The Cuero City Council honored the 1974 backto- back championship Gobbler team as well as teachers at the September 9th regular meeting. Although they approved a second reading of utility rate increases, they denied an increase in rates by the Texas Gas Service Company due to excessive charges.
The meeting began with Presentations and Recognitions, including proclamations for World Teachers Day 2024 and the Golden Gobbler Proclamation 2024. The World Teachers Day proclamation designated October 5, 2024, as Cuero Teachers Day, honoring teachers' vital role in education and urging residents to display light blue ribbons in appreciation. The Golden Gobbler Proclamation declared September 9, 2024, as Golden Gobbler Day, celebrating 50 years since Cuero ISD's first back-to-back state football championship and recognizing the legacy of the Gobblers football program, including the 1973-74 championship teams, coaches, and supporters.
Next, Council entered a Public Hearing to discuss the proposed FY 2024-2025 Budget for the City of Cuero and the proposed tax rate for FY 2024-2025. The proposed tax rate of .3100 is .00749 less than the current rate. There were no public comments for either the proposed budget or the proposed tax rate, and the public hearing was closed. In the Emergency Reading of an Ordinance, Council unanimously approved the proposed FY 2024-2025 Budget and the proposed tax rate.
In the Emergency Reading of an Ordinance portion, Council discussed and approved setting the ad valorem tax rate at .3100 cents per $100 of taxable value for the 2024 tax year, covering fiscal year 20242025. This rate reflects a 10.03% increase from the no-new-revenue rate.
Council also approved the Rise Broadband Lease and Easement Agreement along with the Rise Broadband Access Easement. This allows Rise Broadband to lease a 10x10 foot area at the Dahlman and Alexander water well site, with terms starting at $5,000 per year and increasing by $2,000 every five years over the 20year contract.
Additionally, Council approved the first budget amendment for FY 2024-2025. Finance Director Connie Hawes and City Manager Wayne Berger highlighted key adjustments, including reclassification of funds, unbudgeted repairs, increased expenses due to rising costs, and reallocations across various city projects. Major points included moving the CDBG sidewalk grant to the general fund, updates on the voucher program, funding for unexpected building repairs, and increased allocations for ongoing capital projects. Hawes noted that while multiple adjustments were necessary, the overall fund balance remains strong. The ordinance was unanimously approved by Council.
In the Second Reading of an Ordinance portion, Council approved several ordinances amending various City fees, all previously discussed. The amendments included adjustments to sewer and wastewater fees, electrical service fees, water and bulk water fees, cemetery fees, solid waste collection rates, and hauled waste fees.
In the Resolution portion, Council discussed and approved Resolution No. 2024-27, denying Texas Gas Service Company's request for a rate increase. City Manager Wayne Berger explained that a previous resolution suspended the proposed rate increase for review, which found the increase to be excessive. This resolution denies the company’s application, requires TGS to maintain current rates within the City, and mandates reimbursement of the City’s reasonable rate case expenses, including attorney fees, within 30 days of invoicing. The denial effectively suspends the rate increase indefinitely.
In the Action and Considerations portion, Council discussed the possibility of entering a long-term lease agreement with Cuero ISD for the Cuero Municipal Baseball Field. City Manager Wayne Berger explained that this arrangement would be similar to the existing agreement with the Friar Ag Center, enabling the school district to invest in upgrades and use the field long-term while the property remains under City ownership. After further discussion, Council agreed to have City Manager Berger explore the details of the potential lease and present findings at a future meeting.
In the Reports section, Supervisor of the Collection & Recycling Center Cheryl Merzbacher reported on the 2024 Tire Recycling Event, funded by a $3,200 grant from Golden Crescent and TCEQ. The event collected 565 tires, including contributions from city and county residents, as well as illegally dumped tires from various locations.` Council unanimously approved the Consent Agenda, highlighting item 12.3 for the Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade street closures. Main Street Director Sandra Osman presented the request, noting that this will be the 6th annual event, scheduled for October 26, 2024, serving as a fundraiser for Pet Adoptions of Cuero. This year’s festivities will include a costume contest for kids and dogs, with activities running from 10 AM to 12 PM. The street closure will be on South Gonzales, consistent with previous years.
Mayor Garza announced Upcoming Events and Items of Public Interest for the City, which include: King Turkey Day (Worthington, MN), September 13-14 Community Pancake Breakfast, September 28 Keep Cuero Beautiful Fall Cleanup, October 5 Turkeyfest, October 11-13 City of Cuero Fall Cleanup, October 21-26 For more information and upcoming agendas, minutes from previous meetings and more, visit www.cityofcuero.com. A short recap video of each City Council meeting can be found on the City of Cuero Facebook and You-Tube channels.
