[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6472504,"mediaKeyId","5776422-d693227bc529f09a362524320470ce7e","parentId",5776422,"title","Glenn Heights adopts $35.3 million 2025–26 budget and ratifies property tax revenue increase","audioSeconds",489,"startMs",1334000,"endMs",1823000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5776422-d693227bc529f09a362524320470ce7e&start=1334&end=1823","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5776422-d693227bc529f09a362524320470ce7e/thumbnail_1334000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6472504/Glenn-Heights/Dallas-County/Texas/Glenn-Heights-adopts-353-million-202526-budget-and-ratifies-property-tax-revenue-increase","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6472504-f664f9ee1d7c4421e63b7d30b2c1d7c6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770762252&Signature=n~CAVgM0c5ucmFdV~kuK3zyIgImADl1qWLy0C~ubcveIhMZPTFCIlPTfvLmbQP6GFyfnCHYipSjfTKPigpX3-mVXKxp~MdpZyw65zC5gh7Hq-8HrAyojlEdlFRkRlx-xy7FO6Bp-BIdJ~1vIGohUr2nVWLR6FIfyaRwOb1zxcau72Bp-kxwazbHvI9BGtVPuGbWqcJ4cu4ukCQi0cCo72qXGJ9I3EztWfVYO7r8usHYssIxbg~oPtvocd5MW2EY9ahjQG~rYQd0cLfNltwYYQUgZRKGWhsBlL1H2y1NnToB~l0TJbT7ps3sQCno0V4mUjeJloygCE7EPmeVsfhBCsA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Glenn Heights","date","2025-09-16T00:00:00Z","article","The Glenn Heights City Council on Sept. 16 voted unanimously to adopt the city's fiscal year 2025–26 budget and to ratify a property‑tax revenue increase reflected in that budget.

City Manager Clifford Blackwell told the council the revised operating budget brings total combined operating funds to $35,318,466 with total revenues of $34,706,200. He said the general fund is balanced with about $15.1 million in revenues and $15,095,476 in expenditures before one‑time items, and that one‑time items totaling $580,381 would be funded from fund balance, leaving an estimated reserve equivalent to 282 days of operating expenses. \"Staff recommends funding approval for the fiscal year 25, 26 budget,\" Blackwell said during the presentation.

Why it matters: the adopted budget sets spending and service levels for the coming fiscal year, including staffing and capital priorities. Council and staff said the plan maintains current service levels, adds prorated personnel during the year, and includes investments in grounds maintenance and public‑safety equipment.

Key details the city manager presented:
- Revised combined operating funds: $35,318,466 (total operating combined funds).
- Total revenues shown to fund operations: $34,706,200.
- General fund: $15,100,000 in total revenues and $15,095,476 in total expenditures prior to one‑time items.
- One‑time items funded from fund balance: $580,381.
- Estimated reserve: about 282 days (city policy requires 60 days).
- Water and sewer fund revised revenues and expenditures were presented to meet the fund's reserve policy; drainage fund changes are limited to personnel step increases.

Blackwell reviewed supplemental requests the council considered during budget workshops, including phased hiring (a fire marshal and additional dispatcher prorated into the year), a property technician and grounds worker added later in the fiscal year, and a Lexipol subscription for the police department at $16,006. He also described a plan to move police and fire frontline pay ranges to 100% of the market range beginning in November, and step increases tied to employee anniversary dates. Council members asked questions about the city's ability to meet financial obligations; Blackwell responded that, barring unexpected events, the budget is structured to meet obligations.

Record votes: Ordinance O‑14‑25 adopting the FY2025–26 budget was approved 6–0. Later in the meeting the council adopted Resolution R‑27‑25 to ratify the property‑tax revenue increase that appears in the adopted budget; Blackwell noted that \"even though the tax rate physically went down, we still recognize an increase in tax revenue for this budget.\" That resolution passed 6–0.

What comes next: The adopted ordinance is the formal budget adoption for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1, 2025. The council directed staff on public communications; council members requested information graphics and social‑media materials to explain the tax information to residents.

