By ARABELLA SERRATA
Staff Writer
The City of South Padre Island (SPI) Commissioners held a regular meeting on Wednesday, July 17.
Item 5.4: discussion to approve the budget for SPI economic development cooperation, was pushed to the first item on the agenda. EDC Director Darla Lapeyre presented the annual budget. She reported that the sales tax was over one million. The operating bank interest was three thousand higher than last year, ten thousand in total. The expenses were at a three percent increase, and the transfer to debt services have increased, but are still less than last year’s. Project grants and costs were reviewed and approved by the board.
Shoreline Director Kristina Boburka presented item 5.1, Discussion and action to authorize the City Manager to negotiate a contract with the highest ranked firm for services related to the Wind and Water Sports Venue. Boburka reported receiving three Statements of Qualifications (SOQ). They were promptly graded on a rubric to determine which firm was most qualified. HDR Engineering was approved with a score of 96/100.
Director of Operations Wendi Delgado presented in place of Alex Sanchez for item 5.2 to discuss the possible corporate agreement between the city of SPI and the LRGV TPDES Stormwater Task Force. The main goal of the task force is to help cities of the Rio Grande Valley plan for stormwaters and manage them to the best of their ability. Delgado reports that Stormwater requested an official representative appointed by the board, the agreement was approved by the board.
Delgado returned to present item 5.3 to deliver information regarding city turnover history and cost of living. She said that for 2024/2025, the proposed budget includes a 3% cost of living adjustment. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for May 2023-2024 was 3.27%. Human resources were working on an updated salary survey for all positions at the time of the meeting. Total turnover rates for the last 12 months were 16.2%, and voluntary turnover is at 12.7%. Termination reasons are resignation at 77%, retirement at 13%, relocation at 4%, and other employment at 4%. The statistics were based on full time positions. Turnover rates for the Fire Department in the last 12 months have a total turnover of 7%, and a voluntary turnover of 3.5%. The voluntary turnover consisted of one person, 100% of the turnover was caused by retirement.
Turnover rates for the police department in the last 12 months have a total turnover of 16.2% and a voluntary turnover of 13.5%. This consists of four resignations and one retirement. Overall, 80% of terminations were by resignation, and 20% were due to retirement.
City Secretary Nikki Soto presented Item 5.5 to request a budget amendment following the special election. A budget amendment was done to account for unforeseen changes in spending or income, and special elections cost three times more than the regular ones due to the city conducting them independently. The city went over budget by $7,204.00. The budget amendment was approved.
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