Several city officials were reappointed Monday during a meeting of the Houston City Council, which also heard an upbeat report on city finances by an auditing firm.
Tonya Foster becomes the city’s clerk next month. (See related story elsewhere). Others receiving appointments: Brad Edison, attorney; John Beeler, municipal judge; Sharon Rees, treasurer; Carloss “Joe” Kirkman, police chief; Don Rust, fire chief; Larry Sutton, city administrator; and Arthur Thomas, emergency management director.
John Everest of the Springfield accounting firm of Davis, Lynn & Moots, outlined financial reports following the annual routine audit of city books. No significant findings were made, and the city finished the year in good financial condition, Everest reported.
In other matters, members:
-Heard that a city well on Forrest Street is functioning again following repairs. Some issues are still reported with another well on Augusta Street.
-Made a change in the city’s personnel policy that requires the city clerk to live within the 65483 zip code. Previously, the clerk was required to live in the city limits.
-Heard a report from TCMH CEO Wes Murray, who gave his annual update about the hospital’s operation. With 361 employees, the institution is major economic engine in the community. In the last five years, about 100 employees have been added. Its payroll and benefits totaled about $15.2 million in 2007.
Murray outlined plans for an upcoming building project that will result in a new core hospital estimated to cost about $13 million and $4 million in renovations to the current facility.
Murray told the council that the sale of bonds to finance the project could come as early as July with construction beginning thereafter. He also presented a detailed financial analysis of the project and repayment of debt. It shows that the hospital generates more than twice the amount of cash flow necessary to support the project.
-Agreed to donate $4,000 to the Houston Lions Club for staging this year’s fireworks show. The money had earlier been placed in the 2008 fiscal year budget.