Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – At its meeting on September 17, 2024, the Edinburg City Council unanimously approved a balanced budget with a combined total of $164,509,351. This decision underscores the City’s ongoing commitment to financial stability and community-centered projects.
Property Tax Rate Remains Stable: A key highlight of this budget is maintaining the property tax rate at $0.6300 per $100 of assessed valuation, marking the City of Edinburg’s lowest recorded tax rate since 1991. This decision provides much-needed stability for residents as the city continues to address critical priorities while ensuring that the financial burden on the community remains unchanged.
Healthy Fund Balance: The City of Edinburg is maintaining a healthy fund balance, with the General Fund projected to reach $21,935,923 by the end of the 2024-2025 fiscal year. This represents 25% of budgeted operating expenditures, underscoring the City’s commitment to financial stability and responsible fiscal management.
Investing in Our Workforce: The budget recognizes the dedication of city employees by including a three percent pay plan adjustment for all civil and non-civil service employees. This increase acknowledges their vital role in delivering essential services to the community.
Street, Utility, and Drainage Improvements: The City of Edinburg’s budget places a strong emphasis on improving infrastructure and community amenities. Over $2 million is allocated for street improvements and repairs, with 38.35 lane miles paved in the past two years and an additional 16 lane miles budgeted for FY24-25. To support these efforts, four new personnel will be added to the street crew for FY24-25. The budget also dedicates more than half a million dollars to essential drainage upgrades. Additionally, the Utility Fund includes $2.76 million for system improvements.
Funding Future Growth: The budget includes a $7.2 million funding commitment based on recommendations set forth by the Edinburg 2040 committees, demonstrating the city’s dedication to long-term growth and strategic planning. This investment reflects a collaborative effort, with a series of workshops held since May, where residents shared their input to ensure the community’s vision is central to Edinburg’s future.
Summary of Recommendations from the 2040 Committees:
Economic Development/Innovation/Entrepreneurship Committee:
Promote water conservation in schools.
Ensure residents have access to affordable broadband internet.
Neighborhood Parks/Green Spaces/Beautification Committee:
Connect Edinburg with neighboring communities via sidewalks and hike-and-bike trails to ease travel and promote activity.
Enhance city appearance by increasing street sweeping and power washing of streets and sidewalks.
Public Safety Committee:
Improve disaster preparedness through public education.
Enforce traffic laws with additional speed signs, increased patrols during peak speeding hours, and the installation of child with autism signs and speed humps in affected neighborhoods.
Transportation/Mobility/Connectivity/Drainage/Broadband Committee:
Work on developing private and international flights at the airport.
Develop a master infrastructure plan for the UTRGV Football Stadium.
Other Budget Highlights: Additionally, $100,000 will be invested in lighting improvements, and $30,000 has been set aside for sidewalk repairs, ensuring safer, well-lit public spaces.
The Parks Department is updating its master plan in-house to strategically plan for future growth, while the city actively pursues grants for further park improvements and the development of a sports complex to enhance recreational opportunities.
Mayor Ramiro Garza Jr. expressed his pride in the budget’s passage and the dedication of city staff.
“This balanced budget not only reflects our commitment to fiscal responsibility but also ensures that our community continues to thrive. This takes a lot of work, and I am incredibly proud of our team’s dedication and careful planning, which allows us to provide the essential services our residents rely on,” Mayor Garza said.
With this balanced budget, the City of Edinburg continues to prioritize investments in critical infrastructure and services while ensuring the city’s financial health.
