responsiveness. From early May through mid-July alone, our records showed more than 45 email correspondence from city staff and HR regarding benefits. Employees regularly came to my office for help and I regularly went to the city to meet with newly eligible employees and explain their benefits. That's actually a responsive agency. Every conversation I had with Mr. Munoz was initiated by me. He never simply picked up the phone and called me to raise a concern about our service, the renewal, the benefits process, or any changes he wanted us to make. So to later characterize tally benefits as unresponsive simply does not match the record. Mr. Munoz also stated that previously the city used a single vendor that went to the market. In essence, nothing then has changed. The city now has a new broker record and they are marketing things the same way. He also stated that compensation would be held to only 3%. And that is interesting because my compensation was less than 3%. There is also nothing the new agency can provide that Tally Benefits cannot provide. We are a full-service agency, regularly compete with major firms out of Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, and across Texas. We have access to the same carriers, markets, technology, and benefit resources. There is nothing in this benefits package today that is beyond our ability to provide. There was also a statement suggesting brokers receive a percentage of premium plus compensation from the company. That is a false statement. Agents only get compensated one of two ways, a percentage of premium or a consultant fee paid by the employer. Not both. It's against the law to give both. The proposal I sent him June 1st was to eliminate all commissions and replace them with an even lower consulting fee of less than 2%. So what did the employees ultimately receive with this change? Well, the brokers from San Antonio, and I understand the individual conducting the benefit meetings was all the way from Idaho. What's a guy doing from Idaho and Florida? Compare that with having a local agency where employees could walk into our office for help and where I personally met with newly eligible employees on site. Also find it interesting that Pat Robertson out of San Antonio just contracted with Blue Cross Blue Shield on July 27th. Lance. Colbett, out of Idaho, contracted July 24th, and I received a letter on July 28th. I find that interesting, that was their first contract.

Five minutes.

Okay.

Mayor, is there a way that we can move my item, so we can just keep the discussion going on this? Hold on. Not right now. Let me finish the citizens' comments.

I'm Michelle Talley, and I would like to defer my time to have Jason finish his statement.

Mayor, is there a directive that we can give up and allow them more time?

Excuse me? Yes.

Okay. Yes, ma'am. Hold on.

Let me ask legal.

Your ordinances do not provide for deferral of time. However, it is up to the presiding officer if he would like to spend the time.

Let me ask my question, legal. What why I know that the meeting, but why can't my item and my item was also. Misinterpreted and I'm hoping that y'all will come up with that. We can't talk about. Danny, because on the on the thing that I sent in, I don't know if you reviewed it or not. On my item, there's a paper there where I just wanted to talk about in case we needed more time. It's just a discussion. The thing that the damage has already been done. But for us to cover up and keep covering up things is not right. We moved the agenda around and all of a sudden we just can't move it around because, I mean, we're here talking about that I personally asked Mr. Muñoz if he had reached out to Mr. Talley and here in front of us, in front of everybody, he said that he had not reached out. And I put the agenda just to leave it in the, you know, on the records that that's what he said. Now he came in here, he must have heard the same thing. But why am I gonna be allowed Do you keep talking about this, or are you all going to cut me off?

So, sir, right now we're under public comment, and the mayor does provide all the council members an opportunity to provide a comment afterward, and then you will also be able to discuss it under the agenda item as well.

Thank you.

You can go ahead and finish this talk.

I'm Michelle Talley. I'm vice president of Talley Benefits Insurance Group, and my address is the same, 1033 C Street, Forestville, Texas. A city employee shared the new enrollment packet with me. In my professional opinion, it is one of the poorest benefit packets I've seen and far less comprehensive than what we provided to employees. I also understand employees were shown their costs on a PowerPoint that did not meet with the cost sheet that they could take home, review, and discuss with their spouse. The city still has Blue Cross Blue Shield. The significant difference is the plan designs. The deductibles are high, and some of the employees share that they are as high as $6,000. This is important when discussing the savings Mr. Ramos referenced August 26th. Premiums can be reduced by shifting more financial risk to employees through higher deductibles and out-of-pocket costs. Employees who want richer coverage now have to buy up and pay the additional premium themselves. hands we offered. I've known many of these employees for years. They trusted us, called us, and we advocated for them. I cannot speak to Mr. Munoz's private motivation, but I believe he wanted a different agent and wanted Talley Benefits out. I also believe our close relationship with employees matters because when significant changes were proposed, I would have asked hard questions and pushed back on recommendations. I did not believe were in their best interests, including making a high deductible health plan the city's base plan. I've also been told by city employees that some were signed up to come in on Labor Day for benefit enrollment. If accurate, I find this very disappointing. In 32 years, I've never expected employees to give up a holiday for an enrollment. Finally, we are a local business. employing eight people. We spend money here, we support local organizations, and we reinvest in this community. We were also here locally when city employees needed help. The city absolutely has the right to choose another agent. This is not about losing an account. It's about protecting my stellar business reputation in this community. If the city wanted a different agent, it had every right to make that decision. But just say that. Don't tell the public Tally Benefits was unresponsive when the documented record proves otherwise. Tally Benefits was responsive. The facts prove it.

