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Paris council approves $1.5 million for Civic Center renovations, re-adopts abatement policy, tables police pay change and confirms appointment
Summary
The Paris City Council on Jan. 13 accepted a 1.95% bid for certificates of obligation to fund Civic Center renovations, re‑adopted tax‑abatement guidelines, tabled a police seniority pay ordinance until the new city manager arrives, confirmed Melba Harris to the civil service commission and approved an incentive package for 'Project Iron Shovel.'
The Paris City Council approved several formal actions on Jan. 13, including debt financing for Civic Center renovations and an incentive package for a prospective business project.
On item 10, the council authorized the issuance and sale of the City of Paris combination tax and surplus revenue certificates of obligation, series 2020, to fund Civic Center renovations. Andrew Bridal of Samco Capital Markets told the council the city received nine bids and the best offer came from First National Bank Texas at an interest rate of 1.95%. Bridal said cost of issuance is $63,500 (to be paid by the Chamber of Commerce) and the city would receive $1.5 million at closing, with debt service estimated at roughly $166,000 annually and final maturity in 2030. The mayor moved to adopt the ordinance authorizing issuance and sale; the motion was seconded and carried.
During item 11 the council opened a public hearing and re‑adopted its existing tax‑abatement guidelines and criteria; staff said the readoption is required every two years and a recent change in law requires a hearing before approval. The council adopted the resolution as presented.
On item 13, the council considered an ordinance amending seniority pay for supervisory Police ranks to increase step separation. Chief Hundley said the change was budgeted and would cost about $26,000 per year. Council member (speaker 11) moved to table the ordinance until the new city manager is in place; the motion passed.
On item 14 the council moved to confirm Melba Harris to the civil service commission; the motion carried.
Item 15 involved an executive session under Texas Government Code §551.087 for economic development negotiations concerning "Project Iron Shovel." Following closed session, the mayor moved to approve an incentive package and authorized the city attorney to prepare the related tax‑abatement agreement; council approved the motion.
Actions taken at the meeting included an ordinance authorizing $1.5 million in certificates of obligation, readoption of tax‑abatement guidelines, tabling the police seniority pay amendment, confirmation of Melba Harris to the civil service commission and approval of an incentive package for Project Iron Shovel. Some items lacked recorded roll‑call tallies in the public record; meeting minutes list motions, seconds and general assent.
