Wilmer passes $7.6-million budget

WILMER – The City of Wilmer passed its budget and new proposed tax rate last week. Mayor Pro Tem Candy Madrigal and council members Sergio Campos and Melissa Ramirez voted for the $6.5 million M & O budget and $1.1 million I & S budget effective October 1, 2019.

Councilmember Jeff Steele voted no on the budget and presented a version of his own, while councilmember Phyllis Slough was not in attendance.

The ordinance that passed read “This budget will raise less revenue from property taxes than last year’s budget by an amount of $-367.351, which is a negative $-9.17 percent decrease from last year’s budget. The property tax revenue to be raised from new property added to the tax roll this year is $165,761.”

City Administrator Dr. John Hubbard said he was happy the budget passed. “It is about serving our citizens,’ he said. “With were also able to increase the homestead, over 65 and disability exemptions in the city too.”

The property tax rate increased for the new fiscal year from $0.512900/100 to $0.562900/100 with an effective tax rate of $0.645644/100 as compared to last year’s $0.495380/100.

“On behalf of the City Council, I want to express my gratitude to the administration staff and the citizens of Wilmer who assisted in the process of our Fiscal Year 2020 Budget,” said Wilmer Mayor Emmanuel Wealthy Williams.

“Also, I wish to recognize the leadership of the council members and thank them for their support and confidence.

“This budget will serve our city well and we must continue to utilize our resources to the fullest in order to provide the best possible service to the residents of Wilmer.”