Page 115 - Keller Budget FY21

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 $92
million in new construction.
* Continued investing in the growth and redevelopment of Old Town Keller by initiating design of for second phase of the
project focused east of Hwy. 377.
* 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 Harmonson Boutique Hotel, Panera Bread, Two Brothers
Winery, and Specs.
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.
* Oversaw city response and communication efforts related to the novel coronavirus, including the creation of a task force
dedicated to mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on the local economy.
* Oversaw revision to the City Council Procedures & Decorum Policy relating to public comments.
* Oversaw updates to the city's Mission Statement, Vision Statement and Core Values.
* 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 2019-20 tax rate to $0.39990 per $100 of taxable value, the sixth consecutive decrease in the
tax rate.
* Continued to mitigate the effects of rising property values by increasing the homestead exemption rate from 10% to
12%.
* 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 $40,000.
* Worked with the Parks & Recreation Board to approve the final design for the new Senior Center, as directed by the
2018 Bond Election results.
* Oversaw design for street expansions and enhancements to manage growth and traffic patterns including the City's first
two roundabouts.
* Continued park and trails development and renovation as well as major improvements to the Keller Pointe indoor pool
and locker rooms.
* Approved the extension of sanitary sewer to properties along north Hwy. 377 that will encourage economic
development.

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