DECEMBER 2021
Branch Review C I T Y
O F
FA R M E R S
B R A N C H ,
T E X A S
Memo from the manager Dear Citizens, Neighbors and Friends of Farmers Branch, By any measure, it has been an extraordinary year to celebrate our City’s 75th anniversary. As we approach the holidays and a season of gratitude, I believe it’s important to observe just how far we’ve come in the last calendar year and to appreciate the substantive accomplishments of 2021. On the heels of a global pandemic, we entered the new year fully masked and waiting on vaccines. Farmers Branch, like the rest of Texas, observed the national protocols of social distancing and our City Council observed a hybrid meeting routine with some Council members attending virtually. We were tracking COVID infection rates across Dallas County and the City hosted a vaccine registration event. In January of 2021, the first phase of our Community Rec Center renovation was well underway. It reinvented our multipurpose gym as a new and expanded fitness zone with an enhanced lobby and children’s play area. The Winter storm of the Century arrived on Valentines weekend with almost unprecedented Arctic weather overwhelming the state’s electric infrastructure and causing massive power outages. Farmers Branch City employees rallied, however, and went out to serve residents who were struggling with frozen streets, broken water pipes and little or no power for days on-end. Manske Library closed in May and hosted a Grand Re-Opening in July. The Library renovation added a modern façade to the front entrance, five glass study rooms, a multipurpose maker space adjacent to the lobby and 20 new computer workstations. On July 2, the City hosted a major Independence Day celebration in the Historical Park and it was an overwhelming success. In fact, our Parks and Recreation Department has attracted record crowds at many events and facilities this year, demonstrating a tremendous comeback after the social distancing provisions in 2020. Three new restaurants opened in Mustang Station, creating a true dining destination in Farmers Branch. Our City Council passed a new budget in September that increased revenue and lowered spending, paving the way for a “pay as you go” low-debt future. It includes a federal relief grant of $12 million over two years to help recover from the pandemic. It also reflected increased property values and increased sale taxes for the City, both of which are important indicators of economic vitality. In all, we have made incredible progress on the heels of a world health crisis, from which many American cities are still struggling to recover. Although Farmers Branch may not quite be back to business as usual, we are resilient and optimistic. I am extremely proud of our City’s staff and the manner by which they continue to exceed expectations to make our City in a Park one of the true gems of North Texas, this 75th year or any other. Sincerely,
Charles C. Cox
farmersbranchtx.gov
holiday hours FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24 CHRISTMAS EVE • City facilities closed • Garbage / recycling will be collected SATURDAY, DECEMBER 25 CHRISTMAS DAY • City facilities closed FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31 NEW YEAR’S EVE • Most City facilities open • Historical Park is closed • Rec Center closes at 5 p.m. • Library closes at 6 p.m. • Garbage / recycling will be collected SATURDAY, JANUARY 1 NEW YEAR’S DAY • City facilities closed
Branch Review ahora disponible en español A Spanish version of the monthly Branch Review newsletter will now be available digitally and can be accessed by scanning the QR code or visiting farmersbranchtx.gov/ branchreview.
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