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The City of Arlington unveiled its proposed $427 million budget for Fiscal Year 2016 during the August 4 work session of City Council.

According to City Manager Trey Yelverton, as the economy continues to improve across the region, state and nation, the need for services and programs continues to outpace that growth. The FY 2016 budget was developed with this in mind.

This proposed budget maintains the current property tax rate of 64.8 cents per $100 of property value.

The General Fund budget totals $221.6 million. Public safety (police and fire) account for 63 percent of that, with the remainder divided among other City departments.

After careful consideration, the City identified $1.55 million in budget reductions, with those resources to be allocated to fund programs supporting the city council's priorities.

"I believe this budget represents a commitment to building around the basics, all while improving the quality of services the residents of Arlington depend on," said Yelverton.

The proposed budget and business plan is built around supporting the City Council's five priorities: Support Quality Education, Enhance Regional Mobility, Invest in Our Community, Champion Great Neighborhoods and Put Technology to Work. The last priority was created this year to enhance and embrace new technologies, create greater transparency, and improve access, convenience and timeliness of information for our community.

Here are some highlights from the budget, categorized by each priority:

Put Technology to Work

• $418,000 for enhanced IT security
• $50,000 for Arlington Police Department body camera pilot program
• $125,000 City data strategic plan
• $205,000 for upgrade to registration system used by Arlington Parks and Recreation Department
• $650,000 for Electronic Ticket Writers for the Arlington Police Department

Champion Great Neighborhoods

• $87,000 for new highway and railroad beautification projects
• $215,000 to maintain existing beautification programs, including two new landscaping positions
• $12.1 million for Stormwater maintenance and projects

Enhance Regional Mobility

• $2.5 million for road maintenance to seal cracks and take care of other repairs
• $114,375 for Metro ArlingtonXpress (MAX)
• $65,000 for update to master plan for Arlington's roads

Support Quality Education

• $100,000 for Arlington Public Library to purchase additional e-books
• $114,000 for books, information and materials
• $4,000 for 3-D printer
• Continue AISD Fire Academy and APD Hometown Recruiting Program

Invest in Our Economy

• $2.8 million for economic development initiatives that attract and retain businesses
• $474,000 for Arlington Convention Center repairs
• $100,000 for Downtown Master Plan
• Provide funding for Center Street Bridge over I-20, the extension of south 360, redesign of the 360/I-30 interchange and improvements along Stadium Drive.

Core Services

• $1.9 million to retain 23 police officers
• $563,000 for seven emergency dispatchers
• $621,000 for new police cars
• $2.1 million for new fire trucks
• $5.6 million for employee raises and benefit increases

For more information about the FY 2016 proposed budget, view the document in its entirety by clicking here.

Public input on the proposed budget is welcome at two town hall meetings scheduled for later this month:

Town Hall Meeting #1

Tuesday, August 18 at 6:30 p.m.
City Council Chambers
101 W. Abram Street

Town Hall Meeting #2

Monday, August 24 at 6:30 p.m.
South Police Service Center
1030 S.W. Green Oaks Blvd.

The City of Arlington has produced a series of videos to help you learn more about City departments: Animal Services, Arlington Public Library, Code Compliance, Community Development & Planning, Parks and Recreation, Police, Public Works and Water Utilities.