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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEuless Today Budget Edition 2004/2005200412005 Budget Edition The City of Euless 201 N. Ector Drive Euless, Texas 76039 817-685-1821 www.euiess.org pm hough Euless continues to face a challenging economic environment, City Manager Joe Hennig's budget for fiscal year 2004-05 maintains the current property tax rate, improves Fire/EMS services and avoids service reductions. As we grow to an expected population of more than 50,000 in 2005, the personnel being added tie directly to the services provided to our citizens. The proposed operating budget is up approximately 3% from the fiscal year 2003-04. Described as a conservative increase, this will address the City's priorities of: • Upholding programs and services for citizens • Water and sewer line replacements • Competitive pay increases for staff • Maintaining appropriate reserve levels • Funding for three new firemen and a new fire truck • Pipeline Road will be expanded from Raider to HWY 10 • Glade Road will be reconstructed from SH 121 to SH 360 General Fund revenues are expected to increase by 5.9% this year due to new growth, increased valuations and additional building permits. City property and sales taxes, as well as other fees support this part of the budget. "Our goal is to provide the most livable community possible for our citizens while providing the services and facilities that are necessary for the continued growth of our city," said Joe Hennig. "The conservative budget we have approved will accomplish these goals." -------------------------------------------------------- 1993 0.618617 1994 0.616000 1995 0.606000 1996 0.544980 1997 0.524754 1998 0.524754 1999 0.514754 2000 0.514754 2001 0.497254 2002 0.497254 2003 0.495000 2004 0.495000 Yearly 0.630 -� 0.610 0.590 0.570 0.550 0.530 0.510 0.490 0.470 0.450, ^�R, 9�6 e0 0� ooti tio1 ti ti A Word from the Mayor Dear Citizens, The City Council has approved the city budget,. for 2004-2005 and we are pleased to present another year with no tax increase. We have not Mayor Mary Lib Saleh increased taxes since 1993, but we are fortunate to have increased home values, economic development and the rental car agency at the D/FW airport. This has been a good year for Euless as we continue to improve our infrastructure, add sidewalks, remodel older buildings, improve our parks, update our equipment and of course provide the best safety services for our citizens. Euless Main Street has a brand new look and the landscaping will be planted in late October. Other services are listed such as: Fire Service Emergency Calls...................4,487 Police Service Emergency Calls ............... 97,666 Public Works Calls.................................293 (Plus cleaning 55,000 linear feet of sewer mains) Animal Shelter Calls.............................1,396 This does not include Code Enforcement services, Building Inspections and Permits, Environmental Health services, Recreational and Parks amenities, Library services and many more. While many other cities are having to raise taxes, our staff and council continually work together to watch expenses while putting aside monies for a rainy day. The car rental tax has been a large contributor to our three special funds: the general fund, the capital improvement projects (CIP) and the reserve (savings) fund. For the 2004-2005 year we plan a new fire station, three additional firemen and a fire truck. Pipeline Road from Route 10 to Raider Drive will be under construction (the last project from the 1998 bond election). Harwood Road from Main Street to Hwy 157 will be re -surfaced. Acme Brick Company is remodeling the old Furr's Cafeteria for their new sales headquarters. There are many more projects coming our way. Our Mission is to provide our citizens the most efficient services possible that protect and enhance quality of life, through planning and visionary leadership. Your city council and city staff work diligently to remain true to our Mission. Where city dollars come from, where they go, and why If you're a smart shopper, you want to know what you're getting for your money. It's no different when it comes to the government services you "purchase" with your tax dollars. The following guide to city finance will help you be a smart government consumer as well as an informed participant in your local government. Q: How big is Euless' budget? A: Pretty big- $68 million for this fiscal year (which actually runs from October 1, 2004 through September 30, 2005). Q: How is Euless' budget developed? A: Very carefully. The budget represents an attempt to make our vision a reality. City Council and city staff undertook a number of planning activities that helped shape our current budget, including financial planning by City Council to secure funding for capital improvement projects. Q: Where are Euless' financial priorities? A: Our Future - Planning for the future through an ambitious capital improvement program. Our Environment - Conservation and care of our environment through recycling, composting, water conservation and maintaining and expanding urban forestry. Our Neighborhoods - Sidewalk improvements, street paving, traffic signals and lighting. Economic Development - Increased economic growth through marketing Euless as a business destination. City Services - Enhancement of recreational opportunities such as the Parks at Texas Star, the Public Library and the Parks system. City Employees - A competitive employee compensation package that retains outstanding employees and contributes to their rising cost of health insurance. Q: How do businesses affect the city's finances? A: A good portion of the city's revenue comes from property taxes. While both residences and businesses pay these taxes, businesses also increase city revenues through the payment of fees for licenses. In addition, they create jobs, thereby bringing more people into the city to live and work. Senior Tax Freeze will go into effect in 2005 The Senior Tax Freeze will go into effect on or after your 65th birthday and will be retroactive for that year. Notify the Tarrant Appraisal District after one person in your household has become 65 to qualify. You may contact the Tarrant Appraisal District at: 2500 Handley Ederville Road Fort Worth, Texas 76118 (817) 284-0024 8:00 am - 5:00 pm (Mon -Fri) General Fund Expenditores - $23,024,845 TO Expendbes Admin/ Development (15%) , Public Works (5%) Fire (22%) Taxing Jurisdicdons City of I (17°/, Tarrant County Hospital (8%) Community Services / (11%) Tarrant County College Non -departmental k, , (11%) Capital (4%) Police (32%) Tarrant County 11— D ,— Where Does Your Sales Tax Go? Crime Cont and Prevent District (0.25%) Library, Paz and Econot Developme: (0.5%) D (60%) Property Tax Reduction (0.25%) Fund (1.5%) ----------------------------------------------------- If you have questions or comments about this edition of Euless Today, please contact Betsy Boyett at 817-685-1821. T E ". CITY OF The official publication of E S