1. Approved a $195.52 million budget and lower property tax rate
Council members approved a $195.52 million appropriations budget and a $0.61 per $100 valuation tax rate at a Sept. 12 meeting.
While the new tax rate is approximately $0.02 lower than it was in 2022, it is expected to raise more in property taxes overall as property values rise, according to a meeting presentation.
2. Chose a new city manager
Celina City Council members confirmed Robert Ranc as the next city manager in a Nov. 15 city news release.
Ranc was one of three finalists for the position, one of whom was interim City Manager Karla Stovall, following a nationwide search, according to the news release.
3. Made room for additional firefighters
Celina City Council members amended their $195.52 million fiscal year 2023-24 budget by $664,284 during a special-called Oct. 27 meeting.
The funds will go toward bringing six firefighters to the city’s incoming Fire Station No. 3, which is slated to open in January, interim City Manager Karla Karla Stovall said.
4. Approved design contracts for a new 100-acre city park
Celina City Council members approved a $2.53 million contract with engineering company Dunaway Associates for the first phase of designs for Wilson Creek Park during their Aug. 21 meeting.
Once built, the park will feature a disc golf course, several pickleball courts, walking trails and more.
