Mayor Mike Gonzalez

Tax Rate, Libraries, and Rec. Centers

2008-09-23T22:58:00.000-07:00

As Mayor, the FY 08 – 09 city budget was my fourth and possibly most interesting one. It was not the most interesting because of the tax rate, unfortunately, while we operate a very lean government and budget, we had to do our first rate increase since I’ve been Mayor. It was the most interesting because it raised one question the city council and community will need to answer. Is it our only goal to keep the property tax rate as low as possible?

Quick Review of budget process - City staff reviews projected revenue (property tax forecast from county tax collector, sales tax projects, etc.) that will fund the General Fund for the up coming year. We then establish a baseline of how much it will cost to provide the same services provided the previous year. Then with council input we adjust this to reflect the needs and request of the citizens.

For a rapidly growing city like ours, you can imagine that the demands for projects and services are constantly growing. Our task as council is to set them in the right priority. Up to now our growth plan has been simple but effective. Our plan has been to invest directly in infrastructure that will generate a return on investment to the community in the form of increased commercial tax base, increased sales tax, and more local jobs.

FM 1626 is the perfect example of this plan in action. Our direct investment in that road project brought in over 2 million square feet of commercial/retail development and a much need 128-bed regional Seton hospital. Our return on investment is increased sales tax, and increased commercial property tax base. As these project fully ramp up, it will allow us to reduce the burden on the residential tax base.

This strategy of directly investing property tax dollars into infrastructure improvements is working, but we are still about 5 years away from when we can fully reap from the increases in both sales and commercial property tax rate. Until then we will still need to rely heavily on property tax revenue.

So back to the question I posed earlier, “As a council, is it our only goal to keep the property tax rate as low as possible”. Accomplishing this would be fairly easy for council. Only spend money on projects that increase sales tax and commercial property tax base; and provide city services at the absolute minimum levels.

But is this our only goal or are we trying to accomplish more as a city. As I said during my closing comments on the budget, if the lowest property tax rate is our only goal, then we need to have some serious policy discussions about the capital projects we have coming up.

To put it bluntly, if we are currently having prolonged discussions about shaving one-tenth of a cent off the property tax rate, then we have to examine if we truly want to build a $4 million dollar library or a $15 million dollar recreation center or spend any more on park improvements before that 5 year period I spoke of earlier. While these types of project add greatly to quality of life, they are far from being self-sustaining and only increase the need for additional staff and annual operational costs.

Now I’m not advocating for or against these types of projects. As Mayor my job is to find a way to provide what our citizens want in a responsible manner. I’m merely raising the fact that as a community, we must actively decide what we want and more importantly what we are we willing to pay for.

Mayor Mike Gonzalez

Ed "Too Tall" Jones . . . here in Kyle

2008-09-19T23:19:00.000-07:00

The city of Kyle welcomed Ed "Too Tall" Jones.

DIRTY CAMERA . . . STUCK ON RED

2008-01-29T09:08:00.000-08:00

I would like to thank everyone that contact city staff and myself over the weekend regarding the light on the East-Northbound frontage road at Kyle Parkway.

It seems that this unusually long red (and very fast green) was the result of a dirty camera mounted on the singal traffic light. This camera helps control the signals and detects how many cars are waiting in the lane. Apparently the combination of heavy nearby constuction and drizzle tricked our camera into thinking no cars were waiting on that lane. TxDOT did clean the camera on Monday and will continue to monitor.

My thanks to city staff and TxDOT for following up on this.

ON THE ROADS AGAIN

2008-01-29T08:59:00.000-08:00

I always chuckle when I think of that famous commercial with the great Yogi Berra at a crowded sports bar saying, ”Nobody ever comes in here any more . . . . It’s too crowded.”

In a way that best sums up a large part of our mobility challenges in Kyle. With more subdivisions, more commercial developments and more local employers; comes more people, more cars and more mobility challenges. Consider it a natural byproduct of our success.

In my last article about transportation I discussed some specific issues. With this article I would like to expand the discussion and share some insight I have gained while trying to find traffic solutions; both as mayor and as a CAMPO Board member.

As a car driver, one thing I never considered was the different governmental entities and bureaucracy my tires interacted with. Next time you drive into Austin or San Antonio, think about this as you drive. You leave your home and immediately get onto a city road; then you probably jump onto a county road, and then jump on a state Highway that is also under some jurisdiction of the Federal Department of Transportation and a local Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO in the Austin area).

That’s five different governmental agencies whose decisions must be somewhat compatible to allow us to get to work, pick up our children from school/daycare, get groceries, get freight and shipments. Working somewhat independently, these five entities must plan what roads will be built and how to pay for the construction and maintenance.

Lets first talk money. Every time we gas up our cars, we pay a tax on every gallon. The state gas tax is 20 cents per gallon and the federal gas tax is 18.4 cents per gallon. So for every gallon we buy, a total of 38.4 cents goes towards the gas tax.

In theory, this money should go directly back into improving and maintaining our roads. However, only 87% of the federal gas tax collected in Texas makes it back to our state. The federal government diverts 13% to projects in other less populated states. The remaining 87% gets whittled down further by our state legislature that diverts a minimum of 25% to fund education. With the federal government considering raising the gas tax by over 40 cents, it causes me to wonder how much of the increase will find its way back to Texas roads.

However, another and more significant problem than diverted gas tax dollars is the dramatic increases in highway construction costs compared to funding levels. The last time Texas raised the state gas tax was back in 1991 the federal tax was last raised in 1993. From 1991 to 2002, the highway construction cost index increased by 3 to 4 percent annually. Between 2002 and 2007 that same index increased by 62 to 63 percent. In short, even though the price of gas has sky-rocketed, even though construction costs have increased dramatically; we still only have 38.4 cents per gallon go to build and maintain our roads.

For fiscal year 2008, TxDOT was allocated approximately $8.721 Billion to fund maintenance and new construction projects. However, the funding has not developed as anticipated. In response, TxDOT will likely make drastic cuts in new project developments and focus on maintenance of existing infrastructure. Deepening the wounds, the federal government has taken back $666 million in planning funds and expected to take yet another $250 million.

So how does this impact Kyle? Well, most of our significant traffic issues are on TxDOT roads and intersections. Given the background we just discussed, one can assume there is not a deep pool of money ready and eager to fund state projects within our city limits. To make these projects happen sooner rather than much later, the city will have to step up to the plate and fund significant portions of these projects or live with increased congestion.

Another possibility for Kyle would be to find a way to utilize some of the $133 million of pass-through money still floating around Hays County. Last year, Hays County Commissioners placed a $153 million road bond proposal to improve roads throughout Hays County (none in the city of Kyle). Under the terms of the pass-through agreement between Hays County and TxDOT, TxDOT would reimburse up to $133 million for these projects. Unfortunately, strong opposition to the bond was organized and it ultimately failed in the election. Working with Commissioner Barton, some of these funds may be utilized on the IH-35 corridor where support for the failed bond was actually strong.

In closing, I would like to invite you to a special public meeting to be held at the Kyle City Hall on January 31, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. Council member Lopez, city staff, and myself will go over some of our current mobility projects and take feed back from the community. This feedback will be critical as we work on prioritizing our road projects and updating our master transportation plan.

Seton and The Village at Kyle

2008-01-09T23:07:00.000-08:00

Above is an animation provided by SCC development of what the Seton and Village at Kyle project will look like at completion.

STORES SHOWN ARE FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY.*

Kyle gets new Royalty

2007-10-01T15:24:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to the new 2008
Miss Kyle Kristin Morris (left)
and
Miss Kyle Teen Tyler Brown (right).

While this is only the second year for the Miss Kyle pageant, a high mark of quality has already been set by both the pageant organizers and last years winners; 2007 Miss Kyle - Cassi Holman and 2007 Miss Kyle Teen - Taylor Cripps.

Last year's winners did an outstanding job of reaching out to the community and creating positive memories for Kyle kids. As the kids would say of Miss Taylor Cripps, "mommy can I take a picture with the princess".

I would also like to thank all of this years contestants. As a judge, they truly made it a very tough decision. We should be proud that our community is filled with such leaders that are willing to proudly represent their community.

Our 2008 Miss Kyle and Miss Kyle teen will go on to represent our city in the Miss Austin Pageant in February 2008. Which, by the way will be held right here in Kyle. Talk about home field advantage. The winners from the Miss Austin Pageant then advance to Miss Texas.

For the next twelve months, Miss Morris and Miss Brown will be official representatives for the city of Kyle. As in this past year, they will play a key role in celebrating new commercial developments, city functions, and helping raiser greater awareness for local charitable events and organizations.

Lastly, a special thanks to this years sponsors including: HEB plus, Dean Contracting Company, Inc., Domino's Pizza, Texas Lehigh Cement Company LP, Capitol Hyundai, Beverly Trombley-McLaughlin, and Corridor Limo.

Again CONGRATULATIONS and good luck at the Miss Austin Pageant.

Mayor Mike

when you're HOT . . . you're HOT

2007-09-26T22:55:00.000-07:00

City of Kyle

Recognized as

#1 Hotspot
in Austin/San Antonio Corridor

Well fellow Kyle-stonians, our secret that Kyle is a great place to be is out. Who told??

The Austin and San Antonio Business Journals have recognized the City of Kyle as the 2007-08 No. 1 “Hot Spot” in the Austin/San Antonio Corridor for commercial investment and development. The announcement was made at the Austin/San Antonio Growth Summit in San Marcos on Friday September 21st.

Joseph R. Krier, President of the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce said, “In June, HEB opened one of its largest stores ever in Kyle, a testament to the area’s potential, But the big business news for Kyle of late revolves around a new hospital Seton will build there and a 1-million square-foot retail center — tantamount to a regional mall — that is to go next door.”

“Kyle, like many of our other hot spots, proved recently that it can play ball in the big leagues,” said Krier. “Thanks in part to incentives offered by the city, a promising computer manufacturer in Austin called RSI is in the process of packing its things to move into a $3.5 million plant its building in Kyle.”

Kyle is currently the 5th fasting growing city in Texas according the United States Census Bureau. The City’s population in 2000 was just over 5,000. The Kyle City Council set the population at just over 25,000 in May 2007. Some estimates have the City rapidly closing in on the 30,000 population mark.

So how did we accomplish this as a community?

We did this by focusing on the often "un-glamorous" work of building up our roads, water and sewer systems. We also continued to strengthen the city's financial position of the to successfully fund and sustain our growth.

So what does this mean for Kyle?

Talk about an economic development weapon. This distinction firmly, and loudly proclaims that Kyle is the place to be on the IH-35 corridor. Simply put - It will help us recruit more quality developments and employers by validating Kyle as a strong market.

1. Kyle

2. New Braunfels
3. Seguin
4. San Marcos South
5. Schertz
6. San Marcos Downtown
7. Buda

Kyle the TV Show???

2007-09-24T11:51:00.000-07:00

A little sense of humor goes a long way . . .

Comming soon to a Kyle near you: Seton Hospital

2007-09-20T13:37:00.000-07:00

The most important city council vote in Kyle’s history? . . . Possibly

With a 7 – 0 vote in favor, Seton receives the green light and Kyle is firmly established as a primer community in Hays County and central Texas.

But a project of this size is not the result of any one individual. Indeed, many hands make a light load.

Naturally, we thank the Seton / SCC partnership for recognizing the true potential of our city. The Hays county commissioners played a vital role in our partnership. Several Kyle staff members including Tom Mattis, City Manger; Charles Cunningham, Director of Finance, and Diana Blank, Director of Economic Development worked tirelessly on this project. Our active Kyle Chamber came out in full force to show the support of the local business community. And of course the city that sat in the “hot seat” and gave the green light to this project.

But I firmly believe that it is our Kyle citizens that were the key to the success of this project. Our citizen’s support for the various infrastructure improvements made over the last several years was critical in attracting Seton to Kyle. While a small minority cried out that the city was not doing enough, the overwhelming majority understood the long range vision for our city. They knew that we would have to be a little patient and first do the “unglamorous” work first such as roads, sewer and water; before we can bring in quality projects like RSI, HEB plus, and Seton.

Thank you,

Mayor Mike Gonzalez

GOT WATER . . . . . . PROBLEMS???

2007-09-17T22:41:00.000-07:00

Again, thanks to everyone from the Amberwood HOA that joined me on that August 31th, evening meeting. I know that it was on short notice, and a true sacrifice to give up your Friday evening, but I greatly appreciated it.

Well, as many of you have heard, the city council voted unanimously to approve a resolution denying the rate increases proposed by Monarch Utilities. While the legal process moves actively forward, I did want to address another issue related to this matter.

While visiting with everyone, their were several prominent concerns regarding the quality of both the water and service received from Monarch Utilities. The concerns ranged from inaccurate billing, to brown water, to foul smelling water, to possible discharge from the Monarch water tower.

While the city continues to work on the rate issue, I feel it is imperative that residents of both Amberwood and Indian Paintbrush (or any Monarch Utilities CCN customer) have the proper authorities look into your quality concerns.

After a few phone calls, I was able to identify the most appropriate contact for residents with such issues and concerns. Residents that believe they may have quality concerns should contact: TCEQ Consumer Assistance Hotline 512.239.6100 or Utility District Section 512.239.6947.

I will continue to update you on our progress.

Thank you,

Mayor Mike Gonzalez

Seton Update

2007-09-12T07:26:00.000-07:00

Back in May of this year, the city council ratified a letter of intent or “LOI” with Seton Hospital and SCC development for the construction of a 210 bed medical facility along with a retail and professional office complex.

So what exactly is an LOI. Simply put, it is a document where all parties agree to the overall general agreement for a project. It allows the different parties to openly say – we agree to the concept of this project.

The LOI is the foundation on which a more specific agreement is formed; this is referred to as the Development Agreement “DA”. The DA details exactly, what is to be built, when it will be built, who will build it, and who will pay for it?

I’m encouraged that the overwhelming majority of Kyle citizens see Seton Hospital / SCC project as a real benefit to the city and the greater Hays County area.

Since May 2007 representatives from Seton, SCC, and the city of Kyle have been meeting regularly to get a final DA drafted that mirrors the LOI. As you can imagine, getting so many parties to agree to specific contractual language can be time consuming. My goal is to have the final DA agreed to this week, and ready to be presented to Council for approval at our next council meeting on September 18, 2007.

Our proposed FY 07 – 08 annual budget, that forecasts a reduction in the property tax rate, allows the ability to meet our financial commitments to the Seton Hospital/SCC project.

In short - If at the September 18^th meeting at least 4 of the 7 council members agree with the proposed DA and Annual Budget, the city of Kyle will have a green light for the Seton Hospital/SCC project and a FY 07 – 08 budget that allows for a reduction in the city’s property tax rate.

Local Public Servants, Serving up Blizzards, Serving up up Miracles

2007-09-01T13:01:00.000-07:00

August 9th, 2007 was a day local citizens made it a miracle day in Kyle.

On that day our local Kyle Dairy Queen participated in the DQ Miracle Treat Day, where all proceeds form the sale of Blizzards® Treats were donated to the Children’s Miracle Network.

Children's Miracle Network is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children’s hospitals across North America.

The 170 Children’s Miracle Network hospitals are there 24 hours a day to help kids of every age and background overcome every imaginable disease and injury—from asthma and broken bones to cancer, heart defects, pediatric AIDS, muscular dystrophy and serious injuries.

As a show of local support for this great cause, we were fortunate enough to recruit a great “Blizzard Team” of local officials to help raise awareness for the event.

Your Kyle Dairy Queen Blizzard team include: Justice of the Peace Beth Smith, 428th District Court Judge Bill Henry, Miss Kyle Teen Taylor Cripps, Councilmember Michelle Lopez and Mayor Mike Gonzalez.

A special thanks goes out the Kyle Dairy Queen management and staff and to the Smith Dairy Queen Corporation that operates 32 Dairy Queens in Texas.

In 2006, Smith Dairy Queen Corp. was the largest Children’s Miracle Network contributors among all Dairy Queen Franchise owners.

Thanks for joining us on this day and making this a true Miracle Treat Day for local children in need.

Thank you.

Mayor Mike's Bio

2007-08-04T11:58:00.000-07:00

Born on August 4th, 1976 to a middle class family in Eagle Pass, Texas, Mayor Miguel Gonzalez or simply "Mayor Mike" was taught the value of hard work and community service. He attended Texas State University (Southwest Texas) where he earned two Bachelors of Business Administration degrees in Finance and Computer Information Systems.

While in college, Mike was a founding member of Omega Delta Phi, a fraternity focused on community service. The fraternity’s main philanthropy included education for underprivileged children and the local woman’s shelter. Among the various jobs Mike held to pay for tuition, was as a mentor for the Upward Bound Program working with high school students from low-income families preparing for college.

Since graduating from college, Mike has held various positions in both private and public sectors, including: a Financial Examiner for the Texas Department of Banking, an Assistant Controller for British Aeronautical and Engineering and a Senior Financial Analyst for the Travis County Housing Finance Corporation. Mike is also licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission as a Real Estate Broker.

Mike and his wife Linda moved to Kyle in 2001 where they immediately became active in the community. Linda, a Certified Public Account, joined the Kyle Chamber of Commence. Mike joined various city committees including: Citizens water Advisory Committee, Parks Master Plan Committee, and Chairman of the Kyle Planning and Zoning Commission.

Mayor Mike was elected to a three year term on May 2005. While in office, Mayor Mike has worked to improve our cities infrastructure, draw in quality commercial developments like HEB Plus, and recruit quality employers like RSI and Seton Hospitals. Mayor Mike has also worked hard to maintain a high quality of life for Kyle citizens by expanding our Park system and consistently cutting the city’s property tax rate.