Well, folks, it’s that time again. On Aug. 9, City Manager Jan Hart presented her proposed budget, and it is actually slightly smaller than last year. At $1.17 billion, the proposed budget attempts to deliver the same level of service to Dallas citizens as was delivered during the past year. The $21 million decrease is accomplished by decreasing funded positions by 208, reducing department budgets by 74 percent (excluding police and fire), and increasing efforts to privatize City functions.

The first phase of the recycling program will start this year, but those initiatives do not affect the current level of service for single-family homes. The City will begin to compost leaves and will be limiting leaf collection opportunities.

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Although overall funding for culture and recreation is decreased, both the Hamon Wing of the Dallas Museum of Art and the new Museum of African-American Life and Culture will open, adding additional operating costs to the City budget.

Fee increases have been proposed for water and sewer, storm water management and garbage disposal. Citizens who wish to voice opinions on any aspect of the proposed budget may write to me at 1500 Marilla, Room 5FS, Dallas 75201.

I am anxious to receive your comments. Informal adoption of the budget will occur at a council workshop Sept. 13. Formal adoption is scheduled Sept. 22.

Meanwhile, last month, the City Plan Commission voted to recommend denial of the application to rezone the Skillman/Audelia/LBJ property owned by Bill Waugh. I expect the case to be heard by the City Council in late September. I’ll keep you informed.