The budget keeps the tax rate flat at $0.425517 per $100 valuation while funding dozens of new public safety positions and road projects.
The details
The city budget includes several portions of money, including the utilities fund and general fund. The general fund pays for the day-to-day operation of Frisco.
The budget calls for funding 62 new positions throughout various city departments, including new police and fire personnel. The general fund will pay for 51 of these positions at a cost of about $3.4 million. The rest of the positions will be paid for through other city funds.
Frisco will throw in another $5.4 million to fund merit-based increases, market-based compensation adjustments and step increases for police and fire.
The specifics
While the tax rate will remain flat, other rates will see increases.
City staff recommended a 9% increase to water rates and a 15% increase to sewer rates to cover increased operational costs. Fees for environmental services such as recycling will increase by $1 for residents and 5% for businesses. Storm water rates are also set to increase by 20%.
A total of $79.9 million is allocated for the police department spending to fund new detective and officer positions, as well as vehicles and rifle plate gear.
About $61.5 million is set to go to the fire department to fund new positions and equipment such as portable radios.
Mayor Jeff Cheney said the budget balances taking care of the city’s existing assets while planning for the future.
“So much has gone into taking care of what we have,” he said.
What’s next?
Throughout the next year, property taxes are expected to bring in an additional $14 million due to higher values. The budget is set to go into effect Oct. 1.
