PRESS RELEASES - AUGUST 2006

Charting A Course for Arlington’s Future
The City of Arlington Budget Process for Fiscal Year 2007 is Under Way

August 9, 2006

City Manager Jim Holgersson has given the Arlington City Council their first look at the proposed operating budget for Fiscal Year 2007.

The $344.3 million spending plan prepares Arlington for the future and funds a variety of City Council and community priorities without a property tax rate increase. The property tax rate is at 64.8 cents per $100 of assessed value.

The proposed operating budget for the City of Arlington addresses City Council priorities such as competitive pay for employees, increased code enforcement, library services, public safety and arts programs. Other priorities include developing downtown as a vibrant destination, a focus on planning and zoning and establishing Arlington as an active participant in the global marketplace. Identifying transportation solutions and innovative uses for city owned property are also top priorities this fiscal year. Strengthening economic development, building strong neighborhoods and investing in infrastructure continues to provide the foundation for achieving priorities.

A series of town hall meetings will begin August 10 followed by work sessions and state-mandated public hearings. The proposed operating budget for 2007 is posted on the City of Arlington website at www.ci.arlington.tx.us. For more information about the budget process, or if special accommodations are needed at a town hall meeting or public hearing, residents should call the Office of the Mayor and City Council at 817-459-6141 or 817-459-6122.

City of Arlington FY 2007 Budget Calendar

6:30 p.m. Thursday, August 10
Town Hall Meeting hosted by District 3 Council Member Robert Rivera
Bob Duncan Center is located at 2800 S. Center St.

6:30 p.m. Monday, August 14
Town Hall Meeting hosted by District 5 Council Member Lana Wolff
City Hall - Council Briefing Room (Third Floor) is located at 101 W. Abram St.

6:30 p.m. Thursday, August 17
Town Hall Meeting hosted by District 4 Council Member Kathryn Wilemon
Fire Training Center is located at 5501 Ron McAndrew Dr.

6:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 23
Town Hall Meeting hosted by District 1 Council Member Mel LeBlanc
Ellis Elementary is located at 2601 Shadow Ridge Dr.

7 p.m. Thursday, August 24
Town Hall Meeting hosted by District 2 Council Member Sheri Capehart
Cliff Nelson Recreation Center is located at 4600 W. Bardin Rd.
Agenda item: First public hearing on proposed property tax rate

August 29 and September 5
Work Sessions about the budget could occur during the afternoon meetings of the Arlington City Council on August 29 and September 5.

6:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 29
Second public hearing on proposed property tax rate

6:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 12
Second and final reading of the FY 2007 Operating Budget

October 1
The 2007 Fiscal Year begins October 1. The year ends September 30, 2007.

How to obtain additional information about the budget process
Review the budget at www.ci.arlington.tx.us/budgets. Afternoon and regular evening meetings of the Arlington City Council are broadcast live and replayed weekly on Cable Channel 5.