City of Fort Worth: Proposed Budget Cuts & Public Meetings
The Fort Worth City Council is considering a leaner budget that focuses on sustaining basic core city services with a particular emphasis on public safety and no increase to the property tax rate.
Like many communities across the country, Fort Worth is facing its own set of budget challenges as revenues continue to decline in the wake of the national recession. While property taxes remain stable with a decline of only 0.2 percent, sales tax revenue has fallen by 5.7 percent. The estimated budget gap for FY10 now stands at $59 million.
To close the gap, the city manager’s recommended budget reduces expenses and maximizes revenues while minimizing the impact on employees and essential city services. It also calls for a formal review of the feasibility of outsourcing certain services like information technology support and vehicle maintenance.
With the focus on sustaining core essential services like police, fire, water and streets, some programs will have to be cut or significantly reduced. Various reductions are recommended for library, parks, code compliance and other services. Unfortunately, those reductions come with a cut in the city workforce and lower pay for most remaining employees.
In addition, the city manager has recommended an increase to many fees the city charges for services such as water, wastewater, trash, stormwater and others.
The city manager’s proposal is the beginning of a long public process ending with the City Council’s adoption of a $1.2 billion balanced budget on Sept. 15. Residents can provide feedback on the proposed budget during five public hearings:
- 10 a.m. Aug. 18
- 10 a.m. Aug. 25
- 7 p.m. Sept. 1
- 7 p.m. Sept. 8
- 10 a.m. Sept. 15
All five meetings will be held in the City Council Chamber on the second floor of City Hall, 1000 Throckmorton St.
Visit the FY10 Budget Page to download a copy of the proposed budget. The budget is also available at all Fort Worth Public Library locations and at the City Secretary’s Office at City Hall, 1000 Throckmorton Street.
Source: City of Fort Worth