Council formally adopts budget: Increase in water, sewer rates included

The city of Rowlett completed its year-long budget planning process during its regular session on Tuesday, Sept. 19. The council passed the budget for the upcoming fiscal year with a unanimous vote.

"A lot of work goes into the budget," said Brian Funderburk, assistant city manager.

The council was originally presented with the proposed budget on Aug. 7. The council has since had a work session and held two public hearings to solicit input on the budget.

"As presented tonight the budget total $82.8 million. This will be the eighth consecutive year that the city council will approve the same tax rate of $.747173 per $100 assessed valuation. We have acknowledged that accommodating that flat tax rate was a significant challenge given that we have had a one and on-half percent decline in our property tax valuation," Funderburk said.

The budget will increase by $2.6 million over the previous year. Of that increase personnel cost increase a total $161,000 due to a 10.5 percent increase in health insurance and a 3 percent salary increase for city employees, effective April 1.

As part of the city's budget, water and sewer rates will have a substantial increase over last year. The city will have an expected increase of $717,000 in costs to fund as a result of the pass through. As a result of the pass through, water rates will increase by an average of 23.6 percent. The new rate includes a 14.3 percent increase to cover the pass through costs from the North Texas Municipal Water District to fund the cost of infrastructure work within the system. The other 9.3 percent is added as part of the city's allocation of $2 million to begin addressing serious water and sewer infrastructure issues within the city.

The sewer fees will increase by an average of .4 percent as a result of a 2.5 percent increase in the cost of service from the city of Garland. The average bill, based on 10,000 gallons of usage, will rise by approximately $.25.

All rate changes will take effect on Oct. 1.

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