Kempner council adopts budget, same tax rate
By MAT TAYLOR Special Correspondent

The Kempner City Council last week unanimously approved the city's 2007-08 fiscal year tax rate and budget. The 24 cents per $100 valuation is the same rate as the current levy.

Due to increases in property values, however, the tax rate will generate about $7,300 more revenue for the city of Kempner.

The $197,800 budget approved by the council represents 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.

Mayor Gene Isenhour said some of the scheduled street repairs will not be completed this fiscal year due to the recent rains and road contractors being delayed in completing other construction projects. Funds designated for the repairs will be rolled over into the 2007-08 street repair fund, he added. "The repairs will be done this calendar year."

The Kempner City Council, as many other units of government do, recites the pledge of allegiance to the United States and Texas flags at the opening of its meetings. At this meeting, it was noted the Texas Legislature added one sentence to the state pledge. It now reads: "Honor the Texas flag. I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible."

Isenhour said a reception to honor outgoing Assistant City Secretary Amy Sousounis would be Sept. 25 following the regular meeting. The public is invited to attend and wish her well with her new position. She recently resigned to take a post with a business in Killeen.

The mayor said he and the city secretary interviewed seven applicants for the assistant city secretary position and selected the most qualified person for the job. Trudy Davis, a Lampasas County resident, began her duties Monday.

In other personnel matters, Isenhour noted that due to the increased number of police department reserve officers and growth of the city, the council may have to consider the hiring of a fulltime chief of police at a higher salary.

And the mayor noted that 2007 marks the 10th anniversary of the city's incorporation. Kempner, by a vote of residents, was incorporated in November 1997. "I would like to appoint a committee to plan some type of event to celebrate the occasion," he said.

City Secretary Frances Spinney, council member Melba Vandeveer and Mayor Pro Tem Paul Cook volunteered to serve on the committee to plan a celebration. They will bring a recommendation to the full council.

The next regular Kempner City Council meeting will be Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers.