City of Fort Worth, TX

08/25/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/25/2024 10:39

CCPD recommended budget strengthens crime control, prevention efforts

CCPD recommended budget strengthens crime control, prevention efforts

Published on August 25, 2024

Fort Worth is a fast-growing city and an ever-increasing population requires more to keep the public safe.

Increased spending on police vehicles, more money for school crossing guards and new bike patrols in two busy entertainment districts are among the significant changes recommended in the Fiscal Year 2025 Crime Control & Prevention District budget.

Some background: The CCPD fund supplements the Police Department budget to fight and prevent crime. The CCPD, approved by voters in 1995, receives a half-cent of the City's sales tax. In 2020, voters renewed the district for 10 years.

By the numbers: The recommended CCPD budget is $127.5 million, which when combined with the Police Department's General Fund budget of $335.7 million, provides $461.8 million to keep Fort Worth safe.

The police budget makes up just under 32% of the recommended General Fund.

The City estimates sales tax revenue for CCPD to total $120.5 million in the coming fiscal year, compared to $119.3 million the previous year.

CCPD budget highlights

  • School resource officers: The budget recommends spending $12 million, $700,000 more than the $11.3 million allocated last fiscal year.
  • Ballistic glass and door plates: These security enhancements are for police stations and other facilities. Just above $1 million is recommended.
  • Magnolia Street bike team: Two officers are recommended for this southside area that continues to attract restaurant, retail and nightclub activity. The budget recommends $413,418 for personnel and equipment.
  • Stockyards bike team: Similarly, this tourist area on the Northside would receive a two-member bike team for patrols at a cost of $413,418 for personnel and equipment.
  • Wellness sergeant: Health and wellness of officers has taken on greater importance in recent budgets. About $193,000 is recommended to add one officer and needed resources.
  • School crossing guards: This program is managed by the City's Transportation & Public Works Department. The program could increase to $4.7 million from $3.3 million in the recommended budget.
  • Vehicle replacement: The FY25 budget recommends spending $15.1 million on replacement vehicles, up $4 million from $11.1 million in FY24.

What happens next: The City Council, which also serves as the CCPD board, votes on the budget in September following a series of budget workshops and a public hearing. The City's new fiscal year starts Oct. 1.

Share your feedback: Community open houses are being held in each council district:

Photo:Bike patrols will make the popular Fort Worth Stockyards even safer as the entertainment district prepares to nearly double in size.