City of Fort Worth, TX

09/04/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/04/2024 04:23

$10.4 million more recommended for street repairs in FY2025

$10.4 million more recommended for street repairs in FY2025

Published on September 04, 2024

As the City of Fort Worth continues its work on the Fiscal Year 2025 budget, residents have continually expressed that street maintenance is a high priority. In the city manager's recommended budget, the Transportation & Public Works (TPW) Department will receive an additional $10.4 million dollars of PayGo funding aimed to improve the condition of City streets.

Why it matters: A recent analysis of street conditions showed that in the next five years, approximately 650 lane miles are projected to deteriorate to the point of needing expensive bond reconstruction funding.

  • Proposed additional funding will be used to increase next year's heavy maintenance by an additional 33 lane miles, for a total of 89 lane miles of heavy maintenance.
  • Targeting street maintenance with these FY25 PayGo funds will save an estimated $50 million in future reconstruction costs.

The big picture: Under the recommended tax rate, the PayGo portion will increase to 7.25 cents from 7 cents, generating more in revenue that will all go toward repairing cracks, potholes and other street issues.

Throughout the year at community meetings and on surveys, residents say street conditions is a top concern. This is the first of several planned funding increases, designed to address the underfunding of street maintenance due to growth and inflation.

By the numbers: The overall proposed FY25 budget tops $2.79 billion, up 7.4% from $2.6 billion in FY24.

  • Mayor Mattie Parker and City Council members recently submitted a letter voicing their support to keep the rate the same as a benefit for residents. In their letter they asked that the tax rate stay the same as last year, which would stay at 67.25 cents per $100 assessed valuation rate. The city manager's recommended budget has been adjusted to the flat tax rate, but still prioritizes street maintenance.
  • The budget recommends a January 2025 increase in water rates by 3.3% and wastewater rates by 2.3%.
  • Stormwater rates will also increase 5%.

What's next: The City Council will vote on a final budget and tax rate on Sept. 17. The new fiscal year starts Oct. 1.

VisitConnectFW.com for ways to engage and provide feedback. See a list of open houses to hear more about the budget and get your questions answered.

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