Kyle council holds first reading of $365.3 million budget and votes to keep tax rate at $0.4693

Council reviewed the city’s proposed FY2024–25 budget on Aug. 20 and opened the statutory public hearings required for adoption. Staff summarized highlights: total budget for all city funds $365.3 million; general fund $83.1 million; the five‑year capital plan totals $848.4 million. Two new fees for open‑records requests were proposed (an $18.75 hourly labor charge plus a 20% administrative markup).

The council debated several possible amendments — increased sidewalk or beautification funding, grocery‑anchor incentives, and whether to reduce a proposed 4.5% executive raise to 4% — and agreed those detailed changes would be considered on the second reading and during scheduled public hearings (next public hearing and second reading set for Sept. 3).

On the separate required tax‑rate item, staff presented statutorily required notices and explained that the proposed ad valorem tax rate of $0.4693 per $100 of assessed value is above the 'no new revenue' rate. The mayor moved to adopt the 0.4693 tax rate (a 2.87% increase relative to the no‑new‑revenue rate). The motion passed by roll call (vote recorded 5–2). Council also adopted the separate ordinance ratifying the property‑tax increase reflected in the budget (roll call recorded 5–2).

Next steps: staff will return on Sept. 3 for the second public hearing and final votes on budget and tax rate; council will consider any budget amendments then and any necessary budget amendments later in the fiscal year if specific programs exceed current appropriations.