[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6620798,"mediaKeyId","2804039-ba328fb0c445ee23fd9b7f3acb958055","parentId",2804039,"title","Council directs recruitment for downtown and tourism director, approves executive search engagement","audioSeconds",1344,"startMs",2018000,"endMs",3362000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2804039-ba328fb0c445ee23fd9b7f3acb958055&start=2018&end=3362","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2804039-ba328fb0c445ee23fd9b7f3acb958055/thumbnail_2018000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6620798/Taylor/Williamson-County/Texas/Council-directs-recruitment-for-downtown-and-tourism-director-approves-executive-search-engagement","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6620798-a597647d98a33c3154f0e82227f0b828/orig.mp4?Expires=1776203623&Signature=Fm4LZXwVrK0S-oDSqt6sliU5kMp5Df5Io1yc1Yn3-4YzaknZ4-TKeqNvQdR~uUiC-v-SJVP-yUBUdQ1Y3T4zSxW73aotE0t5QZiozdfteoSgSsxTQmdep8khKZjqB1TUdt34k4P-B0MAMgBgP9-43A9bYqq2GM6esvbsGP-Hi456RBP-6uHT413~lWsa9TURgsl2xmMWaMbdpO4I0i0lwvXruvISGak-FyWWxtlocBQBoPJxYUdn2-6YsMmVZTnxruwCkcSWN~1UUakG4G5qRVnbt7uD692LuCYafpUv~aSW8WmvJlYSwBxB79oWpxMNlZkHaxc9URuwL~LKxrHD-Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Taylor","date","2025-03-27T00:00:00Z","article","Taylor City Council on March 20 received an update on the downtown master plan and voted to direct staff to proceed with an executive search to recruit a downtown and tourism director.

Carly Pearson, who presented the update, said the downtown master plan contractor Lionheart Places has been working on the plan since March 2024 and paused after staff turnover late last year; consultant work is continuing and staff expect renewed stakeholder engagement soon. Pearson said the downtown role would be elevated from a Main Street manager to a downtown and tourism director with duties expanded to include economic development, downtown branding, tourism activation, historic preservation coordination and grant-seeking.

Pearson said the position would work closely with existing businesses to support retention and growth and to attract new businesses. \"This position will work really, really closely with existing businesses to try and help them, further their success and see what their needs are even more,\" Pearson said. She told council there is no budgetary impact this fiscal year; staff identified savings to cover interim costs. Pearson said the salary range for the upgraded position would likely be in the $80,000 to $120,000 range and that fiscal year 2026 budget adjustments would be needed to accommodate the increase (staff estimated an approximate $40,000 annual cost differential, subject to final salary placement).

Staff recommended engaging AFION Public, an executive search firm the city has used before, to perform the recruitment. Pearson said the firm offers a two-year guarantee and that the search cost would be approximately $28,000; the city has a $50,000 purchasing cap with that vendor which has been partially used this year. Pearson said there is no fiscal impact in the current year and that the recruitment fee would not exceed the available cap for this purchase without separate council action.

Council members questioned fiscal impacts and asked staff to analyze downtown\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000 revenue and the TIF funding supporting downtown projects. Pearson said the TIF (tax increment financing) funds cover the master plan work and that staff will seek grant funding and other incentives to expand resources for downtown economic development.

Marie Bloomer, a downtown business advocate, addressed the council during public comment and said downtown businesses struggle with low foot traffic and urged the city to adopt a strategy that increases density and visitor traffic so small businesses can survive. \"We need a clear strategy to increase density, attract visitors, and create a thriving environment where small businesses can succeed,\" Bloomer said.

Councilmember Anderson moved to receive the update and direct staff to contract with AFION Public for recruitment as presented. The motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote with councilmembers saying \"aye.\" No opposing votes were recorded.

Pearson and councilmembers said the position is intended to be a central point of contact for downtown businesses and a hub for connecting owners to existing regional resources such as Small Business Development Centers. Staff will return to council with budget language for FY2026 to reflect the formal reclassification and any salary adjustments.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Taylor - City Council - Mar 27, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Council directed staff to recruit for a new downtown and tourism director role and to engage AFION Public for an executive search estimated at $28,000; the position would be upgraded to a director range with an estimated FY2026 salary range of about $80,000 to $120,000.","taxTitle","Taylor, Williamson County, Texas","taxId",56865,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6620803,"Taylor council approves broad personnel policy updates including parental leave and TikTok prohibition",429,1578000,2007000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2804039-ba328fb0c445ee23fd9b7f3acb958055&start=1578&end=2007","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2804039-ba328fb0c445ee23fd9b7f3acb958055/thumbnail_1578000.jpg","/articles/6620803/Taylor/Williamson-County/Texas/Taylor-council-approves-broad-personnel-policy-updates-including-parental-leave-and-TikTok-prohibition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6620803-c532a4f3db68b998b4bcc6e72b03e289/orig.mp4?Expires=1776203623&Signature=GHrtjWwvWYeOIWmJV0LbyeDFD~WtLvl~sd3fgL9AJlYRnGpeEqF5WadPyp5-SJxulsbGZI0Qj~rMRVdyZxFtgSmGPWe4bAURKq~vFCo~r9HppqagDuAkh3tsnx9Itl8b4zZt-~h4586HvDh46Smz95fayyoe~2RF8PJ0USEMtv8sIip4RSM2mzWXD~x~MljK893s3FVt4~pxqPdcZLKZZyWLnxuYNkBEnCf~hiMnaLQiE7C0OyQeUL8IF-hgw457Cp0OoEkxIQDOsWeVOVLBKHdlGolGpWkclwBOK9~oWDq3WYztbOIf9MZl-gEWflzGOaT3Mx9021qAg27741mWlQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Taylor City Council on March 20 approved multiple updates to the city\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000's personnel policy manual, voting unanimously to accept the revisions as presented by city staff.

