New Quitman city budget raises police pay

Posted 9/28/23

The Quitman City Council approved a $3.9 million budget for 2023-24 last Thursday. It will be supported by a property tax rate of $.5257 per $100 value as well as an 8% increase in water rates.

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New Quitman city budget raises police pay

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The Quitman City Council approved a $3.9 million budget for 2023-24 last Thursday.

It will be supported by a property tax rate of $.5257 per $100 value as well as an 8% increase in water rates.

The tax rate last year was $.5436.

City administrator James Attaway explained that the city’s water provider, the Sabine River Authority, has raised rates a total of 18% since 2014, but the city has not raised rates.

This year’s increase from the SRA of 8% is being passed on to customers. There will be no increase in sewer rates.

There will also be a $5 administrative fee for water customers, which Attaway said will help the city begin to address some of its capital needs in the water utility.

The budget includes a 3% pay raise for all employees and a 5% increase for the police department.

The council also approved an additional $23,000 for street repairs.

The budget includes $2,097,200 for general operations and $1,876,852 for water and sewer.

The council approved a $50,000 contribution to the Wood County Airport which includes the city’s share of annual operations as well as funds to assist with the $8 million runway extension state grant match.

The funds will come from the Quitman Development Corp.

Also last week the council amended the one-way school zone ordinance designating Paul St. as one way northbound between Lance Rd. and E. Goode (Hwy. 154) during school pickup (7:30-8:30 a.m.) and drop off (2:30-4 p.m.) times.

The council approved participation in two state investment funds that will yield additional interest income.

The council approved a two-year contract for Attaway, who joined the city in the spring.