February 2007 CC City Connection City Connection City Connection City Connection February 2007
Volume 3, Number 5
www.huntsvilletx.gov
City of Huntsville
2006-2007
Annual Budget
The 2006-2007 Annual Budget
Document for the City of Hunts-
ville is now available. You can
download your copy of the An-
nual Budget by visiting the City
of Huntsville’s website at
www.huntsvilletx.gov or you
can stop by City Hall today to
pick up your copy on compact
disk.
The total 2006-2007 Annual
Budget excluding transfers to-
tals $53,378,816. This year’s
budget continues our ongoing
effort to bring the City of Hunts-
ville’s focus back to the basics
of providing excellent essential
services to our citizens.
In Huntsville’s 2005 Citizen Sur-
vey, respondents were asked to
identify the most important is-
sue facing
our city. The
highest rank-
ing concern
was property
tax rates.
The fiscal
year 06-07
property tax
rate of
41.92¢ per
$100 of as-
sessed valu-
ation is 3% lower than last
year’s rate and the lowest tax
rate the City Council has adopt-
ed in the past seven years. The
fiscal year 06-07 budget illus-
trates our commitment to man-
age the citizens of Huntsville’s
tax dollars more effectively
while enhancing the quality of
basic services we deliver.
The City of Huntsville’s budget
process begins with the citizens
of Huntsville. The City periodi-
cally conducts a citizens’ survey
to allow the Council to focus on
our citizens’ priorities and inter-
ests. The cost savings that re-
sulted from the major organiza-
tional changes have allowed the
City of Huntsville to incorporate
new and enhanced services that
respond directly to the citizens
of Huntsville’s interest as ex-
pressed through the Citizen
Survey and the 2006 Strategic
Plan.
Budget Highlights
Providing a Safe
Community
In the 2005 Citizen
Survey, 75% of re-
spondents indicated
that providing addi-
tional funding for the
services of the Police
and Fire Departments
is
im-
portant. The fiscal
year 06-07 budget
includes funding for
an additional Police
Lieutenant position as
well as additional fire-
fighter positions with
possible grant fund-
ing. Two replacement
patrol cars for the
police department and
a modular building
to house volunteer
firefighters and
emergency work-
ers at Fire Station
2 are also included
in this year’s budg-
et.
Enhancing Our
Quality of Life
In the 2005 Citizen
Survey, 65% of
respondents indi-
cated that provid-
ing additional funding
for maintenance of
our parks is important
and 69% of respond-
ents indicated that
providing additional
funding for recreation
programs is im-
portant. The fiscal
year 06-07 budget
includes funding for
two additional Parks
Crew-
man
posi-
tions, additional parks
maintenance equip-
ment, an increased
parks maintenance
budget, and an in-
creased youth and
recreation program
budget.
Providing High
Quality Public Utilities
In the 2005 Citizen Survey,
over 60% of respondents in-
dicated that providing addi-
tional funding for our public
utilities is important. The fis-
cal year 06-07 budget in-
cludes funding to enhance
and maintain the quality of
our public utilities and infra-
structure. $2,660,600 in addi-
tional capital improvement
projects are included in the
fiscal year 06-07 capital
budget and $2,150,155 of
these are water and
wastewater public utility relat-
ed projects. A replacement
boring machine for Water
Services and a utility vehicle
for Wastewater Services are
included in this year’s operat-
ing budget. Also in-
cluded are two porta-
ble flow meters to
assist Wastewater
Services personnel in
isolating and correct-
ing inflow and infiltra-
tion problems in our
wastewater collection
system.
A complete copy of
the Annual Budget
can be downloaded by visiting
the City of Huntsville’s web-
site at www.huntsvilletx.gov
or can be picked up on com-
pact disk from City Hall. For
more information please con-
tact the Office of the City
Manager at 291-5400 or the
Finance Department at 291-
5442.
City of Huntsville
FY 06-07 Adopted Budget
City of Huntsville
FY 06-07 Property Tax Rate
General 23.81¢
Debt 18.11¢
Total 41.92¢
This year’s rate represents a 3% decrease from FY
05-06 rate of 43.19¢ per $100 valuation.
FEBRUARY 2007 CITY CONNECTION CITY CONNECTION CITY CONNECTION CITY CONNECTION PAGE 2
Ravenwood Village Development ProposalRavenwood Village Development ProposalRavenwood Village Development ProposalRavenwood Village Development Proposal
The Ravenwood Village Project is 100% developer funded up front. The City of Huntsville risks $0 dollars. Developer
incentives are performance based. The projected property tax base increase from this development proposal is $96.8 million
dollars so it could result in a city and county wide property tax rate decrease. Ravenwood Village could significantly reduce our
community’s retail leakage (the loss of local retail sales and tax revenue that occurs when people shop in an area other than the
one in which they live).
