At our January 19th council meeting, a new business item was placed on the agenda to introduce and discuss Local Sales Tax Options.
Double Oak’s current total sales tax rate is 7.25%. Like most cities in Texas, Double Oak imposes a Regular Sales Tax of 1%. The state allows Texas municipalities, with voter approval, to impose additional sales taxes in varying amounts of up to 1%. Many Texas cities have already done so, including several in our surrounding area. These additional sales taxes are known as dedicated taxes, because their proceeds may be spent only for certain purposes. Some popular examples of dedicated sales taxes include: Street Maintenance Sales Tax and Crime Control and Prevention District Tax.
The council will be discussing Local Sales Tax Options more at our February council meetings and will decide how to proceed. If council chooses to move forward on Local Sales Tax Options, the dedicated sales tax measures would appear on the May 9, 2015, General Election ballot to be voted on by registered Double Oak voters. The Local Sales Tax Options document from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts is up on the town website for viewing.
There is information on the town website regarding the proposed future Copper Canyon Town Center North-South Development. Developers are interested in constructing commercial and residential properties in this location. Also, Copper Canyon has been approached with a preliminary proposal for a 164-home housing development known as Ladera to be restricted to age 55 and over on 30+ acres contiguous on the west with Bridgeway Church and will back up to Double Oak properties on Meadowknoll Drive and Cross Timbers Drive. If interested, I encourage you to check out the town website and feel free to contact the Town of Copper Canyon for direct questions and answers.
The first notice for the May 2015 municipal general election has been posted at town hall. In Double Oak this election cycle the positions for Mayor and (2) council seats are up for election. Terms are for two years and will run from May 2015 to May 2017. Seats up for election this year are as follows: Mayor Mike Donnelly, Councilman Dr. Ara Minassian and Councilman Steve Durbin. The filing period runs through February 27, 2015. For more information regarding the May 2015 election, please contact Town Secretary Charlotte Allen @ 972-539-9464 or [email protected].
As of column submittal date 1/29/15 the following candidates have filed for mayor/council election: Mike Donnelly (Mayor).
The Town of Double Oak lost an outstanding man with the passing of former Mayor Bill Wilkinson on Feb. 2. Bill had such a unique passion for elected public service. It’s been said by many over the years that Bill Wilkinson was one of the finest and most honest man a person could know. He had the biggest heart and love for his Town of Double Oak, his wife Laura and for his entire family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew him. I’m proud he has been a mentor to me and others all these years.
Through the efforts of the Double Oak Women’s Club and Eagle Scout Tanner Martin, Double Oak residents are invited to visit and use the “Little Free Library” located around the flagpole area at town hall. Take a book and/or drop off a book. This is for the entire community.
Happy Valentine’s Day and Presidents Da