The Occupational License Tax amendment passed on first reading, but just barely.
Councilman Don Marsh proposed moving it to 1.35, but ultimately that failed. The ordinance, forwarded after lengthy discussions at Committee of the Whole, would lower the current rate of 1.5 to 1.3.
Councilman Chuck Crabtree mentioned outstanding debts related to the industrial parks and other projects. Councilwoman Amy Craig pointed out recent financial reports.
Councilman Clayton Sumner says the city has $14 million in unassigned cash.
The City Council vote was tied: Yes – Brandi Stallons, Don Marsh, Travis Martin, Brittanie Bogard, Clayton Sumner, and Seth Meek; No – Jason Bell, Elizabeth Draude, Vance Smith, Chuck Crabtree, Amy Craig, and Mike Velez. Mayor JR Knight cast the deciding vote.
However, Knight opened the meeting by saying there are several unknown expenses ahead for the city, including the water park.
A second reading of the ordinance will be on the November 18th agenda.
In other business, City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance to extend citizen comments to 5 minutes and second readings of the Deepwood Drive Speed Limit Reduction and Water Wholesale Rates ordinances. City Attorney Doug Willen presented the recommendation from the Cable Oversight Authority to repeal the ordinance establishing the authority, as it is no longer needed.