The city's tax rate for FY 2021-22 is $0.4375. Since the proposed tax rate is below the voter-approved tax rate, the proposed tax rate will not need to go before voters.
According to the Aug. 17 presentation, the city cut an estimated $2.6 million out of the general fund, which funds daily operations of the city. In addition to shrinking the general fund expenses, the city also cut projects from its capital improvement projects program, including postponing a fire station in the Grand Central Park area to fiscal years 2027-28 to 2031-32 and reducing Carl Barton Jr. Park improvements to $500,000 this fiscal year. The city also proposed removing street rehab projects as well as the San Jacinto River Trail design project. Additional information on the San Jacinto River Trail design project was not shared in detail during the meeting.
According to an Aug. 19 release from the city, the proposed general fund budget includes funds for 10 additional police officers and eight firefighters. On Aug. 24, during a workshop meeting, City Council members are poised to discuss the budget again due to a donation that was made, according to the agenda packet.
A public hearing will be held Aug. 25 at 9:30 a.m. for the budget, and City Council will hold a public hearing for the tax rate and vote on the proposed budget and tax rate Sept. 8 at 6 p.m., according to an Aug. 19 release from the city of Conroe.
