The Lufkin Daily News
By VALERIE REDDELL/The Lufkin Daily News
November 21, 2023

The Lufkin City Council will consider approving a “rollover” amendment appropriating unexpended money in the General Fund, Convention Services Fund, Special Recreation Fund, Ellen Trout Zoo Building Fund, Tourism and Marketing Fund, Water and Wastewater Fund, and the Equipment Acquisition and Replacement Fund during a meeting set for 5 p.m. today.

The budget amendment allows any unspent funds in projects that were not completed in the current fiscal year as originally planned to roll over to the next fiscal year. The council considers similar amendments each year.

Among the projects, activities and purchases that staff included in the proposed 2023 rollover amendment are software upgrades, door access control systems, drain upgrades at the animal shelter, pumps and equipment for incomplete projects funded by the water and wastewater fund, truck beds that have not yet been delivered and a front-end loader not expected to be delivered until fiscal year 2025.

Firefighter classifications

Council members will consider approving on second reading a revised classification plan for fire department employees as a consent agenda item.

The revised plan will add a battalion chief position, decrease the number of captain positions by four, reduce lieutenant positions by three, and reduce one firefighter position.

The policy changes come about as a result of ending the countywide EMS service.

Height limit changes

The council will consider approving the second reading of an ordinance changing height restrictions in the Local Business District from 42 feet to 70 feet.

Council members also will review a status report from finance director Belinda Melancon.

Tuesday’s meeting will be held in City Council Chambers, 300 E. Shepherd St.