Forney councilors press for earlier department-level budget detail, capital updates and staffing forecasts

FORNEY, Texas — Forney City Council members used a budget workshop to press city staff for earlier and clearer department-level budget detail, revenue forecasts and updates on capital projects approved last year so elected officials can compare department growth and plan for public-safety and other priorities.

Council members said they received only a “skeleton” of the budget in prior years and asked staff to provide more than last year’s materials but not every single line item. "We can certainly provide it," said Melanie, a city staff member, describing the budget reports and noting that the level of detail the council wants is available and can be generated by running reports. Deborah, identified in the discussion as a city staff member involved in the budget process, noted department operating budget requests are due May 12, giving the city a first look at departments’ needs.

Council members said earlier visibility would allow them to spot shifts in departmental allocations and to advise earlier in the process. "If we would know that a little bit earlier, maybe we would could get our voices heard," a council member said, urging a 30,000-foot view rather than micromanaging line items. Members asked staff to provide trend analysis on departmental budgets covering several years so councilors can compare growth across departments.

Revenue forecasting and timing were central to the discussion. A staff member said certified property values—the key number for setting tax rates—typically arrive about the third week of July and that the tax rate is often not known before the end of July. "We don't get our certified values until about the third week in July," the staff member said, and the earliest a tax rate has been known in prior years was July 31. Council members and staff discussed focusing on major revenue streams—sales tax and property tax trends—so the council can anticipate available revenues sooner.

Councilors also requested a public update on capital projects the council approved in the prior budget cycle, including parks projects. "Some of the ones we approved for the Parks Department specifically... I think that'd be helpful for the general public to kind of know where we are as we're starting a new budget season," Council Member Moore said.

Public-safety staffing and facilities were discussed at length. The Police Chief reported a staffing target of 69 sworn officers by 2028 and said 51 sworn positions are currently allotted in the general fund. The Fire Chief said the city is participating in a station and personnel study with the local Emergency Services District that will include city limits. Council members asked whether a north-side substation or storefront presence near the growing Gateway/HEB development might be needed to improve response and presence as development continues.

Councilors asked for stronger public engagement in the budget process. A staff member noted that state law requires a single public hearing on the budget but that the city’s budget policy allows the council to schedule additional, nonstatutory hearings or workshops. Council members suggested holding town-hall-style meetings, attending HOA meetings or other outreach to solicit input earlier in the budget process.

Other items raised included tracking delinquent commercial and residential accounts owed to the city and concerns from residents about rising housing costs for seniors; councilors suggested senior housing or targeted programs as future topics for planning.

There was no formal action or vote taken at the workshop. Staff said they will continue the conversation and provide the requested department-level summaries, trend analyses and project updates as the council defines the level of detail it prefers.

The workshop concluded with the mayor adjourning the meeting at 5:36 p.m.