Dallas City Hall
Today, City council unanimously approved the City’s budget and tax rate for FY 2024-25. Let’s take a look at the highlights from the budget.
The budget, going into effect on Oct. 1, totals $4.97 billion.
Skillman Southwestern Branch Library
After the library faced possible closure as a result of the proposed budget, an amendment to keep the Branch open has been passed. District 9 discretionary American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds will be re-allocated to cover the library for the next fiscal year.
Property tax rate
The property tax rate will be reduced by 3.10¢ — which lowers the property tax rate from 73.57¢ to 70.47¢ per $100 valuation.
Increased property tax exemption will be available for residents who are aged 65 years and over, or living with a disability, from $139,400 to $153,400.
Police and fire-rescue
The Dallas Police Department and Dallas Fire Rescue combined budget will be increased by $78 million.
The City’s contributions to both the Dallas Police and Fire Pension System (DPFPS) and the Employee Retirement Fund (ERF) will be increased.
63 firefighters and four Single Function Paramedics will be added to strengthen response to medical calls.
250 police recruits will be hired, and an incentive program will be implemented to retain officers.
Maintenance
$26.2 million will be invested to address City facility maintenance needs.
$129.5 million in funding will be invested for street improvement and maintenance of approximately 710 lane miles, alley maintenance, sidewalk projects, bridge maintenance and updating the paving model to support quality modes of transportation.
A Citywide program to keep public right-of-way clean will be launched.
Housing/Environment/Uniform employees
The partnership for the R.E.A.L. Time Rehousing (RTR) program to reduce unsheltered homelessness will be continued.
Cross-departmental efforts to advance the nationally recognized Comprehensive Environmental Action Plan (CECAP) will be continued.
$44.1 million will be invested to provide market-based compensation and step increases in accordance with the Meet and Confer Agreement for uniform employees.
