City Manager James Earp proposed a city budget of $438,474,075 for fiscal year 2024-25 during an Aug. 1 City Council meeting.

The details

The proposed budget emphasizes four strategic pillars: collaborate for operational excellence and efficiency, maintain financial stability, grow responsibly and sustainably, and create the highest quality of life

According to city documents, “the proposed budget for FY25 is a balanced, conservative plan” that fulfills “previous commitments and addresses the opportunity for additional improvements.”

Some of the major spending and projects include adding 15 new full time city positions, full funding for the annual road maintenance plan, a capital improvement plan totaling $336 million and public services and events enhancements.

What residents should know

Earp proposed a voter-approval property tax rate of $0.459607 per $100 valuation, a 12.83% change over last year. This would mean an average monthly property tax increase of $14.43, with no proposed change in water or sewer costs.

The most impacted group would be residents with homestead exemptions, with a 14.72% increase over last year. Those over 65 have their taxes frozen so would not see an increase.

Residents can access budget and tax information on the city of Hutto’s budget page.

Looking forward

There is a special meeting and budget workshop for council to continue discussion on the proposed budget Aug. 8. The next two meetings, Aug. 15 and 22, will also allow time for public input.

The first public hearing has a tentative date of Sept. 5, and may serve as the final approval date. City officials aim to have the budget and tax rate ordinance approved by Sept. 12 with a second public hearing, according to Earp.