Tyler News

This year property taxes will drop 2.5 cents from 22.37 cents per $100 valuation to 19.9 cents per $100 valuation, resulting in a 7.6 percent drop in the average tax bill. And, despite valuation increases, the city will still be collecting less in property taxes than it did 15 years ago.This year's taxable values grew $600 million from last year's $5.57 billion to $6.17 billion. The jump represents a 10.8 percent increase over last year's budget.But even with appraisals up, many property owners could receive a lower tax bill because of the elimination of the general bond debt.Sales tax revenues are expected to grow by about 5 percent during the coming fiscal year, city officials say, going from $23,008,800 to $24,159,240.The budget also suggests a bill increase of about 13 cents per month for regular trash pick-up services.MAJOR EXPENDITURESThis year's budget provides for a 4 percent pay increase for city employees, and funding increases for traffic and road management, public safety and the city's parks department.$32.37 million was set aside for public safety and will pay for the addition of 12 new firefighters, a new fire truck, two additional bicycle/traffic officers and a number of other improvements.The city parks department will receive $3.6 million, which will fund several major projects such as the renovation of park restrooms and water fountains. The city also plans to plant 150 new trees over the next year, and has created the new position of city arborist to maintain both new and pre-existing trees throughout the city.Traffic operations and road projects will receive a boost in funding from the $2.46 million set aside for their budget.The city expects to launch a major overlay project and expand a new traffic management system to help alleviate traffic congestion, during the course of the coming year.Regular City Council meetings are held on the second and forth Wednesday of every month at 9 a.m. at City Hall.Other items approved during Wednesday's regular City Council meeting include:
Resolution approving the issuance of Tyler Health Facilities Development Corporation Revenue Bonds to finance and refinance certain projects for East Texas Medical Center Regional Healthcare System.
Payment to Boren Scott Title Company in the amount of $265,393 for acquisition of right-of-way for Phase Two of the Grande Boulevard extension project.
Contract for the 2007 asphalt overlay project to the low bidder Simon Traylor and Sons, Incorporated for $279,936.
Award quote for the 2006 Community Development Block Grant sidewalk project in the amount of $12,770 to Johnson Construction.