Issuu

NOVEMBER 2021 the official

city of farmers branch

NEWSLETTER

Branch Review C I T Y

O F

FA R M E R S

B R A N C H ,

Let’s Connect! it’s now easier than ever to submit non-emergency requests The City of Farmers Branch has partnered with SeeClickFix to offer residents a fast and easy way to report non-emergency issues. We call it FBTX Connect. It’s an app and online platform that allows residents to quickly and easily report issues to the City as well as easily sign up for City news, emergency alerts and much more. When using the app to report a concern, residents can use their phones camera and GPS to provide city staff with pictures, videos, specific descriptions and location information. Registered users will be able to track their submissions until their completion, receiving updates along the way. In addition, the FBTX Connect platform provides Farmers Branch officials with a centralized issue management system to manage issues from creation to resolution — engaging residents throughout the process. Residents are encouraged to download the FBTX Connect app for their iOS or Android devices as well as visit fbtxconnect.com to explore the web portal, access FAQs and learn more about this new service.

Getting Started is Easy 1.

DOWNLOAD

the FBTX Connect app from your phones app store.

by clicking on “Profile” so that you can submit and track requests.

SUBMIT

using the orange + button. Use your phones camera and GPS to add details to a new request.

DESKTOP VERSION ALSO AVAILABLE AT FBTXCONNECT.COM

general election set for tuesday, november 2 The November election will be held on Tuesday, November 2. The designated Election Day voting location for Farmers Branch residents will be at the Manske Library. While there are no ballot issues specific to Farmers Branch, voters will be asked to decide on state and county constitutional amendments as well as any federal candidate positions up for election. Farmers Branch residents can early vote at any Dallas County early voting location. For early voting days and times, and to view a sample ballot, visit dallascountyvotes.org

farmersbranchtx.gov

T E X A S

BUDGET ADOPTED WITHOUT AN INCREASE TO THE CITY’S TAX RATE

On September 21, the Farmers Branch City Council reviewed the 2021-22 City Budget and gave it a unanimous vote of approval. Despite the setbacks and shortages caused by the COVID pandemic last year, the new City budget allows for substantial long-term investments in the City’s personnel and infrastructure. The total budget is slightly over $146 million, but includes no tax increases or increases to water or sewer fees. One new component is the American Rescue Plan – which helps towns and cities recover from the pandemic. Farmers Branch will receive almost $6 million in each of the next two budget cycles. These funds will improve City Parks, the Justice Center, the Recreation Center, and The Branch Connection. Driven by new construction, property taxes have also increased as a revenue source in Farmers Branch, up by 12%. This in turn grew property tax revenue by $3.89 million. However, the City’s portion of the average residential property tax bill only increased by 2.4%. The City landfill provided another source of increased revenue, growing by about $800 thousand. This increase allows the City to pay new expenses related to the eventual closure of the Camelot landfill. Other major expenditures provide improvements to the City’s creek channels, water and sewer system, and street maintenance. The new budget also includes competitive pay and merit increases for City employees and substantial new hires in the Police Department as well as one new staff member in Animal Services, IT, HR and Finance Overall, the City is growing revenue, but spending less – and charting the course toward a “pay as you go” low-debt future for residents of Farmers Branch.

Veterans Day Celebration returns featuring country music The annual Veterans Day Celebration will be held on Saturday, November 6 from 4 – 9 p.m. at Farmers Branch Park, next to The Branch Connection. This year’s event has been revamped to feature popular tribute band Tribute to Toby Keith. The event will also include a performance from Straight Tequila Night, a patriotic ceremony, a caricature artist and photo booth. Food and drinks will be available for purchase from Nuevo Leon Mex-Mex Restaurant, Texas Corn and Old School BBQ. For more information, visit fbspecialevents.com.

BULK PICK UP schedule

NOVEMBER S

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• The highlighted dates indicate the bulk pickup week for November.

be featured on the VETERANS WALL OF HONOR

Have you or someone you know served in the military? The Branch Connection is updating its Wall of Honor and would love to feature you or your loved one in the display as way to honor those who have served our country. If you are interested, please call Jackie Byles at 972-919-8741.

free Household hazardous waste event Dallas County, in partnership with the Farmers Branch Sustainability & Public Health Department, will hold a Household Hazardous Waste Collection event on Saturday, November 13, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. in the parking lot of the Farmers Branch Service Center, 13333 Senlac Drive. Items accepted include chemical products for home use, paint and home repair products, lawn and garden chemicals, aerosols, pool chemicals, craft & hobby supplies, cleaners and polishes and batteries of all kinds. For more information about items accepted and those that are not accepted, call Dallas County at 214.553.1765.

• During this week, the Green Grabber will pick up bulk items such as furniture, large appliances, brush and other items that cannot be placed in a garbage bag. • The Green Grabber does not pick up glass or garbage bags • Be sure items are not blocked by vehicles, trees, utility poles or other structures. Learn more at farmersbranchtx.gov/brushbulky

outdoor ice skating returns Skating Under the Stars, Farmers Branch’s popular outdoor ice skating rink returns on November 26 and will remain open until January 9. The rink will be located at the Children’s Health StarCenter, 12700 N Stemmons Fwy. The rink hours will be as followed: NOVEMBER 26 - DECEMBER 21 Monday - Friday 5 – 7:15 p.m.

Classic Car show & local fuel pop up coffee Saturday | Nov 20 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Classic vehicle entry begins at 8 a.m. Gate Fee: Free to all spectators; Entry Fee: $20 for classic vehicle registration; pre-registration is required. Take a step back in time and enjoy a classic car show featuring originals and restored to near original automobiles and trucks. Make a pit stop at our 1936 Texaco Service Station to fuel up for the day and savor a cup of joe or hot chocolate for $2. Awards will be presented for Best of Class, Best of Show and People’s Choice. Rain date will be Saturday, January 22. More at fbhistoricalpark.com.

7:30 – 9:45 p.m. Saturday - Sunday 12 – 2:15 p.m. 2:30 – 4:45 p.m. 5 – 7:15 p.m. 7:30 – 9:45 p.m. DECEMBER 22 – JANUARY 9* Monday - Sunday 12 – 2:15 p.m. 2:30 – 4:45 p.m. 5 – 7:15 p.m.

THANKSGIVING HOURS All City of Farmers Branch offices and facilities will be closed on Thursday, November 25 in observance of Thanksgiving Day. Certain facilities will be open limited hours on Friday, November 26. They include the Community Recreation Center, open 5:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; the Margaret Young Natatorium, open 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and the Historical Park, open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be no garbage or recycling pickup on Thursday but regular routes will run on Friday.

7:30 – 9:45 p.m. CHRISTMAS EVE AND NEW YEAR’S EVE 12 – 2:15 p.m. 2:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. For discounted nights and admission information, visit christmasinthebranch.com.