Thank you. Moving on to public hearing. Do I have any more citizen comments? Moving on to public hearing. and it's 6-13, hold a public hearing to discuss and consider requests for Maior II, LLC for the approval of a zoning change from R-1 residential to B business for a 0.544 acre tract of land located at 105 Sparrow Lane, being all of blocks five, six, and seven, block two riding subdivision and take necessary action. Do I have any public comments on this? Okay. On the second, well, that ended at 614. On the second one, it's 614, public hearing on proposed property tax rate.

Okay, I'm sorry, but I am asking that we postpone this public hearing to September 28 due to procedural matters. The postponement will allow the city to ensure that the required procedures and properly is properly completed. This is just by state law. We're following the treatment taxation. Again, I'm asking to postpone this until September 28.

Okay, and we just need to go. okay uh the proposal is for to move the this item for september 28th for our next meeting do you have a motion it's going to be i'm asking for a special meeting on september 28th special meeting that will be on monday do i have a motion for this and we're talking about item b correct

Here, I'll go ahead and make a motion to postpone. Item being public on proposed property tax rate. September the 28th for a special meeting.

No, the 2nd. Motion made by miss Francis 2nd, by Ms. on favor. Motion passes by 4. Presentation and discussion. Public CPI. This is our Refuge Republic.

We did receive on August 27th their CPI, which is the adjustment that they'll be charging the city, which is 4.7%. This is being presented to the city council for transparency. In accordance with the city's agreement, the public service is implementing a 4.7% rate increase. This item is being presented so the council and the public are aware of the adjustment and its impact on the refuse rates. So we're looking at an increase of 4.7%. Currently, rates for residential are $23.69, which is a 4.7% increase. It would go up to $24.80, which is a $1.31 increase. Again, this is a password from the public to the customer.

And I noticed that they just sent this, what did they send this?

We received it August 27th.

Um, information.

Right.

I'm going to ask. Can you review the contract piece? AND WHAT HAPPENS IF WE REJECT THE .

So I will review the, it would be a franchise agreement, and in the agreement it should indicate what percentage, up to what percentage they can increase the rate. And if you decide not to move forward with that, because right now this isn't a decision to make, but if that's what you want it to be, then we need to look at the repercussions, if any. or whether this can be discussed with the public, but without reviewing the franchise agreement, I'm not able to provide that information right now, but we will definitely take a look at it and send it. Correspondence.

Yeah, because it's a five-year contract, and you can also check and see when it expires, because every year it seems to be going up in my WE'LL PROVIDE AN ANALYSIS OF THE BRANCHES AGREEMENT THAT HAS BEEN ENTERED INTO THE GOVERNMENT. THANK YOU.

MOVING ON TO FOLLOW.

MOVING ON TO HEALTH, INSURANCE AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS PROGRAM.

And at the same time, and I don't want you to learn that new word. You have to order more because that's what you want 1 day. I'm going to keep going because you have to know what point of order is before you call it. But my thing is. You my main thing. Here in Floresville to the citizens and taxpayers is. That if we can keep something local, I want local. I'm not saying that Mr. Talley should stay on. You have that right. You're the city manager. You do as you please, like I told you. But to come and call him out, to say, when I asked you clearly that you talked to Mr. Talley, and you told me no, didn't you?

for a point of clarification what i asked mr talley was for his big packet i did not ask him for a consultancy agreement well let me tell you why you never let me talk america because uh because you don't you don't like me to ask you questions i gotta act for the people not for me

That's not what I wanted. It's just that you get off of the subject.

What? What is the subject of my health?

You have every... You could have gone and asked him. You can find your... You're just here putting it out in public. You can... Easily.

