Big decisions made in 2015
• Bond election In November, voters participated in the largest bond election held by the city to date. Five of the seven bond proposals in the $160.3 million election passed, bringing improvements to infrastructure, municipal buildings, public safety and a dam. • Increased annexations The city was more aggressive in 2015 in annexing land because of the lack of permitting rights held by the city for projects built within its extraterritorial jurisdiction, or land outside city limits that can only be annexed by McKinney. • Water rate increase The North Texas Municipal Water District water rates have been increasing by at least 10 percent each year since fiscal year 2011-12. These rate increases, coupled with less revenue to the city’s water and wastewater fund, prompted city officials to pass on the full 11 percent increase by the NTMWD to residents in 2015.Top issues for 2016
• 2040 comprehensive plan update In 2015 the city began updating its comprehensive plan, which provides direction for the development of the community, including land use, transportation, parks and recreation, urban design and utilities. Adoption of this plan will take place this fall. • Permitting rights In June the city of McKinney and Collin County Commissioners Court discussed permitting rights within the city’s ETJ. Commissioners said state law prohibits them from granting the city more permitting control within its ETJ. Discussion will continue in 2016. • Airport development The city asked for $50 million for land acquisitions and updates to the airport during November’s bond election. The funding was denied by voters, but city officials say they will still focus on improving McKinney National Airport in 2016, which officials say is a key economic driver.Meetings McKinney City Council meets at 6 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at McKinney City Hall, 222 N. Tennessee St. 972-547-7504. www.mckinneytexas.org Terms and compensation Council members and the mayor can serve no more than three consecutive four-year terms. Members receive $50 per meeting. Video coverage Meetings are streamed live on the city of McKinney’s website and are available in the agenda archives at www.mckinneytexas.org.
