In partnership with the community, we are committed to providing quality services through thoughtful planning, fiscal responsibility and accessible, responsive leadership resulting in a continuously improving quality of life.
For the Year Ended September 30, 2024 505 W.
Dear Citizens of Azle,
The City Council, Staff, and I are pleased to present the City’s Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) for the year ended September 30, 2024. We hope you find the information contained herein helpful, as this report is intended to simplify and summarize the information contained in the City’s Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). The 2024 ACFR presents a more detailed picture of the City’s financial condition and is available on the City’s website, www. cityofazle.org.
Azle continues to attract the interest of both residential and commercial developers, which is a testament to the City’s business-friendly atmosphere and the exceptional quality of life enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. However, development activity has been somewhat dampened by inflationary pressure and rising interest rates. Like our citizens, the City is not immune to these economic factors and their impacts, of which the City Council and Staff closely monitor these conditions and its impact in our ability to serve you. We remain committed to providing firstclass amenities and services to you while maintaining a strong financial position and acting as good stewards of your public funds.
As this will be my final message regarding the PAFR, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude. After 22 years of service, I am retiring as Mayor of Azle—a city I have been truly honored to serve.
I want to extend my sincere thanks to all the dedicated City of Azle employees. So many of you work behind the scenes, often without recognition, to keep this city running smoothly for our citizens. Your commitment and hard work do not go unnoticed, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
To the citizens of Azle—thank you for your trust and support over the years. Serving you has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and I know Azle's future is bright.
Though I may be stepping down as Mayor, I’m not saying goodbye. I’ll continue to be involved in our community through various organizations, and I look forward to seeing you all around town.
This isn’t goodbye—it’s just see you later.
A Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) is a document that consolidates information from the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) to create an easy-to-read report for citizens. This report is designed to provide a summary of the City’s overall financial condition in a user friendly format providing citizens with the City activities completed over the prior year.
Although this report is largely derived from the City’s 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), it is not prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The report is presented in a summarized manner and certain financial statements, discretely presented component units and note disclosures required by GAAP are omitted. A copy of the City’s audited 2024 ACFR, which is prepared in accordance with GAAP and contains more detailed information, is located on the City's website at www.cityofazle.org. The City’s website also includes a wealth of information about the various activities of City departments, job opportunities, budgets, council members, agendas and meetings, community events, and much more.
The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has given an Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting to the City of Azle for its Popular Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023. The Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting is a prestigious national award recognizing conformance with the highest standards for preparation of state and local government popular reports.
In order to receive an Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting, a government unit must publish a PAFR, whose contents conform to program standards of creativity, presentation, understandability
An Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting is valid for a period of one year only. We believe our current report continues to conform to the Popular Annual Financial Reporting requirements, and we are submitting it to GFOA to determine its eligibility for
Finance Officers Association Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting
Azle
City Council generally meets in the City Hall Council Chambers on the first and third Tuesdays of each month, occasionally these dates are changed due to conflicts such as elections and holidays.
The Azle City Council is composed of a mayor and six council members, all elected at-large for twoyear terms by qualified voters within the city limits of Azle. The Mayor and Council Places 3, 4 and 6 are elected in odd numbered years and Council Places 1, 2, and 5 are elected in even numbered years (unless there are resignations in other positions).
Tom Muir City Manager
Lawrence Bryant
Assistant City Manager
Stephen Barnes Finance Director
Yael Forgey City Secretary
Ben Hall Police Chief
David Hawkins Director of Planning & Development
Will Scott Fire Chief
Rick White
Public Services Director
Azle is a suburban community with a rural quality of life. Eagle Mountain Lake is the eastern border and the outer edges of Cross Timbers Golf Course make up the western border of the City. Fort Worth is just 14 miles southeast of the City and is home to the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge, museums, Bass Performance Hall, theaters, a variety of shopping options, and the Fort Worth Stockyards.
Azle is a Home Rule city with a council and boards dedicated to protecting the quality of life in the City. It is a full-service municipality committed to caring for the community and serving the citizens. Horses and cattle still have room to roam and residents have their choice of a variety of housing options.
The area in and near Azle was initially settled by a group of pioneers from Tennessee, Arkansas, Missouri, and Kentucky. Records are not clear on when the first settlers arrived, however, Dr. J. G. Reynolds was one of Azle’s first settlers and came to the area in 1846. The community was first known as Elizabeth Town, however the name was later changed to Mooresville after the owner of the only store in town. At that time there was no post office and there were only 664 settlers in all of Tarrant County.
