City receives $200K interest during third quarter

By Rosanne Fohn

Anvil Herald Reporter

Hondo City Council on Sept. 14 learned that the city received more than $200,000 in interest income in the third quarter of the fiscal year. Council also voted to up its share in matching funds from $75,000 to $90,000 for the city’s Texas Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and approved about $11,000 in matching funds for a state airport maintenance grant. 

Interest payment

Chief Finance Officer Chris Hill reported that the city has earned $218,094 in investment interest during the third quarter of the fiscal year, making a total of $655,960 earned so far this fiscal year. The new fiscal year begins Oct. 1.

The city invests primarily in TexPool Prime and high-rate local certificates of deposit.

CDBG

As reported in the June 18 edition of the Hondo Anvil Herald, the city has been selected for a CDBG funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The city had submitted two projects for consideration – a water and a wastewater project. After receiving notice that a $750,000 award would be considered by the state, the city chose to pursue a wastewater project that focuses on replacing the electrical system at the city’s wastewater treatment plant.

Council had originally approved $75,000 in matching funds, but voted Sept. 14 to provide $90,000 in matching funds. 

Airport grant

The Routine Airport Maintenance Program (RAMP) grant, offered through the Texas Department of Transportation, is a grant in which the state pays 90% of costs ($111,111.11) and the city matches with 10% ($11,000.11), explained Airport Manager Ryan Elder. The grant is typically offered each year in order to improve airport infrastructure and safety.

As the grant process progresses, Elder said his staff will propose specific projects from among those that are allowed by the state to improve the airport.

Appointments

In other business, council approved the appointments of Tony Ortiz to the Cemetery Advisory Board for three years and Delma Torres to the Board of Adjustment for two years.

FM 462 closure for parade

Council also authorized the city manager to execute an agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation to temporarily close part of FM 462 (Ave. M north of US 90) on Nov. 19 for the Christmas in God’s County Parade.

The next regularly scheduled Hondo City Council meeting is set for 6 p.m. on Sept. 28 at city council chambers.