Mayor Heuberger

Transparency

2010-04-04T07:07:00.001-06:00

From The Paris News Sunday, April 4, 2010.

Reno's transparent government a good thing

It was there, but now it’s gone.

Reno Mayor Buddy Heuberger and the Reno City Council, we thought, were setting a great example of financial transparency for other Northeast Texas governmental entities to follow with its updated Web site, which included, among other things, the city budget, financial report and the city’s check register.

Texas Comptroller Susan Combs even awarded the city a Gold Level Award, the highest given in her Texas Comptroller Leadership Circle, an initiative the comptroller began in December 2009 to encourage governmental entities to follow her lead in financial transparency.

Reno currently is one of 18 cities in Texas to receive the top award. Others include Irving, Canton, Lufkin, Plano, Tyler, Weatherford, Whitehouse and Angleton, among others. The list represents municipalities both large and small.

But following a Monday council meeting, the award-winning information was removed from the city’s Web site, we understand by Mayor Heuberger, who received criticism for taking it upon himself to update the Web site and to include the city check register before receiving approval from the council.

But now that details have been worked out about who is to post the updated information, we hope the council will follow its mayor’s lead in returning the financial information as quickly as possible. After all, to do so speaks volumes about the city’s intent to perform its business in the sunshine.

Otherwise, Reno may lose its place among the state’s most transparent city governments.

Having governmental transparency, especially financial transparency, creates goodwill between a city and its citizens — something we are sure Reno strives to maintain. Although keeping the information updated does require a concerted effort and time from city staff, residents are sure to appreciate the effort.

After all, governmental entities are spending taxpayer dollars. There is no reason why those who foot the bill should not be privy to what’s on the tab.

Notification Service

2010-03-16T17:25:00.001-06:00

Reno implemented our new notification March 16. If you received a message from phone number 903-784-4283 it was the test message. If you did not receive a test call and wish to be part of our notification service please go to www.renotexas.us to sign up.

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2010-02-27T10:12:00.004-06:00

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Old Clarksville Road

2010-02-26T19:14:00.002-06:00

Old Clarksville Road between Keywest and Cobb Ranch Road is finally open to traffic. On behalf of the City of Reno, I wish to apologize for the length of time this project has taken. I assure you we will be taking a different approach in dealing with our next construction project. Thanks for your patience and understanding.

Public Hearing on Crime Control Sales Tax Increase

2010-02-26T19:05:00.002-06:00

A public hearing concerning the imposition of sales tax on residential use of natural gas and electricity will be held March 15, 2010 at 6:00 PM.

Sales Tax Proposal Crime Control District

2010-02-26T18:17:00.000-06:00

The Reno Crime Control and Prevention District board of directors conducted a public hearing February 8 to discuss placing a $0.005 sales tax on the residential use of gas and electricity. Numerous citizens participated in the public hearing and requested additional information.
The Reno city sales tax became effective April 1, 1976 and the Reno Crime Control and Prevention District (RCCPD) sales tax became effective January 1, 2003. In both instances, an election was held and a majority of the voters approved implementation of both taxes.
Reno collects two separate and distinct sales taxes. One is the city sales tax and its rate is $0.01(one cent per dollar). The other is the RCCPD sales tax and its rate is $0.005 (one-half cent per dollar).
Residential use of natural gas and electricity has been taxed under the city sales tax since 1978 and possibly longer. When Reno citizens formed the RCCPD in 2003 taxation of residential use of natural gas and electricity by the RCCPD was not allowed. As of January 1, 2010, a crime control and prevention district organized under Chapter 363, Local Government Code is allowed to impose tax throughout the special purpose district on residential use of gas and electricity. Before the tax can be imposed, the RCCPD must conduct a public hearing and vote to impose or not to impose the tax on residential use of natural gas and electricity.
How much money will this tax generate? For the fiscal year 2008-09 Reno collected $197,746.57 city sales tax and $79,502.99 RCCPD sales tax. It is anticipated the RCCPD would collect an additional $1,200.00 to $1,800.00 per month if the sales tax were added to the residential use of natural gas and electricity. Since the amount is dependent on how much natural gas and electricity is consumed we have no method of accurately predicting the amount of additional income this tax will produce.
How the money would be spent? All revenue received by the RCCPD must be spent in accordance with Chapter 363 of the Local Government Code which states the district may finance all the costs of a crime control and crime prevention program, including the costs for personnel, administration, expansion, enhancement, and capital expenditures. The program may include police and law enforcement related programs, etc.
If the RRCPD votes to place, the $0.005 sales tax on residential use of natural gas and electricity all funds will be used to support crime prevention and your police department.
Your monthly cost would be $0.005 (one-half cent per dollar) for each dollar you spend on natural gas and electricity for your residence. For every $100.00 you spend on natural gas and electricity, your monthly bill would increase $0.50. If you spend $500.00 per month for natural gas and electricity, your monthly bill would increase $2.50 per month.

I would also like to thank each of you who attended the public hearing and hope to see you at future meetings.
I hope I have answered your questions and addressed your comments in a manner acceptable to each citizen of Reno. If I have not or you need additional information please contact either Cara Hubbard, your city secretary at 903-785-6581 or myself.
William (Buddy) Heuberger, Mayor

Reno Proposed Budget 2009 - 10

2009-09-02T18:44:00.003-06:00

The adopted budget for Reno is now available for you to view online. Go to http://www.renotexas.us/ click on "Ordinances and Budgets" on the left side of the home page, then click on "Budget 2009 - 10.