Euless Parks and Recreational Opportunities ARE AMAZING

One of the highlights of living in Euless, Texas is the program of services provided to you through the Euless Parks and Recreation Department.  The breadth and depth of facilities and activities in which you can participate is outstanding, no matter your age or status in life.  We have programs for young, seniors and everywhere in between.  All at a cost that is affordable and all at times that make your participation easy to schedule.

Check out the PLAYBOOK for the Fall of 2012, and find the events and activities that interest you the most, then just sign up and participate.    http://www.eulesstx.gov/pacs/playbook/The%20Playbook%20-%20Fall%202012.pdf

Ray McDonald, Director of Parks and Community Services, 817-685-1669, leads a staff of professionals dedicated to making your life better in so many ways.  Ray and the Parks and Recreation Department Staff…another reason for living in FabEuless.

You can always call me at 817-267-5775.

The Public Hearing for the Euless Budget will be held August 28 at 7:00 PM

The preliminary City of Euless Budget for 2012-2013 has been prepared and will be discussed in a Public Hearing at the August 28, City Council Meeting.  All Citizens have an opportunity to voice questions or make requests for changes at that time.   The City Council can make changes but will approve a final budget at this meeting.  The tax rate requires two readings before the City Council and a second public hearing on that subject will be held at a Special City Council Meeting called for September 4, at 7:00 PM.  The City Council is scheduled to approve the tax rate at its meeting on September 11, 2012.

I would encourage each citizen to review the Budget.  The Preliminary Budget for 2012-2013, as well as the Budgets for prior years can be accessed at    http://www.eulesstx.gov/finance/docs.htm     You can review this prior to the Public Hearing and formulate questions you may have.  You may call individual City Council Members for answers to your questions prior the Public Hearing and you will certainly have an opportunity for input at that meeting.

Highlights of the proposed budget are detailed below:

♦ The property tax rate for the upcoming fiscal year is proposed to remain flat at 47.00¢ per $100 of assessed valuation.

♦ There are no cuts in programs or services for citizens.

♦ Baseline budget includes a proposed salary plan of 3.25%.

♦ The water base rate is proposed to increase 50¢ on a 5/8” meter with a 6.3% increase on other meter sizes. The water volume rate continues the tiered rate structure with a slight increase on the top two tiers.

♦ Wastewater rates are also proposed to increase, 50¢ on the base rate and 13¢ on the volume rate, which is primarily related to increased costs from Trinity River Authority for wastewater treatment.

♦ The water and wastewater operating fund includes a transfer to Capital Improvement Program which continues efforts to cash flow an appropriate level of system infrastructure improvements.

♦ Recommended supplemental programs include the addition of two police officers in the General Fund. In addition, three Police Officers are recommended in the Public Safety Special Revenue Fund, but are subject to resource availability.

Your City Staff and City Council have worked hard to produce a Budget that will effectively meet the needs of our Citizens and not impose a tax rate increase nor unrealistic fee increases for the coming year. 

One issue which may be somewhat confusing is a notice required by the Texas Legislature in regard to property taxes.  This notice requires some discussion.  The first thing you will see when looking at the Budget will be this statement:

THIS BUDGET WILL RAISE MORE TOTAL PROPERTY TAXES THAN LAST YEAR'S BUDGET BY $418,253 OR 3.51%, AND OF THAT AMOUNT, $61,992 IS TAX REVENUE TO BE RAISED FROM NEW PROPERTY ADDED TO THE TAX ROLL THIS YEAR.

Because total property tax revenue will increase, in this case, because of changes in assessment values of property, the Legislature considers that Euless taxes have increased.  In reality, the tax rate is unchanged and the only tax increase is because of property value increases.  And if one is over 65 years of age, the City of Euless tax will not increase beyond that amount assessed for his/her 65^th year.  This is a subject which requires much explanation.  Your City Council considers a tax rate with no increases to be a good thing.  Texas law makes requirements for disclosure which are the basis for the statement above.  

Please call any City Council Member with your questions.  We are proud of this Budget and commend it to you.   You can reach me at 817-267-5775.

Reclaimed Wastewater Garners Cooperation Award

Regional Cooperation Award

The cities of Fort Worth, Arlington, Euless and DFW Airport received this year's Regional Cooperation Award from the North Central Texas Council of Governments for joint efforts to reclaim, reuse, and recycle wastewater. 

In May 2011, the entities began operation of a reclaimed water system to relieve the demand on their potable water supply. 

In one year, more than 120 million gallons of reclaimed water were distributed to the participating entities. And, because it is treated wastewater, it is not subject to drought restrictions. The project provides an efficient use of the region's water resources while conserving valuable water supplies. 

Euless has been using this reclaimed water for irrigation at The Parks at Texas Star and The Texas Star Golf Course.  This is only the first of many potential uses for this precious commodity, water.

Contact me anytime at glenn.porterfield@yahoo.com or 817-267-5775.

