City of College Station, Texas Approved Budget for Fiscal Year 2017 October 1, 2016 to September 30, 2017
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2016 2017 APPROVED ANNUAL BUDGET City of College Station, Texas Approved Budget for Fiscal Year 2017 October 1, 2016 to September 30, 2017 Principal City Officials, October 2016 Elected Officials Mayor ................................................................................................................................................................... Nancy Berry City Council Place 1 ............................................................................................................................................ Blanche Brick City Council Place 2 ............................................................................................................................................ Steve Aldrich City Council Place 3 ............................................................................................................................................. Karl Mooney City Council Place 4/Mayor Pro Tem................................................................................................................... John Nichols City Council Place 5 .............................................................................................................................................. Julie Schultz City Council Place 6 ......................................................................................................................................... James Benham City Administration City Manager ...................................................................................................................................................... Kelly Templin Deputy City Manager ........................................................................................................................................ Chuck Gilman Assistant City Manager ........................................................................................................................................ Jeff Kersten Assistant City Manager ........................................................................................................................................... Jeff Capps Director of Planning and Development Services ............................................................................................... Lance Simms Director of Finance ................................................................................................................................... Mary Ellen Leonard Director of Public Communications .......................................................................................................................... Jay Socol Director of Water Services Department ......................................................................................................... David Coleman Director of Electric Utility ................................................................................................................................ Timothy Crabb Chief of Police ................................................................................................................................................ Scott McCollum Interim Fire Chief .......................................................................................................................................... Joe Don Warren Director of Public Works ................................................................................................................................ Donald Harmon Director of Parks and Recreation ...................................................................................................................... David Schmitz Director of Information Technology ...................................................................................................................... Ben Roper Director of Human Resources .............................................................................................................................. Alison Pond Director of Community Services .......................................................................................................................... Debbie Eller Director of Economic Development ..................................................................................................................... Natalie Ruiz City Attorney ................................................................................................................................................... Carla Robinson City Secretary .............................................................................................................................................. Sherry Mashburn Internal Auditor ......................................................................................................................................................... Ty Elliott Community Profile City of College Station Home of Texas A&M University Nationally recognized Ranked No. 3 on Kiplinger magazine’s list of 10 Great Places to Live, College Station has been recognized as one of the nation’s top 10 places for business, jobs, families and retirees. In addition, the city has been named America’s No. 1 college town and was a finalist for the nation’s friendliest. With a population of more than 109,000, it ranks among the 15 fastest-growing metros in the country. In addition, College Station boasts one of the lowest property tax rates in Texas. College Station is home to Texas A&M University, one of the country’s five largest public universities. The Aggies are members of the powerful Southeastern Conference, making big-time college sports a major local attraction. A&M’s international influence supplies a healthy diversity of race, culture, and nationality that reflects much of the vibrancy, tradition and spirit that make the community a special place. College Station is located in the heart of central Texas within a three-hour drive of five of the nation’s 20 largest cities. A network of well-maintained highways and a regional airport served by major airlines provides convenient access from just about anywhere. College Station is the only city in the country with nationally accredited departments -- parks, public works, water, fire, police and public safety communications. Source: Public Communications Office 2016 Safe and family-friendly College Station is among the safest and most family-friendly places in Texas, consistently maintaining one of the state’s lowest crime rates. Kiplinger’s has also ranked College Station among the nation’s 10 best places to raise a family. The College Station Independent School District is rated among the state’s best and has produced more than 100 national merit semifinalists in the last decade. The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum is one of the region's most popular tourist attractions with more than 125,000 annual visitors. Former President George H. W. Bush and Barbara make College Station their second home and are often seen around town. Abundant recreation College Station’s 55 public parks cover more than 1,377 acres, with many providing amenities such as tennis and basketball George Bush Presidential Library and Museum courts, swimming pools, dog parks, on the campus of Texas A&M University. playgrounds, picnic pavilions, walking/jogging and nature trails, a competition-quality skate park, and a large outdoor amphitheater and festival site. The city offers a variety of adult and youth recreational programs such as softball, basketball, volleyball and kickball leagues, summer swim lessons, and a competitive swim team, just to name a few. Thriving economy In 2015, College Station ranked No. 2 nationally on Forbes magazine’s list of the Best Small Places for Business and Careers. The city has worked closely with Texas A&M and the City of Bryan to develop the Biocorridor, a high-tech research area that will spark the area’s economic growth for years to come. In 2013, pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline The 2015 Brazos Valley Senior Games announced plans for a $91 million influenza attracted more than 400 participants. vaccine manufacturing facility that will anchor the Center for Innovation in Advanced Development and Manufacturing. In the next 25 years, the center is expected to create about 7,000 jobs across Texas. In May 2016, the area’s unemployment rate stood at 3.3 percent, which ranks among the lowest in Texas and nationally. Source: Public Communications Office 2016 College Station History In 2013, College Station celebrated the 75th anniversary of its incorporation as a city. The community’s origins go back to the founding of Texas A&M College, which opened in 1876 as Texas' first state institution of higher education. Because of the school's isolation, school administrators provided facilities for those who were associated with the college. The campus became the focal point of community development. The area was designated as College Station, Texas by the Postal Service in 1877. The name was derived from the train station located to the west of the campus. Growth of both the community and college influenced residents' desire to create a municipal government, and the City of College Station was incorporated in 1938. The incorporation was a result of a petition by 23 men, representing on and off campus interests, to the board of directors of the college. The board of directors had no objection to the annexation and suggested that a belt around the campus be included in the proposed city. Citizens voted 217 to 39 on Oct. 19, 1938, to incorporate. The first city council meeting was held on Feb. 25,