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Ennis presents FY2025 proposed budget; no property-tax increase, raises proposed for utilities
Summary
City staff presented a $116 million all-funds FY2025 proposed budget with no change to the property tax rate, proposed water and wastewater rate increases to cover operating and capital needs, and a projected staffing increase from 248 to 252 positions. A public hearing was held with no speakers; adoption is scheduled for Sept. 3.
Finance staff presented the FY2025 proposed operating budget for the City of Ennis during the Aug. 20 meeting and opened the required public hearing. The proposed all-funds operating budget is approximately $116 million, and staff said the proposal assumes no increase in the property tax rate (M&O at 0.415 and I&S at 0.249 for a total of 0.664 per $100 valuation). The commission scheduled budget adoption for Sept. 3.
Key items in the presentation:
- Total proposed operating appropriation (all funds): about $116,000,000. - General fund revenues proposed at roughly $31.2 million with a projected small surplus; staffing proposed to increase from 248 to 252 (adds include a firefighter position and utility staff such as civil engineer and water plant foreman). - The finance presentation included proposed rate changes to the utility enterprise: an increase of $0.75 per 1,000 gallons in water rates for residential/commercial tiers, and wastewater billing changes including charging for the first 1,000 gallons and raising the wastewater minimum by $2 and $1 per 1,000 gallons of consumption. Staff estimated an example average combined water/wastewater bill would rise from about $96.10 to roughly $113.22 (an annual increase of about $205).
The public hearing was opened at 9:42 p.m. and no one from the public requested to speak. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about fund balances, the EDC fund differences in slides versus the budget book, and transfers supporting Ennis Cares. The mayor praised department heads for the clarity of the budget book and staff work. Adoption of the budget and any ordinances setting rates or fees are scheduled for a Sept. 3 meeting.
