Page 303 - Benbrook FY20 Approved Budget

CITY OF BENBROOK 2019-20 ANNUAL BUDGET

2001

In 2001, Benbrook signed a Friendship Agreement with Ballymoney, Northern Ireland. Later in the year, Benbrook’s citizens and employees
mourned the loss of those who perished on September 11, 2001. The Benbrook Fire Department led a community drive to collect funds and
personally delivered more than $60,000 to the City of New York Fire Department.

2002

In 2002 after obtaining the necessary number of registered voters in a petition drive, Tarrant County conducted an election to allow the sale of
alcoholic beverages at Benbrook restaurants; in September, voters approved the measure. The effort to obtain voter approval for a similar
proposition to allow the sale of wine in grocery stores failed to make the ballot by a small margin; a greater number of registered voters was
required than the number that was obtained.

Also, in the 2002-03 fiscal year, the Fire Department added three additional full-time Firefighter/Paramedic positions to ensure that trained
and competent Staff was available for fire and medical emergencies on a twenty-four hour per day, seven-day per week basis.

2003

In 2003, the City of Benbrook and the Benbrook Economic Development Corporation worked together to develop a "Town Center" concept;
grants funds were obtained, and plans were drafted. The City hired a full-time Information Technology Coordinator to implement and complete
a variety of projects including: developing a paperless packet and agenda for City Council meetings by making all materials and information
available on CDs and on-line through the City’s website; updating software to streamline communications and data transfers; replacing computer
equipment for Staff; procuring lap-top computers and providing training for all City Councilmembers; and coordinating a City-wide information
technology study.

2004

In 2004, Benbrook voters approved the sale of bonds for drainage projects and for the acquisition of land for a fire sub-station in the Whitestone
area of Benbrook; voters denied funding to street improvement projects and for parks improvements. After negotiations were completed to
purchase the property for the fire sub-station, Council approved the use of reserve funds instead of issuing bonds. Bonds were sold in May
2004 to finance the drainage projects. The City Council passed an ordinance in 2004 to freeze assessed valuation amounts for citizens who
are over-65 and/or are handicapped; this action was not expected to impact the City’s financial operations until 2005-06; when the freeze
did become effective, greater-than-anticipated growth through development and increased property values significantly diminished the impact
of the freeze. Three of the four City Councilmembers who voted to approve this ordinance were the subject of a recall election held on
September 11, 2004; voters turned out in a record number to ensure that all three City Councilmembers retained their seats.

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