HomeMy WebLinkAboutEuless Today 11/20111011 November
Dear Citizens,
Euless has had our
share of hard times
during this eco-
nomic downturn
just as many cities
in North Texas. For-
tunately, our city
has not been hit as hard as many
of our neighbors. The Euless
City Council approved a bal-
anced budget that does not cut
services for our residents. Over
the last couple of years, we have
been working hard to provide
citizens with continued service
while keeping costs down. That's
tough to do today with rising
costs. It is important that we
maintain a stable tax rate for our
residents.
Thanksgiving and Christmas
will be here before you know it.
Don't forget Raven's Grille at
Texas Star. Let them cater your
parry or better yet, reserve a
lovely room at the Conference
Centre and let them take care of
everything. We also look forward
to our Christmas Parade of
Lights and the Heritage Park cel-
ebration, along with many other
events.
You make Euless a great city and
TOGETHER WE ARE BUILD-
ING A BETTER TOMORROW.
A2,�_ �
p auurioa of EULESS
•
No Tax Increase in the FY 2012 Budget
The City of Euless is pleased that the FY
2012 budget continues all existing
programs and services for our citizens
and maintains the tax rate at the current
rate of 47(t per $100 of valuation. As we
prepared this budget, the primary
concerns were continuing all existing
services for our citizens, maintaining
appropriate staffing levels, and
maintaining reserve levels in
accordance with the City's fiscal
policies. A copy of the budget is on file
in the City Secretary's Office, the city's
website and the library for citizens to
review.
In addition to the operating expenses,
the General Fund budget includes a
drawdown of excess reserves to fund
capital expenses of $1,259,278. These
funds will allow the city to provide
funding for public safety radios,
equipment, computer replacements,
and it will provide funding to
continue public safety training
programs, which were previously
funded by the State of Texas. This
budget restores funding for
infrastructure improvements and
provides funding to assume the
maintenance of TXDOT traffic signals
as required by the state.
General Fund
The General Fund is the largest fund
and supports primary governmental
functions. The majority of the total
revenues for this fund are made up of
property tax (30%) and sales tax
(28%). The remainder is derived from
franchise fees (13%), fines (14%),
permits (3%) and other miscellaneous
sources (12%).
The majority of the general fund is
dedicated to police and fire operations
with the remaining funds supporting
park and community services, street
maintenance, development services,
library services, city administration,
and general overhead which includes
utilities, audit services, appraisal and
tax services, and other expenditures
that are not directly related to a
specific department.
(continued next page)
Euless Today is published by the City of Euless
201 N. Ector Dr. ♦ Euless, TX 76039 1 817-685-1400 ♦ eulessinfooeulesstx gov
Euless Cable Channel 16 ♦ www.EuiessTx.gov/MyEuless
Euless saw its tax base expand for many years.
However, as the recession began in FY 2009, Euless
began to see declines in the overall tax base. In FY
2010, the tax base dropped 3%, and in FY 2011 it
declined an additional 5.2%. Based on the values
provided by Tarrant Appraisal District, the
appraised values for FY 2012 have increased 5.9%
over the prior year, but they are still below the 2009
level.
Over the last couple of years, we have made very
deep cuts to our budget, which included a
reduction in infrastructure improvements, non-
mandatory travel and training, overtime, and
substantial departmental cuts. We have also delayed
vehicle replacements and equipment purchases. We
were able to restore some of our infrastructure
improvements in the FY 2012 budget, but the
majority of the other cuts have been carried over to
FY2012.
Water and Wastewater Fund
The second largest operating fund is the water and
wastewater fund. This fund covers the cost of
purchasing water from Trinity River Authority
(TRA), the cost of wastewater treatment by TRA, all
expenses associated with water production and
distribution, meter reading, billing, debt payments,
overhead expense, and infrastructure replacement.
We were advised by TRA that our water cost will
increase 21 4� and wastewater treatment will increase
4C. This is a 3% increase over the FY 2011 budget.
In 2009, the Euless City Council implemented a
tiered water rate that encourages efficient water use.
A 21(t increase has been implemented for the first
two tiers which includes the first 8,000 gallons of
water used monthly. A 23 (t increase in the third tier,
264t increase to the fourth tier, and 30C increase to
the final tier. Sensible water practices will always be
a concern for our community and this will continue
to reward efficient water use.