Did you listen to the statement, Mr. Talley? How did you call me? I didn't call you. You didn't call me. We didn't talk or nothing. Did we?

I listened to the tape. And actually, the reason I found out about this meeting is because I had a citizen that contacted me privately and said, hey, y'all listen to this. And Mr. Munoz, the only time you talked about this.

There's a conversation going on. I can't hear it.

We just come up to the podium. You don't mind, Mr. Talley?

The only time we ever talked about bidding information was March in that meeting. You never once called me. You never once e-mailed me, had any conversations with me. I can't read your mind.

For point of clarification when I'm sorry, go ahead. I'm sorry. I have a question for the city attorney city attorney. I just want to know by having this conversation out loud. I get it. Things happened. I, you know. What have you, but is this creating any kind of risk or liability? For the city to discuss it right now.

the questions should actually be asked of city staff and not having a back and forth with residents or citizens yeah so i mean the action's done i mean it's done i'm just here the reason i came today is to state my point that i'm a local business owner and y'all didn't gain anything by changing to this guy out of san antonio nothing Nothing. No savings. All you did was cost employees money because now they're paying more out of pocket. It's terrible.

Thank you.

And what I want to say, no, what I want to ask the citizens should know is how much was the savings since the finance knows or because on the packet that I got and I know you're going to tell me, oh, he didn't show up to the budget meeting and this was all done. But not one thing On that item, when that man came and presented, I asked him, the only thing I asked him was, are you from here? And he lied to you. Because according to, your timing seemed like he said from Idaho somewhere. Okay? My thing is, I'm only asking the questions, and I know y'all hate to say the questions, for me to come out with questions, but you want me to come to his office? No, no, you want me to come to his office? When... He can easily email me, hey, and even this budget stuff, the budget stuff, just because I didn't show it doesn't mean that I shouldn't get a packet in my mailbox and say, you know what, this is what was talked about in the budget. I know you didn't call me tomorrow because whatever my situation was, don't you think that I should have a packet of some kind of remit? I have not one piece of paperwork that tells me how much money that meant. Talked a lot of air out there, which is true now, but I didn't see anything in black and white that we were gonna save 150 to each employee. Why did y'all put it in the packet? No documents, not one document was provided with this change to me. To y'all, maybe, but my thing is, I can understand, like I said, anything that we're buying. I told you the same thing. We're going to buy those trays. We're buying this. See if we can do it first. These water fountains, like I said, we bought nine.

Mayor, point of inquiry, this is not an agenda item to be voted on or take action.

It's important. And also, I'm not going to say what I don't care. I'm not going to, there's not no point in the words, nothing like that. I'm talking about the tally. We want to get back on that track. I'm asking you a question. No, no, that's me, the city, nothing. I'm not going to stop. You can call it all you want. I'm not going to stop. I don't care. That's a new word in the world. What is the point of order? When I'm speaking, when I'm speaking I'm not going to stop. I'm not going to stop. No, I'm not going to be removed. That's what y'all want. Y'all remove me, y'all going to see. Okay? No, I'm asking a question to Mr. Munoz about he lied to me. No, no, he lied to me. I want you to drag me out of here. That's what I want.

The question would be asked directly to city.

I will make a motion to pause the meeting, take a recess for at least five minutes.

Thank you. Do I have a second?

Y'all are wrong, man. Y'all are wrong. Y'all are asking this question. We can pause for five minutes.

I didn't receive so many comments in one place. On the paper?

No.

Motion passes, three, four, two.

And off the record, if I had to go down there and speak as a citizen, off the record you need to show these people what point of order is. when I'm asking a question, a serious question for the taxpayers and the citizens of Florida.

But if you don't want to take that, go ahead.

I'd like to see you. No, man, I'm tired of this. I'm always trying to cover for the people. Get away with a lot of things. No, I ain't gonna talk to nobody. Y'all want to take me in? Y'all take me in. Well, go ahead. Y'all have a big office. Bring it in. People elected me to protect them.

Okay. Thank you.

Thank you.

Do you have a motion to return?

I'll make a motion to return from recess at 6.30 p.m. Do I have a second?

