Rockwall City Council approves fiscal year 2025 budget

Rockwall City Council approves fiscal year 2025 budget

Rockwall TX (September 17, 2024) – The Rockwall City Council has officially approved the budget for Fiscal Year 2025, which spans from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. A key highlight of the newly adopted budget is a tax rate of 24.745 cents per $100 of assessed value, marking a 2.27 cent decrease from the previous year. This reduction underscores the City’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a low tax rate while maximizing benefits for residents and businesses.

The general fund, which supports essential services such as Administration, Public Safety, Parks and Recreation, Engineering, and the Municipal Court, will see operating expenditures of $51,758,400, reflecting a 3.09% increase from last year. The City is projecting a robust ending fund balance for FY2024 at $29,755,290, providing 210 days or 6.9 months of expenditures in reserve. This reserve aligns with the City’s policy, ensuring that funds are available for future capital projects without incurring additional debt.

Public safety remains a priority, with the FY2025 budget allocating funds for two new School Resource Officers (SROs) at the request of Rockwall Independent School District (RISD), in which 75% of costs will be covered by RISD. A new Patrol Sergeant position has also been added to provide enhanced oversight and leadership within the Police Department. Key expenditures include $877,250 for eight new patrol vehicles, and $132,500 for HVAC improvements at the Animal Shelter.

The City is investing in key infrastructure projects, including $2.7 million for street resurfacing, road repairs, and pavement marking, along with $300,000 for sidewalk repairs and construction around town. $335,000 has been allocated for additional parking lot lighting at Harry Myers Park, updates to playgrounds, including those at Lofland Park and Emerald Bay, and maintenance at the KidZone and Athletic Ballfields. $50,000 will go toward replacing and updating landscaping throughout the city that have been damaged by storms and drought.

The City of Rockwall remains committed to responsible fiscal management and strategic investments that improve the quality of life for all residents.

Press release submitted by Kate Sitzenstatter, edited for publication in Blue Ribbon News.