Kempner PD growth continues
By MAT TAYLOR Special Correspondent

Kempner City Council, during a brief meeting last week, approved the appointment of Joe Lorette as a reserve police officer. Police Chief Doug Kahlstrom recommended Lorette.

"Joe is well qualified for the position as he was previously with the Lampasas County Sheriff's Department," Kahlstrom said. "I have worked with him on past occasions, and I know Joe will work well with the department team."

The police chief has said that one of his goals was to increase the number of qualified reserve officers in the Kempner Police Department. He is reaching that goal, as there are now five reserve officers. That is the highest number in the history of the department.

Also last week, the council adopted a proposed police department form entitled "Citizen Request for House Watch." The police chief developed the form, and he said Kempner residents could use it to request a watch by police officers while their home is vacant. The form asks for contact information, possible visitor's information and a list of vehicles on the property.

After the form is complete, Kahlstrom said police officers would keep a watch on the house until the resident returns. "This will help the department provide additional assistance to the community."

In other business, resident Gary Guyer addressed the council regarding maintenance of Conductor Street. Guyer said additional gravel is needed, as spring and summer rains have washed away much of the gravel. Mayor Gene Isenhour said the city would apply gravel as soon as possible.

Guyer also inquired about the installation of a culvert to address drainage on the street. Isenhour said the city would determine if a culvert is needed.

Assistant City Secretary Amy Sousounis announced she has resigned the position to take employment in Killeen. The council will accept applications for her post through today. Mrs. Sousounis said she had agreed to serve until a qualified applicant is hired.

Kempner City Council also conducted a public hearing last week on the proposed tax rate and budget for the 2007-08 fiscal year. No comments were registered from residents, either in favor of or against the proposals.

Mayor Pro Tem Paul Cook commented that if no one expressed opposition to the tax rate and budget, residents must be satisfied with the council and how the city is operated.

City Secretary Frances Spinney said Kempner has been incorporated for 10 years, and in that time she could not remember any comments from the public on tax rates or the budget.

Isenhour said the proposed rate is 24 cents per $100 valuation, which is the same as the current levy.

"However, with increases in property values, the tax will raise about $7,365 more than this year," the mayor said. "Of this amount, $1,684 is tax revenue from new property added to the tax roll this year."

Other major sources of revenue for the city are sales taxes and franchise fees. Total revenues will support a proposed budget of $197,800. This is an increase of about $10,000 from the 2006-07 budget. One of the largest increases is an additional $6,000 for street repairs and maintenance.

Kempner City Council will meet in regular session Tuesday at 7 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers. The council will meet again Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. in a called meeting to consider adoption of the tax rate and budget.