Kyle City Council Approves Budget for Fiscal Year 2021-22

KYLE – Kyle City Council unanimously approved the city’s budget for Fiscal Year 2021-22 at a special called meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 25.

The $172.6 million budget allows all city programs and services to continue at their current levels and includes strategic investments in new positions, equipment and infrastructure as well as a reduction in the total property tax rate.

The total property tax rate in the approved budget will decrease from $0.5201 per $100 of taxable valuation to $0.5082, a decrease of 2.3%. The City of Kyle’s portion of a homeowner’s property tax bill is only 19.6% of the total tax bill based on current tax rates. The other 80% of the tax bill is for property taxes charged by the other taxing jurisdictions including the school district, Hays County, emergency services districts, Austin Community College, conservation and groundwater districts.

Property taxes paid to the City of Kyle make up approximately 30% of the city’s General Fund. Sales tax revenue makes up another 30%, while other fees and service revenues cover the remaining 40%.

The approved budget follows priorities City Council identified in budget work sessions. Those priorities included beautification, downtown redevelopment, green spaces within the Brick and Mortar District and infrastructure investments.

Council approved $121.2 million in total CIP spending for Fiscal Year 2022, including $18.1 million for street maintenance and reconstruction, and $11 million for the expansion of the city’s wastewater treatment plant.

A total of $7.54 million was allocated for park development and $0.62 million for the beautification of high-profile corridors and citywide projects. Downtown park redevelopment on City Square received $1.8 million and $3.1 million was allocated for a downtown mixed-use building. Approved Brick and Mortar District funding includes $8.1 million for Heroes Memorial Park, $4.1 million for La Verde and $1.94 million for the Cultural Trail.

The approved budget also includes no increase in storm drainage fees, no increase in wastewater service rates, a 6% increase in water service rates and a 2.51% increase in solid waste service rates per contract terms with Texas Disposal Systems. Other fees and charges for various city services remain the same.

The City Council conducted a total of five budget workshops that included public hearings where residents were able to communicate their concerns about the budget to the council. The council also heard presentations from city staff on each department’s proposed budget.

More information is available about the Budget for FY 2021-22 at www.CityofKyle.com/2022Budget.