City retains the same property tax rate

Despite a drop this year in property appraisals, Jersey Village homeowners won't see an increase in their property tax rate after a recent City Council vote.

Council voted Monday, Oct. 18, to keep the rate at 74.25 cents per $100 valuation. The rate will mean approximately $5.94 million of tax revenue for 2010 as opposed to $6.02 in 2009. Overall property values dropped from $811 million in 2009 to $800 million in 2010.

Mayor Russell Hamley pointed out that the city has been able to maintain the same tax rate since 2007.

Possible speed humps?

Though no action was taken, City Council members discussed the possibility of adding speed humps to Village Drive, a move aimed at slowing speeding motorists. But council members are split on whether speed humps are the answer. One worry is that fire trucks could be damaged.

"We just spent a ton of money on a new fire truck, and the thought of having that damaged would drive me crazy," Councilwoman Jill Klein said. "A better solution is to have our officers ticket people."

However, Hamley and Councilman Mark Maloy said they thought installing speed humps was worth a try.

"In my mind it's the easiest suggestion," said Hamley. "They can be made a specific width so fire trucks can straddle them, but cars would have to go over them. They are bolted down and can be removed if we don't like them."

Fire Chief Mark Bitz didn't favor installing speed humps. He said fire trucks and vehicles have roughly the same wheel base, meaning his trucks would not necessarily be able to avoid them.

Planned TOD named

Jersey Village Crossing is the name of the planned transit-oriented development proposed for the area south of U.S. 290 near the intersection of Jones Road.

The name was chosen through a City Council vote after the city received more than 70 suggestions for the $40-million development, which will feature shops, dining and various types of housing. The city is hoping Jersey Village Crossing will one day be a station along the commuter rail proposed along U.S. 290.

Officer honored

Jersey Village Police Department Sgt. D.R. Smith was named as employee of the third quarter by the American Legion Post No. 324.

A 25-year veteran of the force, Smith was lauded by Post Commander Jimmy Baughman as "the backbone of the department" who has had "an enormous and positive impact."