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Levelland council sets 0.55 tax-rate ceiling, approves parks code changes and advances building-fee ordinance
Summary
At its August meeting, the Levelland City Council set a 0.55 ceiling for the FY2024–25 property-tax rate and scheduled a Sept. 9 public hearing, approved parks code updates on second reading, and advanced an overhaul of building and permit fees on first reading.
The Levelland City Council on Aug. 19 established a maximum (ceiling) property-tax rate of 0.55 for the 2024–25 fiscal year and set a public hearing on the tax rate for Sept. 9, while continuing to work toward a recommended rate of 0.535.
City staff explained three Texas statutory tax-rate categories — the no-new-revenue rate, the voter-approval rate and the de minimis rate — and told council that setting a ceiling does not adopt the final rate. Staff noted the de minimis estimate for FY2024–25 is 0.59097 and the voter-approval rate cited was about 0.5557. The meeting packet showed a recommended working rate of 0.535; staff warned the budget as presented still shows a deficit and noted the council could use some fund balances for one-time items.
Council voted by voice to adopt the ceiling and to set the hearing date. The transcript records the council response as "Aye" with the presiding official stating "Motion carries." The transcript does not include a roll-call tally.
Also on the consent/ordinance side, council approved ordinance No. 1080 on second reading to update park regulations. Justin (staff) summarized the changes as cleanup and modernization of language, revisions to fishing rules (limiting fishing to shoreline or non-motorized boats, restricting poles to two per person, and requiring compliance with Texas Parks and Wildlife community-fishing-lake rules) and clarifying prohibited conduct in parks (including discharge of firearms and other weapons). Council approved the second reading by voice vote.
Council opened a statutorily required public hearing for an ordinance updating building and permit fees (ordinance No. 1081) and, after no public comments, approved the ordinance on first reading. Staff said the fee schedule was drafted after reviewing peer cities and complying with House Bill 1922 (effective Jan. 1, 2024), which requires periodic reauthorization of such fees. The ordinance replaces Article 7 of the Levelland Code of Ordinances and sets formulas and flat fees for residential and commercial permits, plan-review percentages, reinspection fees and penalties for work without permits.
Resolutions authorizing TxDOT street closures for two upcoming downtown events — the Wallace Festival and the Levelland Main Street "Sip & Swirl" — were also approved by voice vote. Council approved the Sip & Swirl event application (scheduled for Oct. 11, 2024), which includes controlled alcohol sales on the square with vendor and police coordination.
Finally, council authorized the city manager to enter into a contract to purchase a brush truck for the Levelland Fire Department; staff said the purchase is tied to a Texas Forest Service grant and may require further coordination on delivery timing.
What happens next: the council will hold the public hearing on the tax rate on Sept. 9; the budget discussion will continue at upcoming work sessions where staff may adjust the proposed 0.535 working rate before a final adoption vote.
