Gonzales City Council hears public comment regarding tax rate

The Gonzales City Council heard public comment regarding the proposed tax rate of 0.3511 for the 2020-2021 Fiscal Year, which begins October 1.

Two members of the community, Steve Hendershot and Rob Brown, the second of which is currently running for a seat on the council in District 4, asked the council to not raise the tax rate to 0.3511, a 3.88% increase from the previous year, as the economic impact of COVID-19 has resulted in the loss of homes, cars and jobs for “many in the community.”

During the council’s discussion of the proposed budget and tax rate, Councilman Gary A. Schroeder asked that the council consider a lower tax rate of 0.2992, given the hardships he said his constituents have reported to him. Previously, Councilman Schroeder voted to propose the 0.3511 tax rate at budget workshops and the August council meeting.

The tax rate will be voted on at the next meeting, set for Sept. 10 at 6 p.m. in the Gonzales Municipal Building.

In other business:

• Budget amendments which were also discussed include the removal of a street sweeper as a line item in favor of contracting with a street sweeper service and the inclusion of a street improvement project focused on St. Lawrence Street.
• Amendments to the job description and position classification for the Chief Executive Officer of the Economic Development Corporation to Economic Development Director to adjust the duties associated with the job.
• During closed session, the council consulted with the city’s attorney on the matters of:
  • In Re Estate of J. B. Wells litigation
  • Patricia Bennett and Gloria Knight v. City of Gonzales, Texas Cause No. 27,500
  • A Guerra Enterprise LLC D/B/A Holiday Inn Express & Suites Cause No. 27,591
  • Utility Billing Issues