The overview
Budget Director Karen Rhodes-Whitley informed council on considerations pertaining to staff compensation, utility rates and the property tax rate during the July 26 council meeting.
Rhodes-Whitley said the initial proposal for staff compensation was a 3% increase for all noncivil servants and police and fire personnel. Longevity pay—based on the months of service—would increase to $8 per month, according to a presentation to council.
To account for proposed North Texas Municipal Water District increases to both wholesale water and wastewater rates, the city is planning to raise its utility rates. Rhodes-Whitley said the preliminary estimates include a 6% increase for water and 3% increase for sewer, but rate changes would not take effect until Nov. 1.
She added that the initial estimate for the tax rate would be unchanged at $0.4176 with a final figure to be determined in August before adoption in September.
By the numbers
- 2023-24 general fund revenues are estimated at $362.39 million, a 9.9% increase.
- 2023-24 general fund total appropriations are $392.58 million, an 8.9% increase.
- 2023-24 water and sewer fund revenues are projected to be $214.12 million, a 9.4% increase.
- 2023-24 water and sewer fund total appropriations are budgeted at $218.02 million, a 7% increase.
Rhodes-Whitley said a town hall for the proposed budget will take place Aug. 22 with a review of the proposed tax rate Aug. 14. The solid waste rate will be presented during the Aug. 17 meeting.
Residents can view information about the proposed budget using the city’s dedicated dashboard.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect that the town hall was rescheduled from Aug. 10 to Aug 22.
