By Don Thompson
MUNDAY – At the regular City Council meeting Aug. 9, the council heard a proposal from the Electronic Payment Advisory Group (EPAG) that would allow the city to accept credit cards for payments on water bills. The EPAG’s initial proposal did not include the use of debit cards, but if the debit card may also be used as a credit card, then the card can be utilized by their system. The city would likely have to charge an additional 3% for handling and processing the credit card payments. Council will study this further.
David Key, administrator for the Johnson Memorial Cemetery, addressed the council during the public comments’ session. Key stated the cemetery association is having issues meeting payroll for maintenance operations. With costs rising for fuel and other expenses, more funds are needed, so the association asked the city to contribute $100 to $200 monthly for maintenance. The cemetery has funds invested but these investments have a low rate of return compared to current increases in cost, and are not designed or intended to be used for monthly maintenance expenses. The council will consider further, but if citizens wish to donate to this cause, a donation may be sent to First Bank Texas, PO Box 10, Munday TX 76371, payable to the Johnson Memorial Cemetery.
Ken Coignet of Public Management, advisor to the council on grants and associated topics, advised the council on grants involving updated mapping and related information. The council discussed with Coignet issues inside and outside the city limits, such as building codes, city ordinances, planning for future building, and annexing properties.
The council passed a motion to reduce the size of the city-owned RV park near South 13th Street. Five spaces will be enclosed in the City Yard area, leaving only five spaces for rent by RV vehicles. This will save the city money being spent on property taxes and allow more space for city vehicles and maintenance operations.
The council will urge the Police Dept. to increase enforcement of the Golf Cart/ ATV ordinance due to the observation that many children and unauthorized users are driving golf carts, and carts are being driven on streets where they are not authorized to operate.
The 2022-2023 budget was discussed and a budget workshop is planned for Sept. 9.