Protecting a key tax break to attract businesses like Samsung Austin Semiconductor is a priority for city leaders for the next legislative session.
At the upcoming regular meeting of the city council Thursday, Assistant City Manager Jeff Jenkins will present a draft list of the city’s priorities for the 88th Texas Legislative Session, which begins January of 2023.
The draft list includes five main focuses for the • page 1 city, including keeping the Chapter 313 Agreement, a school property tax incentive program used by Samsung and other major businesses, maintaining current methods of issuing debt through Certificates of Obligation, as well as allowing for greater control from cities on the Municipal Utility District and the Public Improvement District.
In addition, the council will receive a presentation from the Parks and Recreation Advisory board, which will include an update on projects being funded in 2023 as part of the five-year Capital Improvement Plan, including a new fitness park and resurfacing of the track at Memorial Field, as well as possible locations to add a mini soccer field in the park system.
The council will also consider collecting funds online or through the utility bill for donations to the city.
Other agenda items include:
• Discuss and provide direction to council regarding the city’s sidewalk policy, which currently holds residents voluntarily responsible for the maintenance of sidewalks on their property and is considering whether the city should take over removing and replacing damaged sidewalks.
• Consider whether to increase compensation for members of the City Council, who currently receive $25 a month, due to increased time commitments placed upon them.
• Receive and consider possible action on proposed amendments to the financing plan for the Tax Increment Financing #1 Downtown project, to include rental assistance for downtown businesses, among other targeted economic development assistance, add money for new personnel, such as a special events coordinator or an additional patrol officer, and to allow third party contracts, for jobs such as sweeping, etc. The Taylor City Council regularly meets the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 400 Porter St. in Taylor. Agendas and live broadcasts are available at http:// www.taylortx.gov.
