Page 120 - Microsoft Word - FY 2021 tax info sheet

MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL
MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL (100-12-121)

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. Elevate family life
* Initiated first annual Keller Fireworks event to allow residents to celebrate Independence Day in a local setting.
* Prioritized improvements at Keller Sports Park as one of the top goals for the immediate future and established a Task
Force to develop recommendations on upgrading the park.
* Approved replacement of the Bursey Ranch neighborhood playgound equipment and the construction of a lacrosse
field at the Keller Sports Park.
* Maintained funding and support for public safety actitivies and personnel, including the initiation of a feasability study
to determine if Keller residents might benefit from merging the Keller and Westlake Fire Departments.
* Updated the city's Mission Statement to reflect a strong commitment to making community decisions that support a
family friendly environment.
2. Attract vibrant development
* Continued investing in the growth and redevelopment of Old Town Keller by continuing design work for second phase
of the project focused east of Hwy. 377.
* Created Tax Increment Reinvesment Zone No. 2 along the Hwy. 377 corridor to encourage development and create a
mechanism to capture new tax dollars for future infrastructure funding.
* Successfully brought the Future Land Use Plan update project to a succesful conclusion by adopting a document that
incorporates input from many different stakeholders and lays out a vision for smart, community-oriented development
and re-development.
3. Demonstrate fiscal discipline
* Approved the state maximum homestead exemption rate of 20% for FY 2021-22 (Tax Year 2021), providing an
average year-over-year savings of $103.
* 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.
* Lowered the fiscal year 2020-21 tax rate to $0.3950 per $100 of taxable value, the seventh consecutive decrease in
the tax rate.
* Cash funded Capital Improvement Projects, vehicle and building replacement funds and one time equipment
purchases to avoid issuing debt.
* Maintained current bond ratings at AAA (Standard & Poor’s and Moody'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. Improve & maintain sound infrastructure
* Included just over $3,250,000 for one-time sidewalk maintenance in annual budget to remove backlog.
* Continued to monitor construction progress on the Senior Center facility approved by voters in the 2018 bond election.
* Oversaw design for street expansions and enhancements to manage growth and traffic patterns including the City's
first two roundabouts.
* Initiated updates to Major Thoroughfare, Drainage, Water and Waste Water master plans to ensure current conditions
are documents and allow for data-driven decisions.
5. Put people first
* Efficiently communicated citizen concerns, complaints and comments to the City Manager for resolution and follow-up.
* Oversaw city response and communication efforts related to COVID-19 and the Feb. 2021 Winter Storm Event.
* Intiated review of city's approach to mental health and adolescent homelessness.
* Oversaw employee engagement survey and updated compensation and classification plan.
* Approved pay increases for civilian and public safety personnel that exceeded the rate of inflation for the 9th
consecutive year.
118