LaShawn Cruz, who presented the revisions, said the majority of changes were language and clarity edits but included substantive policy additions. She described the following key additions and clarifications: a three-week paid parental leave for birth, foster or adoption of a child age 17 or younger; a clarification of workers\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000 compensation processes including the city's salary continuation practice and instruction that employees sign over workers' compensation checks the city has already paid; an interim pay policy to cover temporary assignments; stricter documentation and re-verification of driving records every six months for employees operating city vehicles; expanded payout caps for accrued paid time off; a requirement that employees serve the city for five years to qualify for retiree insurance coverage tied to city funding; a reimbursement clause requiring employees who receive city-funded professional certification training over $500 to remain three years or reimburse the city; and a state-mandated prohibition on TikTok on city devices.

Cruz summarized the workers' compensation clarification by saying, \"This is the best way to do it,\" describing the practice of salary continuation and subsequent handling of workers' compensation checks as a process intended to maintain employee benefits and retirement accruals.

The changes also simplify the grievance and disciplinary appeal process by consolidating steps and providing a three-person appeal panel composed of HR and two department heads from outside the employee's department. Cruz said the changes were made to ensure consistency with applicable laws and to streamline internal procedures.

Councilmember Garcia moved to approve the changes; Councilmember Anderson seconded. The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.

Councilmembers praised the clarity and the work done on the manual. One councilmember said the unmodified audit and strong financial position gave the city the latitude to adopt employee-friendly provisions.

The approved revisions will be incorporated into the personnel manual and applied per the effective dates and administrative guidance provided by HR. No separate implementation timeline or additional fiscal appropriation was specified at the meeting.","The council unanimously approved updates to the personnel policy manual, adding parental leave, clarifying workers' compensation pay procedures, revising grievance appeals and adding a state-mandated prohibition on TikTok for city-owned devices.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6620808,"Taylor council receives unmodified audit, hears $151.7 million net position for FY2024",909,736000,1645000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2804039-ba328fb0c445ee23fd9b7f3acb958055&start=736&end=1645","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2804039-ba328fb0c445ee23fd9b7f3acb958055/thumbnail_736000.jpg","/articles/6620808/Taylor/Williamson-County/Texas/Taylor-council-receives-unmodified-audit-hears-1517-million-net-position-for-FY2024","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6620808-f18df75704030dbf63ff8ac579c7c6ad/orig.mp4?Expires=1776203623&Signature=orCH2BNtWIYP1ThoWeNB6Cda899xVDtogJDxJmtueflcRvVkj9VYL70bfbaK9~i2Grw6gGOoHeqy9Fhr~1HwOIOPO75pCkSU0p4zH~KUBGo~J4zBNX4H6CdreXjgYscsVW6JGLRaREaSguhdfHqW12Il7c7HijsSNLKhVc10FHtiY5AErL5GxE7Dp7dgiK5PRrDMPOw5bnTv7Vw0yHZy37ftsBUcvLdaqmbpNfCKe2pbJ9duzG-inZNki7qLlz439s69uGLEGMpRZosjRd91BOobNMAC3EeeLdv1ddAdMxxq1wUhRD6W3jNchCKOmuu-cJ46qY4aEqadU39Ohhmh7Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Taylor City Council on March 20 voted to receive the city\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000 comprehensive financial report for the year ended Sept. 30, 2024, after the city\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000 received a presentation from its independent auditor.

Michael Brooks of Brooks Watson told the council the firm had issued a clean, unmodified opinion on the city\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000's financial statements and summarized key highlights from the audit report. \"We have issued a clean, unmodified audit opinion on the city's financial statements,\" Brooks said, indicating the statements were materially correct and disclosures complete.

Brooks summarized major figures included in the audit: total citywide assets exceeded liabilities by $151.7 million; governmental funds (excluding utilities) ended with a combined fund balance of about $120.2 million (an increase of roughly $23 million from the prior year); unassigned general fund balance was $21.6 million, about 65% of annual general fund expenditures; and total governmental revenues were approximately $58 million for the year. He also noted an increase in sales tax and property tax revenue and that developer capital contributions accounted for a sizable portion of utility fund activity.

Brooks described the city's audit process and the optional elements of the annual comprehensive financial report (ACFR), including a statistical section and management\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000 discussion and analysis. He said the city has submitted the ACFR to the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for the Certificate of Achievement and expects the city to receive the award for a 17th consecutive year.

Councilmembers responded positively to the presentation. One councilmember said the unmodified opinion bolsters public confidence in the city's fiduciary stewardship. Following the presentation, Councilmember Garcia moved to receive the annual comprehensive financial report as presented. The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Semerich and passed on a voice vote with the council saying \"aye.\" No opposing votes were recorded.

The audit also included a review of compliance with the Texas Public Funds Investment Act; Brooks reported no compliance issues. The auditor highlighted that the general fund's unassigned balance substantially exceeds the GFOA recommended minimum reserve and noted that strong reserve levels can positively affect bond ratings.

The council took no further action beyond receiving the report.","The Taylor City Council voted to receive the city\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000","actionData","errors"]

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Council directs recruitment for downtown and tourism director, approves executive search engagement

Taylor council approves broad personnel policy updates including parental leave and TikTok prohibition

Taylor council receives unmodified audit, hears $151.7 million net position for FY2024