Motion made by Mayor Co-Chair Francis Flores, second by Councilperson Barrera Cantu. All in favor? Motion passes. All against? And then one on the same. Moving on, consider agenda. All items listed below are considered to be routine by the city council and will be enacted with one motion. There will be no separate discussion of the item unless the council member requests in which event the item will be removed from the consent agenda and considered in its normal sequence. Approval of the consent agenda authorizes the city manager to implement each item in accordance with staff recommendation. Item A, consideration and action to approve amended meetings for regular council meeting August 26, 2026.

i have a question that would be i guess would be the second um regarding the last of my agenda because i didn't have a chance to ask a question and i just had

Councilmember Lamberth, are you asking after the consent agenda? Is it referring to the consent agenda or is it referring to the previous item?

It's referring to the health insurance and employee benefits program.

We can answer the question of the presiding officer allows it to because she has already moved on. Okay.

Yes, ma'am. Would I have to make this an agenda item to move forward, or would I be allowed to ask the questions?

That is up to you, the mayor, if she would like to continue that item. If not, then you can put it on the agenda for the next agenda, city council. Okay, thank you.

We're on item A, consideration and action to approve limited meetings for regular council meeting August 26, 2026.

Mayor, I'll go ahead and make.

Mayor, I'll go ahead and make a motion to approve meeting minutes for regular council meeting August 26, 2026. Do I have a second?

I'll second. Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Francis Flores, seconded by Councilperson Barrera Cantu. All in favor? Motion passes 5-4, 0 against. new business, consideration, discussion, and possible action to approve Proclamation 2026-020, Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month.

Thank you, City Council, Mayors. Thank you for having us here another year representing Camino Real to present you the proclamation for Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month. Whereas suicide is the leading cause of death in the United States and remains a significant public health concern, claiming more than 49,000 lives annually and affecting millions of individuals, families, friends, co-workers, and communities each year. Whereas recent data indicates that rural regions experience some of the highest suicide rates in Texas, with mortality rates ranging from approximately 15 to 30 deaths per 100,000 population, compared to a statewide rate of approximately 17 deaths per 100,000 population, highlighting the unique challenges rural communities face in accessing mental health care and suicide prevention resources. Whereas mental health challenges affect individuals and families, every community in rural areas, stigma, geographic barriers, and limited access to services may prevent individuals from seeking help, resulting in reduced awareness of available resources, support services, and treatment options. And whereas increasing public knowledge about mental health and suicide prevention empowers individuals, families, schools, workplaces, faith communities, health care providers, and community organizations to foster environments of hope, resilience, understanding, and support. Whereas Camino Real Community Services, a local mental health authority serving the city of Floresville and surrounding communities provide education, crisis intervention, counseling treatment, recovery support, and suicide prevention services to individuals and families throughout the area. Whereas the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential, 24-hour support for individuals experiencing emotional distress, mental health crisis, substance use concerns, or thoughts of suicide connecting callers and texters with trained crisis counselors and life-saving resources. Whereas Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month provides an opportunity to educate the community, promote mental wellness, encourage help-seeking behavior, support those affected by suicide, and reaffirm our commitment to building healthier, safer, and more resilient City of Floresville and

Now therefore, I, Gloria Morales-Canto, Mayor of the City of Arizona, Texas, do hereby proclaim the month of September, 2026, as Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month in the City of Arizona, Texas, and encourage all residents to increase awareness of mental health and suicide prevention, promote community education, recognize the warning signs of emotional distress, support individuals and families affected by mental health challenges, and connect those in need with available resources, including Cabino Real Community Service and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling or texting 988. Thank you so much. And Ms. Morales, will you please introduce

Is everybody introduced? I'm Doris Morales and I'm the program manager for the Wilson and Karns. And we have Stephanie Tejada. She is a recovery coach for also our crisis services clinic here on 1st Street. Velma. She is a clinic director working in Realms and she's working on the B Street clinic.

We have Ernesto Arenal, he's our clinic manager for our children and adolescent clinic program. And then we have our custodial van drivers, pretty much our key keepers, right? We have Frank Morris and we have Joe Rodriguez. So it takes a lot, right? It's a piece of a puzzle, but it takes a lot more, but having this Thank you so much.

We truly appreciate everything you do, all the help you give our citizens. We truly are grateful. Thank you so much.

Mayor, you want me to make a motion first?

Yes, let's make a motion.

All right. Yes, Mayor, I'll make a motion to approve Proclamation 2026-020, Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month.

Do I have a second?

I'll second. I'll second, Mayor. Motion made by Mayor Cochran-Ford, seconded by .

