Page 22 - FY 2025 Adopted Operating Budget and Business Plan

Business Plan Return to Table of Contents

marketing campaigns and promotions to inspire leisure travelers to visit; and the recruitment and securing of large and small
scale conventions, meetings, and special events, such as PBR World Finals, the 2020 National Finals Rodeo, WrestleMania
38, the 2024 MLB All-Star Game, FIFA World Cup 2026, Cotton Bowl Classic, Esports Awards, and many more. The ACVB’s
sales efforts will focus on continuing to grow hotel room demand, increasing hotel occupancy throughout the city, and furthering
the development of the sports and esports markets.

The Arlington Entertainment District is a venue unto itself, made up of the City’s multiple world-class stadiums and attractions.
The CES department serves as a liaison to the many partners and stakeholders in the District. The department plays the role
of ‘ex-officio citizen’ for the Entertainment District neighborhood, serving often as an initial point-of-contact for the district’s
corporate residents and an observer for the City’s varied interests and activities.

The Finance Department provides support and information to assist the City Manager and the Mayor and City Council in
management decision-making. The department facilitates the development and tracking of the City’s business plan and
performance-based budget and acts as a strategic partner with departments to provide
financial expertise and guidance with City-wide impact. The department is also
responsible for preparing the City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report,
processing payments to City vendors, preparing City payroll, procuring goods and
services, monitoring consolidated tax collection efforts, and directing the City’s cash
and debt portfolio management activities. Divisions in the department include
Administration, Accounting, Payroll/Payables, Purchasing, Treasury Management,
and the Office of Management and Budget. The Office of Management and Budget
has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the past 38 years.
Under the department, Arlington was the third Municipality to be awarded five of the
State Controller’s Traditional Finance Transparency Stars; a sixth star was added to
the program in 2024.

The Arlington Fire Department consists of Operations Division, Fire Prevention Inspections/EOD Services, Medical
Operations/Public Health, Fire Training, Logistics, the Office of Emergency Management, 9-1-1 Dispatch/Public Safety
Communication Services, Office of Special Events, Special Operations, and Business Services. The Arlington Fire Department’s
mission is to meet and exceed our community's needs and expectations by providing high quality emergency response, life
safety, and community support services.

AFD, Tarrant County College, and the Arlington Independent
School District (AISD) continue to collaborate providing a two-
year college credit program for high school students who wish
to pursue a career as a Firefighter/EMT. The program allows
students to graduate with a certifiable status in Basic Fire
Suppression from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection
(TCFP) and a National Registry EMT certification, with college
credits and increased job opportunity potential. This initiative
serves as a model for additional AISD vocational credit career
programs, as well as other programs across the US. For the
2024-2025 school year, AISD will continue funding for a dedicated Fire Academy Officer to coordinate the program. To date,
AISD Fire Academy has completed 13 total classes and 12 alumni have been hired by AFD.

In FY 2024, AFD was challenged to respond to a wide range of community service demands beyond typical structure fires and
emergency medical services. Partnering with Arlington Police Department, AFD has dedicated programs to prepare for any
“Active Threat Response”, to include SWAT Medics. FY 2024 saw AFD undergoing several capital improvement projects,
including the planning of the demolition and new construction of Fire Station 8 in the entertainment district, and conducting a
Fire Station Location study for new and future fire stations. The department’s goal is to meet the demands of emergency calls
and arrive within recommended response times provided by National Fire Protection Agency 1710.

FY 2025 Adopted Budget and Business Plan 13 City of Arlington, Texas