By Don Bommer
Contributing Writer

The Bulverde City Council considered a proposed tax rate of .15566 cents per $100 valuation Tuesday. The rate is the highest rate allowed that will keep the city from a possible rollback election. The tax rate will be approved after the city budget is approved. The present tax rate is .15418 cents per $100 valuation.

City Council and staff held a workshop Monday to discuss the fiscal year 2008-09 budget and proposed tax rate. The proposed budget is around $2.4 million and about $100,000 more than last year. Public hearings will be held before the final budget is presented to council for approval.

Mayor Ray Jeffrey said the proposed budget is “very tight, given the fact that the economy is basically flat.”

“We have to be prepared for a possible decline in revenue,” he said. “We need to be able to continue our present service level to the residents.”

In other business, council approved a resolution calling for a special election to be held Nov. 4 for the purpose of allowing residents to vote on the proposed home-rule charter for the city.

The home-rule charter, which will give the city more control over its affairs rather than be governed by state laws, was defeated in May of last year.

Jeffrey said there will be 10 days for early voting at the Bulverde City Hall. On Nov. 4 residents will be required to vote at their normal polling places.

A variance of the right-of way dedication for Bulverde Market Center Phase 1, located on the southwest corner of FM 1863 and Wiley Road, was approved. TxDOT requested that an additional 20 feet be added to the right-of-way for any future expansion of the roadway.

Council also approved a consulting contract with Bain Medina Bain for reviewing development submittals and construction inspections for the city.

“We are required to respond to a development submittal within 30 days,” said Public Works Director John Nowak. “There are times when we receive multiple submittals within days of each other, and it is extremely difficult given our limited resources to respond in a timely manner.”

Council reappointed Plan-ning and Zoning Commission Chairman Kenny Whistler and Commissioner Dickie Lubel to serve another term.

Tim Sorbera, son of Councilman Michael Sorbera, received a public service award by Jeffrey for his contribution of time and energy in maintaining the Bulverde Police Department Web site since 2005.

“Tim’s services are greatly appreciated and he does an excellent job,” said Police Chief Joe Hamilton.

Jeffrey also presented a certificate to former Mayor Pro-Tem Richard Parker for his service to the city.

Former Mayor Sarah Ste-vick and former Councilman Mark Mobley were slated to receive recognition as well but were not in attendance.

Bev Lemes accepted a proclamation on behalf of the Bulverde library for its commitment and service to the community.