The Euless City Council established a rate
stabilization fund to help our residents with
increasing costs in water. In FY 2012, a rebate of 21 C
per 1,000 gallons will be given to single-family
Taxable
Valuations 11iytery
s.n
0-2,000
s,so
-.21 = $2.27
3,000 - 8,000
$3.20 +.21 = $3.41
SAM
9,000 - 15,000
Ln
-.21 = $3.77
i,"o
$4.10 +.26 = $4.36
Ls
Over 35,000
L"
o.7s
Maw MW
residential customers up to 15,000 gallons per
month. This credit will offset the entire rate
increase for the average household use of 8,000
gallons a month. This rebate can only be
guaranteed for one year and will be evaluated
annually. This credit will not apply to irrigation -
only meters in order to encourage conservation.
Wastewater rates will have an increase of 44 per
thousand gallons. Residential wastewater charges
are capped at 90% of water consumption up to
12,000 gallons.
Gallons of Water
Residential per 1,000/gal
with rate increase
With Rate
Stabilization Rebate
0-2,000
$2.27 +.21 = $2.48
-.21 = $2.27
3,000 - 8,000
$3.20 +.21 = $3.41
-.21 = $3.20
9,000 - 15,000
$3.75 +.23 = $3.98
-.21 = $3.77
16,000 - 35,000
$4.10 +.26 = $4.36
Over 35,000
$4.66 +.30 = $4.96
Car Rental Fund
The car rental fund is the third largest operating
fund and is solely supported by a 5% tax
authorized by Euless citizens in 1999 on the
short-term rental of motor vehicles. A portion of
these funds are allocated by the Euless City
Council to reduce debt, maintain a stable tax rate,
and cash flow numerous capital projects
including drainage improvements, street
improvements, facility improvements, and
upgrades to city parks. These funds have a direct
reduction on the property tax rate of
approximately 5.94Z.
Capital Improvement
Projects
The FY 2012 capital budget
includes funding for creek
maintenance, which would allow
for additional clean out of creek
beds following large rain events,
Tarrant County street overlay
projects, Glade Parks infrastructure
improvements, miscellaneous
street repairs, and ADA
improvements.
Proposed water and wastewater
projects include wastewater line
replacements between Blanco and
Aransas and between Blanco and
Crane. Phase I of line relocations
associated with North Tarrant
Express construction, extension of
the reclaimed water line, removal
of the storage tank and building at
the old public works facility, and
an update to the water and
wastewater impact fee study.
Other projects proposed include
funding for equipment and facility
improvements to accommodate
those with disabilities in
accordance with the Americans
with Disabilities Act, funds for the
design of a future indoor/outdoor
aquatics facility, miscellaneous
improvements at Texas Star Golf
Course, and construction of Phase
IV at the Texas Star Sports
Complex.
Input from Euless residents
provided at the June Town Hall
meeting helped shape the
recommendations for this budget
while maintaining a stable tax rate.
We believe this is a fiscally sound
budget that meets our city's
primary objectives including:
maintaining financial in-
tegrity, providing public
safety and health services to
the community, employing
high quality and professional
personnel, promoting quality
infrastructure improvements,
providing quality leisure
opportunities, and instilling
a sense of community in
residents.
Tax Rate - All Entitles
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Preparation of this budget included a city-wide effort to meet our
objectives without impacting the quality service provided to our
citizens. We will continue to take a conservative approach in the
upcoming fiscal year.
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Thanksgiving Dinner To Go
Take the stress out of Thanksgiving and let Raven's Grille prepare your feast. Order your entire meal
or choose from any of our selected menu items. All orders must be placed by 2:00 p.m. on Friday,
November 18. To place your order call 817-685-1843.
Christmas Parade of Lights
"The Nutcracker"
Saturday, December 3, 6:30 p.m.
Euless Family Life Center, 300 W. Midway Dr.
The parade begins at 6:30 p.m. at Midway Dr. and Fuller -
Wiser. It will travel west on Midway and end at Trinity High
School.
