On Friday, August 9, Interim City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert presented the proposed balanced biennial budget for Fiscal Years 2024-25 and 2025-26 to the Mayor and City Council. The budget aims to advance Dallas’ economic growth and social vibrancy under the theme "Reimagining and Realigning for Results."
The total operating and capital budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25 is set at $4.97 billion, an increase from the current year’s budget of $4.63 billion. The General Fund budget is $1.9 billion, reflecting a $65.1 million or 3.5 percent increase from the previous year’s adopted budget.
Public Safety continues to be a priority, with a combined budget of $78 million allocated to the Dallas Police Department and Dallas Fire Rescue. This funding increase addresses service delivery improvements, efficiency measures, and avoids significant impacts on resident services.
Property taxes, which constitute approximately 57 percent of the General Fund Revenue, will see a reduction for the ninth consecutive year. The property tax rate will decrease by 3.10¢, from 73.57¢ to 70.47¢ per $100 valuation. This reduction marks the largest single-year decrease in modern history, resulting in $65.6 million in revenue foregone. Additionally, the property tax exemption for residents aged 65 and over or living with a disability will rise from $139,400 to $153,400.
Budget highlights include:
- An investment of $44.1 million for market-based compensation and step increases for uniform employees.
- Funding for the hiring of 250 police recruits and an incentive program to retain officers.
- Enhancement of fire department staffing with 63 new firefighters and four Single Function Paramedics.
- Increased City contributions to the Dallas Police and Fire Pension System (DPFPS) and Employee Retirement Fund (ERF) to ensure fiscal soundness.
- Continued support for the R.E.A.L. Time Rehousing (RTR) program to combat unsheltered homelessness.
- $124 million allocated for street improvements, maintenance of 676 lane miles, alley maintenance, sidewalk projects, bridge maintenance, and updated paving models.
- $26.2 million for City facility maintenance.
- The launch of Clean Sweep!, a Citywide initiative aimed at maintaining clean public right-of-way areas.
To learn more about the budget visit Dallas.gov/budget.
Budget Town Hall Meetings
The city is asking for feedback from residents about the proposed budget. Dallas City Council Members will hold Budget Town Hall Meetings in the month of August, in a variety of formats: virtual, Tele-Town Hall, and in-person. The full schedule of meetings and more information about how to participate are available at dal.city/dallasbudgettownhall
If you plan to attend one of the in-person meetings, please check the event calendar the day of and follow your Council Member’s social media channels for changes or updates.
City Hall in Action
The City is showcasing services and resources for resident engagement around how the City’s budget is used throughout the fiscal year. City Hall in Action is partnering with two events in recognition of community support. For more information about how to participate can be found at dal.city/budgetengagement.
Budget 101 Animated Videos
As crucial as a city budget is when it comes to providing basic services to residents, it can be a bit intimidating. The terminology, big numbers, and all the charts and graphs can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. The City produced three short animated videos in English and Spanish that explain the budget in its simplest form. The videos will be accessible here, including language access and closed caption options: bit.ly/cityofdallastv and YouTube.com/CityOfDallasCityHall. The topics are:
- Budget 101 – Budgeting Basics
- Budget 101 – Where Does The Money Come From
- Budget 101 – Where Does The Money Go?
