The Tomball City Council passed a budget that included estimated revenues from a proposed tax-levy increase, on Sept. 6.

The motion to pass the budget carried 3-2, with councilmen Mark Stoll and Derek Townsend voting no.

Stoll said his biggest concern was that he felt council wasn’t allowing the public its fair say by not taking the issue to the ballot box.

“I could not vote for the approval of the budget since council did not feel as though the residents should vote on the 36 percent tax increase and to educate the entire community on the importance of each of these projects,” said Stoll. “Many residents are still struggling with the economy in the condition it is in and this increase is going to affect them more than others in our community.”

The issue of a tax-rate increase isn’t completely settled, however, as now the council must hold two public hearings on the on the proposal to raise the rate. The council tentatively set those dates for Sept. 26 and Oct. 3. Tomball still must wait on numbers from the Harris County Appraiser before they can set hearings and publish information regarding the increase.

Other issues were tackled during the meeting as well.

Tomball Fire Chief Randy Parr and Tomball Police Chief Robert Hauck gave updates on Tomball’s response to the large wildfires raging outside of Magnolia.

Parr said Tomball has provided an engine, tanker and booster and firefighters have been working around the clock.

Hauck informed council that several police officers went to Magnolia to help with traffic flow and direction while he and his commanding officers patrolled the City of Tomball itself.

Council also passed a proposal, 4-1, that allows for beer and wine sales at the first Tomball Art Walk on Sept. 17, as well as the Bugs, Brew and Barbeque event on Oct. 1. Townsend was the lone no vote.

Council also accepted the new Tomball Economic Development Corporation budget unanimously.

The longest discussion was saved for a proposal by Mayor Gretchen Fagan to alter the way Tomball hands out its Blue Star flags for family members of those who serve in the military. Fagan proposed not only allowing Tomball residents and those within the Tomball ISD boundaries to receive a flag, but also those with a Tomball mailing address.

Many on council had concerns that it would cost the city more money. Fagan said each flag and accompanying proclamation cost about $20 and that Tomball had only given out about five total flags in the years preceding.

The issue was tabled for later discussion.

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