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Kermit council approves retirement contribution increase, releases ETJ for fireworks stand and OKs jail-housing and mural spending authority
Summary
At its September meeting the Kermit City Council completed a second reading releasing a property from the city's extraterritorial jurisdiction for a fireworks stand, held first reading of a pension ordinance under HB 3161 to permit an 8% employee contribution, approved an interlocal jail-housing agreement at $80/day, and authorized mural concept changes up to $2,500.
The Kermit City Council approved several administrative and ordinance actions at its regular September meeting.
In a second reading the council passed Ordinance 25-05, granting a petition by "Mr. W. Fireworks" to release a property from the city's extraterritorial jurisdiction, removing that parcel from the city's regulatory authority as required under state law. Mayor David Holbrook introduced the second reading and the council approved it by voice vote.
On retirement benefits staff explained a change in state law (HB 3161) that allows municipalities to increase municipal retirement contributions to up to 8 percent. The council held the first reading for Ordinance 25-06 to permit the city to begin taking 8% from employee paychecks; staff said the change would effectively add about 1 percentage point to employee contributions. The ordinance requires a second reading and required postings before it takes effect; the council approved the first reading by voice vote.
Council also approved the annual interlocal agreement with Winthrop County to house incarcerated people detained by the Kermit Police Department at the county jail at a rate of $80 per day. Staff noted the city remains responsible for medical expenses incurred unless Winthrop County obtains prior approval. The motion carried by voice vote.
Separately, the council authorized the city manager to engage the artist Taylor Barnes on mural concept No. 3 with direction to lighten colors, emphasize the American and Texas flags and bring the Maltese cross forward. The council granted the manager authority to approve conceptual changes up to $2,500 to avoid returning to council for small revisions; the motion passed on a voice vote. Council members said the mural contract will be paid from hotel/motel funds, not the city's general fund.
Most votes at the meeting were taken by voice; the record shows motions and seconds but no roll-call tallies were recorded in the public transcript. Where applicable, actions are scheduled for final adoption at the council's next meeting or after required postings and second readings.
