June 3 meeting. The increased tax exemption impacts those who are disabled (as defined by the Social Security Administration as one who is totally disabled) or 65 years or older.
The amount is effective for tax year 2025 and will automatically increase for prequalified individuals. The homestead exemption for all Carrollton residents remains at 20 percent.
How to Qualify
The individual must:
• Own a single-family residential unit within the City of Carrollton
• Apply before the first anniversary of their qualification date to receive the exemption that year
• Not claim a homestead exemption on any other property
For more information, individuals should contact their central appraisal district.
Navigating Mental Health Care Crises
New program pairs City first responders with community partners to assist individuals in crisis.
The City of Carrollton has successfully implemented the first year of a groundbreaking new initiative, the Mental Health Navigator Program, aimed at improving access to mental health care while supporting first responders.
Carrollton City Council championed a partnership with Metrocare and Metrocrest Services to create the Navigator Program, which addresses the growing need for mental health resources in emergency situations and recognizes that many law enforcement calls involve individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. The program equips first responders with the tools and training needed to identify people in mental health distress during emergency calls and offers them an avenue to submit referrals for mental health support directly to Metrocare.
Metrocare, the largest provider of mental health services in Dallas County, has a dedicated team of experienced, qualified mental health professionals (“Navigators”) who can be deployed, when appropriate, to assess the situations and provide on-site support. While first responders are trained for crisis situations, individuals experiencing mental health distress often require ongoing support to improve their situation.
Metrocare’s Navigators will not only assist in the immediate response but will also provide essential follow-up care and connections to community resources, such as Metrocrest
Services. Metrocrest Services can help people in a variety of areas in their lives, such as finance, employment, and nutrition, all of which can make a positive impact on someone’s mental health.
The Navigator Program officially launched in February 2024 after Carrollton City Council approved funding for its creation the month before. Metrocare received nearly 100 referrals to the Navigator Program by the end of the first year. Carrollton has a designated Navigator who operates out of the Police Department and Metrocrest Services’ campus – two locations in the heart of the City, offering quick access to support. Carrollton’s Navigator has helped guide patients and their loved ones, make referrals, and follow up to ensure patients are able to access the resources they need.
Now entering its second year, this partnership between emergency responders and mental health professionals is already providing an innovative solution to the challenges faced by the community, residents, and law enforcement officers, making a positive impact in Carrollton. The program’s long-term goal, in addition to supporting individuals in crisis, is to lessen the number of repeat mental health calls that police officers and firefighters respond to by approaching mental health emergencies with care, compassion, and collaboration.
Silos Get a New Look
As they say, “Everything’s bigger in Texas,” and the new mural on Carrollton’s iconic 110-foot-tall grain silos is no different. It features the largest bluebonnet in Texas, as each painted petal measures 15 feet, with Indian blanket flowers blooming around the base. The imagery also honors the role of rail in Carrollton’s past and its continued importance today as well as in the future, with a historic and a futuristic train prominently featured.
As part of the Downtown Mural Master Plan, the final mural design was selected by a special arts committee formed by City Council. Visit Downtown to see the art up close, then stay to explore the boutique shops and restaurants that line Carrollton’s Historic Square.
cityofcarrollton.com/news
Help Shape Carrollton
The City is accepting applications for various boards, commissions, and committees comprised of citizens who volunteer their time, knowledge, and expertise to make a difference in Carrollton. Their actions help shape public policy by lending a more diverse viewpoint for City Council to consider. Interested in serving? Stop by City Hall (1945 E. Jackson Road) on Wednesday, August 27 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. to meet with staff liaisons and other board members and learn more about each service opportunity. Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, September 5. cityofcarrollton.com/boards
Nothing but Net
Hoop it up in Carrollton’s Youth Basketball League. Boys and girls aged 7-14 as of September 1, 2025, can sign up to develop their skills, engage in healthy competition, and learn the value of good sportsmanship while having fun. The early-bird registration period runs from Monday, August 18 to Monday, October 6. cityofcarrollton.com/athletics
Carrollton Awarded LEED® Gold Certification
This federal recognition acknowledges the City’s success in green efforts and building a sustainable, resilient community.
Carrollton has been nationally recognized with LEED Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council for its sustainability efforts.
