Public Hearing on City Budget Tonight
Tonight the MW City Council will meet to conduct a public hearing on the proposed 2021-22 tax rate, proposed budget, and proposed line item increases. The date to approve the budget and tax rate is set for September 14.
City Manager Randy Criswell says it was a good year for Mineral Wells from an economic standpoint as property tax values continue to rise. He says the preliminary information indicates the city may see close to a $100 million additional value in Mineral Well compared to last year, with only about $11 million being new growth.
“I understand that no one wants their tax bill to go up, but to see property values rise is an indicator of a strong market and economy,” state Criswell. “Sales tax collections also continue to rise, up by about 8.5% over the previous year. This is an indicator of the strength and resiliency of the Mineral Wells economy.”
The general fund is projected to have revenues of $14,616,815 for 2022, up from $13,712,229 in 2021.
The proposed budget includes raises for city employees, funds to improve infrastructure and streets as well as an assistant for the city manager. Also after much outcry from the public, the budget for the parks and recreation department to maintain the pool filters was addressed by Criswell. He said they will be examined and replaced if that is determined necessary.
The public hearing is tonight at 6pm at the city annex.
