City Council Approves Budget With 3 Additional Fire Fighter Positions

By Lance Lowry

09-19-2024

Huntsville, Texas – Tuesday the Huntsville City Council held a hearing on the proposed budget which includes a tax increase. 

The Council heard from the City of Huntsville Financial Director Steve Ritter  who testified the Council approved up to a 0.3585 rate per $100 evaluation. The actual rate being used in budget is 0.3445 per $100 evaluation. 

Before the vote on the budget the mayor voiced concerns on the need for three additional fire fighter positions to maintain national standards.  

Insurance rates, issuance, and cancellations of home owners policies can be based on Insurance Services Organization, known as ISO ratings of local fire departments.  Maintaining higher fire department standards could result in lower insurance rates for taxpayers, offsetting any tax increase.

The Council later held a public hearing on adding a storm water drainage fee to properties to purchase equipment and cover expenses to maintain water runoff during rainfalls.  The average single family household will see a $5 fee for drainage. 

The City Council after approving the budget and drainage fees moved on approval to retain the Baker Tilly Firm in the search for a new city manager.