Council Approves First Read of FY 2010-2011 Budget

At the September 14 meeting, Council approved the first read of the FY 2010-2011 Annual Budget. This year’s assessed valuation comes in at 2.98% less than the previous year and the city’s sales tax revenues have remained flat. In preparation of the budget, City staff looked for efficiencies to continue the service delivery expectation of the community. The approved general fund budget reflects a 2.2% reduction compared to the previous year adopted budget, despite the addition of one full-time position and the upgrade of two part-time positions to full-time. Decreases in the services, supplies and capital categories more than offset an increase in personnel. No tax rate increase is proposed and the current tax rate of $.56963 has been maintained since 2000. Initiatives this year include continued support of the Community Policing model, the ongoing utilization of technology to facilitate resident access to information and program efficiencies, completion of the Municipal Service Center and the Robert & Lee DuVall Center, maintaining employee benefits and provide a modest salary increase to remain competitive and the continuation of the construction of trails and a master plan for development of Doubletree Ranch. Council will consider the final read of the FY 10-11 Budget on September 28.

“The preparation of the budget this year has been one of the most challenging since I’ve been on Council. In order to present a balanced budget, sacrifices came from the top down. Department heads and Council have all decreased their budgets. I appreciate the hard work of everyone involved,” stated Mayor Scott McDearmont.

Also at this meeting Council approved a resolution ratifying emergency expenditures and authorizing the City Manager to take future emergency action regarding the Highland Village Road failure. The heavy storms on September 8 caused severe damages to Highland Village Road constituting a declaration of disaster. The City is working with Denton County to expedite the voter approved funding for the reconstruction of this section of Highland Village Road. Highland Village Road is currently closed from Doubletree Lane to Sellmeyer Boulevard until the road can be reconstructed. City Manager Michael Leavitt stated the road will likely be closed for a six-month period.

During the City Manager Report, Michael Leavitt invited residents to attend the Open House and Ribbon Cutting for the new Municipal Service Center and the Robert & Lee DuVall Center located at 948 Highland Village Road. The event will take place on Tuesday, September 21 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. and will include tours of the new facilities. Parking is only available at the Municipal Complex at 1000 Highland Village Road, with shuttle service to and from the new facilities scheduled every ten minutes.