Shenandoah continues to cut city property tax rate

In addition to city operational expenses, such as police, sewer and water, Shenandoah plans to buy new Christmas decorations for the Lighting of the Angels, the city’s annual Christmas gathering. Also, the police department will purchase replacement vehicles as well as active shooter gear, which is full-body gear police officers wear when they are responding to an active shooter call, Calvert said.

Shenandoah Mayor Gary Watts said prolonged concerns about people with guns and related casualties have prompted the need for more protective police apparel.

“With the number of people traveling through our city, combined with schools in our city limits and in our [extraterritorial jurisdiction], I feel we need to be ready to respond and we need to protect those who have pledged to protect us,” Watts said.

The city will also include automated meter readers in the 2015-16 budget.

“These will pay for themselves with the savings in labor by minimizing time and personnel costs, eliminating personnel walking through yards and improving accuracy and data management for utility billing,” Watts said. “It’s a 21st century upgrade, and many cities have had them in use for a long time.”

Additionally, Shenandoah will soon build a toddler park on land it owns north of Sawdust Road, Calvert said. The Park Committee approved the conceptual plan in March.

“My mantra has always been walkability, green space and parks,” Watts said. “This will be a pocket park within the neighborhood, farthest away from the city park and pool, and just another enhancement for the residents. The park will have age-appropriate features, seating areas and plenty of shade.”

Calvert said additional items the city could purchase include landscaping at Vision Park and I-45 and renovations to the Visitors Center.