Aledo residents will see a slightly lower property tax rate, but water and sewer costs are going up.
The City Council adopted the budget and tax rate Sept. 27.
For the first time, Aledo has a street maintenance fund of $70,000 in this year's budget.
Budget at a glance:
• Operating budget for 2006-07: $904,283
• Operating budget for 2007-08: $938,454
• 2006-07 property tax rate: 0.4303 cents per $100 of assessed value
• 2007-08 property tax rate: 0.3943 cents per $100 of assessed value
The tax bill for an average home, valued at $100,000, will be $394.30 this year, down from $430.30 last year.
Some major budget changes
Aledo created a merit raise system. The budget has no across-the-board raises.
The city established a street repair program, with $70,000 budgeted.
Changes in the Water Department include upgraded software, new equipment and the replacement of almost 2,000 feet of sewer line. The water and sewer fund is about $1.2 million.
Rising water bills
Water rates will go from $13.12 to $18.50, base sewer rates from $20.50 to $24.40. The money will fund additional debt to upgrade the system to tie in to Fort Worth's water supply.
"I am excited about the '07-'08 budget because our staff did an outstanding job in their needs analysis and subsequent recommendations to the council," Mayor Kit Marshall said. "It is a tight budget but one that will allow the city to continue improving its services, infrastructure and maintenance programs. Unfortunately there are projects that will have to wait for future budget cycles, but we have a plan in place."
Source: Fort Worth Star-Telegram; Fort Worth, Texas
