The city of Kempner is now seven acres larger. This comes after the Kempner City Council approved second reading of an annexation ordinance last week for property donated for the Sylvia Tucker Memorial Park. The land is east of the downtown area and north of U.S. Highway 190 at the Taylor Creek bridge.

In other business, Mayor Gene Isenhour presented a framed certificate of appreciation to U.S. Army Spc. Wendy Lipinski. Ms. Lipinski, 36th Engineer Brigade, submitted a watercolor painting of an oak tree that has been adopted as the official symbol for use on the city's stationery and other documents.

And Lt. Michael Golonka, U.S Navy Seabees, 36th Engineer Brigade, reported he is working on a digital image of the oak tree that will be placed on a partnership sign at the entrance of the city park.

He also said additional survey work has been done in the park, and he is working to determine how much cut and fill work is needed for the veterans memorial location.

Isenhour said a priority for the park is construction of the memorial and a Wall of Honor. He reminded the public that anyone interested in purchasing a granite stone to honor a veteran should call Kempner City Hall at 932-2180.

"The city has received two flag poles donated by the Kempner VFD and the base stones for the Wall of Honor," Isenhour added.

The city is planning a dedication for the memorial on Veterans Day. The mayor said Lampasas VFW officials had contacted him, and they would like to participate in the dedication service, too.

Also last week, the council approved the 2009-10 fiscal-year budget. Total revenues and expenditures are projected to be $284,494. This figure is about 5 percent lower than the current budget. The major sources of revenue for the city are sales and use taxes, ad valorem taxes and franchise fees.

Major expenditures include operation of the administrative, police, street and park departments.

Isenhour said the city has increased the Police Department capital outlay by several thousand dollars in order to purchase a new vehicle. The new Dodge Charger will be delivered in a few weeks.

Park department funds will be reduced to fund the increased Police Department needs.

Kempner City Council will meet in regular session Tuesday at 7 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers.