Page 14 - Manfield FY21 Budget

services, and its school system. Commercial and retail developers are keenly interested in the City’s
progressive development policies.
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 a public hearing on August 31, 2020 on the budget and the tax rate. Prior to the
hearings, the City Manager presented the annual service program which included a 10% Homestead
Exemption, 2 cent tax reduction, program priorities, staffing, equipment and proposed infrastructure
improvements for the upcoming fiscal year. No comment on the city budget or tax rate was heard from
the citizenry.

On September 11, 2020, City Council voted to adopt the tax rate by a unanimous vote of 7-0 as proposed
by the City Manager. Separately, the City Council voted to approve the budget as presented by the City
Manager also by a unanimous vote of 7-0.

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. The City Council and City Management agreed to re-purpose debt issued in FY 2019-2020 and
reallocate funding to make additional improvements to city facilities. The City also cancelled some
existing contracts and realigned city departments to take advantage of cost savings and provide property
tax relief to its citizens.

2020-2021 Budget Highlights

• City Council reduced the current tax rate from $0.71 to $0.69 per $100 of valuation and implemented a
10% Homestead Exemption.

• Creation of new city programs that encourage Civic Engagement and Transparency.

• Creation of a new Historic Downtown Department and Public Records and Transparency Departments
• The City will improve programs in Public Safety, Community Services and infrastructure maintenance.
• The City will provide a Cost of Living adjustment of up to 2.5% and a merit adjustment of up to 2.5%.

• 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 $17,409,306.

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