Page 16 - Mansfieldr FY20 Approved Budget

The budget that accompanies the service program maintains this focus and priority of recognizing that
growth must produce value and quality.

Public Input

The City conducted two public hearings, August 12 and August 26, 2019, on the budget and the tax rate.
Prior to the hearings, the City Manager presented the annual service program which included program
priorities, staffing, equipment and proposed infrastructure improvements for the upcoming fiscal year. No
commentary was heard regarding the burden of property taxes or the budget from other members of the
citizenry at these hearings.

On September 11, 2019, after the public hearings, City Council discussed the budget and the tax rate.
There was considerable discussion by the City Council regarding property tax relief, as City Council
heard from some in the City outside the public hearings. In the recent legislative session, the Texas
Legislature adopted House Bill 3 and Senate Bill 2 which are projected to limit the city’s ability to sustain
property tax growth to fund additional operational costs beginning in Fiscal Year 2021. City Council
calculated the impact of providing property tax relief in the form of homestead exemptions and tax rate
reductions. They measured and weighed the proposed forms of relief against the impact or cost of the
reduction in city services and then focused on the impact or cost of City services compared to and in
relation to the cost of other public services supported by the same taxpayer within in City, the County and
State of Texas. After significant discussion, City Council voted to adopt the tax rate by a six to one vote
as proposed by the City Manager, stating that property tax relief for the citizens would come from the
State of Texas. Separately, the City Council voted to approve the budget as presented by the City
Manager also by a six to one vote.

Management Strategies

Management monitors all development activity within the City during the year to manage the resources of
the City. The economic climate in the City of Mansfield continues to prosper along with the improving
economies of the state and nation. Well-timed infrastructure improvements, stringent development
standards and aggressive economic development strategies have created additional opportunities for
commercial and retail expansions. The residential market continues to add new development throughout
the City.

2019-2020 Budget Highlights

• City Council maintained the current tax rate of $0.71 per $100 of valuation.
• The City will improve programs in Public Safety, Community Services and infrastructure maintenance.

• The City will provide a 3-15% market adjustment for all employees.
• New industrial, commercial and retail opportunities are being developed by the Mansfield Economic
Development Corporation, including site development and construction for the Shops at Broad retail
center and other retail establishments throughout the City.

• Continued emphasis on planning and infrastructure improvements.
• New residential developments that include approximately 6,094 single family homes are in some phase
of platting, design or construction.
• Protection of the City’s credit ratings - All rated funds with strong fund balance positions.

• The City has improved the fund balance to $17,261,824.

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