Ending: Councilmembers voting in favor were Garrett, Bruton, Hale, Lightfoot, Binford and Mayor Sonya A. Brown; the motions passed by unanimous roll‑call. The city manager and finance staff will implement the budget and return to council with any required follow‑ups or updates.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Glenn Heights - City Council","oneSentenceSummary","The Glenn Heights City Council on Sept. 16 voted unanimously to adopt the city's fiscal year 2025–26 budget and to ratify a property‑tax revenue increase reflected in that budget.","taxTitle","Glenn Heights, Dallas County, Texas","taxId",69451,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6472486,"August financials show revenue above budget; draft audit (ACFR) to be finalized Oct. 7",839,4183000,5022000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5776422-d693227bc529f09a362524320470ce7e&start=4183&end=5022","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5776422-d693227bc529f09a362524320470ce7e/thumbnail_4183000.jpg","/articles/6472486/Glenn-Heights/Dallas-County/Texas/August-financials-show-revenue-above-budget-draft-audit-ACFR-to-be-finalized-Oct-7","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6472486-941090c6baa748b62ab51d08251b7591/orig.mp4?Expires=1770762252&Signature=knrQO96vGl4q5nnfZbLduEGkIGctmh7PsBt9DdLId4YC~xbWW84fPLDnLnLyARS~8zTfebmKuhcQu~cgB~76I3gJQAJwDdU3x9sEk-fU70d7IQ-UNfgW5kW1Wc2iY7m~VzHjJwfRGxJPfqsz8FQ7kCOWUe6MCI6UDiznRMD0wql3DpWLoQ00J~7E8SSSUowTijIe0-wlwHv7Drqtx4VtwhcGRz0n-nDXn5UdYYw-tWBtjycCsR8pDaq5-pvGacp3Z3JYmo8Ro0yGbR~9yO-b9rWPof59gYdRms4OWNVVxBfnGKnbvpv9TmF9nZmhQv6yJatsS4QN0gFxwVqMOcxMfA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Finance Director Sherry Roberts presented the city's August financial reports and a draft of the annual comprehensive financial report (ACFR) at the Sept. 16 council meeting.

Roberts said property‑tax collections were \"coming in better than 100%\" versus budget and that sales tax receipts for the month were modestly higher than the same month last year. She reported general fund revenues exceed budgeted projections and expenditures are below budget, and described transfers made to increase yield on reserve funds.

Key figures and audit timeline cited by Roberts:
- General fund estimated fund balance at Sept. 30, 2024: $10,707,296 (an estimated increase of $2,000,174 over the prior year). Roberts said she expects additional increases from FY 2024–25.
- Government‑wide net position at Sept. 30, 2024: assets exceeded liabilities by $64,278,411.
- Net position increased by $8,458,677 from FY 2022–23 to FY 2023–24; business‑type activities (water/sewer) increased by about $3,547,200 driven by higher water and sewer sales after the new rate schedule.
- Working capital for utility operations was reported at more than $7.8 million.

Roberts said the city provided a draft ACFR in the meeting packet and expects to present the final audit at the Oct. 7 council meeting; only a few reconciling items remain. She stressed the importance of meeting statutory audit deadlines and noted staff will complete outstanding audit items before the final presentation.

Why it matters: The financial reports and audit inform council and the public about the city's fiscal health, fund balances, and compliance with reporting requirements. Roberts said higher reserves and positive revenue performance leave the city well positioned entering the new fiscal year.

Ending: Council took no action on the reports at the Sept. 16 meeting; the final ACFR will be presented and available to the public after the Oct. 7 meeting.","Finance Director Sherry Roberts presented August 2025 financial reports showing property tax receipts exceeding projections and healthy fund balances. The city also received a draft of the annual comprehensive financial report (ACFR); the final document will be presented to council on Oct. 7 and must meet statutory audit timelines, Roberts said.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6472491,"Council holds first reading of floodplain ordinance update to clarify fill and channel buffers",164,3814000,3978000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5776422-d693227bc529f09a362524320470ce7e&start=3814&end=3978","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5776422-d693227bc529f09a362524320470ce7e/thumbnail_3814000.jpg","/articles/6472491/Glenn-Heights/Dallas-County/Texas/Council-holds-first-reading-of-floodplain-ordinance-update-to-clarify-fill-and-channel-buffers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6472491-0c9f939b306746a0fca81e840554b633/orig.mp4?Expires=1770762252&Signature=Z~o9XxMhdPF3EF8cLmHjYFcfh3wt~SpXh7JkvW-ASnrcbpXrU1jO~4~-4JmqNvIFybm6qxNXy8036gnSggU9OlfPNj2ORYJcNFDoS~ydDbtyEQQkkPZHWefn7zNNyus2BpiB8pEPim38L3WOtXn2wL7opuy0zBMRyY-PX5GrCn12maSbahJdQdWNIPYZkGrHpi5oeVpUkSGzHJfjGU9hTUOY5z86qJNw5xIsM5N7Dgph24WG7oheA-Av1Tlw2Gt0mjjHLyr5u1opK0e5OHeHbdo9rjzaRW1Q-tYqKHJqrin3cdJGJAFOg93JxdIvyG~T2Cn2WPNlZcQ1uyRgcRhmHQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Glenn Heights City Council on Sept. 16 heard the first reading of an ordinance amending the city's floodplain and building regulation code to clarify definitions, limit fill in floodplain areas, and establish buffer criteria for work near creeks and channels.

