Copperas Cove city council to meet, discuss future projects, next year’s city budget

By LYNETTE SOWELL
Cove Leader-Press

The Copperas Cove city council will be holding a special meeting today at 5 p.m., during which it will receive and discuss the city’s annual comprehensive financial report as presented by Velia Key, the city’s Director of Financial Services. 
Also, the council will receive presentation on the city’s Capital Improvement Plan for fiscal years 2022-2026. Projects are submitted by departments, and the council will prioritize projects for funding, keeping in mind the annual debt limit of $7.2-$8 million, and the five-year debt limit of $36-$40 million. This plan can be amended as needed by the council. 
Notable projects on the list for fiscal year 2021-2022 are the construction of a new animal shelter with an estimated price tag of $5 million, Constitution Drive reconstruction (assumed by the Copperas Cove Economic Development Corporation), $500,000 in park improvements, as well as children’s room renovation at the library. The shelter would be paid for by general obligation bonds and the other projects by annual certificate of obligation bonds, according to agenda documents. 
The council will also discuss the upcoming planning for the city’s fiscal year 2021-2022 budget, along with possible fee changes for animal adoptions from the animal shelter. 
Presently, the adoption fee for a dog is $20 and for a cat is $15. Proposed changes include the fee for non-vetted dogs and cats to be $30 and $25 respectively; the adoption fee for dogs and cats (with shots, or is either spayed/neutered) to be $50 and $45, respectively; and the fee for fully vetted dogs and cats to be $75 and $50, respectively.
The public may participate in this meeting by calling (888) 475-4499 and use meeting ID 9866029818 and the passcode 2545474221. The public may offer comments as provided by the agenda and as permitted by the presiding officer during the meeting. Written questions or comments may be submitted up to two hours before the meeting via email to Lisa Wilson, City Secretary at lwilson@copperascovetx.gov.