New tax rate of 47.85-cent set by Diboll City Council

The Diboll city council, during Monday's regular monthly meeting, approved a municipal tax rate of 47.8508 cents to fund the city's 2007-08 fiscal year budget. City Manager Kenneth Williams said the rate of 47.8508 cents is 2 cents above the effective tax rate and is between 2 and 3 cents lower than last year's rate.

Public hearings for input on the city's budget have been scheduled for Aug. 21 and Aug. 30 in the council chambers at Diboll City Hall, Williams said.

Other agenda items were tabled, including appointing a councilman to fill a vacant council seat through May 2008. Williams said the council has been looking at potential appointees and will likely have a nominee by the Aug. 21 meeting.

The vacancy came about when councilman Gary Jones resigned to take a city job that required him to give up the seat on the council.

Giving the public ample time to share their opinions, the changing of a city street name Hendrix to Hendrick, was also tabled. An earlier request by the Hendrick family wished to correct the spelling of the family name for which the street is named. Possible approval of this item will take place during the August 30 meeting.

Council members approved two items: Repair work to be done on Hendrix Street between Borden Drive and Ryan Chapel Road, and installation of a generator for a water well. The council accepted a bid from Payne Electrical Contractors in the amount of $45,587.