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The proposed tax, 33.917 cents per $100 valuation, is about two cents higher than last year’s rate of 31.835, and will generate $538,883 in revenue for the city.
The average taxable value of a residence in Cuero is $49,939. The tax bill for an average home under the proposed tax rate would be $169.37, about $25.72 higher than last year when the average home was valued at $45,125.
The proposed tax rate will help fund the largest budget in the city of Cuero’s history - more than $21 million.
“There are a lot of needs out there that haven’t been taken care of,” said Interim City Manager Marie Gelles during a discussion of the budget Tuesday night.
The mayor echoed her explanation.
“We have to do things now because we haven’t done them in the past,” said Mayor Randy Saenz. “Unfortunately, we have to bite the bullet.”
One example of needed repairs came during Tuesday’s special session when the council approved $25,550 to repair a water main on Hamilton Street and $18,200 to install a new piping system at the wastewater treatment plant. Ruschhaupt Plumbing Company of Cuero was awarded the bid on both projects that will be paid for out of the 2008-09 budget.
The proposed budget also includes a six percent pay increase for city employees.
“Our salaries are very low and we can’t compete with other cities in the area,” said Gelles.
The large budget is a cause for concern for Councilwoman Shirley Riemenschneider.
“I’m just afraid we’ll go into our reserves,” she said. “I don’t like going in our pocket and taking all the money out.”
Gelles assured her that the budget did not dip into the city’s reserve funds.
A second public hearing on the tax rate is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 4 and a public hearing on the public is set for Thursday, Sept. 11. The council will meet to adopt the budget and tax rate on Monday, Sept. 15.