The Hitchcock City Commission on Monday voted unanimously to propose a property tax rate of $0.396105 per $100 valuation, the city’s effective tax rate, for the 2012 tax year.

The rate reflects a reduction from last year’s rate of $0.396461 per $100 valuation, but will draw revenues that are equal to the previous fiscal year.

The city commission voted to approve a proposed budget for FY2013.  The budget includes projected General Fund expenditures of $2,807,353, and Utility Fund expenditures of $2,103,000.  The budget is balanced.

The city commission voted to amend the city’s ordinance regulating gaming devices, such as 8-liners.

The amendment increased the permit fee for businesses from $2,000 to $5,000, and the per-machine permit from $200 to $300.

The city commission voted to approve an agreement with Hitchcock Independent School District for two police officers from the Hitchcock Police Department to serve as school resource officers.

An information item for the commission to hear from Shirley Lewis regarding trash pick up and ditch mowing on Renaud was not held. Lewis did not attend the meeting.

All items were approved.  All votes were unanimous with all members present.  Agenda