Celebrate the spirit of Christmas at the 18th Annual
Christmas Parade of Lights. Organizations of all kinds
are may enter floats in the best parade in Texas! Let
your imagination run wild as you consider this year's
theme "The Nutcracker." It's the story of a little girl
who on Christmas Eve helps break the spell on her
wooden nutcracker and watches him turn into a
handsome prince. Together, they fly to the Land of
Sweets, where they meet dancers, toy soldiers, a
Mouse King, and the Sugar Plum Fairy. For more
information, or to receive a float application, call 817-
685-1449 or email jpoteet@eulesstx.gov. All
participants are asked to attend an informational
meeting on November 14 at the Euless Family Life
Senior Center to discuss safety issues.
Heritage Park Christmas Celebration
Saturday, December 10, 1-5 p.m.
Heritage Park, 201 Cullum Dr.
Celebrate an old-fashioned Christmas at our historic
Heritage Park. Members of the Euless Historical
Preservation fir„ rKp
Society will
conduct guided
tours of the
150 -year-old
Himes Log
House and the
Fuller House --
both decorated for the holiday season! You can
listen to local choirs sing your favorite Christmas
songs, enjoy arts and crafts, and play games. Kids
can visit with Santa and even make their own
Christmas ornaments. In addition, we will have free
refreshments for everyone. Holiday cheer and a
Euless history wrapped up in one great afternoon.
Call 817-685-1666 for more information.
Euless Family Life Senior Center 300 W. Midway Dr. 817-685-1671
HOURS: MON/TUES/WED/FRI: 6:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. ♦ THEIRS: 6:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Free AARP Driver Safety Class
for Veterans
Nov 18, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
The AARP Driver Safety Program (DSP) will offer
a free DSP class to members of the United States
Armed Forces. Any military personnel—active
duty, retired, guard, or reserve—regardless of age,
are eligible. The AARP has a profound respect and
admiration for the members of the United States
Armed Forces and are pleased to give back to our
nation's service members. Veterans include those
individuals who have served in the Army, Navy, Air
Force, Marines, National Guard/Reserves, or Coast
Guard. Spouses are eligible with a valid military
spouse identification. NOTE: Class size will be
limited to 25.
Kenny Marchant's Veterans Fair
Saturday, November 5, 10 a.m. - noon
Euless Family Life Center Ballroom,
300 W. Midway
The 2011 Veterans Fair is a fun and informative
experience for the men and women who have
served in our United States military. Please stop by
for more information on:
• Veterans Benefits
• Veterans Organizations
• Veterans Programs
Refreshments, music and prizes will be available
for attendees. For more information, please
contact Marchant's District Office at (972) 556-
0162.
*Registration is required for these activities two weeks prior to the activity. Must have 10 for the activity to make. For detailed
event descriptions, please visit www.eulesstx.gov/pacs/seniorcenter.htm
November Events
Date
Event
Price Time
4
Baked Potato Bar
11:45 a.m. $2
5
Kenny Marchant's Veterans Fair
10 a.m.-noon
9
Kaleidoscope Making Class
10 a.m. - noon $25
11
White Elephant Bingo
10 a.m.
Thanksgiving Pot Luck (meat provided)
11:45 a.m.
(Bring a covered Dish)
16
Senior Holiday Luncheon by North Main BBQ
11:45 a.m.
(Doors open at 11 a.m. Must have ticket and be a Euless
resident or a current
member of the Euless Family Life Senior Center.)
24-25
Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday
*Registration is required for these activities two weeks prior to the activity. Must have 10 for the activity to make. For detailed
event descriptions, please visit www.eulesstx.gov/pacs/seniorcenter.htm
NOVEMBER CLASSES
For a more complete descriptions, visit www.eulesstx.gov/eflc or on Facebooh "Euless Parks & Community Services':
110315-03
Euless Family Life Center
(300 W. Midway Dr.)
M/TH
6-7pm
SPECIAL THANKSGIVING HOURS: THURSDAY, NOV. 24: CLOSED ♦ FRIDAY, NOV. 25: 7 A.M. - 6 P.M.
HOURS: M-TH: 5:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. ♦ FRI:
5:30 a.m.
- 8 p.m. ♦ SAT:
8 a.m.
- 6 p.m. ♦ SUN:
1 - 6 p.m.