Estimated net tax benefit to taxing entities from the Ravenwood Village Development in 2008-2025
City of Huntsville $25.2 million dollars
Walker County $15.9 million dollars
HISD $25.9 million dollars
WC Hospital District $ 3.0 million dollars
Estimated utility revenue to the City of Huntsville from the Ravenwood Village Development in 2008-2025
City of Huntsville $13.8 million dollars
Community ImpactCommunity ImpactCommunity ImpactCommunity Impact
Ravenwood Village includes over 650,000 square feet of retail space with an anchor store of 133,000 square feet. Projected
annual retail sales from Ravenwood Village total $124 million dollars. This project could bring 500 additional job opportunities
to Huntsville with a total projected annual payroll of $10.5 million dollars. Ravenwood Village would increase retail market area
and could bring potential new customers to existing Huntsville businesses. Ravenwood Village would also increase retail and
restaurant variety in our community.
Attention Citizens of Huntsville
Have you heard about the Proposed Retail Center?
You may have heard that the City of Huntsville is considering a public/private partnership with a developer to
bring a retail center, Ravenwood Village, to our community. The Ravenwood Village retail center will be anchored
by a Target Store. In an effort to provide the citizens of Huntsville with factual information regarding this pro-
posed project we have included a summary of project details below. If you have any questions or would like
more information please contact the Office of the City Manager at 291-5400.
Ravenwood Village Development ProposalRavenwood Village Development ProposalRavenwood Village Development ProposalRavenwood Village Development Proposal
Property, Sales, and Inventory Tax
Total $84,365,420
(2008-2025)
10,974,294
25,217,498
3,327,475
15,894,046
25,955,691
2,996,416
-
5,000,000
10,000,000
15,000,000
20,000,000
25,000,000
30,000,000
35,000,000
40,000,000
CityCountyHISDWCHD
Net Revenue
Incentive
Taxing Entity
Police/Fire
Statistics
December 2006
FEBRUARY 2007 CITY CONNECTCITY CONNECTCITY CONNECTCITY CONNECTION ION ION ION PAGE 3
Police:Police:Police:
* * * Calls for service: 3421
* * * Accidents investigated: 66
* * * Animal Control complaints
investigated: 85
Fire:Fire:Fire:
* * * Calls for service: 86
* Main alarm calls: 22
Spotlight on Parks
tained and has pic-
nic tables available
for use while the
remaining three
acres is kept in its
natural state.
For a complete list-
ing of parks with
amenities, visit our
website at
http://www.huntsv
illetx.gov/communi
ty_serv/parks_mai
n.htm
Located on the
northwest corner of
Avenue S and 19th
Street, Gibbs Park
provides a pastoral
setting and is a
great spot for a
lunch break. Total-
ing four acres, this
property was do-
nated by the Four
G Company and
the J.P. Gibbs Es-
tate in 1985. Only
one acre is main-
THOMAS CLIFTON
“GIBBS” PARK
1890 Avenue S
Manage Your
Huntsville Public
Library Account
On-Line
The City of Huntsville will hold a
Regular Election on the 12th day of
May, 2007, for the purpose of elect-
ing the Mayor at-large and four
ward council members.
The first date to file for a Place on
the Ballot is Saturday, February 10th
and the last date shall be Monday,
March 12, 2007 at 5:00 p.m. Can-
didate packets may be picked up
beginning on Wednesday, February
7th at 8:00 a.m. in the City Secre-
tary’s office located in City Hall,
1212 Avenue M.
Early Voting by Mail Applications
will be accepted beginning March
13th through May 4th. Please con-
tact the City Secretary at 936-291-
5403 to request an application.
Upcoming Election News . . . .
The electronic age of the
library offers many time
saving rewards to the us-
er. One advantage was
evident in the aftermath
of last month’s ice storm.
Patrons who used the li-
brary’s online catalog
were able to recheck their
books and not have to
worry about fines. By log-
ging on to
www.myhuntsvillelibrary.c
om and clicking on My
Account, users can
manage their ac-
counts personally.
At the top right side
of the page is a blank
space for the user ID
number. This is the
number found on the
back of the library
card. The next box is
for the user PIN num-
ber. (The library can
provide user PIN
numbers.) Finally,
click on the bar
marked Login to the E
-Library OPAC.
Clicking on My Ac-
count at the top of
this page, the user
may review the titles
they currently have
checked out, renew
materials or change
their PIN number.
A quick online trip to
the library can elimi-
nate fines and save
time during a busy
day. The good news is
that it is available
24/7. Visit us online
today, and if help is
needed, be sure to
call Huntsville Public
Library at 291-5472.
Noticia de las Proximas
Elecciones….
La Ciudad de Huntsville tendra una
eleccion regular el dia 12 de Mayo del
2007, para el proposito de elegir el
Alcalde-en-grande y cuatro Miembros
del Concilio para el cuarto distrito.
El primer dia para incribirse para un
lugar en el boleto sera el Sabado, 10
de Febrero y el ultimo dia sera el
Lunes, 12 de Marzo del 2007 a las
5:00 p.m. Podran recojer paquetes
para los candidatos comenzando el
Miercoles, 7 de Febrero a las 8:00
a.m. en la oficina de la Secretaria de la
Ciudad que esta localizada en City
Hall, 1212 Avenida M.
