Council Continues Budget Discussion

At the July 23 meeting, City Council continued the FY 2024-25 Budget discussion with a presentation from staff on Special Revenue Funds. Further budget discussions will take place through August and September.

The Council received the Facilities Development annual report from the Highland Village Community Development Corporation (HVCDC), which includes a review of the previous year's accomplishments and the planned activities for the upcoming budget year. The HVCDC provides direction on the use of the 4B sales tax dollars for the funding of approved projects concerning the City's comprehensive trail system and a soccer complex. Over the last several years, the primary emphasis has been to fully determine operational costs associated with Doubletree Ranch Park and build working capital balances. Substantial progress has been made with the projected ending fund balance for FY 2024 exceeding $2M with net revenues increasing going forward. This provides capacity for new projects, including:

• The FM 407 Village Connector which is a new trail system adjacent to FM 407 from Highland Village Rd. to FM 2499 to enhance the primary retail base in the City by providing a "sense of place" with amenities to draw people to this area.
• Adding trails within Pilot Knoll Park extending from FM 2499 into the park, through the interior of the park and along the shoreline.
• Market Trail side path connection to the Village Park playground
• Complete missing sidewalk sections on both the east and west sides of FM 2499.

City staff will explore grant opportunities for the FM 407 Village Connection along with 4B funding and potential DCTA Trip funding to provide matching funds and develop a scope for the project. Once considered and approved by the HVCDC Board and City Council, options for funding the other identified projects will be reviewed.

In the Mayor and Council Report, Councilmember Rhonda Hurst reminded residents interested in applying for a council-appointed board or commission to submit their application by July 30.

During the City Manager and Staff Reports, City Manager Paul Stevens announced that the TXFallenPD Tribute Event 5K and Bike Race call for sponsorship and registration is open at the early bird rate until July 31. The City is seeking sponsorships for this event that raises funds for the families of Texas police officers who have died in the line of duty. The TXFallenPD Tribute Event will take place on Saturday, October 19 at Doubletree Ranch Park. Details can be found at www.TXFallenPD.com.

The Experience Highland Village video featured The Sweet Shop in Bowery Park.

The City Council early work session and regular session is available on HVTV (Frontier 43), via website live streaming at www.highlandvillage.org/hvtv and on the City's YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/highlandvillagetx. The meetings are also available for on-demand viewing on the city website.