Page 7 - ArlingtonFY24AdoptedBudget

Manager’s Message

Fund, and $927,789 in the Park Performance Fund, beginning in the summer of 2024 as the public opening of the facility
approaches, provides an initial investment for a partial year, with full funding to begin in FY 2025.

Implementing strategies to address homelessness in the City will be a priority in FY 2024. Resources are allocated for programs
to locate and assist in clean-up initiatives for homeless encampments, and to deter re-encampment once those sites are cleared.
In the Code Compliance Department, a total of $178,024 has been allocated to pursue these initiatives, which includes the
addition of one new staff position. It is anticipated that these efforts will involve participation by multiple departments, and our
experience in FY 2024 will guide future decisions about the next steps we can take to provide safe and compassionate
alternatives to encampments for the homeless.

Another focus of our efforts in the coming year will be maintaining and improving the cleanliness and overall attractiveness of
the City, and several funding initiatives are included in the Proposed Budget to address this area. The Parks and Recreation
Department will receive $371,628 for increased mowing costs, $125,000 for litter removal along linear trails, and $175,000 for
the green screen project along SE Green Oaks Blvd., Public Works (in the Storm Water Fund) will receive an additional $38,250
for street sweeping, Planning & Development will receive $104,414 for a new Streetscape Inspector position, and $75,000 is
allocated in the Infrastructure Maintenance Reserve to clean and maintain the 101 Center Street parking garage. I have also
instructed our service personnel in the field, regardless of department, to join the effort to remove litter and debris wherever it is
found to help ensure that the City remains as clean and attractive as possible.

Over the years we have made substantial commitments to provide outstanding parks and recreation opportunities for our
citizens, and this Proposed Budget continues that tradition. In addition to the Active Adult Center and cleanliness efforts, Parks
and Recreation will receive $700,000 of funding for restroom improvements at the Arlington Tennis Center, $75,000 for
maintenance of recreation buildings and facilities, and $61,200 for operation and maintenance costs associated with new parks.
The maintenance of City buildings continues to be a priority. Carry-forward funding is provided for facility improvements at the
101 Center Street parking garage ($149,000) and the City Tower ($235,000). New funding is provided for several elevator
upgrades ($126,500), the addition of concrete stairs, handrails, and retaining wall at the Lake Arlington Library ($225,000),
window replacement at the Northeast Library ($49,241), restroom improvements at 1015 W. Main Street ($233,710), exterior
painting at various facilities ($450,932), carpet replacement at the Southwest Library ($91,220), and an additional investment of
$875,000 for general building maintenance.

In addition to funding the first year of the four-man apparatus staffing plan, the Fire Department will also receive $481,200 for
specialty pay for all personnel who achieve EMT Certification. The Police Department will receive $619,856 (largely offset by
revenues from AISD) to enhance the School Resource Officer program, $50,000 to support expanded Community Programs,
and an additional $5,110 for the Alliance for Children initiative.

Evolving technology drives innovation in all areas of our service delivery, and the costs associated with maintaining our
technological edge continue to increase. In FY 2024, we are making significant investments in our existing and new technology,
including $321,608 for software licensing and maintenance, $481,000 for the Kronos (payroll and timekeeping) replacement
system, $150,000 for cybersecurity risk assessments, $123,588 for a new Information Security Analyst position, $107,552 for a
new Fiber and Structured Cabling Specialist position, $634,000 in carry-forward funding for the Enterprise Resource Planning
system, and a total of $2,964,710 for enterprise-wide IT projects in Police, Public Works, the Municipal Court, and contracting
services for technology program support. The Transportation Department will receive $115,668 to migrate the Handitran
software to an updated platform and acquire new Aviation Management software. Technology investments in FY 2024 will also
include growing our communications and outreach capabilities. The Office of Business Diversity will receive $46,600 for the
Spark Business Resource Center and to fund additional expositions and workshops to support our public education efforts, and
Communications and Legislative Affairs will receive $54,000 for additional social media promotions.

The programs and funding allocations outlined above represent the highlights of what I have included for Council’s consideration
as the FY 2024 Proposed Budget is discussed. A complete list of all FY 2024 Budget Proposals submitted by the departments,
those that are included in this Proposed Budget as well as those that were declined, can be found in the Other Budget Information
section of this document.

FY 2024 Adopted Budget and Business Plan iv City of Arlington, Texas