By Bill Oliver
Commerce, TX –
A special meeting of the Commerce City Council Thursday now has two topics. Originally scheduled to approve next year's budget, council members have agreed to resume a discussion started Tuesday about city plans to send city firemen out as first responders on medical emergencies. This followed concerns raised by the Commerce Emergency Corps, which is also a first responder.
As for next year's Commerce city budget, there is no increase in the property tax levy. New revenue is being generated from a nine percent increase in property valuation. Most of the increase comes from new construction. There's enough new money to allow all city employees to receive an $850 pay raise, add one street maintenance employee, and replace five police department vehicles.
Thursday's special meeting, at City Hall, starts at 4:30 to discuss the fire department's emergency response proposal, followed at 5:30 with the consideration of next year's budget.