PROPOSED BUDGET IN BRIEF
Fiscal Year 2024-25
Being Good Custodians of Taxpayer Dollars
Published 8/22/24
farmersbranchtx.gov/budget
Budget Highlights
The fiscal year 2024-25 proposed budget is based on a tax rate of $0.5415, which is the largest tax rate reduction in 41 years.
The fiscal year 2024-25 total combined budget expenditures are estimated at $167,554,948.
This budget will generate less property tax revenue than last year’s budget.
Despite increased costs, there are no proposed increases to water/sewer or stormwater rates.
General Fund Expenses
General Fund operating expenses for fiscal year 2024-25 are $88,240,900, which is a 3.35% decrease from last year’s amended budget.
General Fund personnel costs represent 56.54% of General Fund expenditures.
Public Safety Remains Top Priority
The proposed budget includes a 3% increase for sworn public safety employee step plans, and merit increases for non-sworn staff.
Also included is funding for seven full-time public safety employee equivalents, three Firefighters and four Public Safety Officers (3 are partially offset with grant funding).
Landfill Closure/Post Closure
A nominal residential trash collection fee will be added to utility bills to help support landfill closure/post-closure. $5 per month on City utility bills, or $2.50 for seniors.
Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
$28,776,631 is included for Capital Improvement Projects.
$5 million for our regional share of the construction costs for the North Texas Emergency Communications Center (NTECC) 911 dispatch facility.
$5 million for public safety equipment and vehicles.
$2.69 million for construction costs in remodeling The Branch Connection.
Additional projects included in the multi-year CIP budget are drainage improvement projects, significant utility replacement and inflow & infiltration funding, Street revitalization and improvement, public safety radio replacement, Mercer Park, and Squire Park.
Fixed Asset Fund
Fixed Asset Fund includes replacement funding of $4,567,800.
Budget In Brief
Total Citywide Budget
The Fiscal Year 2024-25 Proposed Budget totals $167,554,948.
Being Good Custodians of Taxpayer Dollars
How Will the Budget Be Spent?
The City’s budget is made up of several fund groups, each with specific purposes. The majority of the budget is held in the General Fund, Water/Sewer/Stormwater Fund, and Capital Improvement Projects. These funds account for 89% of the total budget and provide funding for most of the services and amenities residents receive.
Budget Highlights
A Tax Reduction 2 Years In a Row
A historic $.0275 cent reduction is proposed for FY 2024-25. The largest tax rate reduction in 41 years.
$5 million for our regional share of the construction costs for the North Texas Emergency Communications Center (NTECC) 911 dispatch facility.
equipment and vehicles
Less Property Tax Revenue Will Be Collected
• The proposed budget is below the no new revenue rate.
Your property values have been going up. From 2023 to 2024 Dallas Central Appraisal District increased property values causing the average home value in Farmers Branch to rise.
The City’s $.0275 cent tax rate decrease is an effort to offset rising values and will result in $186,226 less revenue from property taxes raised compared to last year’s budget. $380,531 Proposed Tax Rate of $0.5415
For decades, Farmers Branch residents have enjoyed trash collection at no additional cost, made possible because the City owns the Camelot Landfill in Lewisville. However, the landfill is expected to reach capacity and close in 22 years. To begin preparing for the landfill closure/post closure expenses, a nominal fee of $5 per month will be added to single-family City utility bills. For seniors the fee will be $2.50. This new fee will become effective on October 1, 2024.
$88,240,900
Tax Bill Distribution
OF FARMERS BRANCH
Parks & Recreation
Community Garden Operations Water expenses continued to be paid by the City.
$26,000 Savings
Events
• Two Family Night events
• Two Bark Park events
• Denton Drive Live concert series
• Halloween in the Park
City of Farmers Branch tax is 26% of your tax bill. 74% of what you pay in property taxes goes to other entities. And 14 Other North Texas Cities
How Our Tax Bill Compares
$154,500 Savings
Reduction in Facility Hours
• Aquatics Indoor Pool: 14 fewer hours
• Recreation Center: 9 fewer hours
• The Branch Connection: 8 fewer hours
• Library: 4 fewer hours*
Changes would take effect December 1, 2024 and will be communicated to residents and members through City news.
*Savings from Library hours reduction reflected in 10% contract reduction in below section.
Elimination of Citizen Collection Center $82,897 Savings
10% Reduction in Library Contract $84,799 Savings
Reduction in trail projects $100,000 Savings
Reduced annual allocation to Parks Master Plan
$400,000 Savings
Elimination of one HR position $56,000 Savings
Elimination of The Branch Connection Bus $120,000 Savings
Elimination of mosquito monitoring/spraying
$50,000 Savings
Reduction of Contract Services
$60,000 Savings
$76,000 Savings* $953,696 Savings
Budget Components
The Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget is a proactive budget prepared by City staff under the guidance of City Council. The budget is based on six strategic areas that have been identified by City Council as being the top priorities for the City of Farmers Branch.
Six Strategic Areas of the Budget
Public Safety
Strong and Diverse Economy Connected Neighborhoods
Public Meetings & Hearings
Customer Service High Performance TO VIEW THE 2024-25 PROPOSED BUDGET TO WATCH LIVE OR REPLAYED MEETINGS
Sustainability
Tuesday, September 10 | 6 p.m. | Council Meeting
Council agenda will include a Budget Public Hearing
Tuesday, September 17 | 6 p.m. | Council Meeting Council agenda will include:
• Final adoption of the budget and tax rate ordinances
• Tax rate public hearing (if necessary)
• Ratify the property tax revenue (if necessary)
