City approves tax rate, eyes new fire truck grant
By Melinda L. Lucas
Albany City Council members heard from one local citizen related to the ongoing controversy over the proposed “Sanctuary City for the Unborn” ordinance during their regular meeting Monday, Sept. 15, while also approving the city’s 2025 tax rate and authorizing the fire chief to pursue a used fire engine through a state grant program.
No one from the leadership of the “Sanctuary City for the Unborn” group or from the Albany Pro-Life Supporters group was present at Monday’s meeting. The topic was not on the agenda, and there was no formal discussion, though Robert Montgomery addressed the matter during the public comment portion of the meeting.
Montgomery thanked the council for their service and acknowledged the pressure placed on them in recent months over the ordinance debate. He referenced language in a quote published Sept. 11 from pro-ordinance supporter Rodney Casey which Montgomery feels describes opponents as “enemies.”
“When I read excerpts in the paper, it troubled me,” Montgomery said. “The word ‘enemies’–that is what this has come to. It’s a sad day when we request law enforcement at a city council meeting. Thank you for standing strong. This is not a peaceful time when someone uses language like that.”
Mayor Susan Montgomery expressed appreciation to the council for their perseverance and Christian example. She also thanked city manager Billy Holson and the city staff for their help over the last six months.
There was no other comment about the ordinance efforts or about the public records requests filed by Tammy Fogle on Sept. 4.
City adopts 2025 tax rate
Following a required public hearing – during which no public comments were offered – the council unanimously approved the city’s tax rate for 2025 at $0.54 per $100 valuation.
The rate is below the voter-approval threshold and is expected to bring in approximately $16,000 in additional revenue. The no-new-revenue rate had been calculated at $0.525.
Fire Dept. grant
funding
Fire Chief Joel Viertel presented a proposal to secure a used 2012 Spartan Toyne pumper engine located in Georgia, using funds from the Texas A&M Forest Service Rural VFD Assistance Program. The grant would cover 95% of the $249,500 cost, leaving the city responsible for just under $14,500 – provided the truck is still available when funds are released on Oct. 14.
Viertel emphasized the need for flexibility and speed, as multiple departments across Texas will receive grant funding at the exact same time.
The council approved a motion to authorize up to $50,000 in expenditures to secure a vehicle, should other options become necessary or prices shift. That does not include “rigging” or outfitting the truck appropriately and according to the grant requirement. That will cost another $75,000 to $100,000, which would also ultimately come out of the restricted fund.
“We’ve been waiting 10 years for this grant,” Viertel said. “This is basically a brand-new truck at a fraction of the cost of buying new.”
The department currently has approximately $275,000 in restricted funds and plans to fund-raise to rebuild the account after this purchase. The new engine would serve as the city’s primary structure fire truck, replacing an older unit, which would remain in service as the main “highway rig.”
Additional business
The council also approved beginning the annexation process for two city-owned properties: the Southwest Building, acquired by the city’s Economic Development A Board several years ago, and the 42-acre subdivision on Hwy. 6.
In other business, the council authorized the city administrator to opt in to the next round of the national opioid settlement.
A resolution was also approved supporting a negotiated rate agreement between the Atmos Cities Steering Committee and Atmos Energy.
The meeting concluded with a brief executive session to discuss police personnel, lasting about 20 minutes.
