Cleburne wins distinguished budget award
Boonstra, during Tuesday's meeting of the Cleburne City Council, announced that Cleburne has once again won the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada.
The Association announced the award March 11. This year's award is in connection with Cleburne's annual budget for the 2025 fiscal year, which began Oct. 1.
'This award is the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting,' Boonstra said. 'Its attainment represents a significant achievement by a city organization.'
In choosing recipients for the award, the Association consider several criteria, Boonstra said.
'In order to receive this award, a governmental unit must publish a budget document that meets program criteria as a policy document, as a financial plan, as an operations guide, and as a communications device,' Boonstra said.
Cleburne's long running tradition of receiving the award each year speaks volumes, Mayor Scott Cain said.
'It speaks to the professionalism and quality of our finance department,' Cain said. 'It also speaks to our other city departments who support and work with the finance department in creating the budget.'
Amendments and renovations
Based on a desire to support the development of non-profit, affordable housing within the city, council members unanimously approved an amendment to city codes dealing with impact fees.
'The hope is to provide financial relief through the exemption of impact fees [in certain cases],' Public Works Director Jeremy Hutt said. 'This effort aims to reduce development costs and encourage the construction of affordable housing units by non-profit entities.'
Such an exemption already exists within the city for public school construction projects. This addition, Hutt and others said, should help spur construction of affordable housing.
Hutt, in answer to Councilman Oliver Cozby's question, said the exemption will apply both to construction projects involving single homes as well as multiple home projects.
'To request an exemption, the applicant must submit a formal letter to the director of public works, which includes a description of the proposed development, including location and number of housing units as well as documentation verifying the applicant's non-profit status and supporting information demonstrating compliance with the requirements for affordable housing,' Hutt said.
'If an exemption is granted but the development is not constructed as affordable housing or later ceases to qualify, the city shall assess and collect applicable impact fees based on the rates in effect at the time of building permit or water meter issuance.'
Council members also approved the replacement of 39 windows at city hall for a cost not to exceed $115,000. Council also agreed to hire Strong Commercial for the project.
The post office previously occupied the current city hall building, which dates to the early 20th Century.
'The existing windows are in poor condition and require full replacement to improve energy efficiency, aesthetics, and overall building performance,' Hutt said. 'The project scope includes the replacement, demolition, and proper disposal of a total of 39 windows.'
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