Oak Point keeps close eye on finances
By LAURA CHILDRESS

With the 2007-08 fiscal year winding down, the Oak Point City Council continued to keep a close eye on the city’s finances.

Following a review of funds designated for capital projects as presented in the recent audit, city financial advisor Carol Roberts noted during Monday’s council meeting that $283,798 could be used for the city’s operating expenses with council approval.

Roberts recommended that at least a portion of this be used to cover operating expenses in October and November when the city receives little in property tax collections.

Roberts also suggested that the council consider using its 4B sales tax funds toward projects in the upcoming fiscal year. The city has collected $49,963.07 in 4B funds since establishing the tax at the end of 2006, $25,715.95 in fiscal year 2006-07 and $24,247.12 to date this fiscal year.

Among the projects that the 4B funding could be used for are quality of life improvements, such as parks and related street, water and sewer facilities and facilities, and economic development that would provide employment.

The council also approved the hiring of Terry Shepard as the city’s new accounting/administrative specialist.

Shepard, a former county treasurer for Van Zandt County and former city secretary for Van, has 20 years of customer service experience and is knowledgeable about payroll and accounting.

The council also welcomed new councilmember Colleen Cameron, who was sworn in during Tuesday’s meeting after winning the run-off election June 21.

In other business, the council: * Approved the purchase of two replacement patrol vehicles as provided under the city’s contract with Cross Oak Ranch. The vehicles will be at no charge to the city.

* Appointed Councilwoman Colleen Cameron, Mayor Duane Olson and Mayor Protem Jim Wohletz as signatories for the city’s bank accounts, credit cards and investment pools, with Police Chief Mike Shackleford to serve as an emergency signatory.

* Approved the consent agenda, consisting of the minutes of the May 27 special council meeting; monthly municipal court, DPS and public works reports; and a resolution suspending Oncor Electric’s proposed rate increase while a steering committee reviews it.

* Scheduled budget worksessions Aug. 4, 11 and 25 at 7 p.m.

* Discussed a citizen’s complaint regarding Suddenlink Communications regarding the company’s inability to provide reliable Internet service. The council sympathized but noted it had no control over the Internet service. It urged citizens to call the company when service was down in the hopes that the company would upgrade the lines.

* Changed the payroll period, effective as of the new fiscal year, to allow staff a week to review paysheets.

* Accepted the offer of a resident to update the city’s website. A mock-up of the new website, which will make it more user-friendly and allow staff to update the site in a more timely manner, is being designed.