Over the last few years, the City has implemented practical and measurable strategies and solutions, such as:
• Creating a fleet of 20 electric vehicles, saving 22,000 gallons of fuel annually
• Upgrading City facilities with energyefficient features, including solar panels
• Transitioning from traditional meters to “smart” meters that allow for remote reading and collecting water usage data to improve conservation and rate setting
• Implementing smart monitoring systems to reduce park irrigation requirements
• Participating in the North Texas Community Cleanup Challenge, resulting in volunteer groups removing more than 1,700 bags of trash from waterways
• Installing energy-efficient street lighting and traffic signals
• Partnering with Metrocrest Services in providing homeless prevention services and assistance toward permanent housing for 563 individuals since the establishment of the program in 2020
From clean transportation to smart water systems, Carrollton’s LEED Gold status affirms Council’s commitment to improving the quality of life for Carrolltonians and creating a healthy, sustainable community that families and businesses want to call home.
cityofcarrollton.com/envservices
Calling All Festival Volunteers
Volunteers are the real rockstars of Carrollton’s Festival. Support the community, then enjoy the show — all in a day’s work.
Be the heart and soul of the City of Carrollton’s 15th annual Festival at the Switchyard by signing up to volunteer on Saturday, November 8.
The tens of thousands of visitors who enjoy free family fun in Historic Downtown Carrollton benefit from the service of volunteers who support City staff throughout the day to create a safe, clean, and enjoyable event for everyone.
As a thank you for their time, volunteers will receive a free volunteer T-shirt, a free lunch, and a great parking spot close to the event site while volunteering (available on a first-come, first-served basis).
Volunteers must be available for at least two hours and will perform duties such as passing out event programs, greeting attendees, monitoring rides and games, and assisting with children’s activities.
Open to ages 16 and older. Ages 14-15 will be accepted with adult supervision if they are part of a school, church, or Scout group. Minor volunteer forms must be signed in front of a notary. If you do not have access to a notary, call 972-466-3084 or email festival@cityofcarrollton.com.
Applications are available on the Festival’s website. Sign up today.
Quiet, zero-emission mowing promotes sustainability for a healthier environment.
The City has added a new all-electric Plug & Play Parks Crew, made up of two equipment operators and seasonal help, dedicated to mowing around the City’s parks and facilities.
The crew travels in a dedicated designwrapped electric truck with an enclosed trailer sporting a custom-enhanced interior to accommodate two electric mowers and handheld electric equipment. The mowers are charged at the City’s maintenance facility overnight; however, the trailer has a builtin system to ensure the equipment can be recharged in the field if needed.
Carrollton Parks Manager Kim Bybee explained that the beauty of an all-electricequipped mowing crew is the ability for staff to conduct their operations without the noise, fumes, or the maintenance of gas mowers. The crew is part of a larger initiative. The Parks & Recreation Department incorporated autonomous mowers into the athletic field maintenance program in 2023 with increased efficiency and decided to expand on the success with an all-electric mowing crew.
Some of the facilities the crew will maintain throughout the week include:
• Crosby Recreation Center
• Downtown Carrollton and Pioneer Park
• Oak Creek Tennis Center
• City Hall, Municipal Court, and Police Headquarters
• Carrollton Senior Center and the Public Library at Josey Ranch Lake
• Smaller parks and other City facilities
By creating Parks’ first all-electric Plug & Play Mowing Crew for the City’s professional buildings, combined with the six low-noise, emissions-free autonomous mowers the City previously purchased for its expansive athletic field maintenance program, the City can continue to deliver highly professional results with more sustainable equipment while also ensuring employees have the resources necessary to do their job smarter and more efficiently.
Carrollton was able to launch these initiatives by replacing equipment retired from service.
cityofcarrollton.com/parksandrec
New Community Playground
The removal of the old playground at Ward Steenson Park is making way for a brand-new playground structure featuring synthetic turf, a swing set, and balancing features for more fun, laughter, and active play in the fresh open air (funded by the Community Development Block Grant)
cityofcarrollton.com/parks
Law Enforcement Positions Available
The Carrollton Police Department (CPD) offers a variety of career opportunities. In addition to Police, there are Detention, Community Service, and Public Service officer positions available, as well as Property & Evidence and Business Services personnel. These roles provide a unique chance to gain hands-on experience and build a foundation in law enforcement, especially if applicants are looking to start a career without any prior higher education. If becoming a police officer is the goal, these positions serve as an excellent pathway to that dream. For questions, reach out to CPD’s recruiting hotline at 972-466-3028. cityofcarrollton.com/police
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One Card. Endless Possibilities.
