As the 13th-largest city in Texas, the city of Garland serves nearly 250,000 residents and employs more than 2,300 staff. Following months of development and review, the operating budget for fiscal year 2023-24 was approved by council at the Sept. 5, meeting.
Priorities of the $948 million budget include a focus on public safety with the addition of nine firefighter positions and increased compensation for police officers to retain and recruit staff in this competitive market.
The 2023-24 budget also includes a 3% merit increase for general schedule employees to remain competitive. It also funds support of the operations of facilities improved and new amenities built as part of the 2004 and 2019 bond programs. Additional priorities include strengthening citywide staffing to improve programs and services and maintaining high levels of reserves to respond to unforeseen financial challenges.
“As an organization, we want to build the stage where the residents of Garland can each live their best life,” City Manager Judson Rex said. “The budget adopted by the City Council provides the resources to continue building the stage. I would like to commend Team Garland for their diligent work related to this year’s budget. I believe it provides a high level of value and service to the community. I also cannot overemphasize how essential the City Council’s uncompromising commitment to the city’s financial integrity and quality of service is in developing the budget.”
At the Sept. 5 meeting, City Council adopted the 2023-24 property tax rate of 68.97 cents per $100 in valuation as well.
This marks a 2.7 cent decrease from the 2022-23 tax rate and Garland’s lowest tax rate since 2007-08.
Residents will see average monthly rate increases of approximately $2.87 for water. In addition, there will be an increase of $1.50 for stormwater and 94 cents for sewer services. There are no projected rate changes for trash/recycling and electric services.
For more information, visit the 2023-24 proposed operating budget website and watch the Sept. 5 City Council meeting. The city of Garland’s 2023-24 fiscal year begins Sunday, Oct. 1.