Proposed Stormwater Utility Fee

Expressed concerns about fairness, equity, and exemptions regarding the proposed stormwater fee, questioning why certain entities are exempt while residents and businesses face extra costs.

Expressed support for charging all properties fairly for city services, arguing that every facility utilizing city stormwater infrastructure should pay its share.

Expressed concern that the proposed stormwater fee would impose a heavy $7,000 burden on Our Lady of Sorrows church, noting nonprofits cannot pass costs onto consumers like businesses can.

Asked the council to exempt churches and private schools from the stormwater fee, arguing they provide community services and face disproportionate parking lot burdens.

Highlighted inequities in the stormwater ordinance, pointing out that VISD is exempt while private religious schools must pay, and questioned flat rates for different foundation types.

Argued that property taxes already fund infrastructure and urged the city to put the stormwater fee on the back burner in favor of a long-term, sustainable plan.

Expressed concern about low voter turnout in local elections and bond approvals, and urged the city to communicate important issues more effectively to the public.

Raised concerns regarding animal cruelty laws following an incident on Lone Tree Road, homeless encampments near a school, and rising school district administrative salaries compared to support staff wages.