Mayor Ramsey English Cantú informed those in attendance that contrary to a local publication's preempted reports of a .06 increase, council had decided to go with a .34789 rate for Maintenance & Operations and a .205228 rate for Interest & Sinking rate which constitutes a total tax rate of .546017.

He added that on an average home which is appraised at $112,204.00, taxes will increase by $3.31 per $100.00 of value.

The one citizen who addressed council was Mina Cobo who thanked council for lowering the rate in the budgetary process, however she did say that there may still be room for more.

"What are the true expenditures of the city?  You need to cut those expenditures, see where the money is going and how much needs to go out," she said alluding to a grant writer who is being paid but, according to council, has not acquired a grant for the city this calendar year.

"If this was a business, where would it go?"

"I know the city has done tremendous projects and we're moving forward in a positive way," said Councilwoman Gloria Hernandez, "I do see that because of habit or custom, there are some projects that we need to see if we need them.  We need to see that we deliver quality service and safety at the best available finances."

"The reason this (the budget process) is going on is to do just that," said Councilman Rudy Villalpando, "We've brought it (the tax rate) down already.  There are needs coming that we need to take care of.  The wants are many, the haves are less."

"We're still trying to cut.  We cut the M&O," added Councilman Luis Sifuentes, "I see people who say that like to see our streets being fixed.  We need a skate park.  As a parent of four kids, I want to have facilities such as these.  That's why I was in favor of the $10 million in CO's (Certificates of Obligation) to take advantage of that opportunity."

After Ms. Cobo finished, Mayor Cantú was the first to say, "We maintained the M&O rate as is, but there is a large demand from citizens.  We have invested a large amount into our infrastructure without it, flooding would have affected hundreds of homes.  But we need to make decisions that benefit the city.  we're still in the process and we're still streamlining.

"Check our record.  When I was on the city council, if we weren't producing, I remember voting against raising taxes.  As mayor I saw that we’re not doing as much as we truly should have.  Now we are very united in the decisions that need to be made."