The Buda City Council adopted the tax rate and new budget for the 2021-22 fiscal year at their regular meeting on Sep. 20. The tax rate, at $0.3423 per $100 of taxable property, remains the same from the previous year.

Interim finance director Martie Simpson noted that while the tax rate will not change, the city is expected to make more money from it than last year.

According to agenda documents, the total operating budget for the upcoming year is $47.9 million along with $22.5 million in capital project funds for an overall total budget of $70.4 million.

The tax rate and budget take effect Oct. 1, 2021 through Sep. 30, 2022.

Additionally, the council approved a new City of Buda Parks Master Plan, with amendments to be made. Presented by Parks and Recreation Director Greg Olmer and Jordan Maddox of Halff Associates, an engineering and architecture consulting firm, the new plan is set to carry Buda through 2030.

The plan lays out 10 main goals for the future of Buda’s parks including enhancing the existing parks through upgrades, expanding the number of public and private parks to accommodate the city’s growing population and prioritizing access, equity and inclusivity to the design and location of future parks.

According to the plan, the growing population of Buda is leading to a scarcity in land. The city has recognized the importance of planning amenities and parks for future generations to come.