A staff presenter said the existing floodplain ordinance was unclear on filling and encroachment near channels and that the proposed language adds definitions and more enforceable standards. The amendment also gives the zoning board of adjustment authority to grant variances when an applicant disputes staff's interpretation.

Councilmembers asked clarifying questions about how the update interacts with drainage standards and recent local drainage complaints. Staff responded that the update has two primary effects: it prohibits filling designated floodplain areas and it establishes minimum setbacks or buffers from channel banks depending on criteria in the ordinance; drainage questions tied to specific construction projects may be governed by separate drainage standards adopted earlier.

No vote was taken; the item was presented as a first reading and will return for additional consideration. Staff said the changes are intended to create a clearer, enforceable framework for floodplain and channel work.

Ending: Council requested any technical or drafting comments be shared with the presenter prior to the next reading.","At first reading the council reviewed amendments to Chapter 3 (Building Regulations) to add definitions, clarify fill/floodplain restrictions and to authorize the zoning board of adjustment to grant variances; no final action was taken.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6472496,"Glenn Heights nominates Travis Bruton and Machanta Newson to Ellis Appraisal District board; Dallas nominations tabled",378,3245000,3623000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5776422-d693227bc529f09a362524320470ce7e&start=3245&end=3623","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5776422-d693227bc529f09a362524320470ce7e/thumbnail_3245000.jpg","/articles/6472496/Glenn-Heights/Dallas-County/Texas/Glenn-Heights-nominates-Travis-Bruton-and-Machanta-Newson-to-Ellis-Appraisal-District-board-Dallas-nominations-tabled","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6472496-7e5703b927ea3df872d3958ac5578905/orig.mp4?Expires=1770762252&Signature=aapF2VG-c93ty88jiZCmtu9Y3ZoxcWWIZ0hzM198InjkTD~W5STF5E6C6S7f9YXkIi7tlyqEnKz7Bnkfxt5FHwGE0qeFsKqomqvbj7gzYzFAMr82altB16BAVQwYq3tqf8VuNp38Lrk4xBrxHXhRZWgoVeHyo7mRf3C5cBd3swEPg3LcT1sLtVdt8TyjbEI79MBt2EF0LVQGQZ8hn~b6mc6NgEJQIhpZgRYZf9rHsg0H6f4ACZSRD~cc6--D2sQvs-6FhN7uH6gtsofa7SCfswNyQygFLWKgwQr7xEHnm~Tg4GnDFNl5yg7cSS~mQRM9v00GiYPSNNGlTFs0AtNTaQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Glenn Heights City Council on Sept. 16 voted 6–0 to submit two nominees for the Ellis Appraisal District board of directors: Travis Bruton and Machanta Newson.

City Secretary Brandy Brown told the council that nominees must meet residency and eligibility requirements and that the Ellis board usually meets about six to 10 times a year on Thursday mornings; the appointment carries no compensation. Brown said the resolution passed by council will be sent to the appraisal district and the city will later cast votes on the election ballot.

Council action: Councilmember Garrett moved to nominate the two candidates; nominations were seconded and the council approved Resolution R‑31‑25 nominating Travis Bruton and Machanta Newson for the Ellis Appraisal District board for 2026 by a 6–0 roll‑call vote.

Dallas Central Appraisal District: The companion item nominating members to the Dallas Central Appraisal District board was discussed but not decided. Councilmembers said they wanted time to identify and contact prospective nominees and asked staff to provide a list of current board members, terms that are expiring and biographies so potential nominees can be approached. Council voted to table the Dallas CAD nomination item to the Oct. 7 meeting.

Why it matters: Appraisal district boards oversee local property valuation practices that affect property tax bills. The council's nominees will appear on the appraisal district ballot if they meet eligibility requirements.

