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Budget approved despite some opposition: Two council members vote against it
By Kenny Green, kgreen@starlocalnews.com
The Mesquite City Council passed its budget for the upcoming fiscal year by a 5-2 vote. The opposition to the budget came from councilmembers Dennis Tarpley and Greg Noschese.
Tarpley, who had asked that any discussion of the budget be table from the previous meeting, simply stated he was opposed to it and declined to elaborate during the council's regular work session.
"I have several issues with it and I am not completely satisfied with it," Tarpley said. "I am considering not supporting it as of now. There are several things in there I have some issues with."
"There is nothing particular [I have questions about] except appropriations for the COMPASS project. As a result of that I can probably say I am going to vote against it," Noschese said.
Tarpley also has been an outspoken opponent of using city funds to finance projects to bring light rail to the city. In the past he has cited the city having a better use for the funds as his main opposition to funding projects related to mass transportation projects within the city.
As part of the approved budget, the property tax rate will not increase and remains at $0.64 per $100 valuation. The general fund budget for the city totals $97,400,633, $225,935 less than the 2011-12 amended budget. The council also allocated an additional $500,000 for street repair that will be added to projects as part of the 2012-13 bond sale. The budget also includes a one-time, lump-sum salary increase of $500 for full-time employees and a $200 one-time, lump-sum salary for part-time employees.
The budget includes several fee and rate changes. As part of the budget there will be a $5 increase in adoption fees at the Mesquite Animal Shelter. The new cost to adopt a cat from the shelter will be $65 and the cost to adopt a dog will be $85. Residential solid waste pickup will also increase by $.50 to $17 per month. Commercial waste pickup rates will increase by 2.1 percent.
The city will also increase its water and sewer fees as a result of higher rates from the North Texas Municipal Water District. The district is raising its fees to generate additional revenue needed to complete work on its infrastructure. The increase will result in an average increase of $3 per month.
The budget, including the higher fees, takes effect at the beginning of the fiscal year on Oct. 1.
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