Plano city officials include, from left: City Manager Bruce Glasscock and council members Rick Grady, Mayor Pro Tem Lissa Smith, Mayor Harry LaRosiliere, Angela Miner, Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Ben Harris, David Downs, Ron Kelley and Tom Harrison[/caption]A question for Harry LaRosiliere, mayor
What does 2017 have in store for Plano?
We are such a big entity and big things happen incrementally. We have to piece together a lot over the next few years to see the true results. Economic development remains at the forefront of what makes us successful and helps us continue to regenerate our city. What we will see in 2017 is also the continuation of creating a sense of community. We’re a big city, but we’ve succeeded in remaining a small community. That’s the challenge before us every day; every day we have to deliver the best, and I confidently say we are up to that challenge.
Big decisions made in 2016
Economic development
The city approved a $4.9 million economic incentive agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank in January. The agreement includes a 10-year tax abatement starting in 2018. JPMorgan Chase will occupy about 1-million square feet of office space in Legacy West. The banking giant is expected to add $150 million in real property improvements and $70 million in business property to Plano. Company officials hope to move about 6,000 employees starting in mid-2017 and complete the move sometime in 2018.
Budget for FY 2016-17
The City Council approved Plano’s $528 million budget for fiscal year 2016-17 on Sept. 12 to include a property tax rate at 47.86 cents per $100 valuation, one cent lower than last year. The budget is projected to raise $12 million more in property tax revenue, a 7.5 percent increase from last year.
Water rate review
On Dec. 14, Plano officials joined the cities of Garland, Mesquite and Richardson to ask the Public Utility Commission of Texas to review the North Texas Municipal Water District’s member city water rates. The third party review will look at the six-decade-old water supply contract to determine if it is discriminatory or consistent with water conservation.
Top issues for 2017
City Council elections
Councilmen David Downs, Place 8, and Mayor Harry LaRosiliere are up for reelection on May 6. City Council places 2 and 4 will also appear on the ballot. Candidate packets are now available, and the last day to file an application for a place on the ballot is Feb. 17.
Infrastructure
City officials said they would also focus on moving key projects forward to enhance the longevity of Plano’s infrastructure, including water and sewer updates as well as street improvements.
Recreation center improvements
Several parks and recreation bond projects are expected to begin or be complete by 2018. Projects include expansions at the Senior Recreation Center and improvements at Liberty, Carpenter Park and Oak Point recreation centers.
Transportation
The city will continue to work with Dallas Area Rapid Transit as the Cotton Belt Line project moves forward. The light-rail system will bring a second station to downtown Plano, which is expected be a driving force for expanding the downtown footprint.
