Page 13 - CITY OF WATAUGA, TEXAS ANNUAL BUDGET PORTRAIT

this year to include a Citizen Academy (Watauga 101), a Citizens Police/Fire Academy,
and enhancement of the Citizen’s Focus Group.

To support City Council Goals, performance-based programs require department heads
to set measurable objectives aligned with City priorities. Progress is tracked through
performance indicators, reviewed annually, and monitored throughout the budget year.

The FY2025-2026 balanced budget includes a planned fund balance drawdown within
financial policy limits, maintaining sufficient reserves to protect the City’s credit and
emergency readiness. The General Fund has a 25% target reserve; it is projected to end
FY2024-2025 at 49% and FY2025-2026 at 45% of operating expenses.

City Council Goals

Watauga continues to make strong progress toward its strategic goals—serving citizens,
supporting economic development, improving infrastructure, and enhancing quality of life.
The FY2025-2026 Budget reflects the City Council’s vision: "To build an inclusive
community that delivers exceptional quality of life through good governance, fiscal
responsibility, and transparency."

FY2025-2026 Budget Priorities Aligned with City Council Goals:

 Goal #1: Maintain Financial Strength – Continue sound fiscal management, uphold
or improve the City’s bond rating, pursue grants, and invest in cybersecurity
protections.

 Goal #2: Promote Sustainable Economic Development – Advance revitalization
policies, support incentive grants for business upgrades, and fund a new food
business park at Capp Smith via the Economic Development Corporation.

 Goal #3: Expand public safety through non-enforcement efforts – Continue efforts
to improve safety for residents and visitors to include the enhancement of street
lighting.

 Goal #4: Strengthen Future Planning – Conduct reviews of City ordinances and
code compliance procedures to support long-term planning.

 Goal #5: Boost Community Involvement –Expand volunteer opportunities, utilize
technology to increase engagement, continue the Citizens Survey, resume
Watauga 101 Academy, and grow the Fire Department’s outreach.

 Goal #6: Elevate the City Brand – Develop a marketing strategy, enhance social
media, promote events and businesses, and improve information-sharing
platforms.

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