The 2015-16 Pearland City Council, from left: Gary Moore, Derrick Reed, Mayor Pro Tem Tony Carbone, Mayor Tom Reid, Keith Ordeneaux and Greg Hill[/caption]

Big decisions made in 2015

• Tax rate and budget Council approved a property tax rate of $0.7053 for fiscal year 2015-16, about a 1 percent decrease from the previous rate. The city’s budget made room for the hiring of additional police officers and reduced funding for roads and sidewalks in addition to other items.

• Shadow Creek Sportspark Multiple council members pointed to the beginning of construction at Shadow Creek Sportspark in 2015 as a major decision. Most of the park amenities are expected to be complete in 2016.

• Bailey Road annexation Council approved the annexation of approximately 484 acres along Bailey Road in November. Residents in the two 242-acre tracts will begin paying city taxes in October. The city will now provide additional services in the newly annexed areas, such as enhanced emergency services.

Top issues for 2016

• Drainage After heavy rains and flooding in Pearland in 2015, some drainage issues emerged involving some of the city’s older infrastructure. Council plans to address these problems in the upcoming year.

• Traffic congestion With the rapidly growing population in Pearland, easing traffic congestion continues to be a priority. Projects, such as the widening of Bailey Road, are ongoing or in the works throughout the city. Targeted thoroughfares include McHard, Max and Hughes Ranch roads.

• Future growth planning Some council members said there needs to be more commercial and retail development in the city to diversify the tax base. Developers are looking to build more residential properties, but some members would like to see more mixed-use development.

Meetings

The council meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday of the month. 3519 Liberty Drive, Pearland 281-652-1600 www.pearlandtx.gov

Terms and pay

Mayor and council members serve three-year terms. The mayor has no term limits, and council members can serve two consecutive terms. The mayor earns $1,000 per month, and council members each earn $750 per month.

Video coverage

Pearland City Council meetings are streamed live and archived on the city’s website.