Denton County Approves New Budget, Reduces Tax Rate
In response to increased property values, the Commissioners Court lowered the tax rate to adopt the effective tax rate. The effective rate is a rate which will bring in the same dollars on existing property as received in the previous year. The effective rate for tax year 2016 (FY2017) is $0.248409 per $100 of valuation, lower than the previous year’s tax rate of $0.262000.
The Denton County budget for fiscal year 2017 includes property tax revenues in the amount of $189 million or 71% of all revenues.
The Commissioners Court adopted a rate of $0.248409, equating to a (0.013591) tax rate decrease, actually lower than in FY2010. Denton County’s tax rate is the lowest countywide tax rate (utilizing all tax rates levied countywide) among the top 15 counties by population in the state.
Denton County is the ninth largest county in Texas and has also been known as one of the fastest growing counties in the nation. As this growth continues, Denton County continues to face the challenges of expanding services, with its most important goal to provide the necessary services to its citizens in the most efficient and economical manner possible.
The tax rate for the past 10 years shows a fairly level tax rate with a decline in the rate over the past few years. The FY2017 budget continues to provide quality services to the citizens of Denton County at a total of $266 million.
In the past, Denton County has been faced with a sluggish economy, declining revenues, and required increases due to inflation for several years. However, the responsibility of serving our growing population continues. We strive to remain financially stable and have acceptable reserve funds. This budget was prepared with the anticipation that services would remain at current levels. Denton County continues to see a more positive economic outlook for FY2017.
In addition to lowering the rate, this budget accomplished planned expenditures to adjust employee pay scales, to attract and retain our employees, and also hire staff for the opening of the new satellite government centers in Flower Mound and Frisco.
Hispanic Heritage Month Continues Through October 15
From September 15, continuing through October 15, Denton County joins the nation in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month.
During this time Denton County has honored the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
National Hispanic Heritage Month also marks the anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua from Spain, with the independence of Mexico and Chile observed shortly thereafter.
The county recognizes that Hispanics and Latino Americans have had a profound and positive influence on our country through their strong commitment to family, faith, hard work, and service, and have enhanced and shaped Denton County’s character with traditions that reflect the multiethnic and multicultural customs of their community.
The Denton County Hispanic Heritage Month is committed to honoring and recognizing National Hispanic Heritage Month with programs and activities throughout Denton County as a means to showcase the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanics and Latinos in Denton County. All residents of Denton County are asked to recognize the role that our Hispanic and Latino community has played in enhancing and contributing to the rich diversity of our County and State.
Texas Historical Commission Honors Denton County with Distinguished Service Award
The Texas Historical Commission (THC) has recognized the Denton County Historical Commission (DCHC) with a Distinguished Service Award for the 2015 year of service. The THC issues Distinguished Service Awards each year to county historical commissions that document well-rounded programs of history- and preservation-related project. This award was presented to the DCHC during a meeting of the Commissioners Court in late June to commend their dedicated service and stewardship of Texas’ unique cultural and historic sites.
County historical commissions are the backbone of historic preservation and education in communities across Texas and provided more than 480,000 volunteer hours in 2015, an in-kind donation to the state valued at $11.3 million.
Animal Foundation Purchases K-9 Officer Body Armor
The Denton Animal Support Foundation voted to donate $2200 to the Denton County Sheriff’s Office to facilitate the purchase of two sets of body armor for K-9 officers.
Denton Animal Support Foundation is a foundation that assisted in the building of the new Linda McNatt Animal Adoption Center, and that assists animals throughout Denton County. We are so appreciative to the Foundation for their generosity.
Commissioners Court Honors Girl Scout Troop 4007
In early August, the Denton County Commissioners Court approved a resolution honoring Girl Scout Troop 4007 for their work on the historic cabin in Flower Mound.
On May 24 of this year, Girl Scout Troop 4007 earned a Bronze Award for their efforts in raising awareness of the Gibson-Grant Log Cabin and Prairie Homestead in Flower Mound. To earn the Bronze Award, the highest award given to Junior Girl Scouts, Girl Scout Troop 4007 completed 20 hours of service on a community project.
The girls held a fundraiser called Cabin-Aid, giving tours of the cabin, and filmed a short informational video highlighting the past, present and future plans for the cabin. They interviewed Office of History & Culture Director Peggy Riddle, Flower Mound Mayor Tom Hayden, Flower Mound Historian Mark Glover, and local land developer Curtis Grant.
The Denton County Commissioners Court was proud to recognize the dedication and service of Girl Scouts Maddy Bigelow, Sydney Chamberlin, Ashley Crosier, Jordan Flint, and Maggie Fogle for their efforts in helping to preserve Denton County history at the Gibson-Grant Log Cabin and Prairie Homestead.
Did You Know?
Denton County Commissioners Court approved the transfer and sale of surplus computer equipment to the Denton Independent School District. These are items were without further value to the county for their intended use.
The Denton County Purchasing Department, along with Technology Services, worked to notify school districts and cities within the county of the ability for the agencies to purchase surplus computer equipment, and received a request from Denton ISD to purchase 98 units. Not only does this agreement benefit the school district, it also helps Denton County by relieving the county of transportation and disposal of equipment.
35 Express Update
The reconstruction of I-35E is part of the 35Express Project, an expansion of I-35E from US 380 in Denton to I-635 in Dallas, and is scheduled to be substantially complete in mid-2017.
As always, check out the project website at www.35express.org for more detailed information and detour routes, as well as regular updates on additional lane and road closures and upcoming construction. Sign up for alerts to receive up-to-the-minute information to ease your commute. In addition, access to traffic cameras along I-35E is available.
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If you have any questions or comments, please let me hear from you. My email is [email protected] and my office number is 940-349-2801.
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