First reading of Kyle budget passed

During a special meeting Wednesday, Kyle City Council passed the first reading of their proposed fiscal year 2016-17 city budget. The total budget for all city funds adds up to $79.2 million, with $40.9 million going to planned capital improvements for infrastructure projects.The budget also includes $3,833,937 for Kyle’s share in the Hays Caldwell Public Utility Agency CIP expenditures. Under the proposed budget, Kyle residents would see a reduced property tax rate from $0.5848 to $0.5748 per $100 valuation. District 4 Council Member David Wilson said he is proud Kyle decreased the tax rate by one cent and called this year's budget "lean." The first reading of the tax rate passed unanimously. The first reading of the budget, with an additional amendment correcting a misstated item passed 6-1, with District 6 Council Member Daphne Tenorio voting against. The second readings of the budget and the tax rate will be held Sept. 6.

Buda officials hear budget presentation

The population of Buda has swelled from just over 2,000 residents in 2000 to nearly 14,000 in 2016. To keep up with growth, city officials have proposed a FY 2016-17 budget that would help with capital improvement projects throughout the city. Buda City Manager Kenneth Williams gave a presentation Aug. 31 of the proposed budget for City Council. The total city revenue under the proposed budget would be $90,781,695, with expenditures adding up to $88,081,993. About $55 million of the budget is from a 2014 bond, with another $6 million from capital improvement projects from last year that will extend into the coming fiscal year. The budget includes $25,472,017 for general, water and wastewater funds, with general fund expenditures costing $10,463,824. An additional $62,616,476 will be set aside for capital improvement expenditures. The proposed tax rate is $0.3704 per $100 valuation, lower than other nearby cities. Kyle 2016-17 tax rate will be $0.5748 if approved on second reading, and San Marcos’ rate is $0.5302. The increase in the tax rate stems from the bond election. The proposed tax rate was less than what was projected ahead of the 2014 bond election, Williams said. According to the presentation, the tax rate increase would result in the owner of a $200,000 home paying $46 more per year. A public hearing was scheduled for after the presentation so Buda residents could voice their opinions, but no one showed up to speak. Another public hearing for the tax rate also failed to attract any public commenters. Williams said there will be second hearings on the budget and tax rate Sept. 6, and the adoption will be Sept. 20.