City council to get first look at 2017-2018 budget

By LYNETTE SOWELL
Cove Leader-Press 

Instead of meeting on the first Tuesday of the month, which is the Independence Day holiday, the Copperas Cove city council will be meeting on Thursday, July 6, at the Copperas Cove Economic Development Corporation building, located at 210 S. 1st St. 
During the 5 p.m. workshop, the council will receive its first look at the proposed budget for the fiscal year 2017-2018, along with the plan of municipal services, as well as the budget plan for the fiscal years 2018-2020. 
At the 6 p.m. regular meeting to follow, Joe Brown, Director of Parks and Recreation/Deputy City Manager, is presenting several applications for vacancies on the city’s Quality of Life board.  Vacancies are for places 6 and 7 on the seven-position board, along with three alternate positions. Robert Sizemore, Gordon Irwin, along with Elizabeth Chrzastek have recently submitted applications, and unexpired applications from three other citizens, Craig Foster, Jim McEvers, and Patricia Thomas are also being presented to the council for votes on Thursday evening 
An ordinance for voluntary annexation is up for a vote by the council. The property is owned by the Copperas Cove Independent School District and consists of 35.596 acres of undeveloped property west of Summers Road across from Curtis Drive, Starlight Drive and Sunflower Trail. The property is to be the future location of the district’s Transportation Department. 
Fire Chief Michael Neujahr is bringing a Mutual Aid Agreement with the Fort Hood Fire and Emergency Services for approval by the council on Thursday. 
The Copperas Cove Economic Development Corporation’s proposed budget for the next fiscal year is being presented to the council for direction. 
The council will also decide on the date for a public hearing for the City Manager’s proposed budget for the 2017-2018 fiscal year. The recommended date is Aug. 1, 2017, with notices to be published in the newspaper, on the city’s website, and on the city’s television channel. 
During the 6 p.m. meeting, there is a time of citizens’ forum at which residents may address the council.