Rusk City Council discusses upcoming council election
BY GLORIA JENNINGS

A discussion of calling a city election will be continued until Feb. 14 when the Rusk City Council meets again.

Members of the council discussed proposals to be presented to voters at a meeting Thursday evening in city hall. Larry Sinclair, city attorney, outlined propositions for charter changes as prepared by a special committee. The possibility of removing four of the propositions to shorten the size of the ballot were discussed and tentatively approved. The council agreed that propositions three, five, eight and nine be removed from the ballot.

Proposition three requires the city to pay bond on council members and others employed by the city. Mr. Sinclair said another place in the charter requires that the city pay bond payment premiums.

Proposition five states the size of the council could be changed by ordinance rather than charter revision. Mr. Sinclair suggested that this proposition be removed from the ballot and not be considered.

Proposition eight deals with changes in supplements and amendments to the budget. Mr. Sinclair said, "I do not feel this proposed amendment warrants submission to the voters. The charter already states what affirmative vote is required for passage of any item of business."

Proposition nine deals with the availability of city records. Mr. Sinclair said, "I believe the existing charter provision is legally sufficient to protect and accomplish the concerns of the charter amendment committee on this subject. Accordingly, I believe the submission of this proposed amendment is unnecessary."

Proposition four, which is planned to be presented for consideration in the election, deals with the removal of the mayor's right to vote. Voters gave the mayor this right at a special election on May 4, 1996. Prior to that time, the mayor only had a vote in case of tie.

"I would like to see proposition four not go on the ballot. I have talked with a former mayor. He said it was hard to get out and campaign for an issue and then not be able to vote," Councilman Kris Morgan said. "I think the mayor ought to be able to vote."

Councilman Donald Woodard said, "When the mayor votes, that gives one district two votes on the council."

"I think it's in the council's best interest for the mayor to vote and I think it is for the mayor's best interest," Mr. Morgan said.

Councilman Walter Session said, "I think the mayor ought to have the right to vote."

In other matters coming before the council, members voted to purchase a new backhoe for $50,000, to be paid out of existing city funds. The current city budget includes a payment of $15,000 for the backhoe. The budget also includes a new pickup for the street department and a new police car. The street department and police department will not make these purchases to allow funds to be available in order to pay for the backhoe. Also, an old backhoe will be traded in. This action will save the city $9,000 in interest on the loan.

The council will purchase new computer software for a networking system for both the municipal court and the city hall for approximately $40,000. This will be financed.

The council approved the selling of $1.25 million in certificates of obligation for the construction of a new water well and for water improvements. Walled Obeid is the finance manager for The Independent Bankers Bank in Dallas, seller of the bonds. Dan Pleitz of Waco is the city's bond attorney.

Following an executive session the council voted to expend more money in accounting. City Manager Mike Murray declined to comment on what this involves.

Attending the meeting were Mayor Angela Raiborn; council members Morgan, Session, Don Jones and Woodard; City Manager Murray and City Secretary Fran Wendeborn. Councilman Sam Florian was absent.