The Altus Municipal Authority (AMA) and the City Council will meet tonight, Tuesday, July 3 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers.

In the AMA, among consideration of a contract, a lease agreement and some bids, the trustees will also consider approval of “whatever action the City Council takes in adopting, as is or as amended, separate emergency ordinances to amend the Altus Code 1980 to make increases for electric, sewer, water, trash and landfill fees…” These increases are in order to fund both budgets of the AMA and City Council according to the so-called “10/10” budget. This is the budget option that has been approved by council with a ten percent decrease in personnel services and a ten percent utility increase for fiscal year 2013 budget. All increases except water will take effect July 3. Water rates will be effective with the July billing cycle.

During the Council meeting, many other items will be considered. The items mentioned in the AMA companion piece include ordinances and resolutions to increase the following utility rates: water rates on Special Contracts, water rates for residents inside and outside the City, sewer fees, garbage and trash pickup rates for all classifications, landfill rates, electricity rates for all electrical customers. Each utility item will have an Emergency section making the change effective upon approval, July 3, with the exception of the water rates will be effective with the July billing cycle.

The annual resolution for the Interlocal Cooperative Agreement by and between Altus Public Schools and the City of Altus, Oklahoma, for MAPS for Altus funds will be considered for approval.

A change the definition of “Dilapidated Building” will be discussed.

The council members will consider a request from an employee to receive a lump sum payment of retirement benefits.

The council will consider revising the list of employees that are considered Department Heads, to delete the Airport Director, effective July 3.

In executive session, they will receive two separate IAFF, FOP updates and consider the employment of an individual salaried employee, Parks and Recreation Director, Randy Marple. He has requested both the Limited Time Severance Incentive program, ($9,000.00) and the OMRF Open Window Retirement Program, and in open session the council will vote to take appropriate action.

Mayor David Webb may make appointments. Both the mayor and City Administrator Elizabeth Gray may make comments and reports, as may the individual council members.