Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the City Finance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Richland Hills says revenue gains fund infrastructure, but officials warn growth is slowing
Summary
Mayor and city leaders said Richland Hills’ revenue has grown substantially since 2015, with FY2024 sales tax at $10.47 million and property tax receipts of $4.66 million, and urged residents to complete a new citizen survey as officials plan investments and budget priorities.
Mayor Curtis Berold opened the State of the City by saying Richland Hills has strengthened its fiscal position through rising property values and sales tax collections, and that the city is using those gains to invest in infrastructure, public safety and quality-of-life programs. "Our total revenue has increased by 124% since fiscal year 2015," Berold said.
The mayor and City Manager Candace Edmonson cautioned that growth is beginning to slow and that the city relies heavily on a small number of large taxpayers. Berold cited FY2024 figures: property-tax revenue of about $4.66 million and sales-tax receipts of about $10.47 million, with wholesale trade representing a major share of sales-tax collections.
Edmonson urged residents to take the live 2025 citizen survey—available via postcard QR code, the city website and the Link newsletter—and described outreach that includes small-group Q&A sessions tonight. "Your input helps guide city initiatives," she said, noting the city will use survey results to shape the budget and strategic priorities.
The presentation highlighted the 2023 survey’s “gap” areas—issues residents ranked highly important but where service performance lagged—including streets, sidewalks, water/wastewater, drainage and attracting retail and restaurants. Officials said they have targeted those gaps in planning and budgets.
Berold outlined recent investments tied to those priorities: completion of 13 street reconstruction projects (roughly $5.3 million) and issuance of $9 million in funding in September 2023 to complete six additional street projects. He also said the city has replaced more than 3,100 water meters with ultrasonic meters and launched a 10-year water-tank maintenance program.
Officials emphasized fiscal stewardship and the need to be strategic. "That growth is starting to slow; we must be strategic with our funds and carefully plan for future needs," Berold said. The mayor invited residents to the city’s breakout sessions and to continue providing feedback as the city finalizes budget priorities.
