Steps could be taken Thursday towards seeking funds that would mitigate flood risk.
On May 12, the Taylor City Council will discuss and consider bond counsel and financial services for the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) Flood Infrastructure Fund (FIF) and authorize the city manager to execute any agreements.
Taylor has invested into flood mitigation projects, such as improvements to the Donna Channel and near Travis and Franklin streets. To fund them, city staff has searched for grant and loan opportunities such as the TWDB FIF program.
FIF is $793 million from the state’s Economic Stabilization Fund, otherwise known as the “Rainy Day fund.” The fund assists in the financing of drainage, flood mitigation, and flood control projects. Taylor qualifies for up to a 15% grant for an infrastructure project.
On May 14, 2020, the city authorized an application to the TWDB and has recently been asked to advance into the process, and an intent to apply was issued for this loan. Taylor is seeking a 0% interest loan of $3,090,464 with an additional $545,376 being a grant. The total application amount is $3,636,840.
In other business, the council is scheduled to:
• consider awarding a contract to collection agency and law firm for municipal court and utility billing collections;
• consider a resolution to authorize applying for a grant for the Community Oriented Policing Services Hiring Program; and
• consider appointments or member changes to various city boards and commissions.
The council meeting is at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 400 Porter St., in the council chamber. Those wishing to address the council have a threeminute limit and must sign up by 5:45 p.m.
The council agenda and live video stream of the meeting can be found at http://www.taylortx.gov.
