Fourth Friday Flash
A Public Affairs Update From
The Greater Fort Worth Real Estate Council
By Thad Brundrett
September 25, 2009
City of Fort Worth Adopts 2010 Budget
In early summer, the city was faced with a $60 million budget shortfall for fiscal 2010. What followed was two months of difficult and sometimes tenuous budget discussions. On Tuesday, September 15th, the City Council adopted a final budget. Several fees will be increased, the property tax rate will remain stable, and city services and employees were cut. And, the Greater Fort Worth Real Estate Council was successful in heading off any attempt to increase the Transportation Impact Fee.
Approximately 60 city employees have been notified their positions are being eliminated. Many employees will be furloughed for a few days. Police and Fire are the only departments not affected by layoffs or furloughs.
Neighborhood swimming pools will not be continued. City subsidies for community not-for-profit organizations were cut and even road and street maintenance funds were reduced. It is a tough budget.
Early in the budget process, GFWREC Board Chair Nina Petty and I met with City Manager Dale Fisseler. Our goal was to ensure that the city’s search for revenue would not include increasing the Transportation Impact Fee. Mr. Fisseler assured us it was not his intention to request an increase. Our leadership stayed in close contact with Dale and council members during the budget process and indeed, very little discussion was focused on the Impact Fee and several council members publicly spoke against any increase.
Unfortunately, these continue to be challenging times for the City. Three days before the Council adopted the 2010 budget, news arrived from Austin that the August, 2009 sales tax revenues for Fort Worth were down dramatically (approximately 13%). The City Manager and others are convinced that the 2011 budget will be even more challenging.
We must remain vigilant and continue to work with City Hall. More challenges for them mean more challenges for our profession.
City of Fort Worth Crime Control and Prevention District Renewal Election to be Held November 3rd
The Fort Worth Crime Control and Prevention District is up for voter renewal this November. The District raises ½ cent sales tax to fund an array of crime fighting including gang crime, neighborhood crime, zero tolerance teams, school safety and much more.
The GFWREC Board believes renewal is vitally important to the future growth and prosperity of community. Our organization has endorsed the District’s renewal and vote to contribute $3,000 to the campaign. Additionally, the October 5th edition of the Fort Worth Business Press will feature an advertisement placed by the GFWREC urging the business community to support this important proposition.
I can not stress enough how important this election is to Fort Worth. The Mayor and City Council are putting everything they have into this effort. We strongly encourage you and your company to consider supporting the Crime District renewal and contributing to the campaign (yes, corporate checks can be contributed this election campaign, unlike campaigns that involve candidates). You can contribute to:
Citizens for a Better Fort Worth
777 Taylor Street
Suite 900
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
GFWREC September Board Meeting Included a Visit With County Judge Glen Whitley and Fort Worth City Councilman Jungus Jordan
At our September board meeting, County Judge Glen Whitley and Councilman Jordan spent more than an hour visiting with us on the issue of transportation. The main topic of conversation was future state legislative action on the Local Option Transportation Act, which is designed to improve street, highway and rail funding.
A state-wide effort on passing major transportation funding legislation in Austin in 20011 is taking shape. Both reported the effort would be led by business leaders. As the plan takes shape, we will pass along the details. Both of our guests are deeply involved in the planning this initiative. We appreciated their candor.