The tax rate is going down, but water utility rates are going up once again. And overall, the budget for fiscal year 2024 will swell by about 28 percent to $62 million from last year’s $48 million.
At the regular meeting of the Taylor City Council Aug. 10, city leaders will hold several public hearings to introduce the ordinance for the FY 24 budget that will be scheduled for adoption at the Aug. 24 meeting and set the property tax rate at approximately 63 cents per $100 valuation, which is 2 cents lower than last year.
“This budget reflects the continued increase in sales tax collections from spending within the community, as well as the significant amount of use tax anticipated from the construction of the new Samsung facility,” according to City Manager Brian LaBorde in a letter to the City Council.
“These additional revenues will allow the city to acquire vehicles and machinery to better serve the citizens of our community, along with adding much needed improvements to city facilities and parks that will enhance the quality of life in the city.
Despite the lower tax rate, this new budget should raise more total property taxes than last year’s budget by $1,211,139, due to higher values and increased property on the tax rolls, according to the city.
In other business, city leaders will:
• Consider approving Ordinance 2023-33 to amend the Envision Taylor Comprehensive Plan Growth Sector and Future Land Use designations on approximately 70 acres near the intersection of Old Thorndale Road and Gravel Pit Road as a consent agenda item, despite a denial of a recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission at their July 11 meeting as well as community members expressing concerns about flooding.
• Introduce an ordinance amending the fee schedule to revise fees for planning review and inspection for subdivision infrastructure to account for the passage of House Bill 3492 by the 88th Texas Legislature, which becomes effective on Sept. 1. Currently, the city charges fees to cover its costs for plan review and inspection services for public infrastructure being constructed through the subdivision platting process, which are based upon the city engineer’s estimate of the value of the improvements. HB 3492 will prohibit using improvement values in the calculation of these fees.
• Consider appointments or replacements or reappointments for the Animal Control Board, the Main Street Advisory Board, the Public Arts Advisory Board and the Parks & Recreation Board.
The Taylor City Council regularly meets the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 400 Porter St. in Taylor. Agendas and live broadcasts are available at http://www. taylortx.gov.