As time went on, more settlers came and more homes were built. In 1891, a man by the name of O’Bar came to the area and was instrumental in establishing the first post office in the community, thus the settlement’s name was changed to O’Bar. Dr. James Azle Steward, one of the few doctors in the area, owned much of the land where Azle is now. Dr. Steward was a great benefactor of the community. He donated land for a variety of purposes that served the local settlers, including land for businesses, schools, and churches. Dr. Steward deeded enough land for a town site and the name was changed from O’Bar to Azle.
Azle became an incorporated city on April 23, 1957 as a general law community. In 1969, the population of the City reached 5,000 and was then eligible to become a home rule city, which allows the City to have more control over its own affairs. At that time, the Council-Manager form of government was adopted. The current City Charter was adopted on April 16, 1971 and has been amended over the years to meet the changing needs of the City.
Today, Azle is a suburban community with a rural quality of life. Azle has experienced a lot of growth, but Council is working towards preserving the small-town feel.
1841
1st Settled by James Azle Steward
Annually, Azle's City Manager, City Council, and City Staff collaboratively craft a financial blueprint for the upcoming year. Commencing in April, the budgetary deliberations persist until the finalized budget is approved and adopted by August. This iterative process involves continuous input from citizens, boards, and departments, ensuring alignment with the community's needs. The city's paramount objective remains the fulfillment of community requirements. Below outlines the timeline for the budgetary process:
April Budget outlines and dates are issued to each department.
May Mid-year explanations and preliminary budgets are due.
June Final changes to proposed budgets are due.
July City Manager reviews budget submittals
August
City Manager makes final budget decisions and presents to City Council.
August
City Council Workshop, Public Hearings, and proposed budget is adopted.
● Finalized the Comprehensive Land Use Master Plan which includes the Thoroughfare Plan, Parks Plan, and a Downtown Plan to articulate the growing needs of the City of Azle.
● Added six (3) new positions, Dispatch Supervisor, Receptionist for Animal Shelter, and Park Maintenance worker.
● Replaced two (2) ambulances that was funded by a grant from Tarrant County’s ARPA funds.
● Conducted two (2) city-wide and one (1) neighborhood cleanup days.
● Purchased emergency process generators.
● Continue and begin work on multiple drainage projects.
● Remodeled the Cross Timbers Pro Shop and Grill.
● Developed a designated food truck park.
● Renovated Shady Grove ballfields and replaced field lighting.
● Installed lighting along the walking paths at Shady Grove Park.
Purchased the following major equipment as part of the capital replacement program:
● Purchased two (2) new ambulances.
● Purchased three (3) cardiac monitors.
The Governmental Funds are used to account for essentially the same functions reported as governmental activities in the government-wide financial statements in the ACFR. However, unlike the government-wide financial statements, governmental fund financial statements focus on nearterm inflows and outflows of spendable resources, as well as on balances of spendable resources available at the end of the fiscal year. Data shown in this report comes from the government-wide financial statements in the ACFR unless otherwise noted.
The programs and functions listed are funded by two major sources: General Revenues and Program Revenues. General revenues are available to be used for any program or function and are mostly composed of tax revenues. Program revenues are collected and available for their respective programs and functions and include user fees, operating and capital grants and contributions.
In Fiscal Year 2024, Oil & gas revenues decreased around 66% primarily due to decrease in overall production. Overall revenue increased by 10% due to greater investment income, and property taxes due to greater appraisal values when compared to prior years.
In Fiscal Year 2024, program revenues were over $20 million. Charges for Services decreased by 3% primarily due to a decrease in municipal court fines.
City expenses are separated into two categories:
These activities are generally financed through taxes, intergovernmental revenues and other non-exchange revenues. Public Safety is the largest program funded in terms of expenditures, which accounts for 53% of the governmental activity expenses. General government and Public Works make up another significant portion at 29% of governmental activity expenses.
These activities are reported as Enterprise Funds. The Enterprise Funds account for the City’s utilities (water, sewer and storm water) and the municipal golf course. These funds consist of services provided to the community, in which the revenues generated go to support operations, maintenance, and improvements of the City’s utilities and golf course. Expenses are generally financed in whole or in part by fees charged to external parties for goods or services provided. Utility services is the largest funded program, which accounts for 81% of total business-type activities expenses. Cross Timbers Golf Course is the second largest at 14%.
Net position is presented based on the net changes of revenues and expenses during the fiscal year. Overtime increases and decreases in net position may serve as a useful indicator of the City’s financial position. During Fiscal Year 2024, Azle saw an increase in net position of $7,357,194 leaving the City in good financial standing. The increase was attributed to positive operating results and developer contributions for utility and street infrastructure.
