The hospital’s Community Improvement District (CID) tax and a new city pay scale were among matters discussed Monday by the Houston City Council.
Jeff Gettys, CID board, presented the board’s annual update. The CID tax was put in place Nov. 19, 2018, and began collecting money Jan. 1, 2020, estimated to be $675,000 earmarked for the surgery center.
Under the ballot, the collection of the levy will cease when the money is collected — or after 10 years, whichever comes first. In 2023, the tax generated $136,000 and the hospital drew $123,000. Current collections are approximately $421,000. The surgery center opened as of April 16, and has performed 68 operations – including two cesarean sections.
Don Romines, ward III, questioned the length of the project, saying he thought it was five years or $675,000. Gettys stated the importance of the small contribution to the local hospital and its impact on the community. Due to increasing costs, the group plans to draw approximately $120,000 over the following years, until the tax ceases Dec. 31, 2029.
Sheila Walker, ward II, presented a 10-step, merit-based pay scale recommended by the personnel committee. The plan would provide a 3% raise at every step, with the plan taking effect immediately and employee evaluations starting in September, to allow the budget to reflect increases. Each year, employees would receive anywhere from a 2 to 5 percent raise. Part-time and seasonal employees have a different pay scale. The changes are estimated to cost the city approximately $60,000. Lloyd Wells, administrator, stated several budgeted items that came in under or will not be performed in 2024 that will help the budget. The council unanimously approved the new pay scale effective immediately.
In other matters:
- Council members approved a picnic license for the TCMH Healthcare Foundation’s June 8 golf fundraiser. Alderwoman Sheila Walker voted no.
- Four bids for two new air conditioning units and two for one new mini split will be evaluated at the next meeting, pending information on warranties. The items were not budgeted.
- Mayor Viki Narancich appointed Kevin Buck to the planning and zoning board. The council approved the planning and zoning, board of adjustment and parks and recreation boards. The mayor is working on getting another member for the Houston Housing Authority and Industrial Development Authority. She also discussed having more internal infrastructure for city boards.
- The mayor appointed Don Romines, Sam Kelley and Sheila Walker to the union committee. The new committee will handle matters related to employee unions.
- Lloyd Wells, administrator, told the council that the chamber has vacated the building at 501 E. Walnut St. He stated that the building will be rekeyed and that city-owned items taken by the chamber will be identified and recouped.
- Wells stated that the city’s approximately $210,000 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money needs to be obligated by December 2024 and spent by December 2026.
- The mayor stated that once she receives a finalized version of plans for the new Oak Hill subdivision, she will present them to the council.
- Romines asked about progress on the quadplex, and was informed that the city is waiting on a survey. He mentioned reaching out to South Central Ozark Council of Governments (SCOCOG) about grant writing for the project. Romines also discussed being careful about giving out free golf memberships, and working with Intercounty on figuring out who gave permission for it to supply electricity to Medlock’s Body Shop in Houston.
- Council members, Attorney Sean Smith and police officers discussed needed updates to the city’s nuisance violation ordinance. The council’s police committee will meet to discuss updates.
- Romines stated that the council needs to set firm goals and plans for the fiber department. He stated that this year, the department – including two contracted employees – are completing two-and-a-half hookups per week. He believes they need to move faster. The utility committee of Sam Kelley, Angie Gettys and Tim Ceplina will meet to discuss goals and plans.
- Walker questioned the approval of asphalt bids and progress on electric pole replacements. Wells stated that asphalt bids have been approved but they have not mobilized yet. The poles are in town and will likely be replaced starting in June. She also sought progress on employee benefit statement letters and cross-training.
- Walker mentioned feedback on not having vendors parked in front of open businesses during events. Walker also clarified that lines for two pickleball courts will be put on the tennis courts and that the concrete court will be converted to a volleyball court. She also asked Wells to do a cost study on the city’s phone – cellular and landline.
- Members have the opportunity to attend elected officials training June 6-7.
The meeting adjourned into closed session at 7:30 p.m.