September 5th & 10th Board Meetings
Greetings Neighbors!
I’d like to provide an update from our last two September board meetings. The board reviewed and approved a budget and tax rate for the year. Several residents also shared important concerns and suggestions regarding our neighborhood. We value your input and appreciate everyone who attended and participated.
Budget and Tax Rate Approval
The board recently approved the operational budget for the next fiscal year. Director Watford worked diligently to build this budget from the ground up. She gathered data from each department and accounted for necessary expenses. After extensive review and discussion, the budget was approved at our meeting on the September 10th. We also approved the tax rate for the year, which you can view here Tax Rate $0.121104 per $100.
Introducing Our New District Manager
We’re excited to introduce our new District Manager, Rick Ramos! He will be attending tomorrow’s board meeting, and we look forward to the positive impact he will bring to our community.
Questions from Residents
Broadcasting Meetings and Sharing Board Packets: It was suggested that we consider broadcasting our meetings for those unable to attend in person. Also, that we share the board packet with residents.There are many boards that do this with their constituents.
Mowing Near the Middle School: A resident raised a safety concern about the overgrown area near Grisham. She asked the board to reach out to the RRISD to ensure the area is mowed.
New Bike Path and Construction Information: A citizen asked about the construction of the new bike path. This is a City of Austin project. Please check out this website for more information.
Extended Pool Hours:A resident requested that we extend the pool’s operating hours. He believes this could generate additional revenue for the district.
Strategic Planning Priorities: There was a request for a list of priorities to be shared about our strategic planning sessions. We will make sure these priorities are outlined and communicated in a future meeting.
Budget Transparency and Staff Salaries: One resident expressed concerns about the availability of the budget for public review prior to the meeting. She questioned staff salaries and the cost of AMLD programs. She urged the board to consider reducing the tax rate and managing the parks and pools more efficiently to cut spending.
Director Hermsmeyer’s Vacancy:There was also a question regarding Director Hermesmeyer’s vacancy on the board. Director Hermesmeyer will remain with on the board until October 10. This is to assist our new District Manager, Rick Ramos, as he transitions into his role. We deeply appreciate Director Hermesmeyer efforts in keeping the district operational during this time
Upcoming Meetings
Our next strategic planning meeting will be held tomorrow, September 23, at 6:30 PM. Here is the Agenda for you to view. We encourage you to attend and share your thoughts during Citizen Communication, as we shape the future of our neighborhood.
Thank You!
Thank you again for sharing your concerns and feedback with the board. We appreciate your engagement and look forward to continuing our work together to improve our community.
Reminder
As an AMLD Board member, I want to remind everyone that this newsletter is not the official notes from the meeting. These are my personal thoughts on the items that were discussed at the meeting. Please see the link if you would like to see the official notes from the past board meetings. Meeting Minutes