BIG SPRING, TX — The Big Spring City Council met for its regular session last night at the City Council Chambers. There were public hearings held on the consideration of abatement of public nuisance at several properties, including:
* 901 NW 2nd Street, owned by Royal Brawley
* 506 N Johnson, owned by Rupert Brown; and
* 509 NW 8th Street, owned by Dany Som
The council voted unanimously to abate all three properties.
During the city manager’s report, Michelle Sanchez in Code Enforcement was recognized with a Certificate of Appreciation for her service as she moves on to retirement.
The council approved the final reading of an ordinance fixing and levying municipal ad valorem taxes for the year 2023. The original tax rate proposed was the minimus rate at 0.670429 (approximately $0.67/$100 valuation), but council members approved the No New Revenue rate of 0.636039 (approximately $0.64/$100 valuation), which will save taxpayers approximately $470,000 this year.
After debate over the phrase “retention stipend” and the length of time required to be employed by the City of Big Spring in order to receive the stipend, the council voted to approve the one-time payment of $1,500 to employees continuously employed between October 16, 2023 and October 20, 2023. This one-time retention stipend is in lieu of a cost of living increase for these employees who are supervised directly or indirectly by the city manager.
Jordan Partee was the only nominee for the position of Director on the Howard Central Appraisal District Board of Directors for the years 2024 and 2025. The council approved this nomination.
Additionally, the council approved the following board and committee appointments, reappointments, and removals:
McMahon/Wrinkle Aviation Advisory Board:
Johnathan Ray – reappoint – Dist. One
Joseph Harrison – removal – Dist. Four
Shane Schaffner – appoint – Dist. Four
Zoning Board of Adjustments:
Debbie Ramirez – reappoint – Dist. One
Carrie Rodman – reappoint – Dist. Three
Zoning Board of Adjustments – Alternates:
Maria Padilla – reappoint – Dist. One
Animal Rescue & Adoption Committee;
Amanda Williams – reappoint – Dist. One
Brittany Hankins – reappoint – Dist. Five
Big Spring Economic Development Corporation:
Cody Williams – reappoint – Dist. One
During public comments, the council heard from a member of the public regarding the abatement of his property at 709 Pine Street. The citizen has concerns that this abatement was mishandled and questioned the professional conduct of the city individual involved. City Attorney Andrew Hagen advised that a lawsuit had been filed by the citizen on this issue and discussion on the matter would be taking place during a closed Executive Session. After discussion in the Executive Session, the council reported it will take no action at this time.
Photo: Michelle Sanchez (center) stands for a photo with District 2 Councilwoman Diane Yanez and City Manager Todd Darden at the Big Spring City Council meeting on 09/26/23.
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