Celina approves $529 million budget, cuts property tax rate

The Celina City Council adopted a $529.1 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year on Sept. 8, marking an increase of nearly $150 million over the previous year. Despite the larger overall spending plan, council members approved a property tax rate of $0.571677 per $100 of property valuation, representing a decrease of nearly half a cent.

The new budget and tax rate take effect Oct. 1.

City officials estimate that the average resident may see a monthly property tax bill reduction of approximately $12. Additionally, a 10% reduction in the solid waste fee is expected to lower monthly utility costs slightly. According to city estimates, the average monthly cost for water, solid waste, stormwater, and sewer services in Celina is $175.97, a figure that exceeds the average in many neighboring municipalities.

Revenue projections include an additional $3.6 million from taxes on newly constructed homes. The city also anticipates a 13% increase in sales tax revenue, attributed to population growth and the opening of new retail establishments.

While the average value of local homes decreased by about 3.1%, or roughly $21,200, over the past year, Celina’s relative financial position remains stronger than many nearby communities in Collin and Denton counties, where property values generally declined.

The budget allocates funds for 39 new full-time positions. The Celina Fire Department will add nine staff members, transitioning from a three-person to a four-person staffing model. This change is recommended by the National Fire Protection Association and is intended to improve response speed and efficiency. The fire department’s budget increased by more than 11%.

Public safety accounts for approximately 48% of the city’s general fund expenditures. The Celina Police Department is projected to receive a 15% budget increase, along with the creation of 10 new full-time positions and one part-time role.

Source: starlocalmedia.com.

Sources

Star Local Media