Beaumont City Council today voted unanimously to approve committing $250,000 in funding for a minimum revenue guarantee to American Airlines to secure air service to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.

Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce President Jim Rich requested the city commit funds toward the minimum revenue guarantee, which will allow American Eagle, a commuter flight branch of American Airlines, to establish the service from Jack Brooks Regional Airport in Jefferson County.

“In order to commence with air service February 2013, American Airlines has indicated that they need a revenue guarantee commitment by the week of September 17,” City Manager Kyle Hayes said.

Jefferson County Commissioners Court, in action taken on Monday, agreed to place $250,000 in escrow for the revenue guarantee.  Report

The city council voted to approve a contract with Legacy Community Development Corporation for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program.

The city received $1,125,873 through the Department of Housing and Urban Development through the stabilization program to purchase and rehabilitate for sale or rent eight houses and one duplex.

“This contract will allow for any of these properties that are not sold to be donated to Legacy Community Development Corporation, a not-for-profit Community Housing Development Organization that will manage the rental of properties according to Neighborhood Stabilization Program guidelines,” Hayes said.

The city council voted to authorize the receipt of $17,878 in additional funding through the Department of Homeland Security 2007 Port Security Grant Program.

The additional funds will be eligible for use toward the purchase of an armored vehicle for the Beaumont Police Department. 

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

During the meeting, the city council held a public hearing to receive comments on the proposed 2012 property tax rate.

The city has proposed a tax rate of $0.64 per $100 valuation, the same amount as 2011.   However, the city will receive approximately 3.55 percent in additional revenues, due to new property on the tax roll as well as an increase in property values.