Although Missouri City City Council unanimously approved and adopted its $90.19 million 2016 budget in June, council will approve the city’s tax rate in October. The approved budget reflects a $1.06 million decrease in the city’s general revenue due to a decrease from $.565 to $.544 in the city’s rollback tax rate, which determines how much revenue the city receives from property taxes. Although the city has seen an increase of taxable property values, the decreasing rollback tax rate will not affect funds allocated for city services. Acting City Manager Bill Atkinson said the city expects to recover from the $1.06 million shortfall by using more that $1 million of reserve funds that have accumulated from the city’s Fleet Replacement Fund—established to derive revenue from the city’s fleet of passenger vehicles and light trucks. “The city will move forward in implementing the same level of services outlined in June when the budget was approved,” Atkinson said. “Residents may be assured that there will be no impact to existing and proposed city services.” The approved budget shows an increase in public safety expenditures due to salary increases for Missouri City Police Department employees. City Council approved a $1.4 million budget increase intended to provide competitive wages for MCPD. City officials said the salary increase is expected to help attract new officers and retain current employees. The budget also includes $64,400 for various citywide facility maintenance projects, including Missouri City’s Community Center renovation project, roof repairs to City Hall, various drainage improvements and reconstruction to portions of Gregory Boulevard and Turtle Creek Drive. Atkinson said the increases in police salaries and maintenance projects fall in line with the city’s 2029 strategic plan to improve the city’s infrastructure and services. “The city’s 2029 strategic plan, adopted by City Council in October 2014, set the priorities for the fiscal year 2016 budget,” Atkinson said. “The strategic plan outlines the most pressing issues and priorities that are essential to improving Missouri City and measures the city’s ongoing process.” Missouri City City Council is expected to adopt the 2016 tax rate Oct. 5 and has scheduled two public hearings to discuss the proposed rate. Residents may participate in the public hearings scheduled for Sept. 17 and Sept. 21 at City Hall, 1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City.