Page 25 - Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council

EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION AND RETENTION

The City of Benbrook’s philosophy over the past thirty-plus years is to recruit highly-qualified and top-quality
employees by providing above-average salaries and competitive benefits and to retain employees through the offering
of merit increases, promotional opportunities, stability/longevity pay, and an excellent retirement system with five-
year vesting and retirement eligibility after twenty years of service. One of the City Council’s commitments during the
review of the 2018-19 Budget was to insure that this philosophy continued. The 2018-19 Budget includes funds for: (1)
a two and one-half percent across-the-board cost-of-living-adjustment for eligible full-time employees; (2) merit
increases for eligible employees; (3) a $5,000 signing bonus for eligible newly-hired and certified Police Officers; (4) an
up-to seven and one-half percent increase in premiums to continue current benefits and services for health, dental,
and life insurance; and (5) continuation of contributions to employee retirement as proposed by the Texas Municipal
Retirement System.

CONTINUATION OF CURRENT SERVICES

The 2018-19 Budget reflects the continuation of current services and programs. The City of Benbrook provides basic
municipal services to citizens, businesses, and visitors. Benbrook takes pride in providing top-quality services at
affordable costs. The 2018-19 Budget does not include reductions in services or cut-backs. Effective October 1, 2018,
the school crossing guard program will be staffed through a contractual agreement with a private company

REPLACEMENT OF EQUIPMENT

The 2018-19 Budget includes funds to replace essential equipment. The 2018-19 Budget reflects the procurement of
five 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe patrol vehicles to replace older sport utility vehicles used for patrol by the Police Department
with General Fund financing for the vehicles. Funds are included in the Police Department’s budget allocation to
replace five light bars for patrol vehicles.

The Fire Department’s communications system is scheduled for replacement with an upgraded system that is
compatible with the City of Fort Worth’s system; this purchase is funded with General Fund reserves funds.

The Street Maintenance budget includes funds to replace one signal cabinet for one of Benbrook’s major intersections.
Funds are also included for phase one of the street sign replacement program; phase two is scheduled for next year.
The Budget includes the transfer of $500,000 from unrestricted General Fund reserves to the Capital Asset Replacement

CITY OF BENBROOK 2018-19 ANNUAL BUDGET
24