La votacion temprano por
aplicacciones por correo seran acepta-
das comenzando el 13 de Marzo hasta
el 4 de Mayo. Porfavor comuniquese
con la Secretaria de la Ciudad al 936-
291-5403 para pedir una aplicaccion
Community Clean-up
“Trash Bash”
Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Attention Huntsville/
Walker County Residents! Take Ad-
vantage of the Free Day to Dump Your
Trash!
The annual Trash Bash, aimed at
cleaning up the community, will be
held at the Huntsville Solid Waste Dis-
posal Facility, 590 Interstate 45 North,
from 7:30 am to 1:00 pm on Saturday,
March 17, 2007.
The Trash Bash is a special event cre-
ated to help clean our neighborhoods,
our roadways, and the creek embank-
ments in our community. So, if you
know of a roadway, a yard in your
neighborhood, etc. that needs some
spring cleaning, take advantage of the
free dump day at the City’s disposal
site. NO COMMERCIAL HAULERS,
PLEASE.
Three (3) locations to bring your
items:
City of Huntsville Disposal Facility
590 Interstate 45 North
Appliances with Freon
Furniture
Bagged trash
Tires
Tree trimming and leaves
Carpet
T.J. Burdett & Sons Recycling
570 Interstate 45 North
Metal bedsprings
Cast iron
Water heaters
Appliances without Freon
City of Huntsville Recycling Center
590 Interstate 45 North
Aluminum cans
Cardboard
Newspaper/magazines
Steel cans
Plastics 1 & 2
Glass, brown and clear
St. Patrick’s Day
is just around the
corner!
Stop in and guess the number
of jelly beans in the jar!
Huntsville Public Library
1216 14th Street
Monday—Thursday 9:AM—7:PM
Friday—Saturday 9:am—5:pm
Closed Sunday
Winner will be announced in
the March Issue of
City Connection
PAGE 4 FEBRUARY 2007 CITY CONNECTCITY CONNECTCITY CONNECTCITY CONNECTION ION ION ION
City Calendar
February
20 City Council Meeting at City
Hall @ 6:00 pm
March
2 Sam Houston’s Birthday
6 City Council Meeting at City
Hall @ 6:00 pm
20 City Council Meeting at City
Hall @ 6:00 pm
Visit www.huntsvilletx.gov for a complete/
current calendar of events
To : Residents of Old Colony
Rd., Wanza Rd., Rigsby Rd., Colonial Dr. and
Geneva Road.
Due to recent heavy rainstorms, Old Colony Road at
Tanyard Creek washed out. For safety reasons that por-
tion of the road will be closed until repairs can be com-
pleted, please use an alternate route.
That section of road is in the 100 year floodplain and the
City has water and sewer utilities in the roadway. Any
repairs or reconstruction will require engineering, plan-
ning and procurement of drainage easements before the
repairs can begin. It is possible the closure can last six
months or longer.
We do not intend to just perform temporary repairs. We
have to make the proper changes to the crossing, due to
the 100 year floodplain status, without causing problems
for others downstream. In order to make the appropri-
ate repairs, funding has to be acquired through City
Council.
We apologize for any inconveniences this may cause,
however it is necessary for Old Colony Road to be closed
to insure the safety of all who travel on that road-
way. If you have any questions please call David Welch
294-5727 or John Hereford 294-5722.
Deadline for CITY U applications
March 2, 2007!!!
(Class size is limited to fifteen)
Get more involved with CITY U…
● Meet City Officials: Find out more
on www.Huntsvilletx.gov
● View Council Chamber Application
Deadline: March 2, 2007
● Participate in live trial
Begins: March 22, 2007
● Tour Wastewater Treatment Plant
Ends: May 2, 2007
● Tour Solid Waste Transfer Station
Class: Thursdays 5:30 P.M.-8:30
P.M.
● Tour Police and New Fire Station*
● Tour Wynne Home and Library
applications are available at
● View Parks and Aquatic Center
City Service Center, City Hall, and
online
*If Finished
Thursday March 1st @ 6 PM
You're invited to an Open House at City Hall
to view the Final Draft of
the Huntsville Horizon Comprehensive Plan.
Visit with the consultants, staff and the advisory com-
mittee members.
Comments welcome.
— PUBLIC NOTICE –
ROAD CLOSURE
42 Dominoes
Held the 3rd Friday of each
month at West Hill Mall.
For more information contact
the Recreation Services Divi-
sion at 936-294-5725.
For an up-to-date listing please
visit our website at http://
www.huntsvilletx.gov/
community_serv/
recreation.htm
EVERY CHILD IS INVITED TO BE AN ARTIST AT
1428 Eleventh Street
Huntsville, TX 77340
Open Tuesday thru Friday 10am – 6pm
Saturdays 10am – 2pm
Visitors Welcome!!
Spring Classes begin on Saturday, February 24!
Learn Pottery, Weaving, Drawing, Painting,
Dance, Drama, Music and more!
For information, call 936-291-5424 or visit
www.thewynnehome.com