Weatherford council to hold budget hearing

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September 10, 2012

Weatherford council to hold budget hearing

Brian Smith CNHI The Weatherford Democrat Mon Sep 10, 2012, 08:00 AM CDT

WEATHERFORD — Residents with thoughts on the city’s proposed Fiscal Year 2012-13 budget can voice them during Tuesday’s public hearing.

The hearing is part of the regular city council meeting to begin at 6:30 p.m. Council members and city staff have had two work sessions on the budget with some changes being made already, including making a one time payment of around $500,000 for a new fire engine instead of going on a lease payment plan.

A third work session is scheduled following the meeting. Final approval on the budget is scheduled for the council’s Sept. 25 meeting.

Two other public hearings are scheduled, both asking for conditional use permits for a Senior Care Center on Eureka Street and the other for a fabrication shop on Ranger Highway. Both were unanimously approved by the Planning and Zoning Board.

Also on tonight’s agenda include an update on the city’s fight against synthetic drugs from Police Chief Mike Manning. Two major busts last week on one business have removed nearly $160,000 of what is known as K2 off the streets.

Council members will also discussed a resolution authorizing city staff to bring legal action against Charter Communications for recovery of franchise fees from the company. The city alleges Charter underpaid them for franchise fees from Nov. 1, 2007 to Oct. 31, 2011.

Charter was notified in writing on Nov. 30, 2011 the city was working on a compliance review of fee payments. The city’s cable television franchise and the State Certificate of Franchise Authority required Charter to pay the city a sum equal to 5 percent of Charter’s annual gross revenues. Charter believes the amount owed is $54,688.07 while the city says the money owed is $92,415.15.