Taylor council roundup: audits, short‑term rental introduction, library policy updates, water study and YMCA pool contract

The Taylor City Council on April 9 handled a range of administrative and operational items, voting to authorize auditing and technical engagements, introducing a short‑term rental ordinance for initial consideration, approving library policy updates and contracting for water‑system study and pool management.

Audit and impact‑fee engagements: The council authorized the city manager to sign an engagement letter with Patillo, Brown & Hill for external audit services (recommended by staff after a qualifications process) and separately authorized Baker Tilly to perform agreed‑upon procedures required under new state law (SB 1883) to review impact‑fee collection and administration. Staff noted last year’s audit fee was about $43,110; the Baker Tilly look‑back covering FY22–FY25 was estimated at about $20,000.

Short‑term rental ordinance: Staff introduced Ordinance 2026‑17 to regulate short‑term rentals (less than 30 days) for single‑family dwellings, proposing permit and life‑safety inspections, occupancy limits (two persons per bedroom plus two, maximum 10), on‑site parking requirements, and a one‑year back hotel‑occupancy‑tax remittance for existing operators. David Legere, a longtime local operator, urged the council to avoid overly burdensome regulation and suggested grandfathering existing compliant operators. Councilmembers asked staff to consult with local operators before second reading.

Library policies: The council approved five updated library policies required for State Library accreditation, including changes to circulation (juvenile card rules and residency verification), technology and internet rules (parental signature at age 18 threshold), and a new information security and privacy policy.

Water transmission study: Council approved HDR task order No. 70 for preliminary engineering of about 35,000 feet of a transmission pipeline and a possible elevated storage tank to improve pressure and redundancy for southeast Taylor; staff said the study will take about six months and is funded by the EDC.

YMCA pool management contract: After staff negotiations, council approved a three‑year (1+2 renewals) contract with YMCA Central Texas to provide lifeguards, swim instructors, maintenance and liability coverage for the city pool at a proposed annual payment of $175,000; concession arrangements were deferred to future negotiations.

Votes on procurement and policy items were approved by voice vote; several items were first readings or introductions and will return to the council for final action where required.