Innovation in water conservation:  Another reason for citizens to take pride in FabEuless.

The Streets of Euless

The Streets of Euless are of great importance to both the City Staff and the City Council.  The last number of years has seen a marked improvement in the thoroughfare system in our City.  Major street renovations have included improvements to North Main Street, East Harwood Road, West Pipeline Road, Westpark Way, Industrial Blvd, West Euless Blvd, Mid-Cities Blvd, Baze Road, Glade Road, Gateway Blvd, State Hwy. 360, State Hwy. 121 and, though still in progress, West Ash Lane. 

New traffic control signal lights have been installed at important locations including:  Industrial at Signet, West Pipeline Road at Driftwood, West Pipeline Road at Westpark Way, West Harwood Road at Aransas Drive, Mid-Cities Blvd. at Gateway Blvd. and Mid-Cities Blvd. at Baze Road.

The funding for these street projects has come from a myriad of sources.  The Texas Department of Transportation has funded those state highways in the group, Tarrant County has provided funds for some, some have been paid for from the Euless Operating Budget and some have been funded from the proceeds of bonds being issued for their reconstruction.  Glade Road has represented a sharing of costs between Colleyville, Grapevine and Euless since it is partially within each of these cities.  West Pipeline Road, though bounded by both Euless and Bedford was paid for entirely by Euless since the entire road is in Euless; the Bedford border lies just on the North side of the road.  Though Bedford benefitted greatly by this improvement, they refused to participate in the cost of that improvement.  Though the State of Texas provided the major funding for state highways, there are always costs allocated to our City associated with those improvements.

Every year sees street overlays included in the budget.  This represents the process of completely recovering the roadway from curb to curb with new hot mix asphalt.  For connector streets this work is accomplished by equipment and personnel provided by Tarrant County at a cost greatly reduced from what a commercial contractor would charge.

Any time we have a major street improvement or street overlay we are also obligated to upgrade the access for pedestrians and especially the handicapped.  Handicap ramps must be installed and sidewalks improved to meet the minimum requirements for the handicapped.

Additionally, we have periodically patched portions of streets where the original pavement has given way or moved.

Any street improvement project creates hardship for those residents or businesses who must contend with the inconveniences of the construction itself.  We try to coordinate with those who are impacted to lessen the hardship.  We hope that the resulting improvement in the future quality of life and resulting improved property values will compensate for the temporary hardships endured.

The Streets of Euless are the purview of the Euless Public Works Department under the Direction of Mr. Ron Young (817-685-1646) and they do a great job in allowing all Euless Citizens to move about freely with little impediments and little damage to our travelling vehicles.

Problem Issue

One looming issue for Euless and its citizens is the future of State Hwy. 183 Airport Freeway.  The current situation has that freeway being improved through Irving to our East, and to our West, through Bedford, Hurst and other cities to Interstate 35W.  The one short segment of that freeway, just that portion through Euless, is being left unimproved.  Unimproved doesn’t mean that businesses in Euless are not impacted by construction and by indecision relative to future required rights of way.  Our city is being impacted.  And we will be a bottle neck for all those who move from East to West or West to East along this roadway.  One won’t be able to say “freeway” when the improved portion is finished since it will be partially tolled.  But, as I understand the project, the toll roads will end before they traverse Euless.

This situation is not understood by the leadership of your city but is the result of a lack of funding for the entire project.  We are working diligently to get this resolved but at the moment see no resolution on the immediate horizon.  You need to know about this so that you can use your influence to help us work through this project and get the final improvements funded through the State of Texas.  It is the state’s responsibility.

Your City Council is vigilant about our streets and their condition.  We would love to hear from you if there is a specific problem in your area that hasn’t been properly addressed.  Call any of us.  We will help you.  

Please contact me at any time at e-mail  glenn.porterfield@yahoo.com  or 817-267-5775.

“The Streets of Euless:” just one more reason to take pride in your FabEuless.

The Euless Budget

Since the City of Euless operates as a business, some of the most important aspects of operating a business are employed in assuring that this city operates efficiently and with continuity.

One of the most basic of tasks is the formulation of a BUDGET for each year.  The City of Euless operates on a fiscal year which begins on October 1 of each year and ends on September 30 of the following year.

The City’s finances are accounted for within a variety of funds which are used to account for a myriad of different functions or organizational units within the City.  From these many funds a consolidated budget is compiled so that the City Council can consider both the detail as well as the overall impact that various levels of revenue and expenditures will produce.  We plan for operations as well as capital expenditures.  Some of the most important decisions coming from the budgetary process include setting a property tax rate, estimating sales tax revenues, considering water and sewer rates and a host of other issues relative to revenues.  The need for revenues is evident when we project paying for the services provided to our citizens.  This is big business.

