Just the Facts about Copper Canyon — June 2019

Welcome to a new chapter for the town of Copper Canyon. First I want to thank Councilmembers Jeff Mangum and Dave Svatik, and Mayor Sue Tejml for their many years of service to our town. Together they have a combination of 44 years of history and experience serving Copper Canyon and its residents. I also want to welcome to the council newly elected Councilmembers Ted Stranczek and Robin Douglas-Davis. Now it’s time to turn the page and move forward.

Our first order of business will be to address an area of concern currently facing Copper Canyon. We are in the process of developing a new 2020 Master Plan and I have asked Deputy Mayor Pro-Tem Valerie Pearson Cannaday to chair this committee. Councilmember Douglas-Davis will work with the Deputy Mayor Pro-Tem along with two members of the Planning and Zoning Commission and five citizens at large to be appointed by each member of the town council. The town staff and a new town planner will serve on this committee as well.

There is some excellent news this month from Denton County for Copper Canyon residents. County Commissioners have approved a property tax limitation, or ceiling, for property owners older than 65 and those with disabilities. The ceiling applies to a resident’s homestead, not a second home or rental home according to Denton County Tax Assessor-Collector Michelle French. The limitation took effect in May, but the ceiling will not be finalized until next year in case there are any changes made to a homeowner’s property between now and then. “This is an important step for Denton County to take and one I’ve wanted since joining Commissioners Court in January,” Commissioner Dianne Edmondson said in a news release. For more information or to determine if you qualify, visit the Denton Central Appraisal District’s website, www.dentoncad.com.

I am looking forward to working with the new and existing councilmembers as well as the town staff in creating an environment of trust and openness between town hall and every resident of Copper Canyon. We may not always agree on everything but we can respect each others’ decisions while working to find common ground. Stay tuned for more.