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Farmers Branch council approves $2.765M supplemental allocation for IT, radio upgrades and parks
Summary
On May 19, 2026 Farmers Branch City Council approved ordinance 4004, allocating $2.765 million in audited surplus: $600,000 for IT modernization, $685,000 for In‑Tech radio infrastructure capital upgrades, and $1.48 million earmarked in the general CIP for Mercer Park and Squire Park; the measure passed 3–2 after debate.
The Farmers Branch City Council on May 19 approved ordinance 4004 to allocate $2.765 million in FY24–25 general fund balance above the city's 90-day reserve for one-time uses, directing $600,000 toward citywide IT infrastructure modernization, $685,000 to capital upgrades for the In‑Tech radio system, and $1.48 million to the general capital improvement program specifically earmarked for Mercer Park and Squire Park.
Finance Director Jay Patel presented the audited fund balance to the council and said staff confirmed "a 2.765 million dollars in general fund balance above our 90-day fund balance reserve limit." Patel recommended one-time uses to avoid creating ongoing operating obligations and summarized prior allocations the council had approved.
Council members debated priorities. Councilwoman Gonzales said she favored keeping city-identified needs funded and splitting park allocations so the neighborhoods receive a finished project: "I would love to split the 1.4 between the two parks. I feel like we really need to finish what we've started." Councilman Neal expressed hesitation about recurring year-end surpluses and urged caution about spending simply because funds are available: "I'm just struggling a little bit here ... we've had the money for many years." Supporters of allocating funds argued that completing long-delayed park projects would avoid higher costs later.
Councilman Bent sought clarification on the In‑Tech charges and whether other member cities share capital costs; staff explained the $685,000 is the city's capital share. After discussion and a motion specifying the allocations, the council conducted a record vote. The roll call recorded Councilwoman Gonzales, Councilwoman Bennett and Councilman Reed voting yes; Councilwoman Villafranca and Councilman Neal voting no. The ordinance passed 3–2.
Council members and staff said more detailed budgeting and project 'menu' information can be provided in a follow-up study session or during the upcoming budget cycle; the approved allocation earmarks the $1.48 million in the general fund CIP for Mercer and Squire Parks rather than immediate expenditures.
