Page 306 - Benbrook FY20 Approved Budget

CITY OF BENBROOK 2019-20 ANNUAL BUDGET

assesses a nominal monthly fee to homeowners and charges larger fees to commercial properties based on the amount of impervious surface
area. This methodology provides

dedicated reliable funding for drainage projects. Council approved $121,000 for this project in anticipation that in future years the City can
reduce the property tax rate - at a minimum the amount required for drainage project debt service payments. This study was completed in
2006-07. In September 2007, the Council approved a $6.50 per month fee for residences and a fee based on the impervious area on the
parcel in square feet times $0.00204 per month for businesses. Fees became effective October 1, 2007 and are collected by the Benbrook
Water Authority. Certificates of Obligation sold in September 2007 are scheduled for payment through the stormwater utility fees. In future
years, these fees are scheduled to finance current and proposed drainage projects.

2008

In early 2008, the City ended its funding for the Tourism Director at the Benbrook Area Chamber of Commerce. The City had been reimbursing
the Chamber for salary and other operating expenses for this employee through the City’s Hotel/Motel Occupancy Tax revenues. Council
approved creating a new position and financing the expenses through the Hotel/Motel Occupancy Tax. A full-time Marketing Director was
hired in February 2008. The Marketing Director, supervised by the Economic Development Director, is responsible for the following tasks: (1)
expanding and enhancing video programming for the City’s website and local government access channel, (2) enhancing current community
events, (3) investigating and implementing additional special events to promote Benbrook, (4) managing and implementing the Benbrook Lake
Development Plan, (5) partnering with the Benbrook Youth Baseball and Softball Association (BYBSA) to host regional and national tournaments,
(6) creating a webpage dedicated to attractions and points of interest in Benbrook, (7) partnering with the Benbrook Community Center/YMCA
to expand triathlon events, (8) expanding the marketing of equestrian opportunities around Benbrook Lake, (9) acting as a liaison with local
businesses to insure that local hotels receive a share of training and travel events, and (10) creating and improving printed materials about
Benbrook to include Benbrook hotel options.

In August 2008, the Benbrook City Council authorized Staff to proceed with the implementation of the Compassion Based Code Compliance
Program. No funds were directly allocated in the 2008-09 Budget for this program. The City’s Economic Development Director and the Code
Compliance Officer provide Staff support for this volunteer-based program that relies on donated supplies and services. Benbrook’s program
is based on the “Beautiful Day” program in San Jose, California and offers an alternative for the City to resolve code violations of physically
and financially incapable citizens in a more compassionate manner. The program mobilizes community volunteers and resources to assist
qualifying residents in site cleanups and repairs. City Staff serves to: identify and screen citizens, connect volunteers with projects, provide
insurance coverage through the City’s liability and workers’ compensation policies,

furnish waste hauler contacts, and leverage donations. Community sources are expected to: identify and provide resources, sponsor
organization/compassion teams, volunteer leadership and skilled trades, and coordinate events. The anticipated benefits of the program

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