Building and Code Department earns plaudits
FAIR OAKS RANCH — The City Council has approved nearly $7 million in utility improvement financing, road enhancement bonds and a transition to a new employee health insurance provider.
Also during the Aug. 21 session, the council recognized members of the Building and Code Department.
Finance Director Summer Fleming presented an ordinance — which the council supported — authorizing the issuance of $6.945 million in certificates of obligation to fund water and wastewater capital improvements.
“This is the third issuance in the city’s multi-year financing plan for the utility capital improvement program,” Fleming said.
The city received competitive bids, with TD Securities offering the lowest interest rate at 4.2%.
Council members also approved the second issuance of voter-approved general obligation bonds for road projects, including improvements to Dietz Elkhorn Road, Battle Intense Street, Rolling Acres Trail and Ammann Road.
Fleming noted the bonds are part of a $16 million measure approved by voters in May 2024.
The council later OK’d a transition from Cigna to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas for employee medical, dental and vision benefits.
Human Resources Director Joanna Merrill said the move would avoid a proposed 39% increase from Cigna and limit medical cost increases to 1.9%, resulting in an estimated annual budget increase of only $3,600.
Council members voted unanimously for the transition.
In other business, Mayor Greg Maxton presented a proclamation designating Sept. 1 as Building and Code Staff Appreciation Day, recognizing Building Official Scott Davis, Building Codes Administrative Assistant Rachel Brown and Code Compliance Officer Robert Ortiz.
“Our building codes and code compliance teams play an essential role in protecting … the city of Fair Oaks Ranch.”
— Mayor Greg Maxton “Our building codes and code compliance teams play an essential role in protecting the safety, the health and the quality of life here in the city of Fair Oaks Ranch,” Maxton said.
He praised the department’s professionalism and willingness to work with builders to meet standards while helping them understand code requirements.
Maxton also commended Ortiz for handling difficult code compliance issues “in a highly respectful manner,” adding the team’s efforts are visible across the community.
Davis shared his admiration for his colleagues during the recognition.
“I’d really like to thank my team,” Davis said. “Rachel, her attention to detail really helps the office run well, and she is truly a public servant. She cares for all the citizens. And Robert is a cool professional when dealing with tough situations.”
