Page 113 - FY 19 Budget Forecast 91218.xlsx

MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL
MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL (100-120-01)

DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION:
The mission of the Mayor and Council is to create a strategic framework of goals and priorities within the budget that
allow the City Manager and City staff to successfully execute the City of Keller‘s vision, mission and values. The City of
Keller is a Home Rule Municipality with a Council-Manager form of government operating under a Home Rule Charter
adopted April 3, 1982, and most recently revised and adopted November 2, 2010. Under the provisions of the City
Charter and subject only to the limitations imposed by the Texas Constitution, state law and the City Charter, the Keller
City Council is responsible for enacting local legislation, adopting the City’s annual operating budget and setting local
policies. The Keller City Council includes a mayor and six council members, all elected at-large for staggered, three
year terms.
City Council Goals/Accomplishments

1. Enhance economic development opportunities within the City:
* Increased the city’s tax base through sustainable residential, commercial and retail development which
resulted in $142 million in new construction
* Approved an extension of the economic development incentives agreement which will bring the first hotel to
Keller Town Center
* Continued investing in the growth and redevelopment of Old Town Keller by approving a study to develop a
concept plan for the east side
* Working with the Keller Economic Development Board hired a consultant to assist with attracting quality
commercial to large parcels remaining on Keller Parkway which included Natural Grocers and Braums
restaurant
* Directed the City Manager to grant an extension of an Economic Development Incentive Agreement with
Chandon Arbors on Elm Street which will bring a privately owned wedding/corporate event center
2. Improve communication between the City and its citizens:
* Efficiently communicated citizen concerns, complaints and comments to the City Manager for resolution and
follow-up
* Continued the funding for significant upgrades to the City communications efforts to improve accessibility,
transparency and citizen engagement as well as the city’s first mass notification system
* Earned the Gold Medal Award in Financial Transparency from the Texas State Comptroller’s Office
* Continued the funding of Open Government Financial Software that allows citizens access to City financial
data
3. Strategically enhance the City's financial position to ensure continued viability and the capacity to
implement priority capital improvement projects:
* Lowered the fiscal year 2018 tax rate to $0.4275 per $100 of taxable value, the fourth consecutive decrease
in the tax rate
* Continued to mitigate the effects of rising property values by increasing the homestead exemption rate from
4% to 8%
* Cash funded Capital Improvement Projects , vehicle and building replacement funds, economic development
incentives, and one time equipment purchases to avoid issuing debt
* Maintained current bond ratings at AAA (Standard & Poor’s)
* Conducted budget overview work sessions with the City Manager and staff, and worked with staff to manage
expenses while responding to needs and accomplishing set goals

4. Complete current and future Capital Improvement Projects to include, but not limited to:
* Fire Station refurbishments
* Street expansions and enhancements to manage growth and traffic patterns
* Continued park and trails development and renovation
* Water infrastructure enhancements including the long overdue replacement of the Alta Vista Pump Station
that supplies water to North Keller.

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