Page 112 - Keller FY20 Approved Budget

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

DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION:
The mission of the Mayor and City 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 $125
million in new construction.
* Oversaw the groundbreaking of the first hotel in Keller Town Center as a result of City Council-approved economic
development incentives agreement.
* Continued investing in the growth and redevelopment of Old Town Keller by accepting the Phase II concept plan and
initiating design of its first two steps.
* Worked with the Keller Economic Development Board and the Retail Coach to assist with attracting quality commercial to
large parcels remaining on Keller Parkway which included Braums, Jason's Deli, Andy's Frozen Custard and Einstein
Bros. Bagels.
* Worked with the Planning & Zoning Commission to complete the Future Land Use Plan update to help clarify the
community's vision for residents, business owners, and potential developers.

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 to support weekly distribution of the weekly Keller Connect newsletter with over 15,000 subscribers.
* Approved the use of park land in Town Center for the Keller Gold Star Families Memorial Monument.
* Earned Two Transparency Stars 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 2018-19 tax rate to $0.41325 per $100 of taxable value, the fifth consecutive decrease in the tax
rate.
* Continued to mitigate the effects of rising property values by increasing the homestead exemption rate from 8% to 10%.
* 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:
* Increased sidewalk maintenance funding by $30,000.
* Approved Senior Center design/development contract as directed by the 2018 Bond Election results.
* Approved street expansions and enhancements to manage growth and traffic patterns including the City's first two
roundabouts.
* Continued park and trails development and renovation.
* Approved water infrastructure enhancements including the long overdue replacement of the Alta Vista Pump Station that
supplies water to North Keller.

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