Pampa City Commissioners met on September 14. The meeting began with an executive session for a consultation with an attorney. The commission approved the minutes of a September 8, 2026 public hearing and special meeting.
Commissioners considered a second and final reading of Ordinance No. 1849, which sets a tax rate of $.663921 per $100 valuation for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. Commissioner Brian Doughty said the rate is a tax decrease. Commissioner Jimmy Keogh said the city would lose about a quarter million dollars, he believed. The commission also took up Ordinance No. 1850, which would amend Animal Control fees. City Manager Shane Stokes said the city compared its charges with other cities. He said the goal is to cover the cost of each service, and that some fees would roughly double.
Chief Appraiser Tyson Paronto presented the Gray County Appraisal District's 2027 operating budget. He said salaries rose $89,500, which covers two new employees and a cost-of-living increase for other staff. Paronto said retirement costs rose $10,230 and health, life and dental costs rose $27,000. Travel increased from $13,000 to $16,000. Keogh said the budget was incomplete because it lacked a salary breakdown with benefits. Paronto said he had brought one copy and apologized for the omission. Commissioner Wendi Horst asked about pay for the new hires. Paronto said both are in the $32,000 to $35,000 range.