A Library card provides access to a vast array of free resources, including books, audiobooks, magazines, newspapers, movies, programming, streaming and downloadable media, computers, hotspots, and more.
Sign up during Library Card Sign-up Month in September and receive a voucher for the Friends of the Carrollton Public Library Book Sale, as well as an entry into drawings for various prizes. Existing cardholders will have a chance to win prizes by participating in challenges throughout the month. Visit the link below for more information.
cityofcarrollton.com/library
Trash Talk
Following City requirements and understanding the differences in solid waste can avoid missed collections and frustrations
Whether trimming trees or clearing out the house, remember City ordinance states that trash and recycling bins must be placed 3 feet apart from each other and at least 3 feet from parked vehicles, trees, mailboxes, fences, and meters. Allow at least 16 feet of overhead clearance above the bins, and place them as close to the curb or alley as possible. The lid opening needs to face the street, and nothing should block access to the bin.
BRUSH
Tree or bush branches, marsh plants such as cattails, tropical grasses such as bamboo, and all other similar plant life, twigs, and trimmings that are too large for the bin
YARD WASTE
Grass clippings, weeds, pruning waste, leaves, twigs and trimmings, small brush, and other garden debris
BULK
Household appliances, bicycles, furniture, rugs, mattresses, televisions, fence material, and other similar items too large to fit in bin
Upcoming Events
Essential Life Skills Workshop, Aug. 20, 6-8 p.m., Teens Only, Courts Community Room – Learn practical financial skills to build a foundation for success before making major life purchases.
Pooch Pool Party, Sept. 6, 10-2 p.m., Rosemeade Rainforest – Bring a dog or two to splash around and have a blast with four-legged friends. Dog admission is $10 but free for humans. There will be on-site rabies vaccinations from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., dog-friendly vendors, and free City pet registrations from Carrollton Animal Services & Adoption Center.
• Cut and bundle (do not exceed 4-ft length, 3-cu yds).
• Place at the front curb.
• Bag and place them inside the bin.
• Place bin at the designated collection location.
• If bags are outside of the bin, they will not be picked up.
• If using biodegradable bags, place at the front curb
Place waste at the collection location no earlier than 6 p.m. the evening before and no later than 6:30 a.m. collection day.
• Do not exceed 3-cu yds.
• Remove or secure doors and latches
• Have refrigerant removed by a certified professional.
• Place at the front curb.
• Bagged trash will not be picked up (additional bins available for a fee).
The following items are ineligible for collection and must be disposed of by other means
• Railroad ties or chemically/pressuretreated woods – landfill (take separately, do not mix with other refuse)
• Tile/brick/stone/concrete blocks – landfill
• Vehicle tires – auto repair & tire shops
The Vaquero Exhibit: The First American Cowboy, Sept. 23-Nov. 7, Josey Ranch Lake Library – Explore the cultural evolution of vaqueros and their influence on Texan life.
Library Book Sale, Sept. 25, 12-8 p.m. & Sept. 27, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Hebron & Josey Library – Purchase books, movies, and music. Cash, checks, and credit cards will be accepted. All proceeds fund Library programming.
Neighborhood Safety & Crime Prevention Workshop, Sept. 24, 6-8 p.m., Courts Community Room – Learn crime prevention methods, including resources and tools for reporting incidents, crime prevention strategies, safety precautions, and community engagement tips.
Carrollton Culture Fest (formerly World of Foodies), Sept. 27, 3-9 p.m., Downtown Carrollton – Experience a world of diverse cultures all in one place with live performances from talented artists celebrating rich traditions from across the globe. Delicious food and culturally inspired crafts and artwork will be available for purchase.
National Night Out, Oct. 7 – Hosting a party? Beginning mid-August, register at cityofcarrollton.com/nno, and City officials will do their best to attend. cityofcarrollton.com/calendar