The City’s General Fund is the largest governmental fund and also one of the most vital to the City’s operation. It accounts for everyday general expenditures like streets, park maintenance, and police and fire protection.
The primary revenue for the General Fund is property taxes. For the fiscal year ending 2024, the City’s revenue total was $18,757,843 which was a $1,897,572 (11%) increase from the previous year. This includes an increase in property taxes $750,083, and sales taxes $170,329, and intergovernmental $82,644.
Expenditures
The City’s total General Fund expenditures for 2024 were $16,695,731 million of which Public Safety comprised 56.25% of expenditures. General Fund expenditures increased overall by $2,108,542 (14%) due to filling of positions and interest and fiscal charges, nonrecurring debt issuance cost and capital projects.
Tax Rate: Rate at which an individual or corporation is taxed per $100 of property valuation.
Maintenance & Operations Rate (M&O Rate): The portion of the City’s tax rate dedicated to funding the daily operations of the City and accounted for in the General Fund.
Interest & Sinking Rate (I&S Rate): The portion of the City’s tax rate dedicated to the repayment of the City’s general obligation debt.
The City Council and Staff have worked together to identify goals for the next five (5) years. The following goals will remain a priority:
1. Plan and prepare for the current and future needs of a growing city by managing growth and development, encouraging economic development, identifying and addressing infrastructure needs and maintaining a financially sound and stable government.
2. Achieve excellence in city government services by broadening avenues of communication and encouraging citizen involvement, attracting and retaining quality employees and providing quality customer service.
3. Promote livability and community pride by creating an “identity” for Azle and improving the overall appearance of the City.
The Azle City Council and Staff will continue to offer the highest quality services and promote livability within the City. Council and Staff will work to ensure the City’s priorities, which are closely tied to our goals, are addressed in an effort to continually improve the quality of life for the residents of our community.
Want to know more? The City of Azle's website contains additional financial information, including the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and the Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR). The City's website is a great source of information on all City services and events. Meeting agendas and minutes of the City's various boards are also available.
The Azle Senior Activity Center (ASAC) is embracing 2025 with a host of exciting changes aimed at enhancing the experience for the community. The Azle Senior Activity Center, located at 601 Southeast Parkway in Azle, Texas, is a welcoming space dedicated to enriching the lives of adults aged 60 and over. With new hours, the center is now open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The center offers a variety of daily activities, including exercise classes twice a week, art club, bingo, monthly dances and other special events. The Azle Senior Activity Center serves a nutritious hot lunch daily at 11:30 AM, prepared by Meals on Wheels of Tarrant County. For more information or to make lunch reservations, call 817-489-9847 or visit the City of Azle's official website. Sign up for notifications about ASAC by logging onto city of Azle’s website at www.cityofazle. org,look for the Notify Me icon and search for Senior Center.
▶ Monthly Birthday Party
▶ Anniversary Party
▶ Blood Pressure Checks
The 18-hole course, set in the rolling, forested terrain adjacent to Ash Creek in the "Cross Timbers" region of northern Texas, follows a par-72 layout. Leveraging the distinctive topography, the design incorporates numerous elevation shifts, creating a genuine "Hill Country" feel.
Enhancing the golfing experience, our golf carts are equipped with GPS capabilities. These features aid players in determining yardages and distances, while also providing a detailed overview of each hole layout, thereby optimizing enjoyment during rounds on the course.
Epic Unplugged
MTV Unplugged
Jamie Richards
Texas Country Artist
Mix 80's Tape Band
DFW 80's Party Band
Endless Summer Beach Boys Tribute
The FeedLot Food Truck Park is kicking off its second year with a fresh lineup of food, fun, and community events!
Location: 225 Church Street Hours: Most Fridays & Saturdays | 5–9 PM
The FeedLot has become a local favorite, featuring a rotating selection of food trucks and family-friendly activities.
On the GO!: Friday nights in May & June, catch us at Central Park during the Music in the Park concert series!
Each weekend brings something new, with a focus on diverse, delicious menus. Don’t miss the Azle Farmers Market — held the 1st & 3rd Saturdays of each month, 8 AM–Noon. Shop local produce, handmade goods, and coming soon: a new hydroponic freight farm in partnership with the City of Azle!
The FeedLot also hosts live music, craft fairs, themed events, and more throughout the year.
Visit www.cityofazle.org for updates, or follow us on Facebook @FeedLotAzle. Sign up for event alerts via Notify Me on the City’s website — just search “FeedLot.”
May 30 - July 28
Friday, May 30 12 PM - 6 PM
