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During a Bridge City council meeting Tuesday evening at the city hall, council members approved the 2012-13 budget.

“This budget will raise more total property taxes than last year’s budget by $99,782 or 7.45 percent and of that amount $12,103 is tax revenue to be raised from new property added to the tax roll this year,” according to information from city officials.

This means it will cost the average homeowner of a $100,000 house about $7.46 per year. This is the rate which was last in effect in 2009, according to Jerry Jones, city manager.

The additional funds collected will cover the overall budget which includes items such as the increase in fuel costs, electricity and the three percent raise to city employees, Jones said.

Also approved for the ad valorem tax rate for the 2012 tax year which was levied at $0.23339 per $100 valuation for the Interest and Sinking fund, $0.25361 per $100 valuation for the Maintenance and Operation Fund and $0.48700 per $100 valuation for the total tax rate.

Jones said during his city manager report, the city was recently awarded a Community Development Block Grant of $275,000 which will be used for water line improvements. In addition, the city will use a $1.2 million Texas Department of Rural Affairs grant for sewer plant repairs. The sewer plant is in need of replacement parts and pumps which will begin within a few months.

Council members passed an ordinance rezoning a portion of the property located at 835 Center Drive to a third commercial district from a single family residential.

The Planning and Zoning Commission will conduct a public joint hearing on 6 p.m. August 27 at city hall. They will address a request by Roundbunch Road Enterprises, David Olson, for a zone change from a single family residential and low density residential district to a third commercial district. The property is located on the corner of Ferry Drive and Meadowlawn. A large portion of the property located at this location is currently zoned for commercial use. The request is to change the remaining portion to allow for a commercial venture.

The developer at a prior meeting stated he had a client who had expressed some interest in building a grocery store at the location.