JANUARY 2022
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 the official
city of farmers branch
NEWSLETTER
city council approves a new signature park
***SPECIAL NOTICE***
Imagine a bright, family-friendly “glow-in-the-dark” playground as the City’s newest signature attraction. It’s coming soon to Oran Good Park along Valley View. Our City’s Parks Department proposed a night-themed playground that would allow families to enjoy a municipal park and playground during cooler hours, particularly during the summer. Council members approved the concept in November with a budget of approximately $3,497,000, funded by Federal ARPA dollars. Construction begins next year and could take up to 70 weeks for design, fabrication and installation. The playground structures will be designed and built by Kompan, a company that creates signature playground equipment for world-class clients around the world, including Disney. To stay updated on this project and other City news, subscribe to our weekly Branch Bulletin E-newsletter at farmersbranchtx.gov.
Online Water Bill Utility Payments will not be accepted during the month of January due to a scheduled upgrade. Any City utility bill received by a customer on or after December 21 will need to be paid either by phone, by mailing in a check, by making the payment in-person at City Hall or by initiating a one-time payment from a bank. A new online payment system will be available starting February 1. Detailed instructions on how to set up a new automatic payment account will be provided near that time. Thank you for your patience while we upgrade our process and protect your online security. For more information, visit farmersbranchtx.gov/ utilitybill or call 972.919.2525.
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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Do You KNow... How your property tax bill is distributed? Did you know that your property tax bill is the combination of five different taxing authorities? While you may pay only one annual property tax bill on a single property, five different entities are receiving a portion of your payment. Currently, the City of Farmers Branch accounts for about 24% of your annual property tax bill.* That 24% goes towards city services such as Public Safety, water and sewer infrastructure and maintenance, Parks & Recreation services and many other city services. Local property tax is the largest single funding source for all the community services listed below.
BULK PICK UP schedule
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• The highlighted dates indicate the bulk pickup week for January. • 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 CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH
C-FB ISD $1.2012500 = 49.44%
$0.5890000 = 24.24% PARKLAND HOSPITAL $0.2661000 = 10.95%
Learn More at farmersbranchtx.gov/brushbulky
parks & recreation
DALLAS COUNTY $0.2497400 = 10.28% DCCC $0.1235100 = 5.08%
• Be sure items are not blocked by vehicles, trees, utility poles or other structures.
*Based on tax rates approved for the 2021-22 fiscal year
Now is the time to make your voice heard Strategic planning for the City’s long-term budget process starts soon, and Council members need to know what your highest priorities are for the future of Farmers Branch. Although we are only three months into the current 2022 fiscal year, City staff will soon begin planning for the 2023 budget. The process kicks off with a Strategic Planning Session for Council members and staff on January 26.
Fitness in ‘22 starts with you The Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center is here for you in 2022. The Rec Center received a major upgrade last year and is now a top-tier facility with all of the amenities to help you achieve your physical and mental health goals. The Fitness level membership includes access to: • Over 9,000 square foot fitness area with the best in industry weight machines and cardio equipment • Over 3,000 square foot fitness area on the second floor with additional cardio equipment • 765 square foot indoor turf area
After major priorities are established by the Council, each City Department will use those guidelines to begin developing a proposed budget. The overall City budget goes to the City Manager in May.
• Indoor walking/jogging track
After his approval, it is required by charter to reach the City Council by the end of July. Council members typically solicit input from their constituents on budgetary matters throughout the year, and deploy that input during the budget review.
• Discounted pricing on fitness classes, special events and facility rentals.
The City budget becomes an action item for final approval at a Council meeting in September. It’s a long process, but the key is that your input matters.
• Basketball gym with basketball available to borrow • Flex Fitness classes
Fitness level memberships begin at $15 per month for Farmers Branch residents. Become a member today by visiting the facility in person at 14050 Heartside Place!
Are you feeling ‘22? We don’t know about you, but at the Farmers Branch Aquatics Center, we are feeling ’22! Join us at the Margaret Young Natatorium where the possibilities are endless to help you achieve your physical and mental health goals. Your membership includes: • Recently added Aqua Bicycles • Four-lane and 25-yard lap pool • 767 square foot therapy pool • Locker room with a family changing room and showers Additional benefits include discounted pricing on fitness classes, swim lessons and special events. Memberships begin at $7.50 per month for Farmers Branch residents. Become a member today by visiting the facility in person at 14032 Heartside Place!