Page 17 - Microsoft Word - Budget FY 19

CITY OF FOREST HILL

The 2018‐2019 goals are stated as follows:

1. Address organizational issues within city government while emphasizing quality customer service
at all levels of the organization.

2. Promote a positive environment for economic development in the community to achieve stable
and positive financial conditions.

3. Enhance the quality of life by improving the City’s capital infrastructures.

MAJOR PROGRAM INITIATIVES

Organizational Issues
The most important goal involving organizational issues is to instill confidence in the integrity of the City
government. Through a commitment to excellence in leadership and staff development, employees can
deal responsibly with citizen’s concerns, resulting in the successful achievement of this goal.
st
The City of Forest Hill September 1 , 2018 certified net taxable property value of $513,513,216 reflects an
increase of $56,251,765 from the 2017 adjusted taxable value of $457,261,451.
Fiscal issues require constant vigilance. Bearing in mind achieving a long‐term, stable, positive financial
condition is paramount to the progress of Forest Hill; the City has elected a tax rate of $.992873 in FY
2018‐2019. By charging this tax rate on taxable values, the resulting tax levy for General revenue will be
approximately $558,508 more than FY 2017‐2018. By setting the tax rate at $.992873, the Council
demonstrated leadership, foresight, and compassion for the citizens of our City by adopting a budget that
does not increase revenue for the City on the backs of the taxpayers.
Economic Development
Forest Hill is fortunate to have many dedicated community leaders who understand the importance of
cohesive economic development. Efforts are being made to strengthen our business retention and
expansion programs by re‐establishing the Forest Hill Chamber of Commerce, reinvesting wealth within
our local economy and ultimately improving our economic position through the creation of jobs in our
community. Tourism remains a growth industry in Texas and Forest Hill hopes to capitalize on that
industry by sponsoring events and festivals for Forest Hill aimed at attracting people to our City.
Quality of Life
Our primary responsibility to those who live, work, and visit our City is the commitment to enhance their
quality of life providing exemplary services which are respected by all and reflective of our community’s
desires. By strengthening the City’s Capital Improvement Program our streets, water, wastewater,
drainage, and bridge systems will be improved. Programs such as the Summer Reading Program, Transit
System, and Senior Center, are driven by the needs of our citizens.

11