by Mayor Mike Donnelly
Ted Gruenloh appointed to vacant council seat
The Town of Double Oak is pleased to announce the appointment of Ted Gruenloh to fill the open council seat that was created when John Maynor resigned due to moving out of town. Councilman Gruenloh’s term will expire in May 2016. Double Oak extends its thanks to the candidates who submitted applications and went through the process.
Decision on sales tax ballot measures
The council, with input from citizens, has decided not to order the election in November. The town has been reviewing its options and studying new legislation (H.B. 157) which became law on September 1. The new law gives municipalities increased financial flexibility related to local sales tax options.
The consensus of council and citizens is to call for a 1 percent sales tax election in May, 2016. If approved by Double Oak voters, the town would recognize increased sales tax revenue. Voter approval would also put our town at the state approved 2 percent city sales tax cap which many municipalities are at already.
Council will be discussing this more over the next few months heading towards the May 2016 election.
Fiscal year 2015-2016 budget planning; proposed ad valorem tax rate increase; public hearings on proposed budget and tax rate
Council, staff and citizen volunteers have been busy drafting the 2015-2016 proposed budget. The town’s current property tax rate is $0.224810 per $100. The council has proposed a property tax rate of $0.232400 per $100 for the 2015-2016 fiscal year. The proposed budget and proposed tax rate information may be found on the town website www.double-oak.com. The town will hold two public hearings at town hall on the 2015-2016 proposed tax rate and budget:
- First hearing will be 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8
- Second hearing will be at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21
A town council meeting will be noticed and held between Sept. 25-30 to adopt the 2015-2016 budget and tax rate. The town’s new fiscal year begins on October 1.
If you are a Double Oak resident or business, and have any questions, or want to share your thoughts on budget, tax rate or any other business of the town, please feel free to contact myself, members of council or town staff at any time. We are happy to meet and discuss.
Contact information is listed on the town website:
- Mayor Mike Donnelly — [email protected]
- Town Secretary Charlotte Allen — [email protected]
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