Garland’s City Manager Bryan Bradford presented the 2018-19 fiscal year budget to the City Council Aug. 7. The proposed budget totals $737.9 million, which is 2.4 percent higher than last year’s approved budget amount.
The city’s property tax base currently totals $15.1 billion and this represents a $1.5 billion increase over last year, a more than a 10 percent jump.
In the written message that accompanied the budget, Bradford listed his priorities as:
- Maintain increased funding for street repair
- Address staffing needs in police and fire departments
- Increase redevelopment
- Enhance city’s ability to complete capital projects
- Increase park maintenance and expand city event venues
- Enhance animal care at city’s shelter
To accomplish these goals, the budget includes $27.2 million for street/alley repairs; adds 14 positions in police and fire departments; adds a coordinator for public/private redevelopment partnerships; adds two senior engineers and operations manager for capital projects; increases funds for additional staff, materials and repairs in parks and event venues; adds officer and funding for emergency vet care at shelter. 911 text capability and wifi at recreation centers and pools, as well as police patrol assignment pay are also included.
This budget will require no property tax increase with the rate remaining at 70.46 cents per $100 of valuation.
It does, however, call for an increase in water and sewer rates with the average monthly increase being $6.04. There will also be a $2 per month increase for sewer service.
City departments have made presentations to council explaining specific budgetary needs for the 2018-19 fiscal year.
Residents are invited to address council with concerns. Remaining opportunities are Sept. 4 at the Regular City Council Meeting and Thursday, Sept. 6 at a Special Session Budget Work Session. The last opportunity is Sept. 18 at the Regular City Council meeting when it will be adopted after the final public hearing.