Page 280 - Benbrook FY20 Approved Budget

CITY OF BENBROOK 2019-20 ANNUAL BUDGET

RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER ENTITIES

In the course of its responsibilities for municipal governance, the City of Benbrook interacts with several public and quasi-public entities in
various financial and non-financial relationships. Although not directly a part of the City's operations, these entities represent a significant
environmental factor within Benbrook. The relationships are described in the Budget Document to facilitate the reader's understanding of the
City's operational framework.

TARRANT APPRAISAL DISTRICT

The Legislature of the State of Texas has established one agency within each county to be responsible for appraising property values within
the county. The Tarrant Appraisal District (TAD) provides this service to the taxing entities within Tarrant County. TAD is also responsible for
maintaining accurate records on ownership, applicable taxing entities, and their exemptions. Any changes to the City of Benbrook tax rolls
are forwarded to the City from TAD monthly to update City files. On approximately July 25 of each year, TAD provides a final appraisal
roll of taxable property within the taxing jurisdiction of the City of Benbrook as of the prior January 1. Based on this information, the City
Council sets an ad valorem tax rate and establishes any exemption policies that are within its statutory authority to do so for the fiscal year
beginning October 1.

TEXAS MUNICIPAL RETIREMENT SYSTEM

Membership in the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) is a condition of employment for all full-time City employees. Members
contribute seven percent of their gross earnings; prior to January 1, 2000, the employee contribution was 6.00 percent. The City of Benbrook
contributes a percentage specified by TMRS each calendar year (16.32 percent for 2019 and 16.59 for 2020). Upon retirement, the
employee’s accumulated deposits plus total accrued interest is matched by the City on a two-to-one basis. Effective October 1, 1996, City
employees with twenty years of service are eligible to retire at any age. Effective January 2002, vesting requirements were reduced from
ten years to five years; this change was approved by the Texas Legislature in 2001.

Board members for TMRS are selected by member cities throughout the State. Board members are responsible for establishing all policies
regarding the investment of TMRS's monies and distribution of benefits to retirees within the guidelines set by the State legislature.

BENBROOK WATER AUTHORITY

The Benbrook Water Authority (known as the Benbrook and Sewer Water Authority from its establishment until September 1, 2005) provides
water and sanitary sewerage disposal services within Benbrook's city limits. The Benbrook Water Authority was created by a special act of

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