City of Tyler proposes $255 million budget for 2025
TYLER, Texas (KETK) – The city of Tyler released their 2025 proposed budget at a city council meeting on Wednesday, highlighting their efforts to improve roads and drainage and redevelop downtown.
How much of East Texas is owned by foreign entities?
The budget totals $255.9 million, a 6% increase from last year. $50 million will go to upgrading water and sewer systems, while $41.4 million will be devoted to traffic signal improvements, street reconstruction, drainage and redevelopment of the downtown square funded by half-cent sales tax revenue.
The new tax rate is lowered to $0.240085, which the city says maintains their position as having the lowest tax rate in Smith County and among Texas cities with populations above 15,000. Projected property taxes are roughly $30.5 million, making up 32% of the general revenue fund.
Still, homeowners in Tyler are dealing with higher property values, up 10% from last year. The average homeowner is seeing an annual tax increase of $35.12, depending on the home value. These numbers will mean an additional $1.7 million in the city’s pocket for critical infrastructure and public safety.
PUBLIC SAFETY
The Tyler Police Department will get $37.9 million and the fire department will get $25.8 million. Funded by the half-cent sales tax, the city plans to convert the former National Guard Armory into a $1.3 million Regional Training Facility. They also plan to update body cameras and other tech, along with hiring two new officers to patrol downtown.
The city will also invest $2.6 million in a new fire engine and ladder truck. They also plan to spend $130,000 on a portable burn building for specialized training. This budget also allows for $25,000 in funding to enable TFD to participate in the Texas Interstate Fire Mutual Aid System, which would allow them to help neighboring areas fight wildfires.
Additionally, $50,000 will go to kennel updates at Tyler Animal Control and $200,000 will go to continued demolition of commercial substandard structures.
ROADS
Millions of dollars from the half-cent fund will go to street and traffic improvements. $2.3 million will go to sealing streets and preserving brick streets, while another $20 million will support street reconstruction and traffic improvements.
$870,000 will go to repair and maintenance on Tyler’s brick streets, $1.4 million will go to crack seal projects and $165,000 will go to public alley repairs and maintenance.
“This is about resilience through preparation,” City Manager Ed Broussard said. “In the face of extreme weather, we must be ready for whatever nature throws our way.”
WATER
$50 million will go to water and wastewater capital projects, including $1 million for the city’s new water meter replacement project. The city also started a study of the Lake Palestine Water Treatment Plant with hopes of improving the water’s smell and taste.
They expect the town’s water pressure to get a boost with added elevated storage and upsized water lines. In addition, Tyler Water Utilities plans to commence phase three of their uniform rate structure, increasing water and sewer costs between $10.90 and $24.49 for the average TWU customer.
East Texas State Fair announces 2024 music lineup
Residential trash collection rates will increase by $0.91 monthly for the average cart.
DOWNTOWN
Starting phase one of a multi-year endeavor to revitalize downtown Tyler, the city plans to spend $25.7 million over the next three years. Phase One should enhance the west side of the square with expanded green space and right-of-way improvements and would cost an estimated $10.3 million.
PARKS
The city will finish the Legacy Trails trailhead at Stewart Park this year, and have set aside $775,000 for Stewart Park construction.
Prepping for potential downed trees in parks– an issue exacerbated by recent bouts of severe weather— the city will dedicate $14,000 for a new grapple and dump trailer to help keep parks clean from tree debris.
They also have plans to demolish some buildings on the fair grounds that are now considered outdated. A new horticulturist position working at the rose garden will maintain the Rose Garden’s 38,000 rose bushes.
PUBLIC FEEDBACK
Tyler residents interested in giving feedback on the budget can attend a city council meeting on Aug. 28 and Sept. 11 at Tyler City Hall. Final adoption of the budget is scheduled for Sept. 11.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.