At the Tuesday night Grapevine City Council meeting, the Council approved adding extra space for the Grapevine Vintage Rail and held the first public hearing for a tax rate increase.

1. Land parcel purchased
Following its executive session, the Grapevine City Council approved a land purchase of more than 32,000 square feet from Dallas Area Rapid Transit. This land is located on the southeast quadrant of Main Street and Hudgins Street, and city staff said the purchase will benefit the Grapevine Vintage Railroad.

2. First public hearing held
One Grapevine resident came forward to speak about the tax rate that is proposed to remain flat from last year at $0.270961 per $100 of property value. Since the proposed tax rate exceeds the effective tax rate—the rate that would have kept city revenues at the same rate as last year—of $0.270961 per $100 of property value, the law requires the council hold two public hearings on the proposal.

The resident expressed concern with the increase in property taxes along with the upcoming bond election.

“[The tax increase] does generate slightly more [property tax revenue than last year], but it will have really no material impact,” Chief Financial Officer Greg Jordan said. “I do want to say the bond election that’s upcoming will not require an increase in the tax rate at all.”

The second public hearing is scheduled for 11:45 a.m. on Sept. 8. The vote on the tax rate will take place at 11:45 a.m. on Sept. 13. Both meetings will take place in the Council Chambers in City Hall at 200 S. Main St., Grapevine.

3. Architect awarded contract for project
Police Chief Eddie Salame updated the council on the work being done at the Community Outreach Center. He said the purpose of the project is to survey the property and gain a better understanding of how to establish a permanent structure to accommodate the facility’s programs. Four architecture firms submitted qualifications, and after interviewing each the selection committee decided on Barker Rinker Seacat to move forward with the project. Council approved awarded the contract in the amount of $38,320 to the firm.