File photo
File photo
The Mesquite City Council approved the city's budget for Fiscal Year 2021, which includes a tax rate decrease for property owners and no new fee increases for water utility customers.
According to a city news release, the budget also includes money for additional police officers. The fiscal year for the city began Oct. 1.
"The impacts of the state’s new tax cap on cities was a tremendous hit to our operations," City Manager Cliff Keheley said. "The 3.5% cap on the new revenue the city could have generated by increased property values impacted our budget plans. However, through cost-saving measures by our staff, we were able to compensate for the loss in potential revenue and still be able to plan on some new initiatives."
The budget is funded 46% by property taxes, 25% by sales tax and other fees and charges.
“This budget is significant," Mayor Bruce Archer said. "It shows this City Council has listened to our citizens. We have dug deep to find ways to continue offering quality services without additional burden on taxpayers."
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