Citizen input is one of the most important aspects of the total budgetary process.  Our City Council wants to hear from you.  What are your desires for services and what is your willingness to pay for those services in terms of taxes and fees.  The City Council is generally in accord in being conservative by not imposing excessive fees for services.   Our meetings are always open to the public and your input is most valuable to us. 

Though the City Staff works diligently to produce an effective budget starting in early spring each year the City Council starts its consideration in late May or early June.  With City Council input, a final budget is prepared for Public Hearings at City Council Meetings in August of each year.  The process for transparency is dictated by rules and timing established by the Texas Legislature.   With final citizen input the City Council approves the annual budget in August to become effective on October 1.

Though not formally approved, the City’s Finance Department also prepares a five year projection of what will likely happen relative to revenues and expenditures.  This is a tool used to insure that no surprises are lurking in terms of our ability to continue to provide needed services and to insure continuation of payments on bonded indebtedness.

The Euless budgetary process provides an exemplary look to our immediate financial future which has year after year received awards for its excellence.  The most important award which has consistently been received is from The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada.  This award is presented to those individuals who have been instrumental in their government unit achieving a Distinguished Budget Presentation Award.  This award names our Director of Finance, Vicki Rodriquez, as recipient.

The budgetary process:  Just another reason for citizens to take pride in the management of FabEuless.

Euless City Council 2013 Budget Work Sessions

The Euless City Council will meet on Thursday, August 2,  at 5:30 PM for the first of two Budget Work Sessions to consider the Budget for the City’s fiscal year ending  September 30, 2013.  This meeting will be held at the Euless City Hall in the Pre-Council Conference Room.  This is a public meeting.  Though the meeting is scheduled for 5:30 PM the first twenty minutes are allocated to dinner.  The actual meeting is to be called to order at 5:50 PM and is scheduled to adjourn at 9:30 PM.  The agenda for this meeting can be seen at   http://www.eulesstx.gov/agendas/council/2012/2012-08-02%20Work%20Session.htm

The second Budget Work Session will be held on Saturday, August 4, at 8:30 AM at the Texas Star Conference Center for the continuation of these budget considerations.  Breakfast for the City Council is scheduled for 7:30 AM at Raven’s Grill.   This meeting is also a public meeting and is scheduled to adjourn at 4:30 PM.  The agenda for this meeting can be seen at    http://www.eulesstx.gov/agendas/council/2012/2012-08-04%20Work%20Session.htm

Note:  These are Work Sessions only.  Public hearings for The Budget and City Council Approval of a final budget will take place at regular City Council Meetings in August.

Volunteerism

Opportunities abound within the City of Euless to help your City and your fellow citizens by offering yourself as a volunteer.   The term volunteer means a person who performs a service willingly and without pay.   In some cases the volunteer is the beneficiary, such as when enrolling in the Euless Police Academy or the Euless Fire Academy.  Other opportunities which help your neighbors include working with 6Stones in the Community Powered Revitalization, CPR, Program which rehabilitates homes for disabled and disadvantaged residents.  This is a tremendously fulfilling program.

There are many opportunities to volunteer in the Parks and Recreation Department and for golfers, one can volunteer to be a Players Assistant at the marvelous Texas Star Golf Course.

Volunteerism is alive and well in Euless and in each case, the volunteer receives the greater benefit.  For more information about opportunities for service please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Jerry Poteet at 817-685-1449.   Jerry will offer suggestions for how you may best use your talents as a volunteer.  And believe me; he will put you to work.

Not only does the volunteer benefit but he or she prepares for a future of more significant service to our City.

You will soon see announcements for applications to be submitted by citizens to various Boards and Commissions within the City of Euless.  Service on these Boards and Commissions is a highly sought after appointment and requires both an application and an interview with Members of the Euless City Council.  Unfortunately, the number of openings is limited and only a few will be picked for this service.  But persistence is important and the benefits of this service are tremendous.  Appointments are made to the following:

Animal Shelter Advisory Board

Civil Service Commission

Crime Control and Prevention District Board

Euless Development Corporation Board

HEB Teen Court Advisory Board

Historical Preservation Committee

Housing Structure Board

Euless Non-Profit Industrial Development Authority Board

Library Board

Parks and Leisure Services Board

Planning and Zoning Commission

Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Board

Zoning Board of Adjustment

Other appointments are made periodically, not on an annual basis.  

Please watch for the announcement in Euless Today, which now comes with your water bill, and promptly consider and apply for service where your background and experience can best be of service to your FabEuless. 

City Council Meetings

Please, come join us for our City Council Meetings.  Normal meetings occur on the 2^nd and 4^th Tuesdays of each month, with the exception of July.  We meet in a Work Session at 4:00 PM and at 7:00 PM for the City Council Meeting, both at the City Hall.   These meetings are open to the public and you are welcome to come.  If you would like to speak or make a request, there is time for this allowed at the 7:00 PM City Council Meeting.

You can always contact me at glenn.porterfield@yahoo.com or give me a call at 817-267-5775.

Glenn Porterfield