The Dallas City Council has unanimously passed a $4.5 billion budget for the fiscal year starting October 1. The council passed the budget after postponing the vote and several weeks of debate. This was the first time since 2019 the council voted unanimously.
"I think despite the procedural issues we've had the past several weeks, this is actually one of the smoothest and one of the best budget seasons we've had in recent memory in this city," says Mayor Eric Johnson.
The budget includes a reduction in the property tax rate of 2.75 cents and increases the homestead exemption for those 65 and older or disabled from $107,000 to $115,000.
"I think we've got some big wins here," says Councilwoman Cara Mendelsohn. "We've got a big win in tax reduction. I think we can all be proud of that. I think it's a big win for Dallas."
Mendelsohn voted against last year's budget, and she says, while she supported this year's plan, the property tax reduction should have been larger.
"We have an alarming growth of city expenses and continued deferred maintenance, a looming structural deficit, reserves are being depleted," she says.
The budget includes the hiring of 250 additional police officers, the addition of a unit that will work during peak hours in entertainment districts, additional training and hires for Dallas Fire Rescue and the purchase of an additional fire engine and ambulance.
"We fully funded public safety, plus $2.8 million for Dallas Fire Rescue station repairs and equipment," Mendelsohn says.
For housing and homeless solutions, the budget includes $1 million for non-profits that work with homeless people and $3 million for leasing for rapid rehousing programs.
The budget includes $157 million for road infrastructure and expanded library hours. The minimum wage for city employees will be increased to $18 an hour.
Details about the budget can be seen HERE.
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