City of Irving Budget Outlook Sound; Leadership Continues to Increase Productivity, Results for Residents

While some government entities are struggling due to economic hardships, the City of Irving’s budget outlook is sound due to strong economic development initiatives, increased operational efficiencies and progressive management of resources.

City staff presented an overview of the 2008-09 proposed budget to the City Council during its work session meeting on June 25. The presentation addressed the eight key focus areas identified by the City Council based on the city’s Strategic Plan. These include public safety, code enforcement, corridor enhancements and capital improvement projects.

Irving’s progressive approach to its daily operational functions has yielded a more efficient, productive and results-driven staff. Placing emphasis on the key focus areas has exhibited significant results over the past year such as a 7.1 percent decrease in the crime rate, the lowest level on record for the city. Other projects include improvements to animal services and a strengthening of code enforcement. These results demonstrate how the designated money spent in these areas over the past year has been effective.

In preparing next year’s budget, city management has proposed no new personnel and has placed a hold on operational expenditures. The focus will remain on continued improvements to the eight key focus areas. City staff has worked to identify additional revenue sources and to ensure best management practices that focus on results.

The adopted 2008-09 budget includes $35 million for additional capital improvement projects that will address economic development initiatives, streets, parks, fire services, libraries and the landfill. Currently, the preliminary property tax roll is at $19.8 billion. The final tax roll will be issued July 25. Sales tax revenues are stable at $48 million. Irving still maintains the second lowest property tax rate among its 10 benchmark cities.

Next year’s budget has been developed based on City Council direction at a strategic planning meeting, as well as resident input received from Town Hall meetings, resident surveys, and public hearings. Initial survey results indicate an increase in resident satisfaction with city services.

  View 2008-09 Adopted Budget Overview