Amarillo Council Passes Budget: What It Means for You

One of the biggest conversations that happens in Amarillo is taxes. The number of times different referendums have been placed on the ballot and ultimately voted against is staggering, so it leaves the city looking for ways to complete projects it needs to finish.

Sure, they get some tax money from the current taxes that have been paid, but not being able to get a little extra can slow down some of those improvements and projects. The Amarillo City Council has officially approved the tax rate for the next year, along with the budget and the funds that will be dedicated to.

Get our free mobile app

Where Is The Money Coming From

The budget for this coming year is $557 million. Some of the revenue will be coming from property taxes, where the city says they'll raise more revenue from those than in the previous year. $8.4 million more to be exact, and an increase of over 11%.

The COA tax rate will also generate revenue for the city, and residents will see an increase in the city portion of the taxes there. The increase should be right around $11 per month.

What Projects Are On The Docket

Eight highlights were noted in the city's plan for the budget money. More than $30 million will be dedicated to street projects, which I think we can all get behind. APD will be adding one officer, while AFD will get to add one firefighter. Furthermore, APD will all receive a 4% raise, while AFD will see an increase of 3%.

Funding for projects within the Parks and Recreation Department will continue, and the Women’s Clinic at Amarillo Public Health will receive $1.4 million to continue funding for that program.