Page 18 - Forest Hill FY21 Annual Budget

THE CITY OF FOREST HILL

Fiscal issues require constant vigilance. Bearing in mind achieving a long-tem1, stable, positive
financial condition is paramount to the progress of Forest Hill; the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Adopted tax
rate is $0.997340 per$ I 00 valuation. The no-new-revenue tax rate is $0.968013 per$ I 00 valuation.
The no-new-revenue rate is tax rate for the 2020 tax year (2021 fiscal year) that will raise the same
amount of property tax revenue for the City from the same properties in both 2019 tax year (2020
fiscal year) and the 2020 tax year (2021 fiscal year). For fiscal year 2020-2021, the voter-approval tax
rate is $0.997342 per$ I 00. The voter-approval rate is the highest tax that the city may adopt without
holding an election to seek voter approval of the rate.

Economic Development

Forest Hill is fortunate to have many dedicated community leaders who understand the importance of
cohesive economic development. Efforts are being made to strengthen our business retention and
expansion programs by re-establishing the Forest Hill Chamber of Commerce, reinvesting wealth
within our local economy and ultimately improving our economic position through the creation of
jobs in our community. Tourism remains a growth industry in Texas and Forest Hill hopes to
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capitalize on that industry by sponsoring events and festivals or Forest Hill aimed at attracting people
to our City, including those utilizing our Civic and Convention Center.

Quality of Life

Our primary responsibility to those who live, work, and visit our City is the commitment to enhance
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their quality of life providing exemplary services which are respected by all and relective of our
community's desires. By strengthening the City's Capital Improvement Program our streets, water,
wastewater, drainage, and bridge systems will be improved.

During 2020, the City of Forest Hill was awarded the "Recognized" status for the Scenic City
Certification Program. This program recognized municipalities that implement high quality scenic
standards for public roadways and spaces. It fosters community character and civic pride as well as
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supports economic development efforts. Scoring for the ce1tiication was based on "streetscapes",
landscaping, lighting standards, sign regulations, infrastructure regulations, litter and graffiti
prohibition, parks and unique city features.

The City continually reviews the Comprehensive Maser Plan, Subdivision Regulations, and Design
Criteria for development in order to sustain current operations and support future growth of our
community. We are working together to provide and maintain a dynamic, progressive, quality
atmosphere in which to live, work, and play. To enhance the quality of life, our open space master
plan has been prepared for promotion of growth through a defined strategic plan for parks and
recreation.

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