All in favor? Jake, are you voting for us? Five, four, zero against. So, thank you so much. MOVING ON TO ITEM B, NEW BUSINESS CONSIDERATION AND ACTION TO APPROVE TEXT ORDER NUMBER 01 WITH TRC ENGINEERS FOR THE CITY HALL PARKING LOT IMPROVEMENT PROJECT IN NEVADA 46,750 AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS.

will include plans for the removal of the alarm tower, parking lots, and concrete barriers. The engineering plans will also cover new water lines, electrical conduit, and also sidewalk in front of Long Beach Street. In addition, the design will provide erosion stabilization measures for the southeast end of the lot along the existing channel. Together, these design elements will support future improvements to the site's safety, accessibility, and long-term construction.

Do I have any citizens' comments on this? Council comments? All in favor?

I have a question.

Go ahead.

Is it going to take care of the hole back there? Yes. Thank you.

All in favor? Do I have a motion?

mayor i'll make the motion to approve task order number zero one with trc engineers incorporated for the city hall parking lot improvement project in the amount of forty six thousand seven hundred and fifty dollars and authorize the city manager to execute the necessary documents do i have a second i'll second motion made by miss uh may approach in francisco second by council person

DORA BARRETA-CANTU, ALL IN FAVOR? FIRST OF ALL, DO I HAVE ANY CITIZEN'S COMMENTS? NO. ALL IN FAVOR? 5-4-0 AGAINST. MOVING ON TO ITEM C, CONSIDERATION AND ACTION TO APPROVE SCHUMEN, 3 PLATS BEING OF 6.628 ACRES OUT OF THE S&J ARORTA GRANT ABSTRACT 1 IN WOLFSTOWN COUNTY, TEXAS. and also being that certain 4.92 acre tract reported in doc number 151576 of the official public record of Wilson County, Texas, and that certain 1.71 acre tract reported in doc number 152783 of said public records.

Good afternoon, Council Members. Would you read before you read that? I'm sorry, can you speak your name? I'm not able to stand right now. Okay, we're coming for you to present a reply of two current lots into three. It's a reply of 6.6 to 8 acres under the SMJ Orchard Grant Obstruct number one here in Wilson County, owned by Ray and Leslie Stubman. So I'm going to simply post two lots. Now they're converting into three. Block one would be 0.6.3 acres. Block two would be 0.007 acres. And that was presented to our development team. It was reviewed and approved and presented to our planning committee last week. And it was approved by a board. And it meets all CBO, of course, requirements. Thank you, Juan.

Do I have any citizens' comments? Any council comments?

i do have a question um mr mcginnis or maybe it's for the city secretary item 9c i mean the documents that are in the back have to do with 105 sparrow lane is this the same property that's what the development department gave me so i'm not sure if that's So, the documents attached in our agenda item, the actual documents, the 1st, well, actually all of them, except for the last page on the summary report, it talks about 105 Sparrow lane, which is changing it from residential R1 to business. So is this the same property, 105 Sparrow Lane, to the stew-in re-plat? No, it's two different sites.

One of them was for rezoning from residential one to commercial, which was presented to our board in last week, too. And the surrounding areas are also, even though their zones are one, there is businesses being connected to those commercial. So the surrounding buildings around this particular address, 105 Sparrowing, is surrounded by business operated. Okay, so I just want to be clear.

So these are two different properties, but right now on the agenda, I just want to be clear, we're approving the replat for the Stuman property, the 6.62 with eight acres.

No, those are two different, it's two different, two different properties. Two acres and four acres, which would give us a total of the 6.6, 6.6 to eight acres.

I'm not sure I understand.

I think last, the one on by Sparrow Lane was on last meeting. That's the one public hearing.

So then the one you're talking about, this one, there's no paperwork then?

I'll tell you what. What we can do is go ahead and make a motion to table it to our next agenda meeting, just to ensure that we have the correct paperwork and that it's written correctly. So, Mayor, I'm going to go ahead and move that we postpone, or I'm sorry, table it to the

to the 23rd right september the 23rd mayor if i may mr martinez uh what's the time limit left on this request for the replat and does that impact we have time to table it for another meeting we do okay thank you thank you

