Woodville council approves tax rate

WOODVILLE – Woodville city council held their regular meeting, Monday Sept. 11. Mayor Amy Bythewood opened the meeting by reading a proclamation marking the 22nd anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on our nation.

Bythewood said, “September 11, 2023 marks the 22nd anniversary of the ruthless terrorist attacks on our country and the 10th national day of remembrance to those who lost their lives at the Pentagon, the World Trade Center, and at a field in southwest Pennsylvania. We as a community wish to honor the heroic service, actions, and sacrifices of the first responders, law enforcement personnel, volunteers, and countless others who aided the innocent victims of those attacks, risking and also sacrificing their own lives. Therefore, the city council and the city of Woodville wish to proclaim September 11, 2023 as Stop and Remember, 9-11 National Moment of Remembrance, and to encourage everyone to observe one moment of remembrance today, to unite, reflect, and remember, never forget, on this 22nd anniversary and day of remembrance in the city of Woodville”.

The mayor then thanked chief of police Mike McCulley for his service throughout the years and dedication to the community. She commented that she has seen first- hand how dedicated the men and women of the police department are, “we are blessed as a community, and grateful to you, and also grateful to our fire department, because, I know every man would be walking up those stairs as we are leaving for freedom; there’s just no words.” McCulley said, “I’ve been very blessed to give the city my time for the last 25 years. I will continue to serve and it’s been my mission all these years to pay it forward, and I will continue to do that.”

Tax rate approved

Council quickly moved on to approving Ordinance No. 20230911-1, levying a Tax Rate for the City of Woodville for the Tax Year 2023: The City of Woodville adopted the tax rate on $100 valuation as follows, $0.3150 for maintenance and operations, $0.0000 for the payment of principal and interest on debt of the city, and $0.3150 total tax rate.

Council also approved Resolution No. 2023911-2, designating the Tyler County Booster as the Official Newspaper of the city of Woodville, Texas for the fiscal year 2023-24.

An approval for a variance to the Noise Ordinance for “Woodville Night Out” at the city park on Oct. 3, 2023 was discussed. This event is organized by the Woodville Police Department, and will be from 4-7 p.m. There will be Air Rescue and Ambulance demonstrations, a dunk tank, face painting, TPWD demonstration, water safety, jaws of life, fire safety, and much more. Music, free food, and free admission, so come out and meet your neighbors, and meet your first responders, too. Council approved the variance to the noise ordinance for the event.

The review and adoption of the Juvenile curfew ordinance was discussed. There is already a curfew in place for juveniles (17 years old and under), and this ordinance comes up for review every three years. It was discussed and approved by council.  They also approved 2022-23 utility write-offs, and approved sending a letter of engagement with Alexander, Lankford, and Heirs for the FY 2022-2023 audit. Next, they approved moving next month’s council meeting to Tuesday, Oct. 10, due to the 9th being a holiday. The next two items, approval of sale of surplus goods/assets, and the establishment of a yearly kennel fee ($50) were given the green light. The next item discussed was the approval of a lease agreement to house city offices at 408 W. Bluff while city hall is being renovated/repaired; estimates are anywhere from three to six months. This item was discussed, and no action was taken at this time, as city officials needed more time to present to council the particulars for the move.