Ending: Resolution R‑31‑25 (Ellis appointments) passed 6–0. The Dallas CAD nominations will return to council at its Oct. 7 meeting.","The council approved Resolution R‑31‑25 nominating Travis Bruton and Machanta Newson for the Ellis Appraisal District board by a 6–0 vote. Consideration of nominees for the Dallas Central Appraisal District board was tabled to Oct. 7 for further review and outreach.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6472499,"Glenn Heights council debates tougher rental-registration rules and enforcement options",1159,2085000,3244000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5776422-d693227bc529f09a362524320470ce7e&start=2085&end=3244","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5776422-d693227bc529f09a362524320470ce7e/thumbnail_2085000.jpg","/articles/6472499/Glenn-Heights/Dallas-County/Texas/Glenn-Heights-council-debates-tougher-rental-registration-rules-and-enforcement-options","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6472499-eef7da73f7af11075c3a94fdd14ca59a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770762252&Signature=lVyatWGaqVj1CQvDBzxOnrNQhmLsWjAjZpZ6~CqJ-j3hMaaureeA77BSaJqyOzdbtvGPC-W6tdTrrxGCOWtNk-Wm2zn9oGj-wnaeLMLKtiUni5cKQAuicj1DDrMjRP9oXUh5lvxTI~qMofInMuYSZCH8ISC7z8jt4BHjFsJWQ3ryhlAZvAo3sVTKxSNVVGQ03W2RgvRoG2hWzWP51730Ww4MF92q62HNWC4-N7pMXCLM7ncudiK9zC-SZ7awUsYKkujOMY27bxIBQw3NlZFE0v0AYeL3RenNRL3HZdPjFEIorlimmdDHiYaGSN7JcwDe7KWEr~we6dP0ONeoAyNwBQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Glenn Heights City Council spent an extended portion of its Sept. 16 meeting discussing proposed amendments to the city's rental registration and inspection program and how the city would enforce the rules.

Mayor Sonya A. Brown introduced the item and said the amendments (blue additions, red deletions in the draft) are intended to strengthen protections for renters and ensure property owners and managers maintain safe, habitable housing. \"This rental registration program really protects the renters,\" she said, adding the city will consider additional language before the October vote.

Discussion points and enforcement tools: staff and council described current and proposed means to identify unregistered rental properties and to bring owners into compliance:
- Utility billing: city staff said when water service is opened in a renter's name, utility billing can flag properties that are not in the rental registry so permits and inspections can be required.
- Existing remedies: staff noted the city's current ordinance includes initial registration, initial inspection and annual exterior inspections; enforcement options include citations (tickets), possible utility disconnections and, in escalated cases, civil enforcement actions.
- Proactive detection: councilmembers asked about proactive enforcement and whether neighbors can report suspected unregistered rentals; staff said complaints from residents can trigger code enforcement inspections and citations.
- Inspection cadence: councilmembers discussed models used elsewhere (for example, Dallas's program), where passing properties may be inspected less frequently and inspections may be required when occupancy turns over; councilmembers urged balancing city resources and inspection workload.
- Housing types: councilmembers requested that the draft explicitly include manufactured homes, single‑family, two‑family dwellings, duplexes, multifamily units and townhomes.

Council direction: No formal vote was taken. Councilmembers asked staff to refine the draft language and to add clarifying enforcement procedures (including how utility billing communicates to permits/code enforcement), and to return the item for action in October. Council members asked that suggested wording be routed to the mayor and the city attorney for legal review before the October meeting.

Why it matters: Council members said the city has seen an increase in rental properties and wants clearer registration and enforcement to protect tenants and preserve neighborhood standards. Councilmembers stressed the policy should be robust but enforceable given staffing and inspection capacity.

Ending: Mayor Brown asked councilmembers to submit suggested edits; staff will work with the city attorney to finalize legally sound verbiage ahead of the October meeting when the council will consider adoption.","Council members discussed proposed amendments to the city's rental registration and inspection program, focusing on how to identify unregistered rental units, enforcement tools tied to utility billing and citations, inspection cadence, and expanding covered housing types. No ordinance vote was taken; the item is scheduled for an October meeting.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Glenn Heights adopts $35.3 million 2025–26 budget and ratifies property tax revenue increase

August financials show revenue above budget; draft audit (ACFR) to be finalized Oct. 7

Council holds first reading of floodplain ordinance update to clarify fill and channel buffers

Glenn Heights nominates Travis Bruton and Machanta Newson to Ellis Appraisal District board; Dallas nominations tabled

Glenn Heights council debates tougher rental-registration rules and enforcement options