CHILD DEVELOPMENT
CLASS#
BEG
AGE
DAY
TIME
#WKS
Signing Time Academy
110020-03
11/7
4m -10y
M
10:30-11:30am
4/$55
Mommy & Me Gymnastics
110181-02
11/7
18-30m
M
6-6:45pm
6/$62
Art for Twoosy Doodlers
110004-03
11/2
20-36m
W
9:30-10:30am
4/$40
Independent Two's
110001-03
11/7
2
M
9am-12:30pm
4/$45
Signing Time Holiday Crafts
110015-02
11/12
2-11
S
10-11am
1/$17
Art for Mini Doodlers
110005-03
11/2
3-5
W
5-6pm
4/$40
Fun Time for Learners
110002-03
10/24
3-5
M/W
9am-1pm
4/$102
Terrific Tuesday & Thursday
110003-03
10/25
3-5
T/TH
9am-lpm
4/$102
Fun Fridays Pre -School
110010-03
11/4
3-5
F
9am-lpm
3/$47
Jazz & Ballet Combo
110200-02
11/5
3-6
S
10-10:45am
6/$62
Hip Hop Dance
110208-02
11/5
3-6
S
11-11:45am
6/$62
Just 4 Flips Gymnastics
110210-02
11/7
3-6
M
5-5:45pm
6/$62
Just 4 Flips Cheerleading
110215-02
11/7
3-7
M
7-7:45pm
6/$62
YOUTH f TEEN ACTIVITIES
Lil' Dribblers
110515-03
11/5
5-9
S
10-10:45am
3/$27
You Can Paint Youth
110815-03
11/10
5-13
TH
4-5:30pm
1/$22
Beginner Drum/Percussion
111011-03
10/25
6-15
T
3:45-4:30pm
4/$25
Making the Cut Basketball
110520-03
11/5
8-14
S
10:45-11:15am
3/$32
ADULT ACIP TTIES
Cardio Dance & Sculpt
110315-03
11/7
13+
M/TH
6-7pm
6/$34
Hatha Yoga
110330-03
11/1
13+
T/TH
7-8pm
3/$36
Zumba
110300-03
11/2
13+
M/W
7-8pm
3.5/$46
You Can Oil Paint
110810-03
11/10
14+
TH
6-9pm
1/$37
Basic Chinese
111008-03
11/1
14+
T
7-8pm
3/$25
Boot Camp
110350-03
11/1
16+
T/TH/F5:45-6:45am
3/$51
Digital Photography
110830-03
11/2
16+
W
7-8pm
3/$35
Retirement Has Changed
111004-03
11/10
18+
TH
10-11:30am
FREE
DR PEPPER STAR CENTER
1400 S. Pipeline, 76040 ♦
817-267-4233
11/17
18+
Tot Ice Skating
111161-02
11/5
3-4
S
11:15-11:45am
2/$30
Skate Like a Star
111162-03
11/1
5-13
T
6:15-6:45pm
2/$30
Skate Like a Star
111162-04
11/5
5-13
S
10:45-11:15am
2/$30
Adult Ice Skating
111165-02
11/1
14+
T
6:45-7:15pm
2/$30
SIMMONS ACTIVITY CENTER 508 Simmons Dr., 76040
Taekwondo-Tigerkubs
110130-02
11/5
5-8
S
9-9:45am
6/$27
Taekwondo-Beginners
110131-02
11/1
8-12
T/S
6-7:15pm/11-11:45am
6.5/$69
Taekwondo-Advanced
110132-02
10/31
8-14
M/TH
6-7:15pm
6.5/$69
Taekwondo-Adult
110134-02
11/1
13+
T/TH
7:30-9:00pm
6.5/$70
Hapkido
110133-03
11/7
13+
M
7:30-9pm
4/$26
FAMILY CHALLENGE SERIES
Couples Crystal Ball
111045-03
11/3
18+
TH
7-8:30pm
1/$50
The Young Family
111050-03
11/10
18+
TH
7-8:30pm
1/$50
The Not -So -Empty -Nest
111055-03
11/17
18+
TH
7-8:30pm
1/$50
Our Aging Parents
111060-03
12/1
18+
TH
7-8:30pm
1/$50
WATER AEROBICS & WELLNESS
Classes held at the Trinity High School Natatorium
Water Aerobics/ Wellness
120011-05
11/2
17+
M/W/IH
11-11:45am
4/$42
Water Aerobics/ Wellness
120011-06
11/1
17+
M/TCIH
7-7:45pm
4/$42