City tax rate proposed to increase
The Canton City Council held the first hearing on the proposed tax rate and budget for fiscal year 201-’19 Aug. 21. There were no speakers during the public hearing.
The current tax rate is set at $.420332 and the proposed tax rate is $.495000, an increase of $0.0746680. The differential taxes on a $116,647 home is $87.10. The increase in taxes would generate an extra $200,960 for the city. The second public hearing was held Aug. 28. The final public hearing will be held during at 6 p.m., Sept. 4 at Canton City Hall.
During the citizen’s forum, Jim Fuller spoke on the upkeep of the vintage firetruck displayed in the Canton Plaza Museum. Fuller said that Canton Fireman McAtee had agreed to help with the upkeep of the truck. Fuller also addressed concerns consisting of the Gulf Station on Highway 64. Debbie Davis spoke to the council on matters relating to bringing The Mountain “up to code,” and that they are “continuing to work on the Marketplace at the Mountain.”
Emergency Services
Canton Fire Chief Bud Sanford approached the council asking to submit a request for proposals for emergency management services.
“I am here to ask the council that we exercise our options to explore emergency management services contracts. We have multiple providers that are interested in providing emergency services to us,” said Chief Sanford. The council approved Sanford’s request.
First Monday
First Monday Trade Days year-to-date figures are significantly less than the previous year. City officials reported that the August show was down $27,654.23 from last year with year to date figures down $177,366. The council was positive that the numbers would improve with the September through December shows, as those are considered the “busy months.”
Marketing
Austin Melton delivered a marketing report to the council, reporting that numbers across social media platforms had climbed. Melton also gave results of a survey report, which listed RV Parks as the preferred lodging preferences for First Monday attendees.
Pocket Park
CEDC Director Julie Seymour announced that the Pocket Park, located at 101 E. Dallas St., would be tentatively ready by Oct. 1.
The Pocket Park is set to have seating, food trailers, water features, a stage and overhead shading. The Trade statue will also be close to the entrance on the Dallas Street side.
The council:
—Approved the consent agenda consisting of approving the minutes from July 17 and 24; approval of financials for May and June 2018; and approval of 911 database maintenance, an interlocal contract with ETCOG;
—Adopted an ordinance for a single use permit for a bed and breakfast at 133 S. Buffalo. The Planning and Zoning Board recommended a SUP for a bed and breakfast;
—Awarded an Engineering on Community Enhancement Grant for improvements to water and sewer lines and streets in the area of Elm, Pecan, Goshen and Foster streets. The contract was awarded to Exceed Engineering;
—The council sent out request for proposals to five engineering firms for the proposed sidewalk project in front of Hilliard’s Furniture and Appliance. The only RFP returned was from Fentress Engineering in Athens. The council approved Fentress Engineering for the project;
—Approved the appointments of Katelyn Thompson for the Main Street and CEDC Board, with a term ending December 2019;
—Approved an ordinance establishing a curfew to restrict permits for oversized traffic on Highways 19 and 64 during Thursday-Friday on First Monday weekends. The ordinance was requested by TxDOT. City officials said that TxDOT cannot enforce the ordinance but can restrict the permits issued.
