Page 30 - CITY OF WATAUGA, TEXAS ANNUAL BUDGET PORTRAIT

 Capital Outlay – Major purchases over $10,000 with a lifespan of 5+ years,
including infrastructure (streets and water and sewer projects) and equipment.
These are planned through the City’s multi-year Capital Improvement and Capital
Outlay Plans, as shown in their respective sections of this budget document.

Personnel, Compensation, and Benefits

Retaining and attracting qualified staff remains a top priority. Staffing changes,
retirements, and recruitment challenges have significantly impacted City operations in
recent years.

Personnel Highlights

 Since FY2021-2022, the City has steadily restored positions cut during the pandemic
and added staff to meet growing service demands.

 13.25 full-time equivalents (FTEs) were added, 7.25 restored and 6.0 new, per the
Personnel Enhancement Plan.

 ARPA funding initially supported 7 FTEs later reduced to 6.0. By FY2024-2025, these
positions were fully absorbed in the General Fund.

FY2025-2026 Staff Investments

• Education pay increases for civil service employees
• Continued civil service step increases
• 1–3% merit increases for general government staff based on evaluations
• 3% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for all employees

New Positions (Partial-Year Funding to Limit Budget Impact)

• Public Works:

Administrative Assistant (1.0 FTE)
o

1 Maintenance Worker I (1.0 FTE)
o
• Police Department:

o Kennel Technician converted from part-time to full-time (0.5 FTE)

• Fire Department:
Administrative Assistant converted from part-time to full-time (0.5 FTE)
o

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