DO I HAVE A SECOND? MOTION MADE TO TABLE BY MS. MERRICK-PUCHIN-FLORID. DO I HAVE A SECOND? I'LL SECOND, MA'AM. MOTION MADE BY MS. MERRICK-PUCHIN-FLORID, SECOND BY COUNCILPERSON PEDRO GANTU. ALL IN FAVOR? MOTION PASSES, 5-4, 0 AGAINST. MOVING ON TO ITEM D, DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE CITY, STAFFING, AND COMPENSATION FOLLOWING RECENT BUDGET REDUCTIONS INCLUDING NEW OR VACANT POSITIONS, HIRING AND EMPLOYMENT CHANGES, SALARY INCREASE, PROMOTION, AND THE FINANCIAL IMPACT OF THESE CHANGES ON THE CITY ADOPTED BUDGET. I HAVE A QUESTION FOR LEGAL ON THIS ITEM. SO ATTORNEY i need clarity on this agenda item as written what is the ask what are we voting for can you clarify that for me please

and council member lambert if you can correct me but what's being discussed or being asked here is to look at the vacant positions and the compensation um for them based on budget reductions correct and i will have a motion if you can debate as well so you don't have to worry about that mayor mayor i have a question for legal

I mean, I guess my question is which staffing and compensation decisions fall under the city manager's administrative authority versus council authority?

So, the staffing would not fall under council authority, but the budget would. Okay, if that is what council member Lambert would like to discuss is the budget is that would be where the vacant positions. Then that can that can be discussed, but actual amounts. Or actual action on.

to the budget? Yes ma'am. Got it.

Okay. Go ahead Mr. Leper.

Thank you. I request this again item because council approved the budget production of the understanding they were necessary to protect the city's financial position. But since then questions have arisen regarding new or vacant positions, interviews, hiring decisions, promotions, increases in salary, and other employment changes. Council and the public deserve a clear Telling you how these decisions affect the adopted budget and whether they were properly authorized. So my question. I guess to the, uh, to the city manager, you know. When we went through these budget cuts, what exactly was what what exactly was reduced and what are the goals of the reductions?

The, the reductions were, uh, it was agreed upon between. the my office and the fedc board of directors to realign the then assistant city manager position to the fedc at that point we did approach the council prior to the change of the election we i did approach both an executive session and an open session to discuss staff changes of which council quickly ended the discussion and said that this is under the purview of the city manager. Following that meeting, the finance director at the next meeting brought a budget amendment for approval for the additions of a director with the intent of using the reserve funds if we needed to. And then as we made additional staffing changes, we have not used that additional money that we requested and were approved at the mid-year budget amendment. So there were some staff changes when we stated in previous records as well as in the budget meetings, we looked at positions, we looked at position analysis, directors looked at their departments and they readjusted staff based on that and all of that was in connection with the classification policy that was approved by council.

Okay, gotcha. I mean, so from what I gathered, since the budget reductions, I know we got rid of two or three employees and then since then hired three or four more. I could be totally wrong on that number. That's just an example that I'm giving. Were we using, I guess, the salaries from those vacated positions to be able to account for the positions that we hired?

So on the director positions, that was brought to council for a budget amendment saying we would be able to reserve if needed, depending on if there was excess funds available that we wouldn't have to touch a reserve. And that was approved. I don't recall the date. So the two director positions and a finance position, those were approved on that date.

Yes. We also had some reductions in contracts and agreements that we terminated throughout the year, which created and resulted in a cost savings as well. Those monies were also used to offset some of the costs. Gotcha.

So I guess my question is pretty clear here. Are we going through budget cuts currently?

Currently for me to provide you that proposed budget I did have to there was a lot of asks throughout the budget workshops and I was not able to fulfill everyone's ask at all on additional employees or the additional capital outlay that they were wanting. It was really tough this year to do that.

just give some clarification uh because there's a lot of constituents that are they're curious because they you know it's a small town and they hear that oh well this person got let go this person got let go we're in the middle of the budget cuts and then here we go the next week we're hiring four more people so just for clarification you know if there's any way i would like to know you know financially are we going through much are we Are we going to continue? Are we on track? Are we on track to hiring more people and succeeding in these positions? So if you could just keep up with me on that, I'd really appreciate it.

Yes, I can email you. In this current budget, water and wastewater are the ones that are presented. Actually, those six employees are the ones that I could include in the budget. There's one other one for a planner, but that's going to be offset by expenses that we won't have anymore if we do get an actual planner here with the city. We won't have to have a third-party planner. But I can put that in an email and get that sent out to you on your own.

Also, yeah, I just think it's, go for it, sir. No, so just so that you know, just for the record and for clarification purposes, when we started the budget meetings, we did instruct everyone that we were short, and we presented this before council, and the external auditor also presented this to council, that we are short $1.3 million where the general fund owes and has owed the street maintenance fund. With these budgets that we're proposing, we are not even addressing the payback of that $1.3 million. We also are looking at if we're not able to increase the ad valorem property tax in the next month, then we would have to make additional cuts either to the programs or the personnel just to balance the budget. Also, it's noted in the budget meetings that the contract with Republic to pass through costs for garbage, specifically for brush, we do incur costs and the general fund eats that cost. So we're operating that fund at a loss. And the general fund is having to use that to cover the loss for that fund when we transfer the money over. And we do that in the middle of the fiscal year and at the end of the fiscal year in order to balance the books at the end of the year. It's also noted that while we're doing this, we're looking at other things and other items that we go through our expenses. We will talk to 4B for projects and assistance for capital improvement projects. The last meeting, the finance director did present with the budget numbers the leftover money that is on the funds, which is a very minimal amount throughout the funds. And we asked how you guys wanted us to spend that money. Did you want it to go into the reserve funds under those individual firm funds? Or did you guys want to look at the CIP list to see what project we could undertake? We did not get any feedback from anyone on council so at this point we've made a decision just to move that money into the reserve funds uh unless there is a request from council for us to add a cip project with remaining funds as part of the approved budget and we still have time to do that but as of today finance from my office has received any feedback yes sir so i think you know thank you for that

$1.3 million and then, you know, there's money that's heating up our general fund. How are we able to sustain, you know, adding on, you know, new positions and new health and, you know, new job openings?

Well, the new job opening is just for the planners, what we're proposing. That, I mean, up to you guys if you want to approve that position or not. But there is a cost savings for planning services that are currently under contract, and those costs would just offset one another. And there should be minimal cost savings in the end, depending on, I don't recall the number on the contract or the number of where that planning position falls in the classification system. I mean, that's something to look at outside of that. This summer, we did advertise and we hired temporary employees to help us get caught up on cleaning right-of-ways, ditches, berms, parks, and that nature because of the crews just falling behind, cutting the grass at the cemetery and et cetera. But again, those were temporary positions, and everything still fell under the budget.

gotcha sir um you know thank you for that again and so do we currently have human resources to be able to hire a human resources officer or do we already have that on staff

Right now, human resources, I have temporarily assigned Ms. Ashley to help me with human resources. We've never had a human resources department. We've had someone assigned to doing human resources. We had an administrative services director who did an HR function, but they were never designated by the city manager or by council as an official human resources director or human resources department.

But if that's something you want us to look at, we have time to look at it in the budget.

We would have to go back in the general fund and either dip into reserves to do that, or we would have to make some type of cutback.

Yes, sir. Before, I guess, is our current acting HR associate, is she certified to be an HR associate? She's currently working on that.

Yeah, she's going to school for that, as I understand it.

Okay, but she's not certified though, right?

No one on staff has been certified previously or now.

Gotcha. Gotcha. Does that put the city in any liability to be able to hire employees? I'm sorry.

I'm being told we're off topic. My apologies for that. Yes. It has to be specifically on the budget, not personal, sir. I'm sorry.

Gotcha. This is the next meeting, thank you. We can move on, Mayor, thank you.

Okay.

Moving on to item E, consideration, discussion, and possible action to approve ordinance number 2026-024, adopting the tax rate and levying and valerian taxes for fiscal year 2026-2027.

Mayor, this item was tabled at the previous council meeting to be brought back to this council meeting, but however, due to postponement of the public hearing on the proposed tax rate and the need to complete required procedural steps, I'm asking that this be postponed until the February, I'm sorry, not February, September 28th, maybe. Do I have a motion to postpone this?

Mayor, I'll go ahead and make a motion to postpone Organs number 2026-024 adopting the tax rate and levying at . I'm sorry. It just needs to be.

Oh, okay, nevermind. It just has to be full, I'm sorry. Right there, nothing. I'm sorry, nothing?

No action.

Okay, no action. And the same for F. Okay, so we'll do ENF, that's going to be full. We won't have to vote on that.

on these fees and everything. I just want to make sure that nobody's going to move the fees without the approval of the city council, right?

Correct. And I had something written for that. So just so you know, it's not back now. You're asked, but y'all wanted to see the prior costs as well. So I have worked on that. And due to timing of other board meetings, like the 4-8, they just had it last Thursday. We're updating that. So you will get that. I will have it sent to Evan so he can review it prior to the next meeting. So that's what I'm working on. Thank you.

so moving on to item g this is consideration discussion and possible action to approve the proposed tax rate for uh fiscal year 2026 and 2027.

Okay, so this is actually, it's to consider and take a record vote on the proposal to consider a property tax rate of 0.445729 per 100 of taxable value for fiscal year 2026 to 2027. This does not adopt the tax rate. It establishes the proposed tax rate for purposes of proceeding with the required truth in taxation process. So final adoption of the property tax rate will occur At subsequent so on September 28th, so on this in order for me to advertise for the meeting, I need a record vote from each of you, including the mayor. On how you vote for this proposed factory. Either day or name, and it needs to be an individual vote on this. Again, it's to confirm the proposed. And again, you are not approving the tax rate.

And the proposed tax rate is the 0.44? Correct. And so, I know the mayor mentioned it earlier, so it's going up two cents, correct? 2.5. 2.5.

But we're not voting for that. Is this a state required?

Correct. Yes, it's procedural by truth and taxation from the comptroller's office.

But it sounds like two cents You're saying like $58 to $100 or over there? Correct, yes, an increase. But it just depends on the amount of your house. An average house is probably $58, but somebody that has a home that's $300,000, $400,000.

Correct. Currently, based on valuations, the median household value, so that $58 is based off of $225,000 value of home.

Just for clarification, if we do not pass the proposed test, will we have to make additional cuts? Correct.

I would have to make cuts to the general fund because that's where it trickles down to is general fund. Personal? Well, it depends. It's streets, administration. We do make a transfer for parks to cover the parks. Police department is a huge part of the general fund as well.

but this is where all this comes in with it that bracket that we supposedly i didn't pass it was passed with the mids and all this so i guess this might not be the time to ask but might be the financial but my thing is

No one has gotten any grades or adjustment for that. That was actually put in place for when new hires come in. There's actually entry to see where you would be. All of those, everybody is placed where they're currently at.

And to me, I might be on topic, but like I say, if. The more we raise things, the more we spend. We never go back and say, OK, let's buy half instead of buy the whole. And to me, I know everything goes up. And people always say, oh, Morones don't want to advance. But we went up on their water rate. My neighbor said, man, I paid $201. And we told the people here, hey, Oh, that's not the way to treat her. But anyways, I'll leave it at that.

That rate has never, that rate is not on yet. It's not on yet. So it won't be on until the next one. Okay. So do we need to make a motion? Correct. And then the motion can be to approve the proposal. This is just a proposal, correct? It's not a proposal that we have to deploy.

But we actually need to vote now. I mean, if we did with the other two.

Correct. This is so that I can advertise for the public hearing. I have to have this on that form, how you're voting for the, how you are considering for the proposed statute. and again, it has to be individual for city secretary to be able to report.

Okay. Mayor Mann. I'll go ahead and make a motion to approve the proposed tax rate for the fiscal year 2026 through 2027.

Okay, but we have to vote individually. An individual vote. Okay, so.

Mayor, council, if you'd like to go ahead and call in order. Okay, go ahead. Oh, we need a motion to go and be accountable.

Okay. we need a second do i need it i need a second second by mr all in favor council member no And this is just to put it in the paper? Yes. Yes. Put it in the paper and advertise. Councilmember Ambrose? No.

Yes.

And again, this is just to advertise it. This is just so we can put it on the paper so that people will know. Thank you. Thank you, Ms. Cindy. Okay. Moving on to executive session. The city council will meet in closed session pursuant to section 551.071 and section 1.05 TEXAS DISCIPLINARY RULES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT TO CONSULT WITH THE LEGAL COUNCIL TO DELIBERATE ABOUT A CITY COUNCIL MEMBER AS FOLLOWED. EMBER FIELDS, GRIEVANCE FOLLOWED BY MICHELLE TACKETT, MAINTAINING CONFIDENTIAL BY CITY COUNCIL, GRIEVANCE FOLLOWED BY CITY MANAGER.

MAY I MAKE A MOTION TO GO AHEAD AND MEET IN CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO SECTION 551 point zero seven one in section one point zero five Texas disciplinary rules of professional conduct to consult with the legal counsel to deliberate about a city council matter as follows. Arbor Fields grievances maintain confidentiality by council members and another grievance at nine at seven twelve p.m. Do I have a second?

MOTION MADE BY MAYOR COACH IN FLORIDA, SECOND BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT FELIX